"Black Tie" is the twelfth episode in the situation comedy series 30 Rock. It first aired in the U.S. on February 1, 2007, attracting 5.71 million viewers^[1]; it ranked third in its timeslot (behind February sweeps episodes of Grey's Anatomy ("Wishin' and Hopin'") and CSI ("Meet Market")^[2], and tied for 69th in Nielsen's prime-time television rankings for the week.^[1] 30 Rock is a Golden Globe Award-winning NBC sitcom that debuted in the United States on October 11, 2006. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Kay Cannon is an American television writer and actress who is best known for her work as a writer for the NBC series 30 Rock. ... Elizabeth Stamatina Tina Fey (born May 18, 1970) is an American writer, comedian and actress working in the film and television industries. ... Don Scardino (born February 17, 1949 in New York City, New York) is an American television director and actor. ... February 1 is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... The Head and the Hair is expected to be the eleventh episode of the situation comedy series 30 Rock, which is scheduled for January 18, 2007. ... Up All Night is expected to be the thirteenth episode in the situation comedy series 30 Rock. ... The following is an episode list for the situation comedy 30 Rock. ... 30 Rock is a Golden Globe Award-winning NBC sitcom that debuted in the United States on October 11, 2006. ... Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic  - President George Walker Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from... February 1 is the 32nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... When TV viewers or entertainment professionals in the United States mention ratings they are often referring to Nielsen Ratings, a system developed by Nielsen Media Research to determine the audience size and composition of television programming. ... This article is about the television series. ... This article contains summaries for the third season of the American medical drama television series Greys Anatomy; the season began airing on September 21, 2006. ... CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is a popular Alliance Atlantis/CBS police procedural television series, running since October 2000, about a team of forensic scientists. ... Meet Market is the fourteenth episode in season 7 of the popular American crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, set in Las Vegas, Nevada. ... When TV viewers or entertainment professionals in the United States mention ratings they are often referring to Nielsen Ratings, a system developed by Nielsen Media Research to determine the audience size and composition of television programming. ...

Synopsis

Liz wonders if she's actually on a date with Jack as she accompanies him to a ball celebrating the birthday of Gerhardt Habsburg, a European prince who has become deformed due to centuries of inbreeding amongst his family, at the Pierre Hotel. Jenna, who has always reminded herself of Grace Kelly, looks to hook up with Gerhardt since she believes she will need someone to support her once she loses her sex appeal. Jack unexpectedly runs into his ex-wife Bianca and unblinkingly tells her that Liz is his live-in girlfriend. Elizabeth Liz Lemon is a fictional character played by Tina Fey on the American television series 30 Rock. ... Dating is the activity of looking for a suitable partner for a romantic relationship. ... John Francis Jack Donaghy is a fictional character in the NBC sitcom 30 Rock. ... A ball is a formal dance. ... A childs first birthday party. ... World map showing the location of Europe. ... The term prince, from the Latin root princeps, is used for a member of the highest ranks of the aristocracy or the nobility. ... A deformity, dysmorphism, or dysmorphic feature is a major difference in the shape of the body a body part, or a body organ (internal or external) compared to the average shape for the part in question. ... It has been suggested that inbreeding depression be merged into this article or section. ... The Pierre Hotel is a 41-storey luxury hotel located on Fifth Avenue and 61st Street, bordering the east side of Central Park, New York City. ... Jenna Maroney is a fictional character on the American television series 30 Rock, played by Jane Krakowski. ... Grace, Princess of Monaco nee Grace Patricia Kelly (November 12, 1929 – September 14, 1982) was an Academy Award-winning American film and stage actress who, upon marriage to Rainier III, Prince of Monaco in 1956, became Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco, but was generally known as Princess Grace... ... This article includes a list of works cited or a list of external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ...

