Showing posts with label Hillary Clinton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hillary Clinton. Show all posts

Sunday, January 1, 2017

SNL 42.10 Review - Casey Affleck, Chance the Rapper

Original Airdate - 12/17/2016

It's rare that a host makes his SNL debut on the Christmas episode, but alas, this is what Casey Affleck does.  His family does have a track record with the show, as his brother Ben is one of the more recent inductees into the "5-Timers Club."  That makes the Afflecks the first set of brothers to host SNL since Peyton and Eli Manning.  Also, experts say Casey will be an Oscar winner in just a few short months for his new film Manchester by the Sea.  So I guess he is a worthy candidate to host such a big show.  But can he do comedy?

Cold Opening
The last Cold Open of 2016 was the most scathing when it comes to the show's criticism of President-Elect Donald Trump.  As more and more information comes out about the Russians hacking our presidential election, SNL decided to connect the dots by having Putin visit Trump for Christmas.  The sketch also included John Goodman as Rex Tillerson, Exxon CEO and Trump's choice for Secretary of State, acting like BFF's with Putin while Trump cluelessly watches on.  Once they referred to Trump as Putin's Manchurian Candidate, you realize that the SNL writers are not pulling any punches.

Monologue
It really felt like  they didn't know what to do for Casey Affleck's monologue.  He made it very clear throughout the monologue that he wasn't going to sing.  However, he really didn't have anything else to do either.  He talked about his career, and had some good one-liners along the way.  Baldwin and Goodman came out to fulfill the star-studded cameo checkbox.  That was about it.  It was one of the most confusing monologues I can remember.

Best Sketch
This was an easy one.  Casey Affleck is at his best when he is able to be a stereotypical Bostonian.  So here we see him at his best in this commercial for Dunkin' Donuts.  They are trying to brand themselves as a competitor for upscale coffee places like Starbucks, but it will always be the choice for average Joes.

Weekend Update
What would a Christmas episode be without more cameos?  Among the many great jokes from Jost and Che, you also have the not-that-rare cameo of Fred Armisen.  He and Vanessa Bayer reprise their bit as Putin's Best Friends from Growing Up.  It's a great bit, but it didn't quite have the zing it did when it first debuted.

Worst Sketch
There were several mediocre (at best) sketches in this episode.  This was definitely the lowest on the totem poll.  It tells the story of a New York local theater group doing a nativity comedy.  The show is terrible, and so is the sketch.  Making fun of bad comedy doesn't really make good comedy.

Dark Horse Sketch
Like I said, most of the episode was mediocre.  This sketch was clever although not necessarily a "Dark Horse."  The week after this episode aired, the electors were set to cast their votes making Donald Trump's election as president official.  This sketch had Hillary Clinton begging electors for votes in the vein of Christmas film Love Actually.  It was a clever and smart way to show the last ditch effort Hillary had to try and pull off the election win.

Grade

The question coming into the episode was whether Casey Affleck could handle the comedy.  Although he seemed to do an okay job as host, the episode overall seemed to underwhelm.  In fact, several of the sketches were simply less funny retreads of sketches used when Ryan Gosling hosted this time last year.  I find it interesting they put Ryan Gosling and Casey Affleck in the same category of host, but that's a conversation for another time.  Anyways, this episode reminds me of another episode in the last few seasons.  A few years ago, SNL decided their season finale would be hosted by Ben Affleck as he was inducted into the "5 Timers Club."  The episode in general was disappointing and nothing special.  I feel the same about this episode, and it is a complete coincidence that it is another Affleck that was hosting.  However, it holds true.  Honestly, my biggest disappointment was the lack of a Ben Affleck cameo.  It just made too much sense, yet never happened.  So sad...

***C***

And that has us caught up!  Coming next on the SNL lineup is Rogue One star Felicity Jones in only a couple weeks.
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Saturday, December 31, 2016

SNL 42.6 Review - Dave Chappelle, A Tribe Called Quest

Original Airdate - 11/12/2016

There were several things that made this episode notable.  First, it was the long-awaited debut of Dave Chappelle on the Saturday Night Live stage.  Having a claim to fame be a sketch comedy like Chappelle's Show, it felt long overdue for this to happen.  The second thing that made this episode notable was the fact that it was the first episode after Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the US presidential election.  This would be a common theme throughout the episode.

