SNL 41.13 Review - Melissa McCarthy, Kanye West

Original Airdate - 2/13/16

One of the most popular hosts of the last few seasons at Saturday Night Live has been Melissa McCarthy.  As her star continues to rise in Hollywood, she keeps on getting asked back.  She has had poor performances, and she has had great performances.  It either seems to be one or the other.  Where would this episode fall?

Cold Opening

This was possibly the most creative political sketch of the season so far.  It starts with a group of people talking about the election.  They all agree Hilary is the logical choice, but they all lean towards Bernie.  Then we hear what could only be referred to as "Hilary's Lament."  It's such a strange way of looking at this presidential race but such a fun look at the environment.  Oh yeah, and poor old Jeb...

Monologue

I loved this monologue.  Melissa McCarthy comes out so excited that she finally gets to join the exclusive "5 Timers Club" for those that have hosted the show five times.  She even has a song prepared for it.  Then she realizes the 40th Anniversary Episode last year doesn't count.  She was one of many that spoke on stage so she considered it a hosting gig.  So it's just her fourth turn, but look for that celebration to take place soon.

Weekend Update

Weekend Update has been one of the highlights of every show this season.  It's the one thing that can be counted on in a bad episode, and something that puts good episodes over the top.  This one put this episode over the top.  First, there was a great cameo by Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, asked to talk about science which he constantly compared to hitting Cam Newton.  Then we have an impression that Vanessa Bayer can actually do, and it's a good one.  She channels her inner mid-90's Rachel Green from Friends and completely nails it.  Last, we have another appearance by Leslie Jones as she gives her Valentine's oratory.  I was laughing the whole time.

Best Sketch

Melissa McCarthy is a master of awkward comedy, and this sketch is a perfect example.  A teen has decided to sit down with his parents for a movie night.  However, everyone forgot this movie has a sex scene, and there is nothing more awkward than watching a sex scene in a movie sitting next to your parents.  This was one of many great sketches in this episode where McCarthy uses that awkward comedy to perfection, but this one is the best.

Worst Sketch

This sketch was all right, but I am just not a fan of comedy revolving around race relations and tensions.  This sketch talks about the latest Beyonce song and how it is forcing white people to come to grips with the fact that Beyonce is black.  There is an interesting point to the sketch, but I just don't find it that funny.

Dark Horse Sketch

Whenever Kyle Mooney has one of his sketches make the show, this spot really just becomes a time to focus on his genius.  This sketch is just crazy.  Apparently, Kyle Mooney thought he could be a rapper and decides to challenge Kanye West to a rap battle.  That's really all you need to know.  Enjoy.

Grade

At the beginning, I said there are two types of Melissa McCarthy episodes: really good ones and really bad ones.  This was a really good one.  There were times in this episode I was laughing harder than I have all season.  You add to the great sketches the spectacle that is a Kanye West performance, and you have one of the best episodes of the season.  This is the second episode in a row I have said that.  This group is really hitting their stride this season.

***A***

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SNL 41.12 Review - Larry David, The 1975

Original Airdate - 2/6/16

Larry David became quite the hit around the Saturday Night Live circles after he was brought in a couple times this season to give a spot-on Bernie Sanders impression.  So when it was announced that he would be hosting, it seemed like a natural next step.  Bringing in one of the Seinfeld creators to help write some sketch comedy had to come up with some great material.  It certainly did.

Cold Opening

One of the benefits of bringing back Darrell Hammond to be SNL's resident Donald Trump is it has freed up Taran Killam to bring to life Ted Cruz, an impression he is much better at.  This is the first non-debate sketch to feature Cruz, who is looking more and more like a legitimate presidential candidate.  It was a solid sketch that we can expect more of before the season is over.

Monologue

Few people are as naturally funny as Larry David.  Listening to him talk about anything will make you laugh pretty quickly.  It was no surprise then that his monologue was a true monologue.  He is one of the few people that can really say whatever they want, and it would still be endearing.  This was no exception.

Weekend Update

There were three visitors to the Update desk this week.  First, we have our weekly visit from Kate McKinnon.  With the release of Barbies of all shapes and sizes, Kate debuts Sturdy Barbie in a way only Kate can pull off.  Next comes the first appearance at the Update desk for new castmember Jon Rudnitsky, who reenacts his version of Dirty Dancing.  It was so strange and wonderful that in any other episode, it would have ended the segment.  However, there was also Zoolander and Hansel talking politics.  That is kind of hard to top.  This was possibly the best set of guests to the Update desk this season.

Best Sketch

This was a sketch that forced everyone to do a double take.  In a simulation exercise at the FBI, cadets are trained on shooting at threats and not at civilians, but then someone pops up that they don't know what to do with.  It takes a second to fully realize that Kevin Roberts is in fact Larry David.  It's quite the disguise and quite the sketch because of it.

