Ep 17. Cutbacks

As the title suggests, "Cutbacks" is all about the looming financial crisis at TGS with Tracy Jordan. The show is hemorrhaging money and the corporate suits at NBC are ready to pull the plug. Liz Lemon and Jack Donaghy are tasked with coming up with a last-ditch effort to save the show from cancellation.

Liz quickly realizes that the only way to save TGS is to trim the fat. She starts by firing the uninspired writers who never seem to contribute anything to the show. This leads to a hilarious sequence where Tracy Jordan has to fill in as a writer and comes up with insane ideas like "a fireman who puts out fires with his farts."

Meanwhile, Jack is struggling to find a way to save the show without sacrificing quality. He comes up with the idea to merge TGS with another struggling show, "The Girlie Show with Tracy Jordan," which is essentially the same show but with a different name. This leads to an epic showdown between Liz and Jenna, who refuses to give up the name of her beloved show.

As all of this is going on, Kenneth the Page is dealing with his own crisis. He's been ordered by Jack to make some "tough choices" and is tasked with laying off some of his co-workers. This leads to a poignant scene where Kenneth has to decide between his loyalty to his friends and his loyalty to the company.

Throughout the episode, we see how the financial crisis is affecting everyone at TGS. Even the bit players and crew members are worried about losing their jobs. The tension is palpable and it's clear that no one is safe.

Overall, "Cutbacks" is a classic episode of 30 Rock that showcases the show's unique blend of absurdity and heart. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, laughter can be the best medicine.