Cold Opening
This is one of my favorite Cold Openings of all time.  The previous episodes made it no secret that the SNL writers and cast were rooting for Hillary Clinton in the election.  I was very curious to see how they were going to react to such a surprising and, for them, disappointing result.  This Cold Opening was the reaction, as they produced not only a simple and pointed moment featuring Kate McKinnon in her Hillary costume, but it also served as a touching tribute to the recently departed Leonard Cohen.  It is one of those moments you remember.

Monologue
I have always said the best monologues are the ones by someone used to having a stage to themselves.  Dave Chappelle is an amazing stand-up comic.  Combine that with the recent election results and you have a reflective, poignant, and funny rant on our world.  Television has missed Dave Chappelle, and this sketch proves it.

Best Sketch
The commentary on the election was not limited to the Cold Opening and the Monologue.  This hilarious sketch actually provides an interesting critique on all the people that felt Clinton's win was a foregone conclusion.  Leave it to Chappelle, with the help of Chris Rock, to see this side of the coin.
An honorable mention is this sketch, which I would have found much funnier if I watched The Walking Dead or ever watched Chappelle's Show.  It was worth mentioning for anyone that has watched one or both of these.

Weekend Update
Weekend Update seems to be the one of the places they are going to really be critical of the political environment.  In the hands of Jost and Che, this is comedy gold.  The one guest to the desk this episode was Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg via Kate McKinnon.  Maybe she can wait 4 more years before she retires.

Worst Sketch
Not everything could be about the election.  This sketch was purposefully bad.  It took a little while to figure out exactly what was going on, and once you did, the payoff wasn't really worth it.  It was a very creative sketch though as we watched the post-sketch press conference after a rough performance.

Dark Horse Sketch
The definition of a Dark Horse Sketch is something featuring Kyle Mooney's strange brand of comedy.  This was the first time Kyle was allowed to be Kyle this season as it is revealed that he and Leslie Jones are dating.  Let the awkward hilarity ensue.

Grade

Why did it take so long for Chappelle to make his debut on SNL?  They pretty much had to pull him out of retirement to get him to host this episode.  However, it really felt like the right host at the right time.  A comedian like Chappelle knows how to put things into perspective, which was desperately needed after the controversial election.  It led to possibly the best episode of the season so far.

***A***

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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

SNL 42.5 Review - Benedict Cumberbatch, Solange

Original Airdate - 11/5/16

One of the biggest rising stars over the last bunch of years has been Benedict Cumberbatch.  It only made sense that he would find his way to the Saturday Night Live stage eventually.  His hosting debut, as well as the fact that this was the last episode before the election, made this an episode to pay attention to.

Cold Opening
This was the last Cold Open before the election.  The typical Trump vs. Hillary fights took an interesting detour here.  The sketch started as you would expect with the caricatures (sometimes appearing more lifelike than the real thing) continuing to hurl insults at each other.  Eventually, Alec Baldwin breaks character to stop the insults.  Instead, the two go out into Times Square and spread the love instead of the hate they had been doing.  It all ends with an urge to get out and vote.  It was a touching way to end such a divisive and bitter election season.

Monologue
Anything that was touching and inspiring ended when the monologue started.  I'm not saying it was bad.  It was just back to SNL as usual.  The key to a successful hosting gig for such a serious man as Benedict Cumberbatch is to refuse to take yourself seriously.  This started in the monologue as he provides a song, complete with dancing girls, about who he is and why he is important.  It was one of the more refreshing monologues of the season to date.

Best Sketch
Continuing in the vein of making fun of the host and his vanity, we have a new game show.  The premise is Beck Bennett convinced several of his cast mates to join him for a mystery game show they would come to find out was entitled, "Why Is Benedict Cumberbatch Hot?"  One of the contestants was Cumberbatch himself who seemed to be just as confused about the fact as Beck.  The best part is the girls really don't have an answer other than the fact that they swoon every time they see him.
An honorable mention here is the World Champion Chicago Cubs showing up at a Bachelorette Party.  Good times...

Weekend Update
If you are going to have World Series Champions show up, you might as well use them over and over.  It makes it easier when the Cubs' biggest fan is a former castmember.  Insert three Cubs and Bill Murray singing the Cubs Song live from New York.  This is the most memorable Weekend Update guest to date this season.