Worst Sketch

My favorite thing about this episode is there really wasn't a bad sketch.  If I had to pick one, this would probably be it, mainly because SNL did a terrible job at keeping the secret of the sketch.  After some interaction among the people on the boat, out pops Bernie Sanders to have a conversation with his impersonator.  It's a great sketch, but Sanders's appearance on the show was released to the press two days or so before the episode was aired.  It ruined the surprise.

Dark Horse Sketch

As a teacher, I fully appreciate the brilliance of this sketch.  It's a little silly and goofy, but too good not to share.  Iguana?  Wanna?

Grade

It's hard to go a whole episode without a bad sketch.  Somehow, this episode did.  Larry David needs to host more often if this is the result.  He is one of those hosts that instantly makes every sketch funnier.  Add to that such a strong Weekend Update, and this is one of the stronger episodes of the season.

***A***

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SNL 41.11 Review - Ronda Rousey, Selena Gomez

Original Airdate - 1/23/16

Every now and then, SNL brings in a host that is intriguing because you have no idea what they can bring to the table.  Usually, this comes in the form of athletes.  They are the big name, but also the big unknown.  Ronda Rousey has done a little acting, but only in action films.  How would she handle the chaos of live sketch comedy?  Hopefully, it would go better than her last fight...  It did, but not by much.

Cold Opening

Donald Trump provides so much material for this show, I think he is doing everything he can now to make the show every week.  Of all the appearances so far, this one might be the best.  Sarah Palin endorsed Donald Trump.  This gave a great Trump moment along with another excuse to bring back Tina Fey to bring to life one of the most popular characters of the last decade.  It became one of the best sketches of the season so far, partially because it was not that far off from the truth.

Monologue

Many times, the monologue can get pretty routine, especially for someone without the comedy background.  However, this one was actually pretty original.  Ronda Rousey is a fighter, constantly looking for a way to win.  So she is looking for a way to win the monologue, with the help of color commentators and a coach in her corner.  It isn't the greatest monologue ever, but it was definitely different and fun.

Weekend Update

This show took place in the middle of Winter Storm Jonas that covered the east coast in snow.  Several times throughout the episode it is referenced, but my favorite had to be sending Bobby out in the snow during the Weekend Update, declaring the snow to "not be that bad."  Leslie Jones shows up and tells of her burning love for Leonardo DiCaprio.  Then, Willie shows up, who is becoming one of my favorite Update characters.  He just seems to be getting funnier and funnier.

Best Sketch

Although everything I have talked about so far has been really good, the majority of the show was average at best.  Most of what Rousey did was very ordinary.  However, there was this sketch.  Ronda Rousey plays the shy, cute high schooler going on a romantic date with the popular jock only to find out that it was a prank designed by the "cool kids."  All I can say is ... don't mess with Ronda Rousey.

Worst Sketch

Most of the rest of the sketches looked like this.  This was one of two re-hashed sketches of the night that did not deserve a second round.  The girls take turns trying to win over Taran Killam with the lamest of pick-ups.  The worst part of the sketch was the fact that the best line was the first line.  It also was way too long as if the writers didn't know how to end it.  Thank goodness Selena Gomez came to the rescue (probably the only time I will ever say that).

Dark Horse Sketch

Whenever Kyle Mooney gets to create his weird brand of comedy, it is a highlight of the show.  This time, Kyle and Beck are trying to figure out what it means to go to a party.  The ridiculous stuff they say is so fun and refreshing.

Grade

Sometimes, the writers are presented with a host that they don't know what to do with.  Usually, they try some stuff out and let them make a fool of themselves.  The problem here was they took no risks.  They looked at Ronda Rousey and used her as a pretty face almost exclusively instead of taking some risks.  Whether this was Rousey's request or a struggle from the writers, it led to a pretty boring episode that tried for way too many cheap laughs instead of actually trying to be funny.  If it wasn't for Weekend Update and Sarah Palin, this would be a prime competitor for the worst episode of the season.  As it is, it's just slightly higher than the low point of the season.

***C+***

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SNL 41.10 Review - Adam Driver, Chris Stapleton

Original Airdate - 1/16/16

Star Wars is now the highest grossing movie of all time.  It only makes sense that Saturday Night Live tries to cash in on some of that success.  They picked the perfect cast member to host their show too.  Adam Driver has been an actor known well by some and not at all by others.  Some recognized him as the boyfriend from Girls, others recognized him from minor roles in an array of random films.  I always thought of him as the weird sound effects singer from the Coens' Inside Llewyn Davis (starring fellow Star Wars actor Oscar Isaac ... he would be a great one to host too!).  Then Star Wars came out, and he is instantly recognizable by everyone.  However, one thing that you notice very quickly in this episode is that Adam Driver is really funny and, despite being known now as the epitome of evil, he is built for sketch comedy.

