Ep 15. Don Geiss, America and Hope

In 30 Rock season 4 episode 15 titled "Don Geiss, America and Hope," the entire TGS staff is on edge when they learn that the network's chairman, Don Geiss (played by Rip Torn), has fallen into a coma. Liz (Tina Fey) is especially worried because he's the one who put her in charge of the show, and she feels personally responsible for his well-being. Meanwhile, Jack (Alec Baldwin) is vying for Geiss's job and joins forces with Devon Banks (Will Arnett) to try and take over the company.

As the TGS staff waits for news on Geiss's condition, they begin to speculate about what will happen if he dies. There's talk of a power struggle within the company, and Liz worries that she'll be fired if Jack takes over. She turns to Tracy (Tracy Morgan) for comfort, but he's too worried about his own problems to be of much help. Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) tries to reassure Liz that everything will be alright, but his optimism only makes her more anxious.

Meanwhile, Jack and Devon come up with a plan to make Geiss's daughter, Kathy (Marceline Hugot), the next CEO of the company. They hope that by doing so, they'll be able to control her and use her to further their own agenda. However, things take a turn when Kathy reveals that she's not interested in taking over the company. She tells Jack that she wants to use her inheritance to start a charity that will help people in need.

This news throws a wrench in Jack's plan, but he's not deterred. He continues to plot and scheme, even as Geiss's condition worsens. Liz, on the other hand, is struggling to come to terms with the fact that her boss and mentor may be gone for good. She confides in Tracy, who tells her that she needs to be strong for the rest of the staff.

As the episode comes to a close, the TGS staff gathers for a prayer vigil in honor of Geiss. Liz, who's been struggling with her emotions throughout the episode, finally breaks down and cries. It's a rare moment of vulnerability for the usually stoic producer, and it's a powerful reminder of just how much Geiss means to her and everyone at TGS.

Overall, "Don Geiss, America and Hope" is a poignant and deeply emotional episode that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the fragility of life. While there are plenty of laughs to be had (this is 30 Rock, after all), the episode is ultimately a sobering reminder that even the most powerful people in the world are still human, and that nothing is ever certain in life.