The Fighting Irish

Last updated
"The Fighting Irish"
30 Rock episode
Episode no.Season 1
Episode 17
Directed by Dennie Gordon
Written by Jack Burditt
Cinematography byVanja Černjul
Production code117
Original air dateMarch 8, 2007 (2007-03-08)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"The Source Awards"		Next →
"Fireworks"
30 Rock season 1
List of episodes

"The Fighting Irish" is the seventeenth episode of NBC's first season of 30 Rock . It was written by one of the season's co-executive producers, Jack Burditt, and it was directed by Dennie Gordon. It aired on March 8, 2007, in the United States. [1] Guest stars who appear in this episode are Dan Bakkedahl, Katrina Bowden, Anna Chlumsky, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Nathan Lane, Boris McGiver, Brian Murray, Maulik Pancholy, Lonny Ross, Molly Shannon, Jason Sudeikis and Kristen Sudeikis.

Contents

The episode features the appearance of Jack Donaghy's (Alec Baldwin) brother, Eddie Donaghy (Nathan Lane), who visits Jack claiming that their father (Brian Murray) is dead. Jack also tells Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) that she has to fire ten percent of her staff. Liz struggles with this task until she meets Floyd's girlfriend, Liz Lemler (Chlumsky), who works in the accounting department at TGS with Tracy Jordan.

Plot

Jack's down-and-out brother, Eddie, pays him a visit claiming that their father is dead. Jack and Eddie, after feuding, later bond and even decide to invite their sisters (Molly Shannon and Siobhan Fallon Hogan) and brother-in-law (Boris McGiver) to 30 Rock for an impromptu family reunion. As his family are about to watch a taping of TGS, Jack's supposedly dead father visits Jack in his office, claiming that Eddie is dead. It is soon revealed that Eddie and his father pretended to be dead in conflicting plans to scam the entirety of 30 Rock. This eventually leads the family confronting each other live on the TGS stage and Liz getting knocked out by one of Jack's sisters, further resulting in a brawl.

Meanwhile, Liz has been told by Jack that she has to fire ten percent of her staff. While the staff try their best to keep their jobs, Liz struggles with making a decision of whom to fire. Liz's problem is solved when Floyd, for whom Liz has romantic feelings, tells her that his girlfriend works in accounting at TGS. Liz meets with Floyd's girlfriend to gain leverage, leading her to discover that the other Liz seeks commitment with Floyd. Enraged, Liz promptly fires her then goes on a rampage around 30 Rock firing people, including her producer Pete Hornberger (Scott Adsit), who disagrees with her decision to fire Floyd's girlfriend for her own personal gain along with the entire accounting department who attempt to stick up for their fired colleague. Jack later tells her that he hired all the fired people back, but he is transferring Floyd's girlfriend to General Electric headquarters in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) has been told by his lawyer that he should join a religion. He asks advice of people including Liz and Jack, going as far as attending church with Kenneth Parcell (Jack McBrayer). When Eddie explains Irish Catholicism to Tracy, emphasizing the seeming free ride aspect of confession, he decides that this is the religion he was looking for and joins. He changes his mind after learning about the "constant, crushing guilt" from Jack.

Production

Jason Sudeikis, Molly Shannon and Siobhan Fallon Hogan, who play Floyd, Katherine Catherine and Patrica in this episode, have all appeared in the main cast of Saturday Night Live , [2] [3] a weekly sketch comedy series which airs on NBC in the United States.

Kristen Sudeikis, the sister of Jason Sudeikis, appears in this episode as an "advanced hip-hop groove" gym class instructor. Kristen Sudeikis is a professional choreographer. [4]

Judah Friedlander, who portrays Frank Rossitano on the show, is known for his trademark trucker hats which he wears in and out of the Frank character. The hats normally have short words or phrases glued onto them. Friedlander has stated that he makes the hats himself. He has also said that "some are in-jokes, and some are just flat out jokes." [5] The idea came from Friedlander's stand-up persona in which his hats are all printed with "world champion" in different languages in different appearances. [6] In this episode, Frank wears an "extra-flashy 'Liz Rocks' hat" to try to persuade Liz not to fire him. [7]

This episode is the third episode written by Jack Burditt after "Jack Meets Dennis" and "The Baby Show". [8] Also, this is the first episode directed by Dennie Gordon. [9]

Reception

In the U.S., this episode was viewed by 5.2 million viewers and received a rating of 2.5/6 in the key adults 18–49 demographic according to the Nielsen ratings system. [10] The 2.5 refers to 2.5% of all 18- to 49-year-olds, and the 6 refers to 6% of all 18- to 49-year-olds watching television at the time of the broadcast.