Cold Opening

This had to be the worst Cold Opening of the season.  Yes, there was a Republican Presidential Debate this week, and yes, SNL loves to comment on the political scene as they are very good at it.  However, the last episode before Christmas started off with a Republican Presidential Debate sketch, and this felt more like a re-run of that sketch than something fresh.  It did nothing new with the material.  They even brought back announcer Darrell Hammond to be the Donald, but even he seemed bored with it.  You can't start two shows in a row with the same sketch.  That's a rule.

Monologue

Quickly, the stale Cold Opening was forgotten as the Monologue started.  From the moment he stepped on stage, it was obvious that Adam Driver belongs there.  He commanded the room in a way few hosts know how.  He made light of his military past and thwarted off Star Wars fanboys asking him to reveal secrets.  It was a pretty standard bit, but it showed enough to realize this would be a strong episode.

Weekend Update

Pete Davidson is a strange guy.  I love it when they let him go to the Update desk and rant about something on his mind.  He keeps his material much fresher than Leslie Jones does.  We also learn some things about him every time.  He definitely enjoys making light of his own situations for the sake of comedy.  This week, the topic was gun control and the potential of letting guns into mental institutions.  Pete got pretty personal about his experiences with this, but what could have been awkward remained light enough to still get some good laughs.  Next to the Update desk came Vanessa Bayer's kid reporter, which is awkwardly adorable every time.  As far as the material from Jost and Che, it was strong as usual with the exception of one part.  Naturally, Michael Che had to comment on the lack of diversity in this year's Oscar nominations.  His comments went away from racial and instead talked about how no one ever sees the movies nominated for Oscars.  As an Oscar fan, I thought this was stupid especially this year.  First off, blockbuster films that everyone sees are usually not that high of quality.  Second, if they are, they get nominated, especially this year.  Star Wars got 5 nominations, and Mad Max: Fury Road got 10 nominations including Best Picture!  How much more do you want?  Not to mention, films like The Revenant become cultural phenomenons because of the attention they get from awards shows.  Some years, this is a relevant joke to make.  This just isn't one of those years.  Okay, I'm done.

Best Sketch

Following this episode, there were two sketches everyone as talking about.  I myself didn't see them as groundbreaking in any way, but they were culturally relevant and put SNL in a public eye like few sketches have in recent memory.  Because of that, they were the best sketches of the night.  First, you have the inevitable Star Wars sketch.  If you have the star of the biggest box office film of all time, why not use him?  The way they used him was quite clever too as he became the Undercover Boss on StarKiller Base.  The premise was better than the actual sketch, but it was still pretty funny.  Another good thing about this sketch is it was the only Star Wars sketch they did.  It can be easy to overdo something like that until it isn't funny anymore, but luckily they realized Adam Driver's ability to do pretty much anything and stayed away from Star Wars the rest of the night.  The second sketch that got attention was Aladdin's magic carpet ride that didn't go quite as planned.  First, for everyone who hadn't seen Inside Llewyn Davis, there was general shock that Adam Driver could sing.  Then they begin to realize that the skies aren't as clear and pure as they wished they were.  Cecily Strong pulls off a pretty convincing Jasmine too.

Worst Sketch

This sketch angered me so much.  It started out as something that looked like it was going to be really funny.  Adam Driver was hosting a show about funny cats where he narrated what the cats were doing.  It was ridiculous, silly, and hilarious coming from such a big guy with a deep voice.  This was all this sketch needed to be.  Instead, the cast ruined it.  Kate and Cecily came out as his French counterparts and gave their French commentary on the same clips.  Something that started out as being a lot of fun slowed to a stop once they started talking.  It was dull and boring.

Dark Horse Sketch

These two clips were my favorite parts of the episode.  First, you have a sketch that had to be written by Kyle Mooney.  He has such a strange brand of comedy.  A husband/wife team win a Golden Globe and tell their kids in the acceptance speech to go to bed.  We then see the kids listen and go to bed while the parents party all night.  It is so bizarre, but so funny at the same time.  The surprise cameo at the end just adds to the whole sketch too.  The second clip is a special appearance by SNL alum Fred Armisen.  Fred comes back quite often, but this time it was to pay tribute to the late great David Bowie.  It was a very well done and touching moment.

Grade

This was one of my favorite episodes of the season.  It was a fairly consistent episode throughout (except the Cold Opening) as it showed off the many sides of a new star not many people know much about.  Adam Driver was everything a host should, and he better be asked back often.  If they keep asking Chris Hemsworth back, Adam Driver has to be on the short list too.

***B+***

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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:

SNL 41.8 Review - Chris Hemsworth, Chance the Rapper

Original Airdate - 12/12/15

Return trips to host Saturday Night Live are not handed out very easily.  You have to show that there is something special there that can be expanded on to be asked back.  Rarely does anyone ever get two hosting gigs in one calendar year.  In the last few years, only comedy A-listers Melissa McCarthy and Louis C.K. have had the honor of hosting in consecutive seasons.  This makes the decision to ask back Chris Hemsworth somewhat head scratching.  Hemsworth made his hosting debut only this past March as a part of the publicity tour for Avengers: Age of Ultron.  It was a mediocre show, with nothing that really warranted a return hosting gig, especially with such a quick turnaround.  However, here we are just nine months later, and Chris Hemsworth is back.  However, this episode proved more of the same from the last one he hosted.