Dark Horse Sketch
There is something about Brits that make them appear to be criminal masterminds.  The show takes advantage of this, using their host as a criminal genius that works through riddles.  However, what happens when the good guys figure out every riddle?  Comedy, that's what happens.

Grade
It is always refreshing to see a big star like Benedict Cumberbatch not take himself too seriously.  This was shown over and over again throughout this episode, as he constantly was willing to be the butt of so many jokes.  This led to many really strong sketches and very few that could be considered disappointing.  Add to the episode the fact that it was the show's last chance to put its stamp on the election, and you ended up with a very strong show.

***B+***

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SNL 42.4 Review - Tom Hanks, Lady Gaga

Original Airdate - 10/22/16

There are a few episodes every season that are set up to be power shows.  Tom Hanks is a member of the 5-Timers Club, and one of the most beloved actors around.  Although he shows up quite often on the SNL stage, it had been 10 years since he had hosted last.  With a musical guest like Lady Gaga (making back-to-back episodes with former hosts as musical guests), and you have a recipe for one of the top episodes of the season.  However, did it work out that way?

Cold Opening
Once again, the Cold Open is focused on the presidential debate.  Once again, the writers try to be impartial, but it's hard when one side seems to make all the mistakes and blunders.  Also, you know you have a heavy hitter as a host when they make an appearance in the Cold Open.

Monologue
The monologue for Tom Hanks's 9th hosting gig made light of Hanks's reputation of being "America's Dad."  So he sat the country down for a heart-to-heart.  It was cute and somewhat effective, but the real fun was still to come.

Best Sketch
There were a lot of solid sketches in this episode, however two of them might go down as top 10 sketches of the season.  First, we have the latest installment of Black Jeopardy.  In the past, this sketch has been used to make light of the fact that white people can't relate to black culture.  However, this time around the "fish out of water" is a southern redneck.  The joke comes in that they aren't as different as some may think.
The second sketch is one of the strangest yet funniest sketches in recent memory.  A couple enters a Halloween-themed 100 Stories of Fright ride.  The first couple floors bring them some good scares.  Then they run into David Pumpkins and his dancing skeletons, which just leaves them confused.  The longer the sketch goes, the stranger it gets, and the more you realize that it is ridiculously hilarious.

Weekend Update
There were two guests to the Update desk this episode.  First, you had the incomparable Leslie Jones, who addressed recent reports that her private photos had been hacked in a way only Leslie Jones can.  Next, you have one of the better repeat characters in The Girl You Wished You Hadn't Started a Conversation With at a Party.  It's always good to see Cecily get a chance to return back to the Update desk.

Dark Horse Sketch
You can't pass up an opportunity like this.  Alec Baldwin is hanging around after playing Trump, and you have Hanks as host.  They are two of the greatest hosts in SNL history.  So why not put them in a sketch together!  In this one, Hanks is playing Sully while Baldwin shares the cockpit with him.  The sketch isn't really anything special, but it is neat to see the two of them share the stage.

Grade
This was by far the best episode of the season so far.  It wasn't perfect, but it was decently close.  There are reasons hosts like Tom Hanks are brought back so often.  They are good!  Now, let's not make it another 10 years before he runs an episode again.

***A-***

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Friday, December 16, 2016

SNL 42.3 Review - Emily Blunt, Bruno Mars

Original Airdate - 10/15/16

Two things shocked me about this episode.  First, how is this the first time Emily Blunt has hosted Saturday Night Live?  Second, how is Emily Blunt the first member of her family to host Saturday Night Live (she is married to John Krasinski)?  Krasinski is perfect for SNL!  Make this happen!  Anyways, here's the episode for his better half.

Cold Opening
Once again, the focus of the Cold Open is a debate.  This time, we are back to the presidential candidates.  They really try to take shots at both sides, but when Trump makes it so easy for a comedy show to attack him, it begins to look a little heavy on one side.  The biggest challenge is finding comedy beyond just reporting the actual Trump stories.

Monologue
With all the negative news reports spreading around with the presidential election, Emily Blunt tried to cheer up everyone with a rendition of "Get Happy."  It wasn't anything special, but it got the show kicked off.

Best Sketch
There were many sketches in this episode that were pretty funny, however this may be the best.  This sketch showed that Emily Blunt actually has a talent for physical comedy.  She and Mikey Day play robot prototypes that start to malfunction while handing out snacks.  This one really gets a good laugh.

