tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85070279388844941512024-03-05T03:38:20.639-05:00Fission SpaghettiSkip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.comBlogger759125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-39712684472560835602015-10-18T03:48:00.001-04:002015-10-18T03:48:26.012-04:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Tracy Morgan & Demi Lovato <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxQIayChpwMMnFwdzIRqaKVWcAW2RVSjeNH0Ux6df2qQnukMiwOuv-APJR1XQYEECv3NZe9mhZ9GoKQpGyj4a1ftoGoDNDFpyLoueOwOnU3XpHXMOaBBgPRKGTTdZa6-BAbqRhjDNgDY/s1600/IMG_0023.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxQIayChpwMMnFwdzIRqaKVWcAW2RVSjeNH0Ux6df2qQnukMiwOuv-APJR1XQYEECv3NZe9mhZ9GoKQpGyj4a1ftoGoDNDFpyLoueOwOnU3XpHXMOaBBgPRKGTTdZa6-BAbqRhjDNgDY/s400/IMG_0023.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m glad Tracy Morgan is host SNL. I’m glad he’s well enough to perform and that he’s getting
the chance to. I’ve been rotting
for him since he first started on SNL. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I’m also terrified about Tracy Morgan hosting Saturday
Night Live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he going to mess up
and drop the ball?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can he still
perform?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mind you, his baseline
wasn’t all that great to begin with, but now post accident what’s he going to
be like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm Macdonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed it’s
welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the host rating scale;</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Democratic Presidential Debate Cold Open</b> – Naturally this
had to be the cold open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
the biggest political thing this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mooney gets another disposable and forgettable impression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And new guy’s Anderson Cooper just felt
off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But of course all anyone is
going to talk about are the guest appearances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex Baldwin as Webb was solid, but Larry David’s Bernie Sanders
killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while I appreciated
the reality of the scene, it does feel weird to see SNL following the
internet’s lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – This is a tough one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Technically I should downgrade the monologue, because it
barely featured the host and relied heavily on nostalgia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the nostalgia worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a 30 Rock fan, I got a kick out
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also nice to see it fit
perfectly with the tone of 30 Rock by making jabs at NBC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Chris Farley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Family Feud</b> – How refreshing; a new spin on a tired
concept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I applaud the writers for
actually putting effort into this Family Feud sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should also be noted that this sketch shows the importance
of having a diverse cast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
race wasn’t integral in the sketch, the sketch certainly benefited from it,
even just visually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even liked
how it sort of had an ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Brian Fellow’s Safari Planet </b>– Obviously I’m glad that we
get to see one of Morgan’s signature characters so early in the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also appreciated how the animals,
particularly the camel, reminded us that we were watching live television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Chris Farley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mitchell’s Fake Cocaine</b> – I dug the escalation in this
sketch, from the covering up of the dump with the fake cocaine to the fake
spray to the clogged toilet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
me the line of the sketch was Bennett’s blow up “there are other people at this
party you know. You don’t have to just talk to me!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That line reading was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Demi Lovato First Performance </b>– I can’t front; I found the
fake horns to be distracting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
didn’t care for the Robert Palmer-esque horn section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took me out of the medley and the performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry that I couldn’t see past
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s my failing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – I liked how awkward Che’s alien rant
was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m still a fan of Che and
Jost ping-ponging a single topic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tina Fey did a fine job riffing on Playboy, but the star of Update was Willie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Willie may be my favorite current
Update correspondent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And of
course the Woodrow was the cherry on top of the doo-doo pie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing Woodrow made me so happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Loveliest Kingdom </b>– Nice to see Cecily Strong make an
appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This sketch existed in
a weird gray area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess the
implication that the pastor had his eye on the kid and waited until he was 18
is what made him a creep and worthy of being ostracized, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one felt a bit off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Standoff </b>– The story in this sketch was so well done and
Morgan’s character so well developed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was so fully realized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was really just perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Demi Lovato Second Performance</b> – I really felt the emotion
in this song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved how her
voice was raw and breaking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
added a level of earnestness to the performance that really contrasted with her
first performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one was
impressive and had my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Yo! Where Jackie Chan At Right Now</b> – How can anyone hate his
Peabody Award winning show?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
liked this sketch because of how committed everyone was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believed that both Morgan and
Thompson were indeed looking for Jackie Chan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quick hit impressions we got were funny, particularly
the more random they got (Owen Wilson, Lynne Thigpen’s The Chief).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also liked how they were actually
working the case and had a file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nutty and funny sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Astronaut Jones </b>– Perfect for the show to end with another
of Morgan’s characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was
short but sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts</b> – I don’t know who Cecily Strong pissed off,
but she’s been getting very little play the last couple weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I just realized Zamata received a
promotion and I find it baffling considering her lack of substantial screen
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The writers certainly wrote to Morgan’s
strengths/limitations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But both
Astronaut Jones and Brian Fellows reminded me how much I miss when sketches had
theme songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess they don’t
anymore before so few shows have theme songs now, so they’d be anachronistic?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tracy Morgan did a really good job, on what I’m sure was an
emotional night for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t
really have to stretch too much, but consider his horrific accident; it was
still an impressive outing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating:</b> Edward Norton</div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-16634247147236417142015-10-11T11:59:00.000-04:002015-10-11T15:59:20.577-04:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Amy Schumer & The Weeknd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVvl3O1uKbCkGikL3eUs_5R3ngYlCErMtz7A_eTWLDL5k3_lHXKZslcCnZoePiNl9Kvf6I7iV1lLc11nBXJyk_uaBsS_SIUdajthKwZEduFKS-5jPL-KkaaXPuR0THJqG5INukfIgenY/s1600/SNL+-+Schumer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVvl3O1uKbCkGikL3eUs_5R3ngYlCErMtz7A_eTWLDL5k3_lHXKZslcCnZoePiNl9Kvf6I7iV1lLc11nBXJyk_uaBsS_SIUdajthKwZEduFKS-5jPL-KkaaXPuR0THJqG5INukfIgenY/s400/SNL+-+Schumer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amy Schumer is on top of the world. She’s probably the biggest female star
in comedy at the moment and coming off a win at the Emmys for her Comedy