Cold Opening

There are certain people you are willing to reshuffle your deck for at SNL.  Will Ferrell is one of them.  One of the biggest conundrums of the 2000's for the SNL cast and writers was what to do with President George W. Bush once Will Ferrell left the show.  In this Cold Opening, he shows why no one was really able to replace him.  The most interesting part of this opening was how obvious it was that this was thrown in at the last minute.  It's like Will Ferrell showed up and said, "Do you want me to do something?"  The reason I say this is because the first sketch after the monologue had Cold Opening written all over it.  It was a political satire done through one of the political talk shows, the host wasn't in it, and it had a slightly underwhelming ending as it was most likely lacking its punchline of "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!"  It seems obvious to me that this sketch got bumped from the Cold Opening when Will showed up, but like I said, there are some people you reshuffle the deck for, and the show was better because they did it for Will Ferrell.

Monologue

The writers decide to make light of the fact that it has not been long since Chris Hemsworth walked the SNL halls by having him wander around in a homecoming of sorts.  It was slightly awkward and forgettable.  Chris Hemsworth might be willing to do anything, but he just doesn't seem to be a naturally funny guy.

Weekend Update

Weekend Update saw a couple fan favorites arrive as the guests this week.  First came Leslie Jones, who I feel is losing some of her charm.  She really only has one gear, and I feel it is starting to get a little old.  She is still funny, but it just isn't as fresh as it was when she first arrived.  The other guest was whoever Kate McKinnon felt like being that particular day.  She seems to make an appearance at the Update desk every week as one character or another.  This week, it was Angela Merkel, one of her best.

Best Sketch

It is never a good sign when the best sketch is one that did not feature the host.  However, that is what happened here.  This fake commercial hit a home run, partially because of how true it actually is.  With the new Star Wars here, it also brings about a whole new generation of toys and action figures for kids to play with ... or adults to collect.  First generation Star Wars nerds try to convince kids that the toys are the most fun left in the box.  It's a slightly sad, very true, and really funny take on the culture.

Worst Sketch

Did someone tell Chris Hemsworth he could sing?  It appears so with this sketch.  At a Holiday get-together, the group decides to gather around the piano and sing Christmas carols.  That's when Hemsworth and Cecily Strong decide to sing a very strange and bizarre Christmas show tune no one else seems to know.  I think it's supposed to be funny, but it turned out to just be awkward and uncomfortable.  My face was the same as the faces of those in the sketch, partially because it was weird, and partially because Chris Hemsworth really can't carry a tune.

Dark Horse Sketch

One thing that has to be said about Chris Hemsworth is he is willing to do pretty much anything.  In this sketch, he takes the plunge many hosts before him have taken and dresses in drag.  The way the play this sketch is what sets it apart though.  A group of ladies is out to lunch talking about the Hollywood hunks they appreciate most, when one very muscular lady in the group keeps bringing up Chris Hemsworth.  Slowly throughout the sketch, all the girlfriends realize their friend is actually Chris Hemsworth just trying to keep himself relevant in women's minds.  The lengths he was willing to go for his own vanity is the type of uncomfortable that brings about great laughs, especially in one of the last sketches of the show.

Grade

For some reason, Lorne Michaels loves Chris Hemsworth.  However, I think he has now proven that in his two hosting gigs, he just isn't that funny.  He definitely tries, but it just doesn't seem to work.  With two hosting credits in nine months, and him being one of the hottest names in Hollywood, I have a feeling that he will get another shot at this.  Hopefully, the writers find some better ways to use him.

***C***

View the full episode here:

SNL 41.7 Review - Ryan Gosling, Leon Bridges

Original Airdate - 12/5/15

To start the Holiday push at Saturday Night Live, they decided to give a hosting opportunity to an actor known as one of the best actors working today.  It was his first time hosting because he is not necessarily known for comedy, but he can be funny when he needs to be.  The major takeaway from this episode is Ryan Gosling also is good at recognizing when something is funny, as he broke character to laugh in almost every sketch he was in.

Cold Opening

Donald Trump has become a walking punchline.  It almost isn't funny at times to do a lot of Donald Trump jokes since it is getting to a point where you don't have to distort the truth anymore to satirize him.  This sketch was fine, but ultimately forgettable.  Their Trump sketches are so much funnier when he has other politicians to make fun of in the process.

Monologue

A little known fact about Ryan Gosling is that he is Canadian.  Well, that is no longer a little known fact thanks to this monologue.  Mike Myers emerges as a fellow Canadian to make light of their heritage in glorious song.  It was pretty silly, which they were willing to claim during the song, saying it was obviously a song about Canada written by Americans.  This seemed to be the one time during the episode that Gosling was able to hold it together.