Back at 30 Rock, a very different kind of party unfolds as Tracy tries to convince a harried Pete to be a "Samson" and cheat on his wife to improve his sexual drive. Tracy explains that he has an open marriage, though it's made quite clear that Pete's own wife would almost certainly be far less receptive to her husband being unfaithful. Kenneth tries to keep Pete on the straight and narrow, but Pete insists that he isn't doing anything wrong by simply dancing with the beautiful women Tracy has brought in. However, when one of the women corners him in the men's restroom, Pete chooses to follow Kenneth's advice, saying that "my wife is not a 'Delilah', Tracy." Though disappointed, Tracy appears to respect Pete's decision. Chehel Sotouns Wall painting, that dates back to the Safavid era, depicts a Chaharshanbe Suri celebration. ... Tracy Jordan is a fictional character on the American television series 30 Rock, played by Tracy Morgan. ... Peter Pete Hornberger is a fictional character played by Scott Adsit on the American television series 30 Rock. ... Samson and Delilah, by Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641) This article is about Biblical figure. ... Open marriage typically refers to a marriage in which the partners agree that each is free to engage in extramarital sexual relationships, without regarding this as sexual infidelity. ... Kenneth Ellen Parcell (Kenneth the Page) is a fictional character portrayed by Jack McBrayer in the NBC sitcom 30 Rock. ... Samson and Delilah by Tintoretto (1518–1594) Delilah or (דְּלִילָה, Standard Hebrew meaning [One who] weakened or uprooted or impoverished from the root dal meaning weak or poor. Also: Dəlila, Tiberian Hebrew Dəlîlāh; Arabic Dalilah), was the woman in the valley of Sorek whom Samson loved, and...

After Bianca reveals to Liz how upset she is that Jack has found a respectable woman, Liz tells Jack, but he is doubtful. Liz proves Bianca's jealousy by telling Bianca that she and Jack are engaged, causing Bianca to violently attack her. Meanwhile, Jenna's plan seems to work when Gerhardt falls for her, but he then declares that her love has set him free and commits suicide by drinking champagne, which he could not metabolize. As Jack, Liz and Jenna leave, Gerhardt's manservant Tomas tearfully announces that the Habsburg line has ended. Jack drops Liz off at her apartment, where, for a tense moment, it appears that he is about to kiss her. It turns out that he was just removing a necklace he gave her for the evening and, when he realizes what she thought, Jack defiantly dismisses the idea that he and Liz could ever be together. Jealousy typically refers to the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that occur when a person believes a valued relationship is being threatened by a rival. ... Fiance and Fiancee redirect here. ... Rather than surrender to US soldiers, the Mayor (Bürgermeister) of Leipzig Germany, committed suicide along with his wife and daughter on April 20, 1945. ... It has been suggested that Blanc de noirs be merged into this article or section. ... A lackey is a manservant, in its original meaning (attested 1529, according to the OED), which derived from Medieval French laquais, foot soldier, footman, servant. The modern connotation of servile follower appeared later, in 1588 (OED). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Kiss by Francesco Hayez, 19th century. ... A necklace is an article of clothing or jewelry; which is worn around the neck. ...

Significance

Most notably, this is the first episode to overtly establish the possibility of sexual tension between Jack and Liz. Therefore, Jack/Liz "shippers" often point to this episode as the most compelling evidence that Jack and Liz have or could have a romantic future. However, show runner Tina Fey, who also plays Liz, says that such a relationship will not happen as it would be "too icky".^[3] Sexual tension is a plot device employed in movies and books wherein two or more of the characters sexually long for one another, but the consummation of their desires is postponed or never occurs. ... Shipping, derived from the word relationship, is a general term for fans emotional and/or intellectual involvement with the ongoing development of romance in a work of fiction. ... Show runner (alternatively showrunner,[1] or show-runner)[2] is a term used in the United States television industry referring to the person who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a television series, in other words, the person who runs the show. ... Elizabeth Stamatina Tina Fey (born May 18, 1970) is an American writer, comedian and actress working in the film and television industries. ...

This episode features three notable guest stars; Isabella Rossellini as Bianca, Paul Reubens as Gerhardt and Will Forte as Tomas. Forte is the fifth Saturday Night Live cast member to appear on the show. Rossellini would return as Bianca in the next aired episode, "Up All Night". Rossellini has appeared on 30 Rock since, and her character continues to be referenced on the show. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Isabella Fiorella Elettra Giovanna Rossellini (born June 18, 1952 in Rome, Italy) is an Italian actress, filmmaker, author, philanthropist, and former supermodel. ... Paul Reubens (born Paul Rubenfeld on August 27, 1952) is an American actor, writer, and comedian, known professionally for his character Pee-wee Herman. ... Orville Willis Will Forte IV (born June 17, 1970) is an American actor, writer, and comedian best known for appearing on the television show Saturday Night Live, where he has been a cast member since 2002. ... Cast members of Saturday Night Live. ... Up All Night is expected to be the thirteenth episode in the situation comedy series 30 Rock. ...

