I find Reese fascinating. She had that pretty high profile run in with police, which
has proved to be little more than hiccup in her career. She seems to have a carefully
cultivated public image, almost Cruise-esque. I’m curious what she’ll bring to SNL.
I’m equally curious to see what Saturday Night Live’s
writers are going to bring to the table.
The finish line is within sight.
Will they coast to the finish or cross it with a final burst of energy?
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
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;
Drake – Outstanding
Edward Norton – Impressive
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet
Jim Parsons - Awful
The Southern Republican Leadership Conference – Yes,
political conferences are basically pep rallies. The novelty of Strong’s DJ
hyping the crowd up wears off pretty early, leaving the sketch to rely on the
not-quite impressions performed by the cast members. Which isn’t to say that the sketch doesn’t boast some clever
writing, but some of it lost between Strong’s spot on DJ voice and the pumped
in pumped up music.
Rating: Darrell Hammond
Monologue – It’s touching to see the members of the cast
with their mothers. It’s also a
perfect illustration of how sprawling the cast is as this “monologue” goes on
forever. You’ve got to applaud the
writer who thought that awkward banter between the cast and their mothers would
be entertaining rather than painful.
It’s cute and almost touching, but nowhere near funny. Not even in the same neighborhood.
Rating: Jim Breuer
Be Scene in L.A. – Cecily has been doing some serious
character work this back half of the season, so it’s great to see her at it
again. But this sketch boils down
to the bodily functions of women of a certain age. Thankfully Pharoah and Thompson provide some laughs with
their inept producers.
Rating: Kristen Wiig
Picture Perfect – On the plus side, it’s a game show sketch
that isn’t Hollywood Game Night or Family Feud. On the down side, Strong playing a Latina again? The idea that someone has to draw the
Prophet Muhammad is a funny one and slightly edgy for SNL at this point. The halfway point sound was a great touch
as was Moynihan and Thompson’s uneasiness. And the sketch went on as long as it could without
stretching things too thin, which is something SNL isn’t known for doing.
Rating: Kristen Wiig
Mr. Westerberg – A bitch session gone astray is a pretty obvious
premise, but this really works for a couple reasons. One is Bennet’s aloofness. Another is the scenarios that he presents. And lastly, the fact that he seemingly
enjoys the treatment. This was
just great.
Rating: Norm Macdonald
Florence + the Machine First Performance – Look, I never got
caught up in the firestorm that was Florence + the Machine when they first blew
up and were everywhere. Somehow I
managed to avoid them. But this
song is pretty awesome. Part of
why I like it is because I’m a sucker for xylophones. I do dig this song.
Weekend Update – The good news about SNL’s upcoming season
finale is that we’re guaranteed a break from Leslie Jones’ relationship
expert. The novelty has officially
worn off after multiple appearances.
Something that’s gotten better with multiple appearances, Jost’s runner
about his relationship with his dad.
It gets me every time and I laugh every time. I question the inclusion of Two Girls You Wish You Hadn’t
Gotten Into a Conversation with at a Party, because Reece didn’t add anything
and because it was crazy brief. It
had zero momentum. Willie, on the
other hand is always welcome. “Two
young crazy fun-loving kids…jumped me in the parking lot.” Good stuff Willie.
Student Theater Showcase – I will admit to really liking
this reoccurring sketch. I love
how spot on the voices are and how “deep” the thoughts are. The pretension in this sketch is so
funny.
Rating: Norm Macdonald
Southern Ladies – This is one of those sketches that gets
better and better the more it marinates.
Reese does a great job of selling her character and the stories told are
funny, nutty and gross. And of
course the reveal really brings it home.
The reveal is what made me love this sketch.
Rating: Norm Macdonald
Whitewater Kingdom – This sketch is the answer to the
question “can you put Bennet and Mooney characters in a live sketch and make it
work?” The answer is a resounding
“no.” This was painful to watch. I
wonder if they had their camera and editing equipment taken away or if they’re
making a pitch for their continued existence on the show. Either way, this sketch was not a good
sign.
Rating: David Spade
Florence + the Machine Second Performance – Right off the
bat, I’d dug how half of the backup singers had horns to play. Versatility is always a plus. Again, this song is pretty dope, due in
no small part to the energy it contained.
While these performances may not have convinced me to buy her albums,
I’d probably check out Florence live in concert.
Whiskers R We – This sketch is a solid earner. McKinnon’s always on and Reese held it
together surprisingly well. Of
course the stories told about the cats were just the right kind of nutty. One’s a registered sex offender and
another is a cult leader. What’s
not to love?
Rating: Norm Macdonald
Final Thoughts: This was a pretty solid episode with only a
few missteps. That monologue was
enough to make me hope that SNL
never does a holiday themed monologue again (though the home video component
almost made it worthwhile.) And
while Mooney and Bennett collaborations may not be everyone’s cup of tea, that
live sketch of theirs was certainly no one’s cup of tea.
Reese did fine job.
She didn’t have to do much heavy lifting, but she also wasn’t just an
extra in the sketches. And while
she didn’t really add anything to Update, she get props for showing up.
Host Rating: Josh Hutcherson
Next Week: Louis C.K. and Rihanna end the season. Should be interesting.
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