Weekend Update

One of the benefits of switching up the Weekend Update anchors last season was freeing up Cecily Strong to go back to doing her characters, which is really what she does best.  She was perfectly serviceable as an anchor, but she is much more valuable to the show overall when she isn't tied to that desk.  This week gave another example of what she is capable of.  Some of her characters I don't really care for, but this one seemed to be interesting.  It seems to be a running trend to find ways to make Colin uncomfortable, and this one definitely does that.  Next, we have the first appearance this season of Anthony Crispino, the second hand news correspondent.  This character is funny, but they always take it too far.  However, instead of taking it too far this time, Ryan Gosling appeared as the third hand news correspondent who gets his news from Anthony.  He gets the mannerisms down perfectly and makes this bit truly complete.

Best Sketch

I know the actors do everything they can to not break character during a sketch, but I love it when they do.  It tells us that the material is so funny, the actors can't even keep a straight face.  Rarely has this happened recently, but Ryan Gosling proved to be quite the giggler throughout the episode which helped others lose their cool also.  This one was the worst because it was the funniest.  There were three people abducted by aliens.  Two of them seemed to have a very stereotypical alien encounter, but one very much did not.  As Kate McKinnon describes her experiences, you start to see Gosling hide his laugh, which leads to every other actor on stage be forced to do the same thing.  It made for a truly hilarious sketch.

Worst Sketch

Most of the sketches were funny in the episode.  Picking a worst sketch is more about picking the one that seemed to just be less funny than the others (which means Ryan Gosling laughed the least in it).  This sketch about a trip back to the Hollywood star's Canadian hometown was just a little too weird to truly be funny.  He is being interviewed in a local bar in his hometown when his childhood friend comes up and tries to embarrass him.  It's slightly awkward and definitely was an attempt to show a new side to the Hollywood hunk.  These sketches usually serve their purpose, but often don't have as many laughs as others.

Dark Horse Sketch

I am going to highlight two sketches here.  The first is a traditional, late in the show sketch of Santa and his naughty elves that want to be punished.  It's goofy and wrong in many ways, but still really funny.  The second sketch was one that was played early on in the show, but it perfectly defines what a Dark Horse Sketch is.  When a couple hear that Santa is to make an appearance at the Christmas party they are attending, they lose it with excitement.  The awkward, strange, disturbing actions that follow are absolutely ridiculous and hilarious.  It is as dark that SNL comedy can get.

Grade

Watching this episode, I realized something.  The current Saturday Night Live cast is too professional.  They are so good at what they do, it can sometimes come across as mechanical.  This is what makes Weekend Update the best part of the show right now.  Colin and Michael are not afraid to laugh at the jokes because they aren't actors.  There isn't a Jimmy Fallon or Will Ferrell or Horatio Sanz or Bill Hader that lets the audience know when they think something is funny.  Nobody cracks.  However, if you look back through the years some of the all-time best SNL sketches are when people can't keep a straight face (cowbell sketch, Debbie Downer, Stefon, etc.).  This either means the show isn't as funny as it used to be, or the actors are just better at keeping their cool.  However, breaking character is something that makes the show great.  It reminds you that the show is live and anything can happen.  I didn't fully realize this connection until this episode when Ryan Gosling cracked in almost every sketch.  At times, it may have been a little much, but for the most part, everything is funnier when the actors can't help but laugh.  You could almost tell that they knew he was having a rough time so they tried to rub it in a little more.  We need more goof balls on SNL, like Will Ferrell, that are so good at making people laugh that those on stage can't even help it.  Either that, or we need someone who isn't afraid to let everyone know when they find something funny, like Jimmy Fallon.  This might truly be what is holding back the current group of "Not Ready For Primetime Players" from being immortalized with the legends of the show's past.  At least for one night, they had someone that provided the laughter on stage, and it made the episode amazing.

***A-***

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SNL 41.6 Review - Matthew McConaughey, Adele

Original Airdate - 11/21/15

Just looking at that combination of host and musical guest, this looks like a powerhouse episode.  Matthew McConaughey is one of the hottest names going right now in Hollywood.  He has hosted before, but that was back in his romantic comedy hunk phase.  Now he is in his critically-acclaimed phase.  He can still be funny though.  As for Adele, nothing needs to be said.  So would the episode live up to the hype?  No ... no it could not...

Cold Opening

One of the more consistently entertaining segments SNL does right now is the Fox & Friends parody, partially because to exaggerate an already crazy concept, they have to completely fall off their rocker.  It makes for great cold openings.  This segment featured Dr. Ben Carson, brought to you by Jay Pharaoh, who completely nails the uncomfortably calm demeanor of the presidential hopeful.  However, the whole sketch was ruined when they cut the best part of the sketch every time.  At the end of every sketch, they run a list of ridiculous mistakes they have made so far in the show.  This is one of the funniest and most creative moments SNL has right now.  This time, they decided to cut this rolling scroll of one-liners in favor of yet another clip of Leslie Jones yelling at the camera.  Leslie Jones is funny, but she could have yelled at the camera in another sketch.  By putting it here, it ruined the sketch.