Robert Canning of IGN wrote that "while the episode was fun, there just weren't as many of the laugh-out-loud moments that have made recent episode so memorable." [11] Matt Webb Mitovich of TV Guide wrote that "something about this week's episode, in which Liz claimed power, Jack found family and Tracy sought religion (a subplot deserving of far greater screen time), just wasn't clicking for [him]." [7] Julia Ward of AOL's TV Squad thought that "this episode didn't reach the farcical highs of 'Black Tie'. It was more standard sitcom fare than goofy bliss, but it wasn't bad." [12]

Related Research Articles

"Jack Meets Dennis" is the sixth episode of the first season of the American television comedy series 30 Rock. It was written by co-executive producer Jack Burditt, and directed by Juan J. Campanella. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on November 30, 2006. Guest stars in this episode include Michael Blackson, Katrina Bowden, Teddy Coluca, Rachel Dratch, Keith Powell, Ali Reza, Lonny Ross, Brian Stack, and Dean Winters.

"Corporate Crush" is the nineteenth episode of the first season of the American television series 30 Rock. It was written by co-executive producer John Riggi and directed by Don Scardino. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on April 12, 2007. Guest stars in this episode include Kevin Brown, Grizz Chapman, John Lutz, Emily Mortimer, Maulik Pancholy, Jason Sudeikis, and Rip Torn.

<i>30 Rock</i> season 1 Season of television series

The first season of the television comedy series 30 Rock originally aired between October 11, 2006, and April 26, 2007, on NBC in the United States. The season was produced by Broadway Video, Little Stranger and NBC Universal, and the executive producers were series creator Tina Fey, Lorne Michaels, JoAnn Alfano, Marci Klein, and David Miner.

<i>30 Rock</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of 30 Rock, an American television comedy series, originally aired between October 4, 2007, and May 8, 2008, on NBC in the United States.

"Hiatus" is the twenty-first and season finale episode of NBC's first season of 30 Rock. It was written by series creator and executive producer Tina Fey, and was directed by Don Scardino. It first aired on April 26, 2007 in the United States. Guest stars in the episode included Katrina Bowden, Kevin Brown, Grizz Chapman, Rachel Dratch, Sean Hayes, Emily Mortimer, Chris Parnell, Lonny Ross, Elaine Stritch, and Jason Sudeikis. Lester Holt appeared as himself in this episode.

"Up All Night" is the thirteenth episode of NBC's first season of 30 Rock. It was written by the series' creator and executive producer Tina Fey, and was directed by Michael Engler. It first aired on February 8, 2007 in the United States. Guest stars in this episode include Katrina Bowden, Rachel Dratch, Rachel Hamilton, John Lutz, Maulik Pancholy, Keith Powell, Lonny Ross, Isabella Rossellini, Sherri Shepherd, Jason Sudeikis and Mark Zimmerman. Joy Behar appeared as herself in the episode.

"Sandwich Day" is the fourteenth episode of the second season of 30 Rock and the thirty-fifth episode overall. It was written by one of the season's executive producers, Robert Carlock, and one of the season's co-executive producers, Jack Burditt. The episode was directed by one of the season's producers, Don Scardino. The episode first aired on May 1, 2008 on the NBC network in the United States. Guest stars in this episode included Brian Dennehy, Marceline Hugot, Jason Sudeikis, and Rip Torn. The episode earned Tina Fey the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

"Cleveland" is the twentieth episode of the first season of 30 Rock. It was written by one of the season's co-executive producers, Jack Burditt, and one of the season's executive producers, Robert Carlock. It was directed by Paul Feig. It first aired on April 19, 2007 on the NBC network in the United States. Guest stars in this episode included Jennifer Bassey, Kevin Brown, Grizz Chapman, Lester Holt, Traci Hovel, Emily Mortimer, Maulik Pancholy, and Jason Sudeikis.

"The Break-Up" is the eighth episode of the first season of the American television comedy series 30 Rock. It was written by co-executive producers Brett Baer and Dave Finkel, and directed by Scott Ellis. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on December 14, 2006. Guest stars in this episode include Rachel Dratch, Chris Hansen, Keith Powell, Lonny Ross, and Dean Winters.

<i>30 Rock</i> season 4 Season of television series

The fourth season of 30 Rock, an American television comedy series, consists of 22 episodes and began airing on October 15, 2009, on the NBC network in the United States. The season was produced by Broadway Video, Little Stranger, and NBC Universal; the executive producers were series creator Tina Fey, Lorne Michaels, Marci Klein, David Miner, and Robert Carlock.

"Stone Mountain" is the third episode of the fourth season of the American television comedy series 30 Rock, and the 61st overall episode of the series. The episode was written by co-executive producer John Riggi and directed by series producer Don Scardino. It originally aired on NBC in the United States on October 29, 2009. Guest stars in "Stone Mountain" include Jeff Dunham and Bubba J, Jimmy Fallon, Blaine Horton, and Betty White.

