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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!
Kristen Wiig is Back in Studio 8H and All is Well…
She’s back!!!! It really was only a matter of time before Ms. SNL 2000’s herself would return to the hallowed stage and this week is that time. As usual, the show’s promos have been released and it does nothing to quell the excitement.
http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/widget/widget.html?vid=n36522
I’d be lying if I said I haven’t watched it multiple times. In the last hour.
Because Saturday seems so far away (although there is an Arrow episode tonight which is good), I figured it would be best to go out and find some of the best of Kristen Wiig to pass the time.
“Real Housewives of Disney” is perhaps one of my favorite pre-recorded sketches in recent years. It’s hard to beat a broke Jasmine, drunk Cinderella, and gay Prince Charming.
http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/widget/widget.html?vid=n13429
As with all returning hosts/former cast members, I’m sure some of Wiig’s character will be making a return appearance as well. If that doesn’t include the Lawrence Welk Show, well I’m sure I won’t be alone in my disappointment.
http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/widget/widget.html?vid=n13207
There were a lot of people out there (typical internet commenters who seem to hate everything) who really did not like the Target lady but I love that sketch. It is rare, even to this day, that I will check out and not say “Approved!” in my head when my card goes through.
http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/widget/widget.html?vid=n12501
Of course no list of favorite Kristen Wiig characters would be complete without one of her many Weekend Update characters. I can easily see them bringing back Garth and Kat this week. No complaints here!
http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/widget/widget.html?vid=n12831
That’s a few of my favorites but surely there are some I’ve forgotten. Let’s hear it – what Kristen Wiig characters do you want to see come Saturday night?
SNL: 38.19 – Zach Galifianakis & Of Monsters and Men
Season 38 is sadly in the home stretch so we have to savor each moment in hopes they will last us through the long, un-funny summer. :tear: Thankfully there was plenty to laugh at this week with former SNL writer, current The Hangover series star, Zach Galfianiakis!
The cold open was one of my favorite recurring sketches, ‘Fox and Friends’. I keep waiting for this bit to get old but somehow it doesn’t. Everytime I see the Fox logo, I’m giddy (only on Saturday night however – every other day of the week I cringe), I just can’t help myself. Of course a big part of the success of ‘Fox and Friends’ is the “corrections and I might have literally laughed out loud at “The California wildfires are not a professional soccer team”.
I love when hosts come on SNL and just do their own thing when it comes to the monologue. Zach Galifianakis did just that. Thankfully for us, his “own thing” is dry and weird and hysterical. His monologue was a perfect example. I might have soiled myself at the idea of pulling up behind someone broken down on the highway just to try out jokes. Genius.
I think we can all agree that this was the greatest sketch of the night.
Even if the writing of ‘Game of Game of Thrones’ was shit, Galifianakis in that dragon costume (a child’s XL) would have made up for it tenfold. Thankfully the writing wasn’t shit and the sketch was just funny all the way around. If the costume wasn’t enough, referring to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as an “old pilgrim” made it even better. Of course when the picture of the old pilgrim is held by none other than Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) then the sketch reaches a level of damn near perfection.
(Speaking of Game of Thrones – make sure to check back to Grizzly Bomb on Mondays to read our recap and review of each new episode. Go ahead and check out episode 5, ‘Kissed By Fire’, right here.)
The match.com fauxmercial was good but really wasn’t that much to write home about. Something about picturing Martha Stewart getting her freak on just doesn’t sit well.
“Let’s put Zach in a wig and Friends t-shirt and have him yell about Helen Keller” is how I imagine the Jennifer Aniston look-a-like sketch was born. I’d also completely forgotten about The Hangover making a third appearance so it never occurred to me that Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms (sidenote: how great was Andy’s goodbye on The Office this week?) would show up. I’m glad they did because there’s just something inherently funny about men in wigs, probably why I watch this show week after week.
For the record: Vanessa Bayer has an incredible Jennifer Aniston impression.