Monologue

I realized something from this monologue.  I would listen to Matthew McConaughey tell stories all day long.  He is going to make a great old man one day.  For his monologue, they simply send him out on stage to tell the story of the origin of his catchphrase, "All right, all right, all right."  Any time you can reference Dazed and Confused and Wooderson, it's a good day.  It was a fascinating story also.  It shows that a good monologue doesn't have to be an elaborate monologue.  More times than not, the opposite is true.

Weekend Update

To celebrate Thanksgiving, Colin and Michael decide to be in the giving mood by each writing a joke for the other one.  If you watch Weekend Update at all, you know Che rolls his eyes at most of Jost's punny punchlines, while Jost just doesn't have the guts to say what Che says.  Only two guests on Weekend Update this week.  First, we have a character brought back from a random sketch a couple seasons ago.  Vanessa Bayer is way too good at being a little kid.  She comes on as a child actor to read a few headlines and picks the most gruesome and morbid headlines to focus on.  It's not a great bit, but it wasn't bad either.  The star of this Update was David Ortiz, brought to you by Kenan Thompson.  Big Papi recently announced he would be retiring after the 2016 season, so the guys brought him on to discuss it.  What happened next sounded nothing like David Ortiz, but it was hilarious.

Best Sketch

As far as sketches go, this episode was pretty lackluster, which was disappointing with a talent like Matthew McConaughey in the building.  The best sketch was a prerecorded bit that used a concept I feel the show has used before back in the day.  It focused on a family getting together at the holidays that can't find a topic of conversation without arguing.  There is only one thing that can bring this holiday gathering together: Adele.

Worst Sketch

There were several candidates for this spot with as many sketches falling short.  The worst of these sketches was this game show called "Should I Chime In On This?"  The host would give a headline from the news of a controversial topic while loudmouth, uninformed contestants decide if they should chime in on this.  The host even says, the correct answer is always no.  However, the contestants can't help themselves.  It was a very interesting concept, and very telling of where our society is right now.  However, in execution the sketch just fell flat and wasn't funny at all.

Dark Horse Sketch

Usually, I take the Dark Horse Sketch from the post-Weekend Update portion of the show.  However, all those were terrible this episode so I picked a sketch that felt like it should have been in that portion that was pretty funny.  The premise was they have invented a 3D printer that could make a man.  They had three men on stage to try and show how their printed man blended in with other men.  This was one of the few sketches that showed McConaughey's true comedic ability, mainly his capacity for physical comedy.  It was fun.

Grade

I was hoping for such great things out of this episode.  I am a big Matthew McConaughey fan as he has shown he can pretty much do anything.  However, this SNL episode showed something he hasn't shown in quite some time; not comedy, but failure.  There were some decent moments, but this episode overall just didn't work.  I will say it was better than Donald Trump's episode, but that's not saying much.  Outside of Weekend Update, the monologue, and Adele belting out her latest music, the rest of the episode was pretty forgettable.

***C***

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SNL 41.5 Review - Elizabeth Banks, Disclosure

Original Airdate - 11/14/15

After a week of making political statements with Donald Trump taking on hosting duties, Saturday Night Live makes up for it with satisfying a request of many fans of the show.  For many years, Elizabeth Banks has topped many lists of people deserving a shot at hosting the show.  After a headline-making hosting gig that led to a lackluster show, this episode showed what the show is all about.

Cold Opening

Following the tragic events that took place in Paris just days before this episode, SNL used their platform to voice support for those grieving what had happened.  It was simple, but very poignant and effective.  For a second, it doesn't look like Cecily Strong can make it through her brief emotional message.  Part of me wants to see what potential sketch was planned that we missed, but this was such a perfect start to the episode.

Monologue

Elizabeth Banks is a multi-talented actress.  Not only is she starring in the last Hunger Games movie right now, but she also directed her first movie this year in Pitch Perfect 2.  We have seen enough Hunger Games themed sketches over the years with Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson hosting in the past few years to promote the previous films.  After a short homage to this franchise, they take advantage of the fact that they have a musical director on stage and allow her to direct her own musical number while she performs it.  It was a musical number, which is a typical fallback for monologues, but it felt different as they added that wrinkle to it.  It was definitely fun and enjoyable.

Weekend Update

Jost and Che were on top form once again.  Colin brings punny, ironic jokes a la Seth Meyers, while Michael brings an edge that few have had the guts to bring to the Update desk.  Together, they form quite the odd couple and dynamic team.  The guests to the Update desk were all repeats.  First we had Pete Davidson, almost invisible in the Trump episode, get his opportunity to give his unique perspective on current events.  Then we had Bruce Chandling, the most awkward bad comic ever.  This character keeps getting brought back, and I don't care because it is so different and awkward that it is worth seeing once or twice per season.  Last, we have Kate McKinnon channel her unique skills through her depressed Russian old lady.  It's the same jokes every time, but it's still funny every time.