Central show. She also starred in
a movie this summer. Naturally she’s
going to host Saturday Night Live. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will Schumer live up to the hype?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will The Weeknd have any surprise guests?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will Sasheer Zamata show up before the
final sketch of the night?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As usual, our trusty rating system;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm Macdonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the host rating scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Fox & Friends</b> – This felt so slapdash as a cold
open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It tried to address the
topic of open Speaker of the House position, but didn’t really have anything to
say about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same with the
whole Planned Parenthood controversy, but again with very little to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s disappointing that this is the
best they could come up with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have no idea what Davison’s impression was supposed to be and McKinnon’s got
over on her typical antic energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – I’m happy that Amy Schumer’s in the position
that she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She definitely earned
her spot in the pop culture consciousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m glad she went with actual stand up as her monologue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, I didn’t really laugh at
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciated it more than I
enjoyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cruising Altitude</b> – I love the silliness of this sketch; how
it defies physics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved the
build up to actual joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted,
there wasn’t much to the premise or for the characters to do, particularly for
Killam, but it tickled me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bayer’s
trying to keep her composure and carry on was so perfectly done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Kristen Wiig </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hot for Teacher 8 </b>– I loved this sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved how Mooney and Schumer were
clearly porn actors, but Bryant was also clearly a student.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d have been totally fine with zero
explaination at all, but I wasn’t mad at Bayer as Bryant’s mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that everyone was true to
their reality just worked really well for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Guns</b> – This was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I loved most about it was that it was almost “too soon”
which a) shows an edge SNL usually shies away from and b) is right in my
wheelhouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a solid send up
of Apple’s watch campaign, but the added content of firearms just felt like a
great fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like a
two-fer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Weeknd First Performance</b> – Let’s be real; Nicki Minaj
stole the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An actual convo I
had during this performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4yW03AgOWWASGllSjYvSM67J9u7HBCGV2rM5z9cDfpgfWuGPv1nt3Q0cdw85WEHRuzIaMg23hBssYjq3_Dwk6Qq_IZqPV3zhK0_LpZFUJQRmdfrU9sPVBm3CtBXtPbGBCPcaDo7YdNY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-10-11+at+1.30.02+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4yW03AgOWWASGllSjYvSM67J9u7HBCGV2rM5z9cDfpgfWuGPv1nt3Q0cdw85WEHRuzIaMg23hBssYjq3_Dwk6Qq_IZqPV3zhK0_LpZFUJQRmdfrU9sPVBm3CtBXtPbGBCPcaDo7YdNY/s400/Screen+Shot+2015-10-11+at+1.30.02+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So yeah, the song was fine, but Nicki was fine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – Things started off rocky, with Jost getting
a smattering of applause for his Frankenspeaker joke, but things built nicely
from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The riff on gun
control was really well done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Say
what you will about the Che/Jost pairing, but tonight the looseness gave Update
an air of fluidity that reminded me I was watching live television.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glad to see Pharoah doing some
characters work as opposed to just impressions, and his Solomon was pretty
funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mrs. Santini is always welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Jost calling back to Speaker of the
House bit was a great touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ford’s Theater</b> – This was just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the plus side it gave Schumer a
character to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t just
an extra in the sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there
wasn’t really all that much to this sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s pretty one-note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hands-Free Selfie-Stick</b> – Here’s a sketch that just sort of
lingered longer than it needed to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The joke was established and then it just lay there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bryant initial discomfort was a pretty
great moment, but beyond that it just sort of “eh.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Darrell Hammond</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Bakersfield Citizen’s Forum</b> – This felt like an attempt to
create a reoccurring bit and to capitalize on some of Parks & Recreation’s
funnier moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people would
call it a blatant bite, but I think of it more as a homage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I for one would love to see Mooney’s MC
from Holland and Scary Gary Loomis again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But beyond that, this sketch wasn’t all that memorable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Weeknd Second Performance</b> – What a great pop song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m really glad he performed this one
on SNL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do wish that he had more
of a stage presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great song,
but boring performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s
not even comparing it to the one with Nicki.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Baby Shower</b> – This is an odd sketch, because apart from
Strong and Schumer, everyone else in this sketch is pretty much just sitting
there with nothing to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
very apparent the couple of times they cut to Bayer, for no discernable
reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Strong nailed her
sobbing recounting of the contents of her purse, which in turn made Schumer’s
obnoxious yelling a degree funnier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts</b> – This week didn’t blow me away, which is odd
considering how high Schumer is placed on the comedy pedestal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was expecting to have my socks
knocked off, but instead I just found it to satisfyingly funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More troubling is how few cast members showed up this
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bennett, Strong and Zamata
were arguably underused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes
sense that Jones wouldn’t get much play, because nearly every character Schumer
played was loud and obnoxious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Schumer did a decent job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She performed with the material she was given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t really stretch, but she did
fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating: </b>Josh Hutcherson</div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-22896037845894006792015-10-04T10:18:00.000-04:002015-10-04T12:19:34.553-04:00Sunday Morning Quarterback - Miley Cyrus<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSLpHUA0z5uk5HYcb9DhPRvProV2Pn8V4zc1qQSpbHPGVgWcu-vYxAKF0-H_yzKrtVTLcriJGgALu2WQgc7wSjoF7UfIXDgOms_QA6S_WSoUvq_4amI5hdu1Fot-3kKjXN2beTynM_ys/s1600/snl+miley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSLpHUA0z5uk5HYcb9DhPRvProV2Pn8V4zc1qQSpbHPGVgWcu-vYxAKF0-H_yzKrtVTLcriJGgALu2WQgc7wSjoF7UfIXDgOms_QA6S_WSoUvq_4amI5hdu1Fot-3kKjXN2beTynM_ys/s400/snl+miley.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Welcome back to the Sunday Morning Quarterback; it’s been a
long summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But fortunately SNL
has returned!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with it we have
our first host pulling double duty; Miley Cyrus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Obviously this isn’t Miley’s first rodeo; she’s been on
Saturday Night Live many other times both as host and as musical guest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only question is what the writers
will throw at her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will the season