"Goodbye, My Friend" is the thirteenth episode of the third season of the American television comedy series 30 Rock, and the 49th overall episode of the series. It was written by co-executive producer Ron Weiner and directed by co-executive producer John Riggi. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on March 5, 2009. Guest stars in this episode include John Lithgow, Patti LuPone, Christopher Nicholas Smith, and Phoebe Strole.

"Larry King" is the twelfth episode of the third season of the American television comedy series 30 Rock, and the 48th overall episode of the series. It was written by supervising producer Matt Hubbard and directed by Constantine Makris. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on February 26, 2009. Salma Hayek, Ajay Naidu, Brian Stack, and Rip Torn guest star in "Larry King", and there are cameo appearances by Larry King and Meredith Vieira.

"The Baby Show" is the ninth episode of the first season of the American television comedy series 30 Rock. It was written by co-executive producer Jack Burditt and directed by Michael Engler. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on January 4, 2007. Guest stars in this episode include Katrina Bowden, Rachel Dratch, John Lutz, Bridget Moloney, Maulik Pancholy, Chris Parnell, Keith Powell, and Lonny Ross.

"Floyd" is the sixteenth episode of the fourth season of the American television comedy series 30 Rock, and the 74th overall episode of the series. It was written by series producer Paula Pell, and directed by Millicent Shelton. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on March 25, 2010. Cheyenne Jackson, Kristin McGee, and Jason Sudeikis guest star in this episode, and there are cameo appearances by Kathie Lee Gifford, Lester Holt, Hoda Kotb, and Meredith Vieira.

<i>30 Rock</i> season 6 Season of television series

The sixth season of 30 Rock, an American television comedy series on the NBC network in the United States, began airing on January 12, 2012. 30 Rock was renewed for a sixth season by NBC on November 15, 2010. The season began airing mid-season to accommodate Tina Fey's pregnancy. On November 14, 2011, NBC announced that 30 Rock would return at the new time of 8:00 pm.

"Mrs. Donaghy" is the eleventh episode of the fifth season of the American television comedy series 30 Rock, and the 91st overall episode of the series. It was written by co-executive producer Jack Burditt and directed by Tricia Brock. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on January 20, 2011. Guest stars in this episode include Meng Ai, Jean Brassard, Todd Buonopane, Tituss Burgess, Cheyenne Jackson, Chris Parnell, and Sherri Shepherd.

"It's Never Too Late for Now" is the fifteenth episode of the fifth season of the American television comedy series 30 Rock, and the 95th overall episode of the series. It was directed by John Riggi, and written by Vali Chandrasekaran. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on February 15, 2011. Guest stars in this episode include Eion Bailey, Adriane Lenox, and Sue Galloway.

"Hey, Baby, What's Wrong" is the sixth and seventh episode of the sixth season of the American television comedy series 30 Rock, and the 109th and 110th overall episode of the series. It was directed by Michael Engler and written by Kay Cannon. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on February 9, 2012. Guest stars in this episode include James Marsden, Mary Steenburgen, and Kristen Schaal.

References

  1. ↑ "30 Rock: Episodes". London: Screenrush (AlloCiné). Retrieved 2010-04-27.
  2. ↑ Matheson, Whitney (2007-04-19). "A chat with ... 30 Rock and SNL star Jason Sudeikis". USA Today . Retrieved 2008-07-20.
  3. ↑ Brosowsky, Jeremy (1992-01-14). "TriDelt sisters in snit over SNL skit". The Daily Pennsylvanian . Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-08.
  4. ↑ "Jason Sudeikis' Real Top Tunes". Entertainment Weekly . 2008-08-15. Retrieved 2008-08-27.
  5. ↑ "Judah Friedlander: World Champion - The CC Insider Interview". Comedy Central. 2008-05-12. Archived from the original on 2008-07-26. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  6. ↑ Aleksander, Irina (2008-04-24). "Five Questions for Judah Friedlander". The New York Observer . Archived from the original on 2008-09-24. Retrieved 2008-09-01.
  7. 1 2 Webb Mitovich, Matt (2007-03-09). "March 8, 2007: "Things Are Lining Up for Ol' Liz Lemon"". TV Guide . Retrieved 2008-08-08.
  8. ↑ "Jack Burditt - Filmography by TV series". IMDb. Retrieved 2010-04-27.
  9. ↑ "Dennie Gordon". IMDb. Retrieved 2010-04-27.
  10. ↑ "NBC Ratings Results For The Week Of March 5–11" (Press release). NBC Universal Media Village. 2007-03-13. Retrieved 2008-08-08. From 9:31-10:01 p.m., 30 Rock (2.5/6 in 18–49, 5.2 million viewers overall)
  11. ↑ Canning, Robert (2007-03-09). "30 Rock: "The Fighting Irish" Review". IGN . Retrieved 2008-08-08.
  12. ↑ Ward, Julia (2007-03-09). "30 Rock: "The Fighting Irish"". TV Squad . Retrieved 2008-08-08.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.