Best Sketch

A host's skills are tested by how seemlessly they can blend into the rest of the cast.  From the first sketch on, Elizabeth Banks was just another player in the show.  This is always best because it allows the writers to do whatever they want with the sketches.  Of all the quality sketches that came out of this episode, this might have been my favorite.  It is a recurring sketch that takes a natural comic host like Banks for them to pull it out.  This sketch has fallen flat in the past, but this time it was hilarious.

Worst Sketch

This was hard because all the sketches were funny.  However, I will have to go with this one.  The Girls Club has come up with some pretty fun songs and performances in the last few years.  However, the last couple haven't been great, this one included.  It had some laughs in it, but these prerecorded music videos have come to have an expectation of being a highlight of each episode, dating back to the Lonely Island guys.  These last couple have not lived up to the legend.

Dark Horse Sketch

Mike O'Brien has been a writer for the show for quite some time.  He hopped up to the cast for one season when the show was desperate for new blood, but was demoted back to the writing room the next season.  Every now and then, he comes out with a special sketch written for him.  This is his first one in awhile, but it is fun as it talks about the adventures of Uber.

Grade

This was, from start to finish, one of the best and most enjoyable episodes of the season so far.  It took way too long for Elizabeth Banks to get a hosting gig, and let's hope her next stop at 30 Rock is not too far out.

***A***

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SNL 41.4 Review - Donald Trump, Sia

Original Airdate - 11/7/15

Saturday Night Live has always been willing to be controversial.  They have always been willing to be a political platform.  They have always been willing to allow political candidates to make cameos on their show in the middle of campaigns, including Barack Obama and Hilary Clinton several times (including this year already).  They also have always been willing to allow political figures to host the show during a down time, including Ralph Nader in the show's earlier years, as well as John McCain and Al Gore after each lost presidential bids.  This week brought about a first in SNL history.  Lorne Michaels brought in a presidential candidate in the middle of a campaign to host the show.  This was not just your typical presidential candidate; it was Donald Trump, possibly the most polarizing presidential candidate in quite some time.  Trump has hosted before, but the circumstances are much different this time.  I was curious to see how far the writers were going to be willing to go with one of the best sources of material this year on set.  The good thing is they really didn't hold back.  The bad thing is Donald Trump isn't very funny.

Cold Opening

With SNL's last episode, they discovered a gold mine of comedy by bringing in Larry David to play Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.  They have decided to cash in on this as much as possible.  This week was a Democratic forum involving McKinnon's Hilary and David's Sanders.  This hasn't stopped being funny yet, and I hope it never does.

Monologue

What do you do for a presidential candidate that is a walking punchline to a joke?  Mimic him.  Taran Killam has put together a pretty good Donald Trump impression, but the best one is done by sophomore SNL announcer and longtime castmember Darrell Hammond.  So which one should they use?  Both!  It was actually scary to see just how much of a caricature Trump is when you see him next to impressions.  Add in Larry David's paid outburst at the end, and they successfully addressed almost every elephant in the room.

Weekend Update

Of all the places to have fun at the host's expense, Weekend Update would be the place.  Along with another one of Leslie Jones's rants, this Update was stolen by the by the first appearance in awhile by everyone's favorite Drunk Uncle.  This time, Drunk Uncle was very happy as the inebriated, racist, nostalgic, blubbering idiot is the biggest supporter of Mr. Trump.  While Trump made his appearance on the show to help promote his presidential campaign, he seemed to be okay with them ripping his political stances.  I guess if you are as controversial as Trump, you embrace all attention, positive or negative.

Best Sketch

As far as the sketches went, there was very little worth remembering.  Many of the sketches fell flat as the writers struggled with how to incorporate Trump into comedy without him just being himself.  Usually I write about the funniest sketch of the episode, but this one was the most interesting.  They gave a snapshot of the White House in 2018 with President Donald Trump.  I am not really sure what the purpose of this sketch was as they claimed everything Trump said he would do as president came true.  Trump had to think this would help his candidacy for president, but instead his actual policy stances became the punchlines of the sketch as you could hear the whole audience realize just how unrealistic his ideas are.  The sketch also made fun of his wife and how ridiculous it would be to have her as First Lady, as Cecily Strong's impression became a focal point.  The most telling point of the sketch was when Trump's actual daughter made a cameo.  Usually, cameos are met with applause and fanfare as the crowd realizes who just stepped on stage (see Larry David above).  When Ivanka Trump stepped on stage, she had a very intentional pause of applause, but there was nothing.  The crowd was silent.  The SNL crowd is never silent.  A sketch meant to have some fun at Trump's expense forced the audience to stop and reflect on just how silly a Trump presidency could be.  This parody just looked a little too much like a reality to get the laughs and may have single-handedly forced this hosting gig to backfire.