Weekend Update seemed really long this week. Not that it’s a bad thing, because it is not, just seemed longer than usual. I don’t know that I listened to a word Bill Hader as James Carville was saying because I was too busy laughing at his hands. Dealing cards and DJ’ing were my favorites.
I’d say this has been Kate McKinnon’s year because she has been on fire with quite a few memorable sketches and characters, but this isn’t her first year and she’s almost perfect to be a Kristin Wiig (next week!!!!!) replacement. Instead, I’m giving this year to Cecily Strong. An impressive rookie season especially with her “girl at the party” character. Three times in one year? That’s good. That’s really good.
Fred Armisen’s “Randal Meeks – tech analyst” review of Google Glass is one that I imagine Google isn’t going to be all too pleased with but the rest of the world got a good laugh. However, I can’t imagine many people were laughing at the “Michael Jordan wedding jugglers” sketch. So random and not really in a good way.
The New Balance commercial was great and “Racist Jim” was meh, but the real winner of the second half of the show (and had the Game of Game of Thrones sketch not been so great, it would have certainly topped the night) was “Darrell’s House” on Knoxville Cable Access.
At first I thought this was just another end of the night sketches that they just let go on way too long that didn’t really seem to have much of a point. The joke had been made and then they kept going on and going on. Much like the “Z-shirt” sketch from the Kevin Hart episode they did a rare callback with the last bit of the night and every edit Darrell had suggested in the first bit we saw done, even the “wink”.
The comedy writing geek in me loves things like that!
Overall, I thought it was a really strong episode. There were a few sketches that weren’t as great as others, but I think Darrell’s House and Game of Game of Thrones made up for those. This was Galifianakis’ third time hosting so by now I think everyone is aware that his shows are just going to be a bit weird and awkward. Fortunately it was entertaining as well.
But hang on to your ass Fred because next week it’s none other than Kristen Wiig returning for her first hosting gig!
I’m so excited about this episode that I’ve preemptively forgiven them for the inevitable “The Californians” sketch.
Until next time SNL fans!
SNL: 38.18 – Vince Vaughn & Miguel
It’s been 15 years since Vince Vaughn last graced the SNL stage and after this week’s show, one has to wonder why it’s been so long? I actually loved this episode as weird as it was, and boy was it was weird.
Unlike last week’s press conference with Kim Jung Un, this week’s with Pres. Obama (Jay Pharoah’s imitation is getting better each time out) and two senators discussing gun control was actually funny. Even if it wasn’t funny, those wigs were enough to laugh at. Bill Hader has a lot of forehead going on there. A lot.
The monologue was a little odd and different but I liked it. I can’t tell you why, but I did. The interaction with the audience, the fact it wasn’t musical, how very “Vince Vaughn” it was, it all worked for me.
Bill Hader’s wig in the cold open was just a preview for the awesomeness that was HBO presents Al Pacino Accused Murderer Biopic Series. Between Phil Spector and the Menendez brothers shouting “Tequila”, I was rolling. Hader’s Al Pacino impersonation is so good that that it isn’t hard to see why they often bring it back. I do wonder when Pippy Longstockings found the time to not only go to law school but then go on to pass the bar and actually become a judge – that is one amazing ginger!
The Weather Channel’s show, Stormy Skies might be the best sketch I’ve seen in a long time. I’d be really okay with The Californians being laid to rest and Stormy Skies becoming a recurring thing. I had tears from laughing so hard. They had every stupid weather man cliche – the time and temp, the standing outside in torrential downpours for no logical reason, and Aidy Bryant as the person who decides it’s their big chance to get on camera behind the weather reporter was a highlight. I just can not tell you how much I loved this sketch. Needs to happen again, please.
I have a feeling that “History of Punk – The Bizarros” has been sitting on a shelf for awhile just waiting for this week. With good reason. Whatever your opinion of the former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher was, you have to admit that the pre-recorded bit was pretty good.
