It's no coincidence that DVDs were just released of the Season One episodes of "Heroes" and "30 Rock." Both were new shows that sizzled last year and both quickly became NBC staples. But perhaps the ties that bind are tighter than first appears.

Imagine, if you will, that Tina Fey - star of "30 Rock" and master comedian of so much more - is herself a hero with special powers, just like the ordinary/extraordinary characters on "Heroes."

Marathon summertime viewings of these DVD collections, where the combination of heat and sunlight deprivation turned the sessions into an extended fever dream of sorts, may be to blame. Still, the alchemy is undeniable.

Let's say that the premise of "Heroes" is just a front for what is actually going on here on planet earth: a force is at work to destroy the world as we know it so that a few might grab power. On "Heroes," the slogan is "Save the cheerleader. Save the world." This is referring to stopping a chain of bad events by protecting one person whose life connects so many others.

But on "Heroes: Tina Fey Edition" the slogan should be: "Save the middle-aged lady. Save the world." And a lofty goal it is! Long cast as the shrewish wife, wise-cracking mother or befuddled marquee player on sit-coms, Fey's middle-aged heroines have super powers: they're magically shrewish, wise-cracking AND befuddled. She's raised the bar on the archetype and, like the heroes on "Heroes," is "activating evolution" by actually changing comedy's DNA.

Sound far-fetched? Hyperbolic? Of course it is. But then again, so is "Heroes."

Not convinced? Check out real-life proof of Tina Fey's comic super power in these greatest bits from "30 Rock" Season One where alter-ego Liz Lemon works as a producer on a weekly comedy show.

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SUPERPOWER: DENIAL

THE PROOF: Liz Lemon's boss sets her up on a date with another woman even though she's not gay. But Lemon has to admit, she kind of likes the lesbian lady anyway. When she brings her date to a work function and gets hassled by her co-workers, she replies: "We're just friends, like Oprah and Gayle. Why is that so hard for everyone to believe?"

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SUPERPOWER: MANIPULATES THE SPACE-TIME CONTINUUM

THE PROOF: Overcome with baby lust, she asks to hold the bundle of joy brought into the office by one of her workmates. The camera zooms in on Lemon's hypnotized face as she rocks the baby in her arms. When the camera zooms out Lemon is standing in her living room, still holding the baby in a daze. "How did I get home?" she asks. Then she says to the baby: "Why didn't you say something?"

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SUPERPOWER: TWISTS TONGUES

THE PROOF: Fey created a whole episode around the words "rural" and "juror" because she determined these were two of the hardest words to pronounce. Hijinks ensue.

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SUPERPOWER: '80s HIP-HOP DANCE MASTER

THE PROOF: Liz Lemon unleashes both The Running Man AND the Cabbage Patch on different episodes.

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SUPERPOWER: INSULT-DEFLECTOR

THE PROOF: Fey allows her alter ego, Liz Lemon, to become the butt of many jokes. This is a heroic calling in the world of comedy. Witness this bravery in action as Liz Lemon absorbs these five-ton one-liners pummeled at her by Alec Baldwin's character Jack:

"I like you. You have the boldness of a much younger woman."

"Don't gloat. It makes you seem mannish."

"Don't be cute, Lemon. You're too old for that."

But, like many superheroes, Lemon has her version of kryptonite. When a co-worker calls her a nasty term often punted at women, she loses all her power of control and seeks revenge.

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SUPERPOWER: REALITY DISTORTION

THE PROOF: Lemon's boyfriend is waiting for her in bed. She turns flannel pajamas and a humidifier into the equivalent of a thong and a stripper pole. She dances suggestively in the pajamas and purrs "Yeah, you like that? It's got pockets. Are you into that? Ooh, what's this? A used Kleenex, mmm,...wait, let me turn on my humidifier. (bends over) Yeah..."

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SUPERPOWER: HYPER-PATRIOTISM

THE PROOF: When Lemon's castmate and friend is accused of being for the terrorists and against the troops, she jumps into action to help save her reputation by creating a stunningly patriotic skit for the show. Thus spake Lemon: "I love America. Just because I think gay dudes should be allowed to adopt kids and we should all have hybrid cars doesn't mean I don't love America."

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Caryn Brooks is asap's arts and entertainment editor.