Weekend Update
Weekend Update is always funnier when Kate McKinnon brings a character to the desk.  This time, it is her stereotypical Russian woman Olya.  The other guest is another of my favorite, the hilarious and slightly disturbing child reporter Laura Parsons.  Both were as funny as always.

Dark Horse Sketch
There were several sketches I found pretty funny for a Dark Horse Sketch, including the one and only appearance by musical guest and former host Bruno Mars (disappointing he wasn't used more).  However, the definition of a Dark Horse Sketch is one that is funny because it is a little bizarre.  This sketch about a short film and how seriously the filmmakers take their art form really fits the bill.  Anyone who follows film closely will appreciate the satire this sketch provides on how silly this art sometimes appears.

Grade
Emily Blunt, while maybe being the second funniest person in her own home, turned out to be a pretty successful host.  She seamlessly slid in to the sketches as if she was just another member of the cast.  I don't think there was anything that will be remembered for seasons to come in this episode, but for the most part, all the sketches were effective and funny in their own way.  I would consider that a pretty successful broadcast.

***B***
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Friday, December 9, 2016

SNL 42.1 Review - Margot Robbie, The Weeknd

Original Airdate - 10/1/16

A busy fall did not keep me from watching SNL.  However, it has kept me from writing my reviews.  Here is my effort at catching up with some quick snippets from the first few months of Season 42, which has definitely been memorable.

Margot Robbie has quickly become the "it" girl in Hollywood.  The Aussie bombshell seems to be everywhere, including the SNL stage.  Here is how her first turn as host went.

Everyone knew this season of SNL had a potential of being legendary with a presidential election dominating every news outlet, especially such an unconventional and divisive election.  Once it was announced that Alec Baldwin would be portraying Donald Trump, the excitement grew even more.  This Cold Open was our first look into SNL's take of the election cycle.  After seeing the first one, you couldn't wait till the next week for the next one.  It became one of the best things to come out of this crazy election.

Monologue
Margot Robbie is a great actress and absolutely gorgeous.  However, comedy is not a natural talent of hers, especially stand-up comedy.  Her monologue was adequate, but nothing special.

Best Sketch
There were some pretty solid sketches, including the always entertaining Family Feud.  However, the best sketches played off of Robbie's best attribute: her beauty.  This sketch was a live report of a local news station.  Quickly, the story shifted from the tragedy to wondering how the average-looking guy ended up married to the blonde bombshell.  The new kid playing the husband was perfect in his debut (I'll be honest ... I have trouble telling the two new guys apart...).

Weekend Update
Weekend Update has become my favorite part of every show.  Jost and Che have the best chemistry at that desk since Fey and Fallon.  There were two guests to the Update desk this week.  First was Cecily Strong's undecided voter.  Cecily is great on SNL, however these characters she does are just not funny.  The other guest was Kenan's David Ortiz.  This impression sounds nothing like Big Papi, but I can't stop laughing every time I see it.

Dark Horse Sketch
SNL has shifted a lot this season to more and more pre-recorded content.  This is probably the influence of the new head writers.  This first one was about a group of high school kids fantasizing about the hot librarian.  However, the fantasy does not go the way they anticipated.  Again, Robbie's beauty is used in a perfect comedic way.  It also showed she really doesn't take herself seriously.

Grade
This was a strong start to a season that needed a strong start.  With the election, it had a potential to be an all-time great season.  However, losing both Taran Killam and Jay Pharaoh, two of the most popular castmembers, over the summer to the world beyond 30 Rock, this season could have gone a different way.  This episode showed that SNL is looking more toward being an all-time great than the other way.

***B***


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Thursday, December 31, 2015

SNL 41.9 Review - Tina Fey & Amy Poehler, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

Original Airdate - 12/19/15

Usually, the most anticipated episodes of Saturday Night Live are the ones hosted by former cast members.  This was true earlier this year when Tracy Morgan made his triumphant return.  This is what Lorne Michaels was banking on when he brought back Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, two of the most beloved castmembers of the 2000's, to host the Christmas episode this year.  It's rare for there to be co-hosts of the show, but if anyone should do it it is Tina and Amy.  Tina has hosted once before, and although Amy has never officially hosted, she has been one of the most frequent former castmembers to pop by and say hi.  Add to that The Boss as the musical guest, and we had the makings of a legendary episode.

