Liz befriends a pregnant teenager from a donut shop she visits in the hopes to adopt her baby. Kenneth plans a combined birthday party for Tracy and Jenna, but Jenna wants all of the attention and a party of her own. Jack agrees to go out and party with Frank to keep his mind off of his absent girlfriend and ends up bonding with him over their parental issues.
Tracy's exit arc generates 59 jokes in 42 minutes—a 2.82/min density powered by character absurdism.
Directed by John Riggi · Written by Ron Weiner, Donald Glover
WAR
106.3
Wins Above Replacement
“Goodbye, My Friend” ranks #127 of 138 30 Rock episodes on the Humor Index, scoring 92.5 — Elite. The episode packs 79 scored jokes at 3.8 per minute, averaging 7.5 on craft and 7.2 on impact, with Jack landing the most laughs. Every joke is ranked below with its individual craft and impact scores.
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Top Jokes
Tracy · Jenna: My birthday wish came true! I wished for you to get better. I was going to wish for breakfast in bed with RoboCop while that elephant paints us. We were close.
Tracy Jenna Character Comedy Absurdist Callback ★ Rewatch Callback Jack · Frank: Now, let me hear you say the seven most important words in the American Judicial System. My client... has no memory of that. I also would have accepted, 'You can't prove that's the governor's semen.'
Jack Frank Setup/Punchline Character Comedy Dark/Subversive Kenneth: We've narrowed it down to... own a RoboCop, hunt that elephant that paints, or breakfast in bed.
Kenneth Character Comedy Absurdist Escalation Jack · Frank · Toofer · Lutz · Josh: What do your dads tell their friends you do? Surgeon. Optometrist. Died. I never really knew my dad, so I just lie to myself. Space assassin.
Jack: Make your mother proud, Frank. Make your father hate any new children he might have.
Jack Character Comedy Dark/Subversive Setup/Punchline All Jokes — 79 analyzed
Show all ↓ Hide ↑ Tracy: Thanks for coming out! Thanks for watching! Love, peace, and hair grease!
Tracy Character Comedy Absurdist Frank · Liz: Hey, Liz. Me, Lutz, Toofer, and Josh are going to go to that bar where the waiters are dressed like ninjas. You in?
Pete · Liz: Donuts and then bed. What are you depressed about or celebrating?
Pete Liz Observational Character Comedy Jenna: How could you cut 'Diaper Chicken'?
Jenna Character Comedy Absurdist Pete · Jenna: Oh, brother. She's feeling neglected. How's she going to act out this time? My ankle!
Pete Jenna Character Comedy Running Gag Reaction Beat Pete: Oh, 'Imaginary injury.' I would have said 'death of a voice coach.'
Pete Character Comedy Irony/Sarcasm Deadpan/Understatement Liz: Well, don't you have some gallery opening or a fundraiser to give bow ties to inner city youths?
Liz Character Comedy Irony/Sarcasm Jack: But I'm committed to Elisa. While she's away, I'm trying to avoid temptation. I just need somewhere I can socialize where women aren't an issue.
Jack Character Comedy Irony/Sarcasm Jack · Frank · Writers: Yeah, Let's go. Hey, now. [Jack walks into the gay bar — reaction beat as everyone turns]
Becca: Dude, I know you're getting these messages because I know how to check your voice mail. You are officially a 'D-bag', Tim. I hope you lose your indoor soccer game.
Becca Character Comedy Observational Liz · Becca: Should you be working the night shift alone like this? It's fine. They gave me a gun.
Becca · Liz: You want a dozen donuts to stay? And a skim milk.
Liz: I don't like that you have crazy-eyes. Oh, shut up, mouth.
Liz Absurdist Character Comedy Jack · Frank · Toofer · Lutz · Josh: What do your dads tell their friends you do? Surgeon. Optometrist. Died. I never really knew my dad, so I just lie to myself. Space assassin.
Frank · Jack: In Sicilian dialect, it means 'well poisoner.' In Gaelic, Donaghy means 'dung basket.'
Frank Jack Setup/Punchline Character Comedy Wordplay/Pun Frank: Last time I saw my dad, he went out to get the candles for my fourth birthday lasagna and never came back.
Frank Dark/Subversive Character Comedy Misdirection Frank · Jack: We're going to Lutz's to watch movies. Tonight, a classic. Harry and the Hendersons. You in, Jack? Uh, yes. But I don't want to go to Lutz's apartment. His contract is up, and I don't want to feel sorry for him.
Frank Jack Character Comedy Deadpan/Understatement Liz: When I was your age, you could just be like, 'Oh, he probably tried to call me, but my line was busy.' And then just... watch Falcon Crest and cry yourself to sleep.
Liz Observational Character Comedy Deadpan/Understatement Becca: They all seemed really old and weird. Not one of them even knew who Ne-Yo is.
Becca Character Comedy Observational Liz · Becca: # I need you... / Finally! Thank you! Somebody cool, for once.
