So, it’s the first episode of the post-Seth Meyers era for
SNL. Fortunately there’s another
witty white guy to take his place.
Phew! Disaster averted.
Also, since it’s the Saturday before the Oscars, I’ve got to
believe that Saturday Night Live was sort of desperate for talent in terms of
hosting. They got Jim Parsons, who
is allegedly known for doing comedy.
Our rating system;
Phil Hartman – Comedic gold
Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy
Norm MacDonald – Funny, but not for
everyone
Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.
Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence
Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome
Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious
Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with
David Spade – Trying too hard
Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny
Quick editorial note: I usually watch the episode and take
notes before writing the SMQB.
However because I attended the AMC Best Picture Showcase, this week I’ll
be basically writing as I’m watching.
So it may be a bit rough around the edges.
Ellen Cold Open – McKinnon’s impression is Ellen is
great. Man, this sketch is
toothless. It’s also brutal. Parson’s Weir seems way more Parsons
than Weir. Tara Lipinski in a
pocket? SNL’s been off for a month
and this is how they start things off?
Rating: Janeane Garofalo
Monologue – This monologue is not funny. But it does feel like Parsons had a ton
of input on the monologue and possibly wrote it himself, at least the beginning
part. A singing monologue? Trotting out almost adequate
impressions? Parsons is not that
guy and this monologue is not that funny.
Rating: David Spade
Tonkerbell – Aidy Bryant as a saucy fairy. I like the relationship between Peter
and Tonkerbell. I’m slightly
confused by what was supposed to be accomplished by the high-five? Was it supposed to be funny? Also, Parsons’ reading is
distracting.
Rating: Jim Breuer
The Bird Bible – I dig the weird premise. I like the awkward acting. I do like that the Bird Bible may have
a “faint egg smell.” This feels
like a bit that would come on post-Update. But props for placing it here, when the episode needs a
boost of creativity.
Rating: Norm MacDonald
The Killer Files – This is a pretty funny premise. It plays to Parsons’ strength of
looking creepy. Wait, pieces of
body getting found in the Soul Train green room didn’t get a laugh? That’s odd. Or completely appropriate. Marc Allen Henry’s Khaki Pants Breakdown is a funny
extension of the joke. Of course
this entire Dance Floor Killer sketch continues the SNL trend of doing filmed
sketches with live wraparound. I
believe every episode in 2014 has had one. The sketch is funny enough, mainly because the episode has
dropped the bar so incredibly low.
Rating: Norm MacDonald
Oscar Profiles – Another filmed bit? Of course this sketch is borderline
meta since Taran Killam was actually in 12 Years a Slave. This is a pretty funny bit. The reveal of Jerome as the cameraman
was a very nice touch. The
awkwardness was pretty awesome.
Rating: Phil Hartman
Beck Performance #1 – I’m always excited for a new Beck
album. In fact Beck is probably
the only Scientologist whose work I’m still anxious to consume. Based on this song it seems like his
next album will be more about live instrumentation than producer based. I like this song. But then again, I like Beck. Also, I’m sure glad to see he’s still
got his bass player with him. That
dude rocks.
Weekend Update – Wow, I really didn’t care for that earnest
opening. Not one bit. Jost does not look comfortable, which
is making me uncomfortable. What
was up with that weird cut to Cecily while Shaq and Barkely were getting
situated? Pharoah missing his line
was great. Jebidiah Atkinson? I really like his offense to people not
liking a joke. Props on a Woody
Allen joke.
Hillhurst Murder Mystery Dinner – Good gravy this sketch is
painful. The staging is poorly conceived
and Parsons inability to not stare directly at the cuecards kills any momentum
that the sketch could possibly have.
I feel badly for anyone involved in this sketch, but mostly for whoever
thought Parsons would be a good host.
Rating: Jim Breuer
Spotlightz – Really, this sketch makes a second
appearance? The premise works,
because it’s topical, but the joke of Parsons character mouthing his partners
lines is undercut by the fact that Parsons has been reading his lines all night
long. We get a second reference to
the Somali pirates of Captain Phillips.
This sketch actually wasn’t all that bad. I’m surprised it came back, but it worked much better this
time around.
Rating: Tim Meadows
Beck Performance #2 – This is a dope performance. I like that Beck’s up there, basically
alone with an orchestra behind him.
And those opening strings sounded vaguely reminiscent of Radiohead. I’m very excited about this new Beck
album.
Elevator Ride – It’s a pretty basic set up, with things
escalating. As each new person
gets on the elevator. It feels
like it should be the five to one sketch.
Yet, it’s not? It’s a quick
in and out sketch. Pretty
harmless.
Rating: Tim Meadows
Cowboy Campfire – Boom mic in the shot? At this late in the show? Man, this sketch is like devoid of
jokes. It’s got on joke that’s
relying nearly completely on Parsons, which, as this episode has shown is never
a good thing. And the ending was
just bad.
Rating: Janeane Garofalo
Final Thoughts: Wow, this episode was bad. This is easily the worst episode this
seasons and probably the worst episode in recent memory. SNL’s was off for four weeks and they
return completely mediocre. The
only impression Colin Jost made this week was that he’s not really comfortable
and he’s so very white.
This episode was so bad that I’m looking forward to Lena
Dunham, which is something I never thought I’d ever type.
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