The “30 Rock” quintet smile for a season two promo photo. (Photo by NBC’s Mary Ellen Matthew)
By: Jacob Elyachar
On Thursday, 30 Rock will air its two-part series finale on NBC.
In addition to appearances by Salma Hayek, Julianne Moore, Ice-T and Nancy Pelosi, the finale will also center on the cast and crew preparing the last TGS show.
In honor of the last two episodes, here are some of my favorite moments from the hit show’s seven seasons.
Jack’s Analysis (Season One, 2006)
During the pilot, Liz and Pete have been summoned to meet with The Girlie Show’s new network executive: Jack Donaghy. Jack made his presence known when he makes a “dead-on” analysis of his future mentee that set the tone of the Liz-Jack relationship viewers know and love.
Me Want Food (Season Two, 2007)
When 30 Rock went on its summer hiatus, Jenna gained weight due to her performance in the fictitious Mystic Pizza: The Musical. During a live taping, Jenna stumbles to the floor in a skit and recovers by saying the fan-favorite catchphrase: “Me Want Food.”
Jack gives Tracy therapy (Season Two, 2007)
One of the best Jack and Tracy moments in the history of the show happened in the fourth episode of the sophomore season: “Rosemary’s Baby.” In a meeting with a network psychologist, Jack goes to the extremes to help his star get over his relationship with his family members.
To watch this epic session, click here: http://youtu.be/QTj47rcuM-4
The talk show host stopped by “30 Rock” and interacted with Liz Lemon on an airplane. (Photo property of Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. & Universal Television)
Liz meets “Oprah” (Season Three, 2008)
On her way back to New York City, Liz took a sedative and hallucinated that she is sitting next to Oprah Winfrey. Overjoyed, the TGS with Tracy Jordan creator shares her thoughts and concerns about the show with the legendary T.V. icon. However, Liz did not listen to the clues about ‘Oprah’s’ identity.
Jenna sings Michael McDonald (Season Three, 2009)
“St. Valentine’s Day” showcased Kenneth trying to win over a new blind staff member named Jennifer. In order to help Kenneth, Tracy does all the talking on the date and even provides them with dinner and entertainment (Jenna). However, when Tracy stated that “Michael McDonald” was giving them a private concert, hilarity ensues.
A supergroup of singers came together to perform “He Needs A Kidney” for season three’s “Kidney Now” episode. (Photo property of Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. & Universal Television)
Kidney Now (Season Three, 2009)
When Jack discovers that his newly discovered father: Milton Greene (Alan Alda) has a serious medical condition, the NBC Executive does everything in his power to find a new kidney for his dad. He gathers a group of diverse group of artists to perform a “We Are The World”-like anthem: “Give A Kidney.” The singers included Mary J. Blige, Cyndi Lauper, Michael McDonald, Elvis Costello, Clay Aiken, two of the Beastie Boys and Norah Jones.
Jon Hamm put on blackface to play “Abner” for a segment on “30 Rock’s” second live show. (Photo property of Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. and Universal Television)
Alfie and Abner (Season Six, 2012)
During the series’ second live show: “Live from Studio 6H,” one of the best (and possibly controversial) segments from the episode was “Alfie and Abner,” starring Tracy Morgan as Alfie and Jon Hamm (in blackface) as Abner. If you had the chance to watch the clip closely, several of the “writers” could not contain themselves from laughing.
To watch this hysterical clip, click here: http://youtu.be/zxLNTWmW-jo
Liz and Criss Get Married (Season Seven, 2013)
After encountering Liz’s ex-boyfriend: Dennis Duffy, Liz and Criss decide to tie the knot at City Hall. With support from Dennis, Jack and surprise musical guest Tony Bennett, Liz ends her single days and becomes Mrs. Criss Chros.
For more information about the series, visit its website: http://www.nbc.com/30-rock/