Liz Becca Setup/Punchline Character Comedy Misdirection Callback John Lithgow's character / George Henderson: Get out of here! Can't you see we don't want you anymore? Why can't you go back where you came from? And leave us alone! Go. Go!
Frank · Jack: Goodbye, my friend. He had to be mean to save him. Harry belonged in the woods.
Frank Jack Character Comedy Deadpan/Understatement ★ Rewatch Jack · Frank: This reminds me of my favorite movie. Shane. Oh! When Joey wants to go with Shane and Shane makes him stay. Maybe it's because we didn't have fathers. Maybe that's why we're drawn to movies where the father figure pushes away the child/legendary North American forest ape.
Jack Frank Character Comedy Absurdist Deadpan/Understatement ★ Rewatch Tracy · Kenneth: I don't have a birthday, Ken. What? I don't have a birth certificate because I was born inside of Yankee Stadium.
Kenneth: Oh, but even prisoners have birthday parties. I saw one on Oz. It was... interesting.
Kenneth Character Comedy Deadpan/Understatement Dark/Subversive Tracy: And because of my drinking, they're often a surprise.
Tracy Character Comedy Deadpan/Understatement Dark/Subversive Jenna: My birthday's September 21st. Not that anyone asked.
Jenna Character Comedy Running Gag Jack: This morning it hit me in the shower why the Hendersons named their guest 'Harry.' That film has layers.
Jack Character Comedy Absurdist Deadpan/Understatement Callback Jack: We both have recurring dreams about being overpowered by a female bodybuilder.
Jack Character Comedy Absurdist Dark/Subversive Jack: Make your mother proud, Frank. Make your father hate any new children he might have.
Jack Character Comedy Dark/Subversive Setup/Punchline Jack · Frank: But we both know you shouldn't be working at a desk with... fake vomit on it. Right. Fake.
Jack Frank Character Comedy Deadpan/Understatement Visual Gag Jack: Oh, God. Please don't be a daughter I didn't know about.
Jack Character Comedy Dark/Subversive Becca: So, do you want me to start Youth Consulting now? Because kids would not be into that.
Becca Character Comedy Observational Jenna: Oh! That's horrible. My heart goes out to all the inner city kids. Especially those too fat to dance their way out.
Jenna Character Comedy Dark/Subversive Irony/Sarcasm Kenneth · Jenna: I'm glad you feel that way. Because we have this big party planned for you. I know! And we thought you could share it with Mr. Jordan! [pause] Isn't that a great idea? [pause] That's so great!
Becca · Liz: # Now, we are joined / in a cobweb of rainbows...? Stop. Tears. The world needs to hear your music.
Becca Liz Character Comedy Irony/Sarcasm Misdirection Pete: Being terrible has never prevented success in the music business. Look at Biz Markie or The Doors.
Pete Observational Irony/Sarcasm Character Comedy Pete: And when my caveman brain saw those babies with their little Hornberger foreheads... it clicked.
Pete Character Comedy Observational Becca: My pregnant teen message board says the baby gets all its food from the mother. So, you have to give it stuff it likes.
Becca Character Comedy Observational Absurdist Becca: I'm going to post a reply to Juno 32 and tell her she's a giant ass wipe.
Becca Character Comedy Observational Becca · Liz: You already dress like a mom. ...And stop.
Becca · Liz: # Mothers and fathers and jugglers and judges... # Now, we are joined in a cobweb of rainbows...
Becca Liz Character Comedy Absurdist Running Gag Callback Jenna: What a schmo, entering first. Now, I'm the headliner, and he's just the warm-up act. I'm Mr. Don Rickles and he's just me.
Jenna Character Comedy Irony/Sarcasm Absurdist ★ Rewatch Tracy · Jenna: And to think I was just calling y'all a bunch of racists. Aw... Stop... Jenna time.
Tracy Jenna Character Comedy Dark/Subversive Running Gag Jenna · Frank: Jenna time. / Friends. I am leaving T.G.S. for Columbia Law School—
Frank: I am leaving T.G.S. for Columbia Law School to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. [long pause / shocked silence]
Frank Reaction Beat Awkward Silence Character Comedy Jack · Frank · Liz: Did you know that if you sing 'Happy Birthday' on a TV show, you have to pay for it? I did not know that. # Hap...? Hey!
Tracy · Crowd: My dad got us all seats for Opening Day at the new Yankee Stadium! Cerie! Cerie! Cerie!
Jenna · Kenneth: Oh. Ow. Cerie! Cerie! / No one ask me about my back brace. / Make a wish, Mr. Jordan. Blow out the candles. / No one ask about my back brace!
Jenna Kenneth Character Comedy Running Gag Reaction Beat Callback Jack · Frank: Now, let me hear you say the seven most important words in the American Judicial System. My client... has no memory of that. I also would have accepted, 'You can't prove that's the governor's semen.'
Jack Frank Setup/Punchline Character Comedy Dark/Subversive Tracy · Kenneth: You were right, Ken. Birthdays are special. And now, mine is over. And who knows when February 24th will come again? Now, that warm, happy feeling is gone, there's no cake in my mouth, and that birthday wish is malarkey. Malarkey!
