Last nigh twas Christmas episode night on the peacock network. Amidst all the Caves of Frozen Memories and Upright-bass solo’s, was 30 Rock giving a shout out to past guest star and Shore Fire client, Elvis Costello.

“He’s a good boy. He sent me a kidney. From Elvis Costello!” said Milton, Jack’s estranged father, to Jack’s unapproving, wretched mother coming to the defense of his son.

Now it is really unfunny to breakdown a joke, but there is a lot of context for this particular joke AND you’re reading a blog. A casual viewer might just think the inclusion of Elvis Costello is just a fun, ridiculous way to pump up the context of Jack’s affection for his father. Kidneys are great and everything, but a kidney from the singer ‘Radio, Radio’?!!? That’s something. BUT- fans of the show will note that Milton actually did receive his kidney with help from Elvis (and other celebrities including Kenneth the Page’s cousin Clay Aiken) in the finale of season 3:

So yeah, I basically needed an excuse to post a video that features Sheryl Crow admitting she gets paid for charity, Cindy Lauper admitting she’s drunk for charity, and a non-sense Beastie Boys lyrics about dogs attacking you; AND 30 ROCK PROVIDED THAT EXCUSE!

30 Rock has jokes working on multiple levels: To help bring in new fans, To remind fans of past hilariousness, and To name drop celebrities for mutual beneficiary reasons.

However great this is, and how giddy enough it made me, it is in 2nd place to my all-time favorite use of a Shore Fire client to tell a joke on an NBC Thursday Night Sitcom:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4Pl8838ryc]

This episode also featured the all-time classic line:

“Well, this next item is sure to spring steam from your ears if you don’t win it.”