Worst Sketch

After having some fun letting Donald be Donald, they decided to test out his acting chops in the second half of the episode.  The result was some of the least inspiring sketches in some time.  Some worked okay, like when Trump was a sleezy record producer (again, a little too close to home).  The worst of these was a night club band doing their band introductions, and one member of the band was upset by his spotlight-hogging companions.  This jealous band member was Trump, who played the laser harp.  Yep, that was the premise, and yep, it was as bad as it sounds.  It could have been okay if Trump could actually act.  Instead, his acting made it even worse.

Dark Horse Sketch

I can't believe Donald let this sketch run during his episode.  I know he is priding himself as being a non-politician, but at some point you have to show you have some sort of moral compass and integrity.  On the other hand, I'm glad it ran because it was the best sketch of the night outside of the cold opening.  These sketches are always funny, but when the porn stars come out to make a campaign commercial for Donald Tramp, I can't imagine ever topping that.  Also, we had yet another Trump impression, this time from Bobby Moynihan.

Grade

This is an episode that really fell flat for the majority of the time.  It just wasn't funny.  Add in the odd musical performances of Sia, and I really don't know what to do with this episode.  However, that does not change the fact that this was a very important episode.  A presidential candidate, in the middle of his campaign, hosted Saturday Night Live.  I really don't know how I feel about this.  I guess only time will tell how America feels about this.  I will say the most interesting part of the episode was that something meant to promote his presidency really might have had the opposite effect.  It wasn't funny, but it sure was interesting and groundbreaking.

***C***

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SNL 41.3 Review - Tracy Morgan, Demi Lovato

Original Airdate - 10/17/15

When the first batch of hosts for this season of Saturday Night Live was announced, everybody circled this date on their calendar as it marked the first hosting gig for SNL alum Tracy Morgan.  It was much bigger than that though.  It also was his first working appearance since a car crash last year that almost took his life.  This was to be the triumphal return of one of the show's most beloved characters.  It didn't disappoint.

Cold Opening

The show started with what could turn out to be the best sketch of the season.  The Democratic Debate was the topic of the day, which always has the potential to be a highlight thanks to Kate McKinnon's Hilary Clinton.  What made this sketch so good is who filled out the rest of the panel.  Alec Baldwin portrayed the overly-confident and annoyed Jim Webb, and in what may be the best casting decision the show has had (at least since Tina Fey became Sarah Palin), Larry David was brought in to play Bernie Sanders.  It was perfect.  All of a sudden, McKinnon's Clinton was the boring sidekick, which many think is the case in the real campaign.  Either way, this made for a classic sketch that will be replayed for years to come.

Monologue

Now the moment everyone was waiting for.  Tracy Morgan took the stage.  There was a group of people who really wanted to welcome him back in a special way.  So they recreated a scene in 30 Rock, complete with Alec Baldwin, Tina Fey, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Krakowski.  It was a great way to welcome back Morgan and start the show off as the celebration it was meant to be.

Weekend Update

Colin and Michael had their first hiccup this week.  When you work in comedy, every now and then a joke won't work.  However, these two had a bit that flamed out so impressively that it left the hosts chuckling to themselves, which is funny because they were the only ones laughing.  As far as the guests to the Update desk go, you can't pass up an opportunity to have Tina Fey visit when she is in the building.  The second guest was Michael's neighbor Willy, who gets better and better each time he shows up.

Best Sketch

I have two best sketches to showcase here.  First is an old classic Tracy Morgan sketch everyone knew would be coming back, but everybody was excited to see.  Brian Fellow's Safari Planet is possibly Tracy's most beloved sketch, and to see it back brought a collective smile to SNL fans everywhere.  The other best sketch brought a new definition to Family Feud as the two families competing had recently separated.

Worst Sketch

Every sketch in this episode had its moments.  Tracy Morgan has a tendency to do that.  However, this sketch was just a little too weird.  It was like the start to a classic Broadway musical, as everyone sings their good mornings to each other.  However, it starts to go very wrong as someone doesn't quite get it.  It's funny, but just a little too much.

Dark Horse Sketch

Again, here are two sketches; one from Tracy's past and one new one.  Astronaut Jones was the epitome of a Dark Horse Sketch, as it was just weird enough to be original and hilarious.  The other sketch seeks the answer to a very simple question, "Where is Jackie Chan at right now?"

Grade

As I said, this episode was more of a celebration that Tracy Morgan is back and ready to make us laugh again.  He definitely did that in this episode as he brought back some highlights of the past and found new ways also.  It is episodes like this that make you sad certain cast members had to move on.  The only thing that would have made this episode better would have been a Christmas song brought to us by Tracy, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan, and Horatio Sans.  Oh well, maybe next time.

***A***

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