While Liz and her staff are improvising "Yo Mama" jokes, Jack invites her to a prince's ball. He insists it's not a date. Liz accepts. Jenna finds out and asks if she can come. Liz declines. After hearing Pete talking to his kids on the phone, Tracy tries to get him to loosen up by bringing his "homies" to him. At the ball, Liz finds Jenna who got in by showing the guards one of her breasts. Jack finds his ex-wife there too. The prince is handicapped with legs that need fluids. I'll stop right there and just tell you this was one of the funnier episodes this season of this freshman comedy series. Great guest turns by Isabella Rossellini, Paul Reubens, and SNL cast member Will Forte. Tina Fey's reactions are some of the best in this episode. Jane Krakowski as Jenna is hilarious. And Scott Adsit's Pete finally has a story of his own in the series. Once again, to anyone who has not yet watched this show, I highly recommended it.
7 Reviews
Comedic genius
SammyK2 February 2007
I have been a casual watcher of 30 Rock for the last few months, but last night's episode made me a true believer. Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin reach new heights of comedic brilliance with their excellent timing and, dare I say it, chemistry. And great cameos by Isabella Rosselini, Paul "Pee Wee" Reubens and Will Forte. This could very well be the next "Arrested Development." I'm also looking forward to seeing Andy Samberg show up in one of the episodes (it seems like they're cycling through the SNL roster for small roles - it works!).
As a side note, this episode contains one of the most inventive "cat fight" sequences I've seen in a long time. Absolutely hilarious!
As a side note, this episode contains one of the most inventive "cat fight" sequences I've seen in a long time. Absolutely hilarious!
Baldwin vs. Rossellini
MaxBorg899 October 2008
Black Tie, the twelfth episode of 30 Rock's first year, is yet another showcase of how actors can use bit parts on television to revive their careers. Specifically, this episode features one hell of an appearance by Isabella Rossellini, whose post-Lynch filmography has been pretty negligible, at least cinema-wise (on the small screen, one ought to watch her cameo in Friends or her recurring guest role in Alias).
The Blue Velvet star plays Bianca, a socialite who happens to be at the same big event as Jack and Liz. Since Bianca used to be his wife, the NBC executive tries to make her jealous by saying Liz is his new girlfriend (the ex-missus's remark: at least she's smarter than Beyoncé). While the battle of the Donaghys takes shape, Jenna tries to seduce Pricne Gerhardt (Paul Reubens), the extremely sickly monarch (there was a lot of in-breeding in his family, apparently) whose birthday is being celebrated. Back at the NBC building, Tracy invites some strippers over, and suggests Pete should cheat on his wife, something Kenneth vows to stop at all price.
Script-wise, the show just keeps getting funnier, and after granting people like Katrina Bowden and Jack McBrayer more space, this time it's Scott Adsit (Pete) who gets to take advantage of the extra minutes with masterful deadpan. More than in other episodes, though, the real driving force for most of the running time is provided by the guests, Reubens (aka Pee-Wee Herman) and Rossellini, both having a good time "lightening up" and combining their efforts in a most effective way. Exactly what happens is up to the audience to discover. Let's just say it has to be something special, considering the line "Somebody call Dr. Spaceman!" is involved.
The Blue Velvet star plays Bianca, a socialite who happens to be at the same big event as Jack and Liz. Since Bianca used to be his wife, the NBC executive tries to make her jealous by saying Liz is his new girlfriend (the ex-missus's remark: at least she's smarter than Beyoncé). While the battle of the Donaghys takes shape, Jenna tries to seduce Pricne Gerhardt (Paul Reubens), the extremely sickly monarch (there was a lot of in-breeding in his family, apparently) whose birthday is being celebrated. Back at the NBC building, Tracy invites some strippers over, and suggests Pete should cheat on his wife, something Kenneth vows to stop at all price.