premiere of SNL show signs of summer rust or will they catch fire right out the
gate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As usual, our trusty rating system;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm Macdonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the host rating scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Donald Trump Cold Open</b> – I get that Trump that target that
SNL wants to make sure that they hit and that they feel like they’ve got to
make up for lost time, but this felt rushed and not really fully formed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Killam’s Trump is fine in the broad
strokes, but he’s lacking a perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This one could have used more work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Jim Breuer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – Geez, speaking of “making up for lost time” this
just comes off as desperate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
like “look at what we would have done, if we were on the air the last four and
half months.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s both desperate
and lazy, which is an accomplishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And it relegates the host to a prop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Abilify for People Who Think They Can Be President</b> – This is
right on target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The irrational
actions of the candidates were pretty funny, as were the moments of
clarity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The specificity is what
made this so great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Homecoming Dance </b>– The new guy is already in a sketch?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good job new guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, the joke of the sketch was
so telegraphed and predictable it was a challenge for me not to roll my
eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, the addition of
Thompson’s Nasty Jack from Philly took things to a greater level of absurdity
and actually brought some entertainment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He almost make up for the laziness in the writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hillary on Hillary</b> – The meta-ness of the sketch,
particularly the gay marriage bit, really helped add some edge to what could
have just been pandering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
biggest question about this sketch is why wasn’t it the cold open?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did that lukewarm Trump sketch bump
this lukewarm Hillary sketch?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Miley First Performance</b> – I’d be lying if I said I was a fan
of Miley or had even consciously listened to her music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve only ever heard her on SNL or
award shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I like that she’s
hanging out with The Flaming Lips and getting weird.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s like a typical college age kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the song was cool too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – You’d hope that over the summer Update
would have worked on the things that didn’t work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’d be wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jost’s run on the Democratic debate was rocky, the Pope appearance felt
undercooked and Che’s Pope bit needed more work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pete Davidson’s bit wasn’t horrible, but Leslie Jones’
appearance was standard Leslie Jones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s only the season premiere, but I’m beginning to worry that Update
won’t ever come together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Millenials</b> – Wow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a lazier take on Millenials than
this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like the writers
opted to throw in all of the clichés together and sort of form a sketch around
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was not good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Katz Deli</b> – Right off the bat, the extras in the sketch are
fascinating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure everyone is
going to be talking about the dude with the moustache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to know the stories he has to
tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for the sketch proper;
it’s a solid premise that suffers from having Jones deliver it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She both totally sells it and kind of
ruins things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like a
paradox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But her scenarios are
nutty enough for me to give this one a pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Squad </b>– This had a funny premise, but was kind of light
on laughs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like a thematic sequel
to and obverse of The Beygency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Miley Second Performance</b> – It’s mildly hard to take a crap
on a performance that’s so obviously personal, but I wasn’t feeling it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lyrics did nothing for me and the
melody was so simplistic that it did nothing to distract from the lyrics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m just not feeling it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>American Voices</b> – This could have been great, had it not
been plagued my gaffes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
misfires and mistimed cues on this one was pretty bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also it felt like it was missing an
ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the plus side, we got to
see Sasheer for the first time since the monologue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> <span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Miley & Kyle </b>– What a dope follow-up to the last time
she was on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved everything
about this, especially Kyle’s beats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts</b> – This was a rocky episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a lot worked for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even grading on the “rusty from summer”
curve, this was a poor episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hopefully the writers will return from the summer hiatus next week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Miley did fine as a host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t blow me away or really venture outside of her
comfort zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she also didn’t
stink up the joint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating:</b> Josh Hutcherson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Next week:</b> Amy Schumer and The Weeknd, so things should get
uncomfortable pretty quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-50522273607465188712015-05-17T03:37:00.001-04:002015-05-17T03:37:32.969-04:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Louis C.K. & Rihanna<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBDrZI3UgCVHhSo35Ai8DwdOEZs2BKPPZBn4h4FcJJs5EbNmA57RT1CGl5SPQ5YHLIXCyASWDqpWYpoh-6J0R-sUr-TCqJcovS9d9L4cGZJ8hg2kjP6l9Q6uTSdqGcRe3vbIQjHzaqcs/s1600/SNL+Louis+C.K..JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBDrZI3UgCVHhSo35Ai8DwdOEZs2BKPPZBn4h4FcJJs5EbNmA57RT1CGl5SPQ5YHLIXCyASWDqpWYpoh-6J0R-sUr-TCqJcovS9d9L4cGZJ8hg2kjP6l9Q6uTSdqGcRe3vbIQjHzaqcs/s400/SNL+Louis+C.K..JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I unintentionally spend the afternoon catching up on
Louie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which is to say that I
didn’t binge the current season because he was hosting Saturday Night Live, I
was just looking to fill some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span id="goog_1807717867"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Louis C.K. episodes of SNL are always worth watching, if
only for the monologue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus
Rihanna as the musical guest?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
show has the potential to be a phenomenal finale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Rating system</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm MacDonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hillary Clinton Cold Open</b> – The cold open gets props for
incorporating the entire cast into the sketch, but those points are deducted
because there are so few jokes and the writing isn’t there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, McKinnon’s Hillary is full of
antic energy and can’t connect with voters, but beyond that it’s not all that
funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Jim Breuer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – C.K. is fearless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s not fearless enough to address the allegations made
against him, but he does makes jokes about racism, the Middle East and child
molesters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always dig when a
comedian hosts because their monologues are generally funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.K.’s is no different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I applaud him for having the balls for