With the exception of a passing reference to Gerhardt in "Up All Night", neither Reubens' or Forte's characters are mentioned again after this episode. Fey has stated that this episode is one of her favorites of the first season due to Reubens' performance.^[4] According to Reubens, Fey wrote the part specifically for him.^[5]

Geographic accuracy

Reubens' prince character is entirely fictional, though the former Austro-Hungarian Empire was indeed ruled by the Habsburg family. However, unlike Liz and Jenna seem to believe, present-day Austria is a parliamentary republic rather than a monarchy. This is not necessarily a mistake per se since it is established that Liz and Jenna have little knowledge of geography and history, especially in comparison to Jack. In the episode, Gerhardt is called the last male member of the Habsburg family. In real life, the Habsburg family still has many living members and Otto von Habsburg is the current head of the former ruling house. Though the episode does accurately portray the people of Austria as speaking German, Gerhardt is given the British title of "Earl" rather than the German "Graf" or "count". The Flag of Austria is seen in the background in several scenes. Official languages Latin, German, Hungarian Established church Roman Catholic Capital & Largest City Vienna pop. ... Flag of the Habsburg Monarchy; also used as the flag of the Austrian Empire until the Ausgleich of 1867. ... Parliamentary republics around the world, shown in Orange (Parliamentary republics with a non-executive President) and Green (Parliamentary republics with an executive President linked to Parliament). ... “Kingdom” redirects here. ... HIStory - Past, Present and Future, Book I is a double-disc album (one half greatest hits, one half studio album) by American musician Michael Jackson released in June of 1995 by the Epic Records division of Sony BMG. The first disc, (HIStory Begins) contains fifteen hit singles from the past... Otto von Habsburg, born 20 November 1912 as Archduke Franz Joseph Otto Robert Maria Anton Karl Max Heinrich Sixtus Xaver Felix Renatus Ludwig Gaetan Pius Ignatius of Austria, is the current head of the Habsburg family and the eldest son of Karl of Austria, the last Emperor of Austria and... For other uses, see Earl (disambiguation). ... Graf is a German noble title equal in rank to a count (derived from the Latin Comes, with a history of its own) or a British earl (an Anglo-Saxon title derived from the Viking title Jarl). ... A count is a nobleman in most European countries, equivalent in rank to a British earl, whose wife is also still a countess (for lack of an Anglo-Saxon term). ... Civil Flag Ratio: 2:3 State Flag Ratio: 2:3 The flag of Austria has three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red. ...

Production notes

• "Happy Birthday to You" is rarely heard on U.S. television as the lyrics are copyrighted and the owner charges royalties for public performances. Since the tune itself is public domain, the episode gets around the copyright by having the characters sing the German variation of "Happy Birthday to You", known as "Zum Geburtstag viel Glück". However, Jenna can be heard starting to sing the first lyric in English before the rest of the room begins in German.
• The scene where Jack gives Liz a necklace to wear and snaps the box down on her fingers parodies a similar scene between Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in the film Pretty Woman. Instead of laughing like Roberts' character, Liz angrily yells at Jack and asks aloud "Who does that?"

Happy Birthday to You is often sung when a birthday cake is brought to a party table before the birthday boy or girl blows the candles out on the cake. ... Happy Birthday to You is often sung when a birthday cake is brought to a party table before the birthday boy or girl blows the candles out on the cake. ... The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Richard Tiffany Gere[1] (born August 31, 1949) is an American actor. ... Julia Fiona Roberts (born October 28, 1967) is an Academy Award-winning American film actress and former fashion model. ... Pretty Woman is a 1990 American romantic comedy motion picture. ...

Guest starring

• Lonny Ross (Josh)
• Will Forte (Tomas)
• with Paul Reubens (Gerhardt)
• and Isabella Rossellini (Bianca)

Lonny Ross is an American television actor who is best known for his recurring role as comedic actor Josh Girard on the NBC sitcom 30 Rock. ... Orville Willis Will Forte IV (born June 17, 1970) is an American actor, writer, and comedian best known for appearing on the television show Saturday Night Live, where he has been a cast member since 2002. ... Paul Reubens (born Paul Rubenfeld on August 27, 1952) is an American actor, writer, and comedian, known professionally for his character Pee-wee Herman. ... Isabella Fiorella Elettra Giovanna Rossellini (born June 18, 1952 in Rome, Italy) is an Italian actress, filmmaker, author, philanthropist, and former supermodel. ...

Featuring

• April Lee Hernandez (Vikki)
• Quisha Freeman (Supersize)
• Tisa Howard (Tisa)
• April Kimm ("Hi Jack")

April Lee Hernandez (born January 31, 1980)[1] is an American actress. ...

References