Ep 5. Today You Are a Man

In 30 Rock season 6 episode 5, titled "Today You Are a Man," the theme centers around coming of age. The episode opens with Liz Lemon's birthday, which she claims to have forgotten due to her busy schedule. However, her coworkers surprise her with a party, complete with cake and gifts.

Meanwhile, Jack Donaghy's father passes away, leaving him in charge of the company. Jack struggles with the weight of this responsibility, which he takes as a symbol of his own mortality. He reflects on his life and the choices he's made, wondering if he's led a fulfilling life and if he's made a true impact on the world.

In another plotline, Jenna Maroney is feeling insecure about her age and decides to lie about it to impress a young musician she is dating. However, this backfires when the musician's fans laud her for being "ancient," causing Jenna to spiral into panic and insecurity.

The episode also touches on themes of gender and masculinity, as Tracy Jordan is feeling emasculated due to his wife's success and financial independence. He tries to assert his dominance by purchasing an expensive car but ultimately realizes that his worth does not depend on his material possessions or his ability to support his family financially.

As the episode progresses, Liz confronts her own anxieties about aging and the amount of time she has left to achieve all her goals. She realizes that she needs to prioritize her personal life and make time for the people who matter most to her.

Overall, "Today You Are a Man" is an introspective and thought-provoking episode that tackles complex themes related to aging, mortality, and gender roles. The writing is sharp and the performances are top-notch, making it a standout installment in the series.