trying (and succeeding) in making the topics funny. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm MacDonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Shoemaker & The Elves</b> – A sketch with elves that
into sexual kinks?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sign me up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bayer and Thompson’s enthusiastic
hinting is great, but C.K.’s monologue about wanting to indulge really puts
things over the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the
voting via 1-800 number was an excellent capper to the bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm MacDonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sprint Store </b>– I truly enjoyed this bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, Jones nearly ruined another
sketch, but C.K<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>saved it with his
accent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally I find a blaccent
offensive (see Timberlake, Tarantino) but C.K.’s was funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t from trying to be down or
mocking, it was a panic move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
the time jumps were equally dope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The ending was predictable, but in fairness, at least it had an
ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Buy Wood Products</b> – The jump from declining a toothpick to
destroying the livlihood of a lumberjack is huge, which is what made this
tickle me so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From
C.K.’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>clearly fake tear, to his
somber visage, everything about this was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rihanna First Performance</b> – Confession time; this is my
first time hearing this song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
a huge fan of Rihanna’s “don’t give a f*ck” persona, so this song is right up
my alley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally I’d ding for
lip-syncing, but it’s completely in line with her established “not giving a
f*ck” so I’m ok with it. I also really dug the various moving elements in this
performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – Not really much to discuss about Update
this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully we don’t
have to sit through any more Davidson (or Jones) desk pieces for a few
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one was barely
humorous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They tried vailiantly
with Killam’s Tom Brady, but the most memorably part was his flub and
recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glad we got one final
Katt Williams joke in for the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sad that Riblet didn’t bring up his day job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Beach Resort</b> – What an odd sketch to bring back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s odd because the host of the star
of the sketch, but the other three are the characters who are coming back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t work as well this time
around as it did with The Rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ironically enough C.K. just isn’t douche-y enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Robert Downey Jr.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Police Lineup</b> – This sketch has such a funny premise and
everyone in it brought their A game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seeing the various directions C.K., Bennett, Mooney and Killam took with
their single line was hilarious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They each worked various actor stereotypes and hit a home run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Buy Wood Products</b> – Yeah, books are also made from
wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very happy to see this
callback.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rihanna Second Performance</b> – I’m not a fan of singing over
the backing track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stacked
vocals were something I didn’t really care for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another thing I don’t care for; political Rihanna.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Political Rihanna ranks somewhere
between New Vegan Rihanna and Gluten Free Rihanna in terms of how annoying I
find her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pretty much tuned this
song out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Whoops I Married A Lesbian</b> – Glad to see Reese De’What hosting
another show and that he’s still horrible at guessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Loved the cadence of the characters on
the show, which really fits the era.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>C.K. plays Tom Randolph perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Loved the relationship between Frank and Madge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the hamming up during the kissing
scene was so period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would
totally watch either Forgotten TV Gems or Whoops I Married A Lesbian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But why was that camera so bumpy in
that last shot of Reese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> Glad to see that the writers did indeed
reserve the nutty stuff for C.K.’s hosting gig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gave the finale some flair and energy, that it might not
have had with a more cautious host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And C.K. did a find job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He performed well in the sketches and only had a fews
stumbles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he gave his all to
his characters and really sold the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating:</b> Drake</div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-42970687759930729842015-05-10T02:25:00.001-04:002015-05-10T02:25:39.533-04:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Reese Witherspoon & Florence + the Machine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TDJ1oABqBrA3y7DQSQ_Br9HqnfYSS_IPa78d4MX3gin5_kUduHqyfDziYUFlyQjiwMCbw3HcZrIDyh3H9_tMLH6DeOGR1zu04Ohwtz9oxvWE00ca17v1Lu0XzKi-N06uHsdB0YKeO-c/s1600/saturday_night_live-show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TDJ1oABqBrA3y7DQSQ_Br9HqnfYSS_IPa78d4MX3gin5_kUduHqyfDziYUFlyQjiwMCbw3HcZrIDyh3H9_tMLH6DeOGR1zu04Ohwtz9oxvWE00ca17v1Lu0XzKi-N06uHsdB0YKeO-c/s400/saturday_night_live-show.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m equally curious to see what Saturday Night Live’s
writers are going to bring to the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The finish line is within sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will they coast to the finish or cross it with a final burst of energy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Rating system</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm MacDonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Southern Republican Leadership Conference</b> – 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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Darrell Hammond</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – It’s touching to see the members of the cast
with their mothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also a
perfect illustration of how sprawling the cast is as this “monologue” goes on
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve got to applaud the
writer who thought that awkward banter between the cast and their mothers would
be entertaining rather than painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s cute and almost touching, but nowhere near funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not even in the same neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Jim Breuer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Be Scene in L.A.</b> – Cecily has been doing some serious
character work this back half of the season, so it’s great to see her at it
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this sketch boils down
to the bodily functions of women of a certain age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully Pharoah and Thompson provide some laughs with
their inept producers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Picture Perfect</b> – On the plus side, it’s a game show sketch
that isn’t Hollywood Game Night or Family Feud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the down side, Strong playing a Latina again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea that someone has to draw the
Prophet Muhammad is a funny one and slightly edgy for SNL at this point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The halfway point sound was a great touch
as was Moynihan and Thompson’s uneasiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the sketch went on as long as it could without
stretching things too thin, which is something SNL isn’t known for doing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mr. Westerberg</b> – A bitch session gone astray is a pretty obvious
premise, but this really works for a couple reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One is Bennet’s aloofness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another is the scenarios that he presents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And lastly, the fact that he seemingly