Frank's Mom: Someday, you'll have an ad on the subway in English and Spanish.
Frank's Mom · Jack: What do you think you're doing to my boy? [...] His father was a lawyer! And his father's father! All the Rossitano men are lawyers. It's in their blood to be lawyers! [...] For the mob!
Frank's Mom: You want me to paint you a picture? Because I did. It's part of a therapy through painting thing.
Liz: He's coming to steal my baby.
Liz Character Comedy Irony/Sarcasm Jenna: Don't even ask about the wheelchair. Okay. Also, my old vocal coach died! Come on, come on...
Jenna Character Comedy Running Gag Escalation Callback Jack: There was once a great American named George Henderson. He met a woodland ape, or Sasquatch, who, despite its dangerous message of environmentalism, became his friend. But when the time came to do the hard thing and send it back into the forest where it belonged... and birds could perch on its shoulder because it was gentle... George Henderson summoned the strength, and, by God, he did it. Did it hurt? You bet it hurt. Like a bastard. But he did it because it was the right thing to do. For the woodland ape.
Jack Character Comedy Absurdist Deadpan/Understatement ★ Rewatch Callback Liz: I'm the one who's been there for Becca. For almost two days!
Liz Character Comedy Irony/Sarcasm Jack: There was once a great American named George Henderson... despite its dangerous message of environmentalism... and birds could perch on its shoulder because it was gentle...
Jack Character Comedy Absurdist Deadpan/Understatement ★ Rewatch Callback Liz · Jack: Is that Harry and the Hendersons? You've seen it? This is my life, Jack.
Liz Jack Character Comedy Reaction Beat Callback Kenneth · Jenna: Oh my! Miss Maroney, are you okay? Well, I think I'll be okay in time for tomorrow's show. But then, I have to go in for more tests. I'm so brave.
Kenneth Jenna Character Comedy Irony/Sarcasm Deadpan/Understatement Callback Kenneth Parcell · Jenna Maroney: Oh! Miss Maroney, are you okay? Well, I think I'll be okay in time for tomorrow's show. But then, I have to go in for more tests. I'm so brave.
Kenneth: We've narrowed it down to... own a RoboCop, hunt that elephant that paints, or breakfast in bed.
Kenneth Character Comedy Absurdist Escalation Jenna: But it wasn't his birthday! It was my birthday! Oh, forget it. I'm tired of making you people try to care for me. You don't care for me, clearly. Nobody does.
Jenna Character Comedy Cringe/Discomfort Tracy · Jenna: My birthday wish came true! I wished for you to get better. I was going to wish for breakfast in bed with RoboCop while that elephant paints us. We were close.
Tracy Jenna Character Comedy Absurdist Callback ★ Rewatch Callback Tracy · Jenna: Now, let's make Miss Maroney's birthday wish come true! Oh, that's so sweet. But who would I celebrate with if y'all were in a car accident?
Jenna: I'm her friend. Jenna. And she does not want to see you. She's very mad, and she wants you to leave.
Jenna Character Comedy Irony/Sarcasm Liz: Ugh! Fine, Lithgow! I'll do the right thing. God! I guess someone's been watching The World According to Garp. Damn it. Tim, wait.
Liz Meta/Self-Referential Character Comedy Tim: No, when you said she didn't want to see me, it was such a relief.
Tim Character Comedy Observational Liz · Tim: Do you love Becca? She's like my soul mate. I mean... You're not listening, dummy!
Liz Tim Character Comedy Setup/Punchline Liz · Frank: And get married and have disposable cameras at the wedding because it's fun and people like it. Where are we going? I already cleaned out my office.
Jack · Frank: You've got to go. No. I'm going to be a lawyer. I'm going to be like you. Get out of here! Go to the writers' room! There is no scholarship! Can't you see we don't want you anymore?
Jack Frank Callback Character Comedy Misdirection ★ Rewatch Callback Jack: Goodbye, my friend. [Beat] [Jack watches Frank go]
Jack Callback Reaction Beat Deadpan/Understatement ★ Rewatch Callback Jack · Elisa: Hey, baby. My God. Look at your boobs.
Becca · Liz · Tim: # The rainbows and the cobwebs and the cobwebs and the rainbows... / And stop.
Jack · Liz: I guess, in a way... we both lost children today. Yeah, but mine was real, Jack. Yours was Frank.
Jack Liz Character Comedy Deadpan/Understatement Jack · Liz · Tim: Don't worry, Lemon. I'm confident that someday you'll have... everything you want. Can someone please tell me how to get out of this building? It's like a maze! I keep walking past the same... Sbarro's!
Jack Liz Tim Misdirection Character Comedy Setup/Punchline Tim: Can someone please tell me how to get out of this building? It's like a maze! I keep walking past the same... Sbarro's!
Tim Character Comedy Absurdist Tim · Liz: Yeah. I'm a celebrity! Please! Sad.
Tim Liz Character Comedy Deadpan/Understatement 