Farewell: 30 Rock (Top Ten Episodes)

Its never easy saying goodbye to TV show, but at least it is exciting to watch when a show is allowed to end properly. Thankfully NBC's 30 Rock is one of those shows. Its actually shocking to believe that a critically adored, but low-rated show, with a joke-per-second ratio even higher than Arrested Development, absurd serialized plotlines, and more jabs at its own network than perhaps anyone else in the world, could last 7 full seasons and remain consistently funny. Even when 30 Rock wasn't "Reaganing," it still had us "lizzing" at one of the best comedies on television, featuring America's favorite coworker/little-brother/mentor/mentee/sister-ployee/work-oracle, Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) and Liz Lemon (show creator Tina Fey), a truly modern (and thankfully platonic) friendship between members of the opposite sex. Both wittily complex and hilariously stupid, 30 Rock was an especially original program that will be sorely missed by all who appreciate its zaniness and topical commentary. Join us as we send off this modern classic with a list of our top ten episodes in chronological order (an extremely difficult task, as any fan will know):

1. Jack-Tor (S01 E05) 30 Rock didn't take long to begin mocking the television industry, as this episode featured the first of many product placement gags as Jack tries to star in a corporate synergy ad.
2. Rosemary's Baby (S02 E04) Liz is inspired when she meets her writer/producer idol, played by Carrie Fisher (aka Princess Leia!), but soon realizes that Rosemary's '60s-era edgy wit has degraded into craziness.
3. Into the Crevasse (S04 E02) Jack must go deep into the darkness to fight off an attack from his nemesis Devon Banks (Will Arnett), while Liz must do the same to get Tracy off her back when he finds out her Dealbreakers book was largely inspired by him (so she lets him produce a porno on her life of course).
4. Dealbreakers Talk Show #0001 (S04 E07) Liz's rational personality splits when faced with the pressure of becoming a television star, forcing her to understand Jenna's insane diva behavior, while Tracy is quickly distracted by his dreams of having a daughter when he discovers EGOT.
5. Anna Howard Shaw Day (S04 E13) Tired of her perpetually horrible Valentine's Days, Liz attempts to skip the holiday completely with a root canal, leading her to see hallucinations of her exes; the douchey Dennis (Dean Winters), charming Floyd (Jason Sudeikis), and dumb-but-pretty Drew (Jon Hamm). Before the next episode where she finds out she met her "settle-mate," the British Wesley Snipes (Michael Sheen), in the recovery room. Meanwhile, Jack meets his future wife, CNBC host Avery Jessup, as the two flirt on her show.
6. Live Show (S05 E04) The first of 30 Rock's two live episodes, a strange fusion of styles, but hilarious nonetheless. Liz is upset that no one seems to have remembered her 40th birthday, while Jack is struggling with his promise to quit drinking while Avery's pregnant. The show's signature cut-away gags featured Julia Louis-Dreyfuss as Liz (being a live program so Tina Fey couldn't be two places at once), prompting Jack to tell her that she looks much prettier in her flashbacks.
7. Double-Edged Sword (S05 E14) Jack and Liz must deal with the consequences of dating someone so similar to themselves, as Jack and Avery struggle to escape Canada so their baby can be American, while Liz and Carol (Matt Damon) have a passenger vs. pilot stand off on the tarmac.
8. Murphy Brown Lied to Us (S06 E18) Liz reconsiders her maternal desires, so Jack sets her up on a blind date to reinspire her, since the date's young daughter happens to have a personality much like a young Liz.
9. Governor Dunston (S07 E02) Jack's plan to tank NBC with poor programming hits a snag when TGS' ratings surge thanks to Romney's new and ridiculous vice presidential candidate, who happens to look exactly like Tracy. Elsewhere, Kenneth's Mom (Catherine O'Hara) and Ron (Bryan Cranston) visit the studio.
10. Mazel Tov, Dummies! (S07 E07) After seeing how easy it was for a married Dennis Duffy to adopt, Liz and boyfriend Criss Chross (James Marsden) sarcastically propose to each other so they can start a family. Although she is at first adamant about her stance against the wedding industry, Criss and Jack help her realize she does want to be a princess (Leia) on her own special day afterall.

Honorable Mentions:
Cleveland (S01E20) Liz falls for the city and dreams of leaving New York with Floyd.
Ludachristmas (S02E09) Jack's mother (Elaine Stritch) attempts to prove that Liz's family aren't as perfect and happy as they appear.
MILF Island (S02E11) Liz schemes like the reality show's contestants to avoid taking the fall for accidentally calling Jack a "class A moron who can eat her poo" to a reporter.
Believe in the Stars (S03E02) Tracy and Jenna argue over which social class has it tougher (leading them to trade places, offensive makeup and all), so Liz invites a tween to come help, since hallucinogenic drugs made her think the girl is Oprah.
100 (S05E20) A gas leak causes trouble during TGS' 100th episode, leading Liz and Jack to question their relationship's benefits, while Jack hallucinates his past, future, and sideways selves.
Tuxedo Begins (S06E08) Jack and Liz emulate Batman and the Joker with opposing views on NYC.
A Goon's Deed in a Weary World (S07E11) Having risen to Kabletown CEO, Jack realizes that the best person to run television must be someone who loves television so he helps Kenneth fulfill his destiny. Meanwhile, the TGS crew help Liz put herself first for once so she can meet her newly adopted children (8 year-old twin versions of Jenna and Tracey, naturally).

Did I leave out your favorite episode? let me know in the comments or just offer up your favorite 30 Rock quotes and chracters!