Of course whenever you have anything even remotely close to The Sex Pistols it’s going to be awesome by default. I do think they did a good job treading the line between trash talking and paying homage to a very controversial figure.
By the time we got to “Short Term Memory Loss Theatre”, I started to wonder if this was actually the Bill Hader show, hosted by Bill Hader, starring Bill Hader. Not that it’s a bad thing, he just was a very strong presence in every bit of the show so far. This sketch was a good example of what made this episode so good; new sketch ideas, not necessarily based on current events or pop culture references, that are actually funny more than they are strange. It seems like that has been lacking a bit in recent years. I don’t know if it’s because it’s been so long since Vince Vaughn had a huge movie so they didn’t feel as if they could spoof it like they did with Les Miserables, The Avengers, and The Hunger Games but whatever it was, it worked. Of course Bill Hader breaking is always funny. Enter Landlord!
So there are rumors floating around that Seth Meyers is leaving. First his name was included in the running for joining Kelly Ripa on her morning show. Then it was that he was going to be taking over for Jimmy Fallon when he moves to The Tonight Show. I can see him leaving but what I can’t see is who will fill his seat on Weekend Update. I can tell you who it can’t be and that is Kate McKinnon.
Whether she intended to or not, she is quickly becoming one of the best “guests” on Weekend Update. I think I say this every time but I just can’t get over how entertaining she makes these stories of ridiculous people. A woman claims to be raised by monkeys? Let’s get Kate McKinnon on that one. And she nails it! Now if she would only get a bit more comfortable not relying on cue cards so much, things would be perfect.
Have I mentioned that this episode was a bit weird? There was just a feeling about the show in general that was just different and the Junior High Prom sketch was the embodiment of that feeling. As awkward as it was, I still really liked it. Not to mention, more Aidy Bryant! I always get excited when I see her get more airtime. Of course let’s not kid ourselves, the real winner of this sketch was those sweet dance moves. Well that and Nasim Pedrad’s face as Vince Vaughn throws punch on her telling her to “Make better decisions.”
I would like to thank SNL for completely ruining my life. Now every time I hear that theme music, I will start singing ‘babababababasketball”. Life ruiners. Of course then I will think of Dave Tesh with his little hammer and I will laugh so maybe my life isn’t as ruined as first thought.
The night closed out with this happening. As if it couldn’t get any weirder or more awkward they brought back “Last Call if for Lovers” and we all cringed with delight.
Overall, this was a fantastic show. I really wasn’t expecting much which might have played into it but seriously, I loved it. I’d go so far as to say it might have been one of my favorites of the season so far. The writing seemed to be fresher instead of feeling like they had to fit the host into certain sketches and there weren’t a lot of recurring sketches which is refreshing.
Of course it’s that time of year where everyone goes on hiatus again for a little bit so no new episode until May 4th when Zach Galifianakis hosts.
Until then SNL fans!
SNL 38.16 – Melissa McCarthy & Phoenix
I had to check twice that there hasn’t been a new SNL episode since Justin Timberlake because that seriously seems like eons ago, but alas, there were not which made this week’s turn with Melissa McCarthy a bit disappointing. Don’t get me wrong, it was still funny, but you’d think with someone as good as McCarthy and well over a month to prepare, it would be a bit better than it was.
The cold open was lazy. Really. Disappointing given that there’s been quite a few episodes in a row where they’ve had great cold opens and I was getting quite used to that. Plus it was Bobby Moynihan who I usually really enjoy no matter what he’s doing. However the real crime was this man.
Now I understand that someone like Dennis Rodman might have gotten tongue tied due to not being in front of an audience before – that’s scary, I get it – but come on man! The line is, and has been for a very long time, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!” How you mess that up, I do not know. Again, perhaps is was stage fright, entirely possible for a man not used to people watching him.
The monologue was great though. Melissa McCarthy does physical and ridiculous humor so well that it was fun to see her get the chance. I will say though, just looking at those shoes made my feet hurt! Her mention of crocs made me immediately think of this.
