RECAP: '30 Rock' Nears End As Kenneth Becomes NBC President

30 Rock’s penultimate episode, “A Goon’s Deed in a Weary World,” set the stage for a dramatic series finale, as Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin), Kenneth Parcell (Jack McBrayer) and the cast of TGS all made momentous decisions that should send them riding off into the sunset once the series ends its network run next week.

For much of the episode Liz struggled with the staff to try and save TGS from cancellation, even going so far as to enlist the help of some obnoxious sponsors (Bro Body Douche). This all occurred while she and Criss (James Marsden) were getting ready for the arrival of twins, which meant that Liz was especially frustrated when her writing staff, as well as Tracy (Tracy Morgan) and Jenna (Jane Krakowski), refused to exhibit any sense of urgency.

What’s more, Jack rehired Kenneth as a page and made him give tours to potential network presidents in what was basically a Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory tribute. When the time came to name a new president, Kenneth disagreed with Jack’s belief that the president should be nothing but a cold businessman, and just when it seemed like Kenneth would walk out on NBC for good, Jack made a surprising and satisfying move — he named Kenneth the president of NBC.

As the episode drew to a close, the cast of TGS quit the show, not out of malicousness, but as a way to let Liz Lemon escape the hectic work schedule of the variety show and start a life with her family. In the closing minutes, Liz and Criss met their twins at the airport. And wouldn’t you know, the kids, one boy and one girl, bore a striking resemblance to TGS’s loveable stars.

30 Rock will air its series finale with an hour-long episode next Thursday on NBC at 8 p.m. EST. Check out the conclusion to "A Goon's Deed in a Weary World" below.

—Hal Sundt