Script-wise, the show just keeps getting funnier, and after granting people like Katrina Bowden and Jack McBrayer more space, this time it's Scott Adsit (Pete) who gets to take advantage of the extra minutes with masterful deadpan. More than in other episodes, though, the real driving force for most of the running time is provided by the guests, Reubens (aka Pee-Wee Herman) and Rossellini, both having a good time "lightening up" and combining their efforts in a most effective way. Exactly what happens is up to the audience to discover. Let's just say it has to be something special, considering the line "Somebody call Dr. Spaceman!" is involved.
By Far, The Best Episode!
g-bodyl31 January 2014
The twelfth episode in season one of 30 Rock is what I would like to call a comedic masterpiece. This is by far, the best episode of season one because of it's sheer brilliance and several outstanding cameos by Isabella Rossellini and Paul Reubens. It's very funny and incredibly funny and that all adds up to a wonderful time!
In this episode, "Black Tie," Jack invites Liz to a formal party celebrating the birthday of an Austrian prince, but he tells her it's not a date....until they see his ex-wife. Meanwhile, Tracy uses the studio for a party hangout and tries to convince Pete to cheat on his wife.
Overall, a very funny episode and it's about as perfect as you can get and it's the high point of an already-funny series. The banter between Baldwin and Rossellini as well as Fay is worth your time and attention. I rate this episode 10/10.
In this episode, "Black Tie," Jack invites Liz to a formal party celebrating the birthday of an Austrian prince, but he tells her it's not a date....until they see his ex-wife. Meanwhile, Tracy uses the studio for a party hangout and tries to convince Pete to cheat on his wife.
Overall, a very funny episode and it's about as perfect as you can get and it's the high point of an already-funny series. The banter between Baldwin and Rossellini as well as Fay is worth your time and attention. I rate this episode 10/10.
Fantastic episode
RRWhitelaw17 August 2021
Black Tie (#1.12)
ComedyFan201017 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Another top class episode! This show has really a lot of them, I am not someone who gives away 10/10 ratings on a regular basis, but here I just can't help it.
Jack takes Liz to a ball where she has a confrontation with his ex wife. Jenna hooks up with the prince. And Pete is tempted into cheating on his wife.
The scene with Pete on the phone with his wife in the beginning was hilarious, great performance. I also loved the moment in the bathroom where Kenneth and Tracy talk to Pete from the ventilators. A clever image for the angel and devil, including the colors blue and red to emphasize it
The dynamics between Liz and Jack was brilliant as well as the whole wondering if it is a date. I lie how they sometimes try to mislead the audience into thinking there may be something. The guest role by Isabella Rosselini was very well done as well, I loved her fighting with Liz
The story of Jenna and the prince was great and original as well. I also liked how Dr. Spaceman was mentioned again. He is responsible for all medical issues on the show!
Jack takes Liz to a ball where she has a confrontation with his ex wife. Jenna hooks up with the prince. And Pete is tempted into cheating on his wife.
The scene with Pete on the phone with his wife in the beginning was hilarious, great performance. I also loved the moment in the bathroom where Kenneth and Tracy talk to Pete from the ventilators. A clever image for the angel and devil, including the colors blue and red to emphasize it
The dynamics between Liz and Jack was brilliant as well as the whole wondering if it is a date. I lie how they sometimes try to mislead the audience into thinking there may be something. The guest role by Isabella Rosselini was very well done as well, I loved her fighting with Liz
The story of Jenna and the prince was great and original as well. I also liked how Dr. Spaceman was mentioned again. He is responsible for all medical issues on the show!
still kills me every time!
rjw787417 January 2014
"The Hapsburg line has now ended! You may pick up your gift bag at the coat check." That line always kills me, as does this entire episode, even after multiple viewings. Paul Rubens playing the sickly prince flirting with Jenna, who was hoping to marry royal despite his freakish impotence. Kenneth and Tracy as angel vs. devil looking over Pete's shoulder as he is seduced by an aspiring... whatever in the men's restroom. Isabella Rosellini as Jack's crazed ex. And as always, Liz gets swept along with events beyond her control, receiving little respect in the process. You could say the theme of this episode might be "fake flirting". Almost every scene puts me on the floor.
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