Oh Sookie St. James how I loved you. You and your love of sensible shoes. Although the monologue did have a musical number, it didn’t have that “oh my lord not another musical monologue!!” feel to it. Actually watching McCarthy try to keep up with Taran Killam while fumbling around was hysterical.
However it wasn’t nearly as funny as the ESPN “Outside the Lines” sketch with McCarthy as Coach Shelia Kelly who, it turns out, is even more awful of a coach than the now fired Rutgers coach Mike Rice. Even though it was long (is is just me or have the last few episodes been really bad about long sketches?), it didn’t really get old. Jay Pharoah as the whistle-blowing Assistant Coach who then get’s the the crap beat out of him? Delightful. Bill Hader with a black eye? Yes please. I loved this sketch, so much. I particularly enjoyed the inset of the toaster laying on the ground after it’d been thrown. That’s just funny.
I’m beginning to wonder if NBC has asked SNL to promote The Voice because is it really that great/awful of a show that it warrants two sketches in a season? Outside of a few lines like “I like your misplaced enthusiasm”, it wasn’t much to write home about, especially since they’d done it before.
I’d be okay with them replaying the “Honeybaked Ham” sketch every week. I’m sure after awhile it might get old, but that would be a long while. It is a little embarrassing how loud I laughed when the “presentation” started. Then when she pulled the ham out of the pig costume? I was damn near in tears.
Not only was the sketch funny, but it made me really want ham; from Bobby Moynihan’s footie pajamas or not is optional.
When the “Bathroom Businessman” started, it was sort of amusing. When Kenan Thompson crapped his pants, it was mildly funny. When it popped up as a “Decency” PSA? Perfect. I imagine we’ll see this again at a later date when they need something to fill time.
Weekend Update was on fire this week! Not only that but it got a pretty good chunk of airtime which seems like that hasn’t happened in recent episodes. Three guests? That’s pretty good. I do wish however, that they’d do this when it’s a weaker guest and not someone like Melissa McCarthy. Recent Bar Mitzvah boy is growing on me and that’s only because Vanessa Bayer sells it so well. How she captures the awkwardness of a young teenage boy is beyond me but she does, so well. Kenan Thompson’s Charles Barkley is scary good. I felt guilty for laughing about Kevin Ware’s injury, but I did it anyway.
This was, without a doubt, the highlight of Weekend Update. Perhaps the only thing better was when Peter Dinklage, I’m sorry, Peter Drunklage, said that the IRS stood for “Immigrant Return Services” and Seth Meyers’ reaction to the audience. Fantastic. Shameless plug – if you are a Game of Thrones fan, make sure you check out our reviews each week.
Million Dollar Wheel and Dating in the 90’s each weren’t horrible but they certainly could have been better. But Pizza Plan? That was awesome. Instead of bringing back a specific character from McCarthy’s first time hosting (which is very often the case), they did a sketch that was reminiscent of McCarthy’s “taste tester” character.
Between the repeating of her name and constantly giving Jason Sudeikis a new pen, this was fun to watch. Add in the ridiculous, but almost brilliant, idea of a business solely comprising of being paid to eat leftover pizza, and this was a fantastic sketch. Not only was it funny but it clearly illustrated how good Melissa McCarthy is. This was not really a great sketch on paper. Much like the majority of the episode, the writing was a little lackluster, but McCarthy is so dedicated and puts so much effort and energy into selling those sketches, that they work. I’m always amazed at how little she looks at cue cards. I mean she has a improv background (Groundlings) so it makes sense but even the people who still do improv for a living, the SNL cast, are reading off cue cards on the regular so it’s refreshing to see. It does make me wonder how much better the episode would have been had she been given better material. Oh well, we’ll just have to wait until she hosts again to see!
Next week it’s the tall man himself, Vince Vaughn!
Until then SNL fans!
Grizzly Bomb 