Ep 3. Rosemary's Baby

In the third episode of the hit comedy series 30 Rock, titled "Rosemary's Baby," we are once again thrust into the chaotic and hilarious world of the fictional late-night sketch comedy show, "TGS with Tracy Jordan." The episode, aptly named after the classic horror film, centers around the character of Liz Lemon, played by the brilliant Tina Fey, as she navigates the challenges of being a female writer in the male-dominated entertainment industry.

The episode opens with Liz Lemon trying to handle the unruly and unpredictable behavior of the show's star actor, Tracy Jordan, portrayed by the fantastic Tracy Morgan. As Liz struggles to keep Tracy in line, she receives some shocking news from the network: a legendary comedic actress named Rosemary Howard, brought to life by the ever-talented Carrie Fisher, will be joining the "TGS" team.

Excitement and nerves fill the writer's room as Liz and her team, including the quirky and eccentric head writer Frank Rossitano (Judah Friedlander) and the socially awkward but intelligent writer Josh Girard (Lonny Ross), discuss the upcoming arrival of Rosemary. While Liz views her as an idol and an opportunity for mentorship, the others are skeptical, worrying about the potential clash of comedic styles.

Meanwhile, Liz's boss, the overly demanding and somewhat unhinged network executive Jack Donaghy, masterfully portrayed by Alec Baldwin, has his own set of problems to deal with. It seems that his girlfriend, high-strung CNBC host Avery Jessup (Elizabeth Banks), has decided it's time for them to have a baby. However, Jack has reservations about becoming a father, unsure if he's ready for the responsibilities and changes that come with parenthood.

As the episode progresses, Rosemary Howard's arrival proves to be more challenging than Liz anticipated. While the younger writers idolize her and seek her guidance, Rosemary seems disillusioned and bitter about her dwindling career. She struggles to find common ground with the younger generation and feels out of touch with the modern comedic sensibilities of "TGS."

Liz makes it her mission to help Rosemary regain her confidence and find her place within the show. However, her efforts backfire when Rosemary attempts to take over the writing process, causing tension and chaos among the writers. Liz must find a way to assert herself as the head writer while also respecting Rosemary's talent and experience.

Meanwhile, Jack grapples with his fear of fatherhood, seeking advice from mentor and confidant Don Geiss (Rip Torn), the CEO of NBC. As Jack tries to reconcile his own desires with those of his ambitious girlfriend, he begins to question his priorities and future.

Within this episode, "Rosemary's Baby," the writers successfully weave together the comedic storylines of Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy, highlighting the challenges faced by both characters in their professional and personal lives. The episode skillfully portrays the struggles of women in the entertainment industry, while also exploring the universal fears and doubts surrounding parenthood. Through its clever writing and sharp wit, "30 Rock" continues to provide audiences with an amusing and insightful glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of television production.

With its stellar cast, including the incredible Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, and guest-star Carrie Fisher, "30 Rock" tackles issues of gender, age, and ambition with a refreshing sense of humor and intelligence. "Rosemary's Baby" showcases the show's ability to balance laugh-out-loud comedy with insightful social commentary—a winning formula that continues to captivate audiences as the first season unfolds.