Cold Opening

The political scene right now provides so much rich material for a show like SNL that every week they almost feel obligated to make a statement on the latest spectacle.  This week was a Republican debate.  With so many candidates on the stage, and the fact that you pull out all the stops for the Christmas episode, they brought announcer Darrell Hammond out of the booth to show off his spot on Donald Trump impression.  Taran Killam has been doing an admirable job, but nothing beats Hammond.  The show was definitely off to a strong start.

Monologue

Although the material for this monologue wasn't necessarily original, Tina and Amy show once again why they might be the best comedy duo working today.  There is just so much chemistry between these two, and they are so naturally funny, that they could make reading the phone book fun.  This new attempt at a Christmas song is a perfect example of this.

Weekend Update




Two things were certain about this episode's trip to the Weekend Update desk: Kate McKinnon would find some character to bring just like she does almost every single episode, and Tina and Amy, Weekend Update anchor alums, would make some sort of appearance.  Both of these came true.  McKinnon brought out some strange old lady to talk about soap operas, but it turns into a strange discussion about whatever she is eating out of her leftover container.  Both Kate and Colin cracked as they were thrown off by the smelly meal.  Then we have Tina and Amy just showing up to read a couple jokes of their own.  It's so nice to see them back at the desk every now and then.

Best Sketch


There were so many great sketches that came out of this episode, I couldn't pick just one.  Honorable mention goes to a creative sketch that allows Tina and Amy to bring back their Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton impressions.  The first sketch picked shows one of the benefits of bringing back former castmembers and writers as hosts.  Instead of churning out a batch of sketches every week like they did when they were castmembers, Tina and Amy have had sketch ideas rolling around in their heads for years that they are finally able to bring to the stage.  This sketch of a really bizarre game show is the type of awkward, uncomfortable comedy that they were known for back in the day.  The second sketch is special for a few reasons.  It starts off fairly bland until you realize Tina and Amy don't do anything without their buddy Maya Rudolph.  Then, there she is.  Also, this is officially the first Bill Cosby appearance since his legal troubles, which is really a shame since Kenan Thompson does one of the best Cosby impressions there is.  The joke definitely hits home, while part of you is forced to ask, "Too soon?"

Worst Sketch

A danger of having former castmembers around is you can get stuck in some generic, average sketches.  This sketch is one that didn't need to happen.  The first time this sketch was brought out a few years ago, it was funny for a little while, but by the end of it, it was already getting old.  I think they were hoping that, with time, the sketch would freshen back up.  It didn't.  A film director who used to work on The Jeffersons is giving acting advice to serious actors in a a classic drama.  I can imagine this is sketch was pulled out because of its ties to some improv games, but it just isn't that funny.

Dark Horse Sketch


When you have old castmembers around, you can pull out old sketches.  I don't know how long it has been since there has been a Bronx Beat, but it was a welcome site to see Amy and Maya reprise their roles and find a way to include Tina.  I don't know if it is a good thing or a bad thing, but sometimes when the old castmembers return, it makes the current cast irrelevant.  I think it is a good thing every now and then, but not something to get into a habit of.  The second video is the best end of the show event of the season so far.  Springsteen, his band, the cast, and apparently Paul McCartney all get together and sing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."  Just enjoy.

Grade
More is always expected out of the Christmas episode.  This, along with the season finale are always considered the highlights of the year.  This episode was set up to be great more than any other so far this season.  Although it wasn't a perfect episode, it certainly wasn't a disappointment.  It definitely brought 2015 to a strong close for Saturday Night Live.

***B+***

View the full episode here:

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Friday, June 13, 2014

SNL 39.20 Review - Charlize Theron, The Black Keys

Original Airdate - 5/10/14

I find it interesting when hosts take 10 years or so to make it back to Saturday Night Live to host again.  What takes them so long?  Are they too busy?  Are they not as popular as before?  Were they not a good host but are too popular and famous to not give another shot eventually?  I don't know.  This has happened a few times during this season.  Bruce Willis hosted for the first time in 24 years this season, and John Goodman took 12 years to get in his 13th hosting gig.  This brought another former host out of the archives.  Charlize Theron had not hosted since her debut in 2000.  I don't know how that first time went, but I really don't think of comedy when I think of the woman who won an Oscar for Monster.  However, recently there have been some signs of comedy in her career with Young Adult and this year's A Million Ways to Die in the West.  If you want to improve your standing in comedies, Seth MacFarlane isn't a bad way to accomplish that.  Anyways, this episode seemed justified, however she also shows that comedy does not necessarily come naturally to her.