enjoys the treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was
just great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Florence + the Machine First Performance</b> – Look, I never got
caught up in the firestorm that was Florence + the Machine when they first blew
up and were everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow I
managed to avoid them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this
song is pretty awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of
why I like it is because I’m a sucker for xylophones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do dig this song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – The good news about SNL’s upcoming season
finale is that we’re guaranteed a break from Leslie Jones’ relationship
expert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The novelty has officially
worn off after multiple appearances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Something that’s gotten better with multiple appearances, Jost’s runner
about his relationship with his dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It gets me every time and I laugh every time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
had zero momentum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Willie, on the
other hand is always welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Two
young crazy fun-loving kids…jumped me in the parking lot.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good stuff Willie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Student Theater Showcase</b> – I will admit to really liking
this reoccurring sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
how spot on the voices are and how “deep” the thoughts are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pretension in this sketch is so
funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><b>
Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Southern Ladies</b> – This is one of those sketches that gets
better and better the more it marinates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reese does a great job of selling her character and the stories told are
funny, nutty and gross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And of
course the reveal really brings it home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The reveal is what made me love this sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Whitewater Kingdom</b> – This sketch is the answer to the
question “can you put Bennet and Mooney characters in a live sketch and make it
work?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is a resounding
“no.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, this sketch was not a good
sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Florence + the Machine Second Performance</b> – Right off the
bat, I’d dug how half of the backup singers had horns to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Versatility is always a plus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, this song is pretty dope, due in
no small part to the energy it contained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While these performances may not have convinced me to buy her albums,
I’d probably check out Florence live in concert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Whiskers R We</b> – This sketch is a solid earner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>McKinnon’s always on and Reese held it
together surprisingly well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course the stories told about the cats were just the right kind of nutty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One’s a registered sex offender and
another is a cult leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s
not to love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> This was a pretty solid episode with only a
few missteps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That monologue was
enough to make me<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>hope that SNL
never does a holiday themed monologue again (though the home video component
almost made it worthwhile.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reese did fine job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She didn’t have to do much heavy lifting, but she also wasn’t just an
extra in the sketches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while
she didn’t really add anything to Update, she get props for showing up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating:</b> Josh Hutcherson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Next Week:</b> Louis C.K. and Rihanna end the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should be interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-49451406981473781422015-04-12T02:35:00.000-04:002015-04-12T23:10:19.559-04:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Taraji P. Henson & Mumford & Sons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkzU1TTD_Pl_XPlYbNm9LOV7qqLvKg4QwtqQluHPr771l2vNAKrBXpRS_rdDHFR5tE-zfou9WapSBbHd-3waWMRBzKzoRL23Vj2Ki88hYb4GaTMzNKGBWkB5fv4mTzOCOKZt4PBfyYUc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-12+at+11.08.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkzU1TTD_Pl_XPlYbNm9LOV7qqLvKg4QwtqQluHPr771l2vNAKrBXpRS_rdDHFR5tE-zfou9WapSBbHd-3waWMRBzKzoRL23Vj2Ki88hYb4GaTMzNKGBWkB5fv4mTzOCOKZt4PBfyYUc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-12+at+11.08.34+PM.png" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
I’m definitely happy for Taraji P. Henson. She’s been Black A List for awhile, but
now she’s graduated to Hollywood B list, a step up. She seems genuinely grateful that her hard work as paid
off. And now she’s hosting
Saturday Night Live. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve never seen Henson do comedy, so I’m looking forward to
what she brings to the table and what the SNL writers write for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m also looking forward to hearing
Mumford & Son’s new sound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Was my curiosity paid off or punished?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Our Rating system;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm Macdonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hillary Clinton Cold Open </b>– This is a decent bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t really add anything new to
the characterization of Clinton, which can be mildly forgiven at this
point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hillary is monomaniacal, we
get it. Nice to see Hammond pop up as Bill Clinton, which was always one of my
favorites of his impressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – Yet another musical monologue?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand that SNL doesn’t really
care what recappers think, but I don’t think anyone is calling for more musical
monologues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately this
one’s an unbalanced number; Henson can actually sing, but the writing’s not
there at least in terms of lyrics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately the cast comes in to bring some much needed levity to the
number, but it’s too little to late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Depend Legends</b> – This is a very well done bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted it’s completely adding to the
stigma that diapers are for babies, but using the marketing tactic of putting
likable images on the product is a pretty funny one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a mean joke, but it made me laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dug the various product lines “The
Greatest Generation” “Newsmen and Newsmakers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “Female D.A.’s from Law and Order” slayed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also funny; “On a diaper? That’s the
last place Monk wants to be.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hot For Teacher</b> – I guess this should be more troubling than
it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, sex abuse is
sex abuse, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, I’d
be lying if I didn’t admit to an occasional tinge of envy when reading about
the seemingly weekly stories on Gawker of a female teacher being inappropriate
with a male student.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this sketch
wouldn’t work if the genders were reversed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, double standard out of the way, this sketch was really
just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The high points being
the sly smile Kenan’s judge gives Davidson’s witness and the some of the names
he was called by his classmates.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Home 2</b> – Can we all implore the writers of SNL to officially
retire Zamata’s beyond horrible impression of Rihanna?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time is shows up, I’m
aghast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only appeared for a few
seconds and it left a bad taste in my ears and eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the impressions were adequate at best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pharoah needs to put some more work
into his Lamar and Jones’ Missy Elliott felt equally off model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even Kenan’s usually fine Rick Ross
didn’t work in this bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>QVC</b> – “Claudette Fontaine”? Apparently SNL’s writers were
