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Tag Archives: Saturday Night Live
Jason Sudeikis Finally Confirms SNL Exit
Well it’s about time. Jason Sudekis has finally confirmed that this past season of SNL was his last.
In tonight’s episode of Late Night with David Letterman, Sudeikis confirms what all fans have assumed for months, his time in Studio 8H has come to a close.
It sucks that there won’t be a big send-off for the man who has become the “every man” of Saturday Night Live in recent years, but it seems right for the actor who excelled at the bewildered reaction to the rest of his cast members antics. Of course he was not without his own craziness as evidenced as one of his best Weekend Update characters, The Devil.
http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/widget/widget.html?vid=n13124
Now with the departure of Jason Sudeikis joining those of Bill Hader and Fred Armisen, and possibly Nasim Pedrad, the cast of SNL is going to look very different next year. Some featured players will move up to full cast (Kate McKinnon for sure) with new ones comes in, it’ll be interesting to see the announcements start rolling in come fall time.
Thanks for eight great seasons Jason Sudeikis!
Justin Bieber Almost Crushed By Wall in ‘Greatest Trainwreck Ever’
One of the best things about the internet age is the ability to get a behind the scenes look at our favorite shows that was not widely available before. One of my (obvious) favorite examples of this would be SNL. Not only do they occasionally post interviews with the cast and behind the scenes kind of stuff, but they also will post sketches that made it to rehearsal but not the final show.
Their most recent “web exclusive” is a look at a sketch that didn’t make the final cut that includes commentary from the Bill Hader and writers John Solomon and Rob Klein. It is rather fantastic even if it was ‘The Greatest Trainwreck Ever’.
http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/widget/widget.html?vid=n38291
Outside of the whole wall part and Justin Bieber saying “it’s not part of it”, the best part of that sketch is “I’m guessing most of you know it from ABC’s Private Practice“. Great line and a great look at something if it weren’t for the magical internet machines we’d never get to see.
Of course it would be a crime to talk about SNL’s web exclusives without including my favorite cast member, Taran Killam.
http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/widget/widget.html?vid=n37823
Good to know that he hasn’t abandoned his music video recreation career!
SNL: 38.21 – Ben Affleck & Kanye West (Season Finale)
Another great season of SNL wrapped up this weekend with host Ben Affleck joining the Five Timers Club. Sadly Mr. Affleck did not get the fanfare of previous club initiates but in all honesty, this season finale was more about departing cast members than it was the host.
Someone who doesn’t appear to be going anywhere, despite being in his tenth year on SNL, is Kenan Thompson. There are quite a few who think he needs to move on but if he keeps up things like comparing his Al Sharpton hair to Fredrick Douglas, then he can stay as long as he desires. However, it was “Matthew McConnell” that really made me laugh. How could you not laugh at the idea of Wooderson in politics?
The monologue was cute but still rather meh at the same time. The backlash Affleck got for saying marriage is work was ridiculous to begin with. The fact that they couldn’t come up with anything a little bit more topical (the Oscars seems like they were months ago…) is even more ridiculous. That being said, I’m a huge fan of Jennifer Garner so anything that gets her on my TV, I’m okay with it.
The “Bengo F*** Yourself”? I can’t tell if I liked it because it brought back Fred Armisen’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, or if I liked it because it was funny, or really if I even liked it at all. Ahmadinejad having to say “park the car in Harvard Yard” each time was amusing but the premise was a little blah. It just left me wanting to go watch “I Ran So Far” again.
I know I’ve proclaimed something to be the “best so far” at least twice this season, but ‘Xanax for Gay Summer Weddings’ really was the best commercial of the season. Everything from the favors of cheez-its and mini bottles of water compared to two tickets to Italy and 40K and Bill Hader dancing was delightful. Bobby Moynihan not owning an iron? Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon as the couple getting married with their pack of dogs? Flawless. The tagline of “Not necessary for lesbian weddings” made me laugh more than anything in quite some time. Don’t know who wrote that bit but hats off to them because it was amazing.
Not amazing was Ben Affleck with his Jimmy Stewart impression and Bill Hader’s “holding out for management” sketch. Actually the only highlight of that was Kate McKinnon pronouncing that she was 40. How that sketch made it to the front half of the show is beyond me because it was awful.
One of the best parts of living in the internet age, is the ability to have a look at our favorite shows that we’ve never had the chance to get before. If you wanted backstage photos back in the dark ages of my childhood, you had to either know someone or see them in a magazine. I know right? Oh the humanity! Now you pop on over to Instagram, or Twitter, or Facebook and you’ve got those things right at your fingertips. Thankfully Joe Kelly, an SNL writer, got a picture of that incredible shirt that Taran Killam was wearing in the ‘New Beginnings’ sketch because it truly needs to be seen as often as possible. Impressive bead work. The sketch was all right, but that shirt was clearly the highlight.
I have been watching SNL ever since I was going to sleepovers or found a way to sneakily watch TV after my parents went to bed so mid-80’s. Actually the first episode I remember seeing was Ron Reagan hosting with musical guest The Nelsons. Oh yea. In all those years, I don’t know that I’ve seen a better send off for a character than was given to Bill Hader’s Stefon.
Stefon came on as expected and things progressed as they usually do. Then, in a moment of horror vocalized clearly by the audience’s gasps, he storms off stage telling Seth that he’s found a new man and he’s getting married. The fabulous Amy Poehler saves the day by telling Seth Meyers to go after him and we are treated to a The Graduate send-up that would no doubt make Dustin Hoffman proud. I’m woman enough to admit that it made me cry to see all Stefon’s clubbing friends there at his wedding. ‘Menorah the Explorer’ and of course ‘DJ Baby Bok-Choy’ warmed the cold cockles of my heart. However, nothing compares to having the happy couple return to the Weekend Update set and take a final bow surrounded by other fantastic Weekend Update characters.
A remarkable end to an incredibly entertaining character and ongoing storyline.
Sadly, the rest of the sketches weren’t nearly as good or noteworthy. ‘Greg’s Funeral’ was entertaining to a point, and the ‘Engagement BBQ’ was mildly funny but only because it was nearing 1 am and I was tired. Really the only thing the second half had that was positive, sketch wise was the ‘not porn stars anymore’ and their Hermes handbags.
Three times in one season seems like a lot, but these two have managed to keep this sketch interesting despite over-playing it. One can hope they won’t continue to do it as often as the gag will easily be played out, but for now it worked.
Bill Hader had his moment and at the end of the night, it was time for Fred Armisen’s. He didn’t even attempt to go the funny route, instead just went straight for our hearts and ripped them out and stomped them for good measure.
Of course it would be difficult to assemble a cooler group of musicians and it seemed right that Ian Rubbish would have his moment that was that cool. If I hadn’t gotten teary with Stefon, then I certainly would have when I caught sight of Fred/Ian’s guitar strap proclaiming his love for Lorne Michaels.
Overall, this was a crappy episode with great moments. Ben Affleck wasn’t all that great in his sketches but it seemed right that he host this show and give even more closure to Stefon (he played his brother in the first episode Stefon appeared on Weekend Update). Really this finale was all about two men who have been shining beacons of the SNL cast for years.
There are still plenty of cast decisions up in the air – Jason Sudeikis, for one – but we know that even though at least two big names are leaving, there are plenty talented actors ready to step into their shoes as has happened for all 38 years the show as been on air. It’s survived big names leaving and it’ll survive these big names leaving. Now we just have all summer to obsess over who will be the new cast members and of course, who will take over Weekend Update!
It’s been a great season, I’ve really enjoyed this time we’ve spent together SNL fans. Just because the season is over doesn’t mean our relationship has to be. Stick around for there will be plenty of SNL news over the break and of course there will be plenty of things to discuss as we approach Season 39!!!
Bill Hader is Leaving SNL – Is Anyone Else Joining Him?
Well the inevitable day is upon us. Bill Hader – talk show host, Vincent Price, James Carville, Al Pacino, and of course Stefon – is leaving SNL. He announced his departure with an interview with the New York Times.
[quote]It was a hard decision, but it has to happen at some point,” Mr. Hader said in an interview. “It got to a point where I said, ‘Maybe it’s just time to go.’ — NYT[/quote]
It’s foolish to think that SNL cast members will be around forever, even ones who have woven themselves so intrinsically into the fabric of the show as Hader has. For eight years SNL fans have tuned in on Saturday nights, sure that Bill Hader would be wearing some odd wig, dancing like a fool, hosting a game show, or breaking while Fred Armisen gyrated in his lap. Well this Saturday will be the last time to do so as it will be Hader’s farewell.
If there is a silver lining in this news, it’s almost a sure thing that we’ll have a Stefon sighting this weekend.
What does this mean for the show? Well obviously someone will need to step into the talk show hosts shoes but beyond that, a lot is still up in the air. Fred Armisen could be leaving. Jason Sudeikis is likely leaving. Kenan Thompson is wrapping up his tenth season so I wouldn’t be surprised if he left. Nasim Pedrad was in the non-picked up John Mulaney pilot so could she be looking to leave? Seth Meyers will be around for the first part of the season but then he’s off to take over for Jimmy Fallon at Late Night.
So much uncertainty but Hader himself assures the fans that the show is left in capable hands.
[quote]I found myself looking up and watching the new people do their sketches. I like watching Kate McKinnon do something — there’s a joy in seeing a new move from somebody and going, ‘Oh, she can do that.’ — NYT[/quote]
SNL survived Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg leaving last year. It’s survived beloved cast members leaving for decades now, it will survive Bill Hader’s leaving. Doesn’t mean it won’t suck, and he won’t be missed, but it will survive. And hey, we can always looks forward to Don Pardo announcing “your host, Bill Hader”.
SNL: 38.20 – Kristen Wiig & Vampire Weekend
She’s back! After 11 months and 30 days, Kristen Wiig returned the SNL stage for a show full of old friends!
The cold open was one of those that the moment it started you knew people were going to be up in arms. Whenever I see internet commenters (seriously what did people do in years past when they didn’t have a comment section to vent their rage?) complain about SNL it is usually that it isn’t as good as it was in some various point in time, or that SNL needs to “get back to being funny and stop trying to be political” which makes me wonder what show those people have been watching because it’s always been political.
Of course that being said, whoever wrote the cue cards and mixed up Ariel Castro and Charles Ramsey’s name probably feels like a heel today. I imagine they’ll double check from now on to make sure they don’t switch out the name of a kidnapper and rapist for that of the man who rescued the victims. Devil’s in the details.
The monologue was funny but nothing really all that earth-shattering. Actually it was very reminiscent of Jimmy Fallon’s monologue from 2011. I do have to say though, that dress was adorable and of course any time Maya Rudolph comes on screen I’m a happy woman (please note that I will take this back in just a moment).
1-800-Flowers was equally hysterical and disturbing. There’s just something about Bill Hader in a wig and a robe talking about Asian porno that is rather unsettling. On the other hand, Kate McKinnon as the “I wish I was a lesbian so I didn’t have to carry a purse” over-sharing mom was awesome. She and Kristen Wiig seem to work really well together and I enjoyed watching it.
You know what I hate watching? The Californians. No Maya Rudolph, even your adorable and fabulous self couldn’t make me like this sketch. Much like Roger Ebert’s review of North (which former SNL writer and author of North, Alan Zwiebel carries a copy of in his wallet to this day), I hate hate hate hate hate The Californians.
What the hell is happening here? That is pretty much what everyone who happened to catch the dude in his underwear in the background of ‘Aw Nuts! Mom’s a Ghost!’ was asking. As far as I know, SNL has not even mentioned it. Outside of that creepiness, the sketch was spot on when it comes to Disney Channel shows. Not only that but it was written by Bobby Moynihan and Cecily Strong who have become quite the team this season.
In the biggest non-surprise of the night, The Lawrence Welk show sketch came back!
No matter how many times they do this, I will still laugh each and every time. Licking the sand squirrel turds? I’m a 13 year old boy. Getting crabs? Dying. Creepy doll hands grabbing at Jason Sudeikis’ junk? Yep, still funny.
Weekend Update had a few great stories and I’m a big fan of Anthony Crispino and of course Garth and Kat made an appearance but let’s just revel in this shall we?
So Seth Meyers will be leaving SNL as head writer and of course as the Weekend Update anchor likely after the first part of next season so he can take over Late Night with Seth Meyers in January 2014. Part of me is really excited for him because that’s a huge move and he’s been behind that desk for a long time so it’s probably about time. The other part of me really hates to see him go because I enjoy his WU self and of course the looming question – who takes over?
Taran Killam? It’s hard to say given that he’s such an anchor in the sketch part of the show. Vanessa Bayer? Really, I could see her taking over. I’m inclined to think she’s a bit too much of the straight guy to pull it off by herself but perhaps this is their opportunity to bring out another writer (John Mulaney now that his show wasn’t picked up?) to co-host, that worked out pretty well last time. People have been throwing around Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon’s names but I can’t see a rookie taking that over plus those two have shown to be great WU guest characters so I’d hate to lose that. All that being said, I’m sure there will be enough speculation in the coming months so we have plenty of time to discuss it, let’s move on!
I love the Target lady!!! It’s sort of funny that while the first part of the show was all Kristen Wiig recurring characters, the second half was just Target lady and new sketches. I feel like I’m going to end up with my head on a pike (don’t forget to check out our Game of Thrones reviews!) but I have to say it – I liked the second half of the show exponentially more than the first. I know, it’s weird, especially since the second half sketches are always the odd ones but this week it just worked. For me at least.
Without a doubt, the best sketch of the night, and perhaps even the season, was the acupuncture one. Very reminiscent of Dan Aykroyd and Julia Child. Everything from Fred Armisen as the dr. jumping out the window to Aidy Bryant saying “It may sound like we’re going to Mexico, but we’re not.” was damn near perfect. Whoever was manning the rogue artery deserves a special shout out because I about soiled myself when “blood” was flying through the air with specific targets in mind.
I want to find the person who thought to have Tim Robinson play an awkward sixth grader on an even more awkward double date with two grown women and shake their hand. I mean there was no doubt that Bobby Moynihan could pull that off but I thought Tim did a great job as the ‘out of his element and really how did he even end up there’ pre-teen who can’t swim yet.
As for the last sketch of the night, well let’s just say I’ve had “an apple a day keeps the haters away” stuck in my head all day and I feel as if I need to go find a copy of ‘Classy Sexy Elegance’ as soon as possible.
Overall? A great episode. There was a bit for everyone – old Kristen Wiig plus some new sketches and a great commercial and pre-recorded bit. Easily one of the best shows of the season. Next week’s season finale doesn’t look to be slowing down any with host Ben Affleck!
Until next time SNL fans!
Grizzly Bomb 