Cold Opening

One of the reasons everyone was excited for Sasheer Zamata to join the Saturday Night Live cast is they could now have a Michelle Obama impersonator in house without having to wait for a black woman (like Kerry Washington) to host or Maya Rudolph to visit.  This was finally the time to debut her impression, along with the debut of Vanessa Bayer's Hilary Clinton, who apparently won the audition that took place live earlier in the season.  This sketch was fairly funny as the awkwardness between these two strong women was apparent.  You could tell there is a lot more exploring that needs to be done with these characters that, it appears, they will have a chance to do over the next few seasons leading up to the end of Obama's presidency and a possible Hilary Clinton presidential campaign.  Either way, it was a successful debut for both of them.

Monologue

This was one of my least favorite monologues of the year.  It was just kind of painful.  You know when you have to start out your premise by saying, "Remember back 14 years ago when I was here last..." it's not a strong bit.  On top of that, the premise is looking at the fact that she thought she could sing, but she can't.  So they sing a song about it.  It was fairly stupid and not a strong start for Charlize.

Weekend Update

Just because the episode started off slow doesn't mean it didn't have some high points.  On Weekend Update, history was made.  Since the first season of SNL, a favorite target for the show has been Barbara Walters.  From Gilda Radner's "Baba Wawa" to Cheri Oteri's hilarious caricature, Walters has been as much of a fixture on the show as she has been in American culture over the last 40 years.  Her recent announcement that she would soon be retiring led to Barbara Walters's first actual appearance on the show.  Her sketch wasn't extremely funny as you started to see why it is time for her to walk away from public life, but the historical significance of the appearance was not lost on me and made it one of the greatest moments of this season.

Coming down the home stretch of the season, it is important to see the favorites make one last appearance before the summer.  Enter Drunk Uncle in his first appearance with Colin instead of Seth.  Donning a graduation cap, Drunk Uncle rants on the problems with schools, as well as his usual babble.  What can I say?  It's funny every time.

Best Sketch

This was one of the funniest sketches of the season that wasn't a retread or a digital short.  Airing the night before Mother's Day, we have a Mother's Day game show featuring a mom asking her kids questions like, "Who's that guy I like?"  Each question is great, with each answer greater.  Everyone plays their parts perfect as everyone knows a mom that would say that, or the dad that avoids feelings, or the troubled neighbor that is always hanging around.  I thoroughly enjoyed this.

Worst Sketch

There were some fun sketches, but there were definitely our fair share of clunkers too.  Like I said, there were moments when you realized Charlize Theron wasn't in her natural element.  One of those moments was combined with one of my least favorite characters of the season inexplicably getting a second chance.  Heshy is a Middle Eastern ineffective motivational speaker that gives low budget productions that are supposed to be funny with the help of her son and an assistant.  Once again, the funniest part of the sketch is the guest assistant (last time it was Kerry Washington).  The problem is Heshy just isn't funny.  More times than not Nasim Pedrad creates characters that just don't work, and this is the perfect example.

Dark Horse Sketch

There were some weird sketches in this episode that really worked in a lot of ways.  Two of them are sharing this title.  First, we have a very bizarre sketch about two women helping get some kitties adopted.  The characters in this sketch are what make it awkwardly hilarious as Kate McKinnon and Charlize Theron have fun with this one.

The second Dark Horse Sketch is the latest Kyle Mooney creation.  He has such a bizarre and original brand of comedy that comes out in these closing time sketches.  This time Kyle, along with some friends, hit the streets disguised as foreigners asking random people on the street for help.  Every time he has been able to take advantage of unsuspecting bystanders, it has led to some great sketches.  This is no different.  The highlight is Charlize Theron in a fat suit asking for someone to take a picture.

Grade
This was a very interesting episode with great peaks and valleys.  When it was good, it was some of the best the season had to offer.  When it was bad, it was some of the worst of the season.  Like I have said, there were some moments Charlize Theron really seemed to be out of her element, but her overall acting talent is still able to shine through at times and show she could really do anything (except Heshy ... no one can make Heshy work...).

***B-***

View the full episode here:

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