afraid of offending the estate of Liza Minelli?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(What? She’s still alive?!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bryant gets points for really staying in character in this
sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s an integral part,
yet she doesn’t have much to do and she still sells it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m guessing this sketch would be
funnier if I were an avid QVC watcher, but as the intro noted, then I’d be a
dog whose owner left the tv on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>John Singleton’s Game of Thrones</b> – For those of you who
thought the Beyagency’s parody of The Adjustment Bureau was too topical, here’s
a Game of Thrones/Boyz n the Hood mash-up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, South Centros is funny and I’m always up for an Ice
Cube impression, but this is a tough sell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boyz n the Hood was an important movie for me and even I had
trouble remembering some of the scenes being referenced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Props for the Kingslayer cameo and
Michael Che’s pretty decent Lawrence Fishbourne impression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mumford & Sons First Performance</b> – Based on this song I
feel like Mumford (and Sons, presumably) took all of the calling them soft and
biting of their style personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is clearly a response to something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, I detect a distinct Snow Patrol vibe to this new
sound, which is decidedly not the opposite of soft.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, this song as the same standard Mumford swell, only now
with electric guitars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As someone
who has Mumford & Sons albums, I’m on the fence as to whether I’ll be
picking this one up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – The good is that Che got some truly awesome
racial jabs in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Photos being the things that cops like
to shoot the least and white people rioting without consequences were so on
target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cecilia Giminez was
fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And with the appearance of
Jacob’s dad, Dr. Heinken, does that mean that Jacob is done?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d be ok with that, he’s had a good
run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn’t really a bad
part of Update this week, it was just sort of middling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hollywood Game Night</b> – This coming on so late in the show is
puzzling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Equally puzzling is why
SNL writers decided to take Celebrity Jeopardy, double down on celebrities and
remove most of the characterization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This sketch gets props for incorporating Chris Pine’s tear and for the
bit with Nick Offerman’s moustache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also, Henson’s Wanda Sykes impression was actually pretty decent, which
may be more of an indictment for how cartoonish Sykes is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this sketch didn’t do much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Side note; Jay1 and I were just
talking about how difficult pulling off a Common impression would be and
Pharoah’s attempt illustrates it perfectly.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How 2 Dance With Janelle</b> – Ah, Zamata’s attempt at a
reoccurring character, who can apparently only appear when there’s a Black
host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zamata bumbles a joke early
(by not drawing a longer pause between “state” and “penitentiary”) which is the
closest this sketch comes to having a written joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately Henson’s commitment to the bit and her character
bring something to the sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
the sketch even has an ending with Pharoah’s panicked ending of the
livestream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, neither were enough
to redeem a sketch with a paper thin premise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Jim Breuer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sesame Street</b> – Here’s an example of an obvious premise that
still works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of it is because
Henson is so comfortable in Cookie’s skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of it is because of the juxtaposition between the
setting and the character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
part of it is because of some amazing acting by Bert and Mr. Snuffleupagus,
which is a statement that makes me feel like I can now die having fulfilled a
marvelous dream.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cinema Classics: Their Own League</b> – I will never tire of
Reese De’What.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact one of the
flaws of this sketch is that he’s not in it nearly enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another flaw is that they didn’t quite
go far enough with this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>McKinnon’s line about “while our husbands are away, we’re the racists”
feels like the tone that this sketch should have had once it kicked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That trigger is pulled a bit too late
and not really followed up on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But it was a decent attempt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mumford & Sons Second Performance</b> – Yeah, this really is
sounding more and more like Snow Patrol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, has anyone seen Snow Patrol and Mumford & Sons together at
the same time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could they be same
band?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that possible?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Connectatron</b> – This is a funny sketch and a funny
premise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s so messy because
of the time crunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the
idea of a group of characters who have to come together as a unit to save the
day, with interpersonal beef as a hurdle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also, couldn’t SNL have figured out a better way to show Connecatron
missing a leg than literally having Connecatron hopping on one leg with the
other leg clearly bent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Chris Farley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts: </b>This was an interesting episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were several points where race
came up directly, which felt at least refreshing if not bold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Black cast members certainly
got a ton of screen time, even if the writing wasn’t always there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’d feel bad for Kyle Mooney who
played straight man in one sketch, but he still got paid the same amount for
this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Henson did a pretty good job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t seem completely comfortable, but she committed
herself to the characters she was given, even if the writers never really
trusted her to carry a sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
Wanda Sykes impression actually impressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating:</b> Josh Hutcherson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Next Time:</b> Scarlett Johansson with musical guest TBD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or possibly she’s pulling double duty,
which doesn’t seem like an empty threat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-9653304275061728582015-04-05T02:11:00.002-04:002015-04-05T02:11:43.491-04:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Michael Keaton & Carly Rae Jepsen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFjmjVypEQolhk8gItGnDTwtwzCwV51BQ0eAQrdwowRGhGwa6c4UZykg-4M4uBQNmnV5nq7G_-_Q22wn22jQtjbw7D6hVJlrJ0eSGVaHIQwsMmKogTXfklPj_O9TQsAW5pwPHwcoJKzo/s1600/SNL+Michael+Keaton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFjmjVypEQolhk8gItGnDTwtwzCwV51BQ0eAQrdwowRGhGwa6c4UZykg-4M4uBQNmnV5nq7G_-_Q22wn22jQtjbw7D6hVJlrJ0eSGVaHIQwsMmKogTXfklPj_O9TQsAW5pwPHwcoJKzo/s1600/SNL+Michael+Keaton.png" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pretend like I’m a Michael Keaton fan, but that’s mostly
because I can remember him before he was Batman (and was excited that he was
going to be Batman). But honestly,
I haven’t really followed his career and I appreciated Birdman more than I
enjoyed it. Still, I’m looking
forward to Keaton hosting Saturday Night Live. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hopefully SNL’s writers will give him some material to work
with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did a pretty good job
last week with Dwayne Johnson and here’s hoping they keep the streak alive. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did they?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Rating system</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm MacDonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Road To The Final Four</b> – The cold open gets props for really
playing up the “live” aspect of the show with the Wisconsin win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the flip side of the coin, it’s a
pretty toothless take on student athletes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were a few chuckles, but it felt like the kid gloves
were firmly in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – I’m really torn on this monologue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On one hand, Keaton played such a
passive in it that it’s troubling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Apparently his main role in the monologue was in approving a monologue
that relies heavily on movie characters he originated decades ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand, it’s pretty well
executed and the last lines in both Moynihan and Killam’s songs are right on
target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, it’s pretty cool to
see Keaton trot out both Batman and Beetljuice’s catchphrases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>CNN Newsroom </b>- At first it’s troubling, because getting
comedy out of a horrific plane crash is a dicey proposition (ask Gilbert
Gottfried) But the longer this played out the better it got.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we’re being honest, I’d watch both
the puppet recreation and the CNN’s Reenactment Dance Troupe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also great; how Keaton’s character
slowly goes into full on dancing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This sketch is really a triumph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Prom Queen</b> – I’m really hoping that Mike O’Brien leaves SNL
because someone is willing to finance his vision and sensibility on a weekly
basis, because I’d totally watch that show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again, Mike O’Brien hits it out of the park, with this unique
take on a familiar situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Your Grandmother </b>– Interesting juxtaposition with the
chatline framing of the push for you to call your grandmother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t quite work, partially
because the parts with Sasheer’s character are so jarring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, Sasheer segment with Leslie came
off as awkward, but not in the intended way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wallace Advertising</b> – Very weird sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many different component,
Keaton’s weird divergence, the products being pitched, Keaton’s bloody
wound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They mostly come
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Labattos cereal and
it’s subsequent pitch were really funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This sketch is really a case of something being greater than the sum of
it’s parts and a situation where the performance really puts the sketch over
the hump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Church of Neurotology</b> – So, that’s two weeks in a row that
SNL is running behind a HBO documentary with a ton of buzz?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a fine line between being
topical and being late to the party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That said, this is pretty well done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They nail the creepy cultish vibe and the period specific
looks of the characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also,
this is an incredibly dark short, in terms of tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s definitely darker than it is funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s still funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Carly Rae Jepsen First Performance</b> – I know it’s not right,
but one of the metrics that I judge a performer on is there backup singers and
the band supporting them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jepsen’s
support is so nondescript.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The look
like a stock photo of a group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s zero character on the stage
during his performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen
more edge on a spork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It amazes me
how SNL stage can host a performance by St. Vincent and by someone like this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – I really enjoyed Jost’s riff on Lethal
Weapon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was well thought out
and well written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pete Davidson
has become a lesson in diminished returns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s proven himself to be not nearly as funny and
entertaining as he finds himself to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’d be 100% fine if we didn’t see him near the Update desk for the
remainder of the season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the
Norman Reedus appearance really felt like an attempt at reading the lowest
common denominator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will say
that I’ve yet to tire of Jebidiah Atkinson’s shtick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really liked how he tore into everything this outing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty sure I laughed at most of
what he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just struck
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Smart House</b> – Did the characters in this sketch need the
accents?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably not, but they
really added something to the texture of the sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strong and Keaton were both very strong in this sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their enthusiasm for making their home
a smart house definitely helped sell the sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they also felt like real characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I’m completely adopting “add
science to it” as part of my personal lexicon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Carly Rae Jepsen Second Performance</b> – There’s a part of me
that really can’t take this slow jam seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s because how under-sexualized Jepsen is; she’s
not trying to be a sex symbol or show a ton of skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the song is confusing as she’s proclaiming she’ll be a
friend yet also asks if the guy care for and want her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another part of me appreciates this
song as a throwback to a pre-SWV era of R&B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d darn near an innocent song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>An Easter Message from Michael Keaton and Portia</b> – This is
very reminiscent of the Edward Norton Halloween episode Ten-to-One sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved that one and I love this one
just as much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keaton milks the
jokes for all they’re worth and it works perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keaton also amps up the creepiness to an almost menacing
level, while still keeping things funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts</b> – The monologue had me worried, but this
episode ended up being quite good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The writers came up with some nutty concepts and Keaton seemed
completely game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than that,
he was up to the challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating:</b> Drake</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Next week:</b> Taraji P. Henson
and Mumford & Sons, because if you thought things couldn’t be a larger gap
between the target demos of the host and musical guest for this week, SNL opts
to raise you</span><!--EndFragment-->
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-81854288867137511682015-03-29T02:38:00.003-04:002015-03-29T02:38:43.766-04:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Dwayne Johnson & George Ezra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TDJ1oABqBrA3y7DQSQ_Br9HqnfYSS_IPa78d4MX3gin5_kUduHqyfDziYUFlyQjiwMCbw3HcZrIDyh3H9_tMLH6DeOGR1zu04Ohwtz9oxvWE00ca17v1Lu0XzKi-N06uHsdB0YKeO-c/s1600/saturday_night_live-show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TDJ1oABqBrA3y7DQSQ_Br9HqnfYSS_IPa78d4MX3gin5_kUduHqyfDziYUFlyQjiwMCbw3HcZrIDyh3H9_tMLH6DeOGR1zu04Ohwtz9oxvWE00ca17v1Lu0XzKi-N06uHsdB0YKeO-c/s1600/saturday_night_live-show.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dwayne Johnson is an odd pop culture figure. He’s huge star, but he’s never launched
his own franchise. He’s
transcended professional wrestling, but still has a huge wrestling
presence. He’s also a very solid
SNL host.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s why we’ve got some expectations for him as a host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Saturday Night Live could really
use a homerun, right about now, with some relatively weak episodes so far this
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did Johnson deliver?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Rating system</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm MacDonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Rock Obama</b> – I feel like this sketch was given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s Johnson’s reoccurring character
and while it’s completely predictable, it’s also totally acceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The incorporation of Leslie Jones into
the bit was a nice addition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However it’d have been nice of the sketch actually built to an ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – The concept of Johnson as “Franchise Viagra” is
a funny one, but the musicality of it had me wary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Johnson really pulled it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His bragging and self-deprecation really worked well
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Pep Boys #Genderflect</b> – This was a pretty well done parody
of Starbucks misguided attempt to start a dialogue about race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a simple formula; pressing issue
being broached by people not necessarily equipped to handle the nuance of said
issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could have easily been
Palestine/Israel at Chipotle, but this one worked perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was very well done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wrestlemania Promos</b> – This is right in the Johnson’s
wheelhouse, but it also allows him poke fun at wrestling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coco tearing into Junkyard Mutt is
hilarious to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the escalation
of things is just great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
my favorite line is “I’m going to rip this guy apart and I mean
psychologically. “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to
love a sketch that involves herpes, long lost daughters and catfishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Bambi </b>– This was well done, but I couldn’t get past the
notion that Disney wouldn’t make this film.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Say what you will, but the Disney brand is strong enough
that I found the violence and profanity distractingly unrealistic for a Disney
flick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kirsten Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dinner Date</b> – I honestly can’t think of any part of this
sketch that I didn’t love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved
Johnson’s meathead character, a character who he makes feel so real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved Cecily’s dim Brit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved how weird the sketch got at the
end with the onion rings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
really loved when Johnson’s character provided the beat for Cecily’s song; he
completely sold it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Escape From Jungle Island</b> – I liked this sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure that some people will find it
homophobic, but I think it’s really more like a live action Ambiguously Gay Duo
type scenario.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do have to mark
off for them putting the words “guy code” into Davidson’s mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Brogaine</b> – Here’s a sketch that’s two thirds of the way
there; it’s got a punny product name and funny scenario (Bennett’s baldness is
pretty funny) but the sketch doesn’t really deliver much beyond that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like the writers hoped something
funny would happen, but it sadly never did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>George Ezra First Performance</b> – I can’t lie, this guy did
not hold my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t
care for his voice and song did not hook itself into me. I’m always interested
when SNL introduces me to a new artist, but sometimes they just don’t take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – Updated benefited from having two ringers
for correspondents; Olya Povalsky and Willie, Michael’s Neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both hit homeruns, with Willie
being my favorite sadsack since Gil on The Simpsons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was also some banter between Che and Jost, which is a
good sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On a less than positive
note, Jost’s riff on The Jinx was a valiant effort that didn’t quite work
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But all in all, it was a very
solid outing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cooking with Paul</b> – What a dud of a sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only had one note and it got old
very quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept hoping that
sketch would veer into uncomfortable laugh territory, but it stuck with
Thompson’s Paul constantly wanting computer access, which is as funny as it
sounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A rare misfire for the
episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Durst Improv Troop</b> – This is one of those sketches that was
clearly supposed to be the cold open (note the lack of both an ending and of
Johnson).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ending is insanely
abrupt and it really tarnishes the goodwill earned by both McKinnon’s Robert
Durst impression and a fun mocking of improv troops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end of day, it’s still a sketch worth watching just
for McKinnon’s spot on impression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kate McKinnon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>George Ezra Second Performance</b> – I enjoyed this song much
more than the first one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it
was faster or have a better hook?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can’t call it, all I can say that this song left me with a positive
impression of someone whose music Ill probably never purchase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Interrogation</b> – Yet another sketch that illustrates how
adept Johnson is at character-work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His character’s trash talk is amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His apparent platonic crush on Jeff is fascinating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This sketch really was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Circus with Kyle</b> – I’ll admit it; I’m a sucker for Kyle
Mooney’s mumbly awkward guys who have access to video technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I like about this how for the most
part, he wasn’t really poking fun at the people he was interviewing; he was
just making things awkward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts</b> – I was cautiously optimistic about Johnson’s
hosting SNL and fortunately I wasn’t disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s an old pro at this, plus he’s used to working in front
of a live audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Johnson really brought is characters to life and he served
as the comedy for most of the sketches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He really is the consummate SNL host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drake</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Next Week:</b> Michael Keaton and Carly Rae Jepsen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really think there’s zero overlap
between those two target demos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-42362901351947035872015-03-16T10:00:00.000-04:002015-03-16T10:00:01.084-04:00Monday Munchies – Ben & Jerry’s Wayne’Swirled <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Sfsx86-OSicgBCAhXCHh1MebhgBjR_EPLPpVJ7CdiFDgJYh2lBX2RA5Ah9HORsssBvDdDH_SE8EfCqullkbNwGZSs8HS2zgSgRbcJF1cF7OgY-suUIoHSyuRvWHMcXvCLNj3NKlPcbk/s1600/waynes-swirled-bulk-detail.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Sfsx86-OSicgBCAhXCHh1MebhgBjR_EPLPpVJ7CdiFDgJYh2lBX2RA5Ah9HORsssBvDdDH_SE8EfCqullkbNwGZSs8HS2zgSgRbcJF1cF7OgY-suUIoHSyuRvWHMcXvCLNj3NKlPcbk/s1600/waynes-swirled-bulk-detail.png" height="400" width="380" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anticipation can be a tricky thing. Sometimes that expectation can lead to
disappointment. Tons of kids have
stories about less than stellar Xmas the result of not getting what they
thought they were going to get. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the other side of the coin is anticipating the worst and
being relieved when it doesn’t come to pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have definitely been times I anticipated getting
caught and was relieved when I wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, anticipation can go both ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Which brings us to Ben & Jerry’s final SNL Batch;
Wayne’Swirled</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In honor of Saturday Night Live’s 40<sup>th</sup>
anniversary, Ben & Jerry’s whipped up some flavors inspired by SNL sketches
that were exclusive to Scoop Shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first three were released last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wayne’Swirled sounds like a pretty compelling flavor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s composed of two different types of
ice creams (dark caramel & vanilla) and has fudge and caramel swirls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just think to yourself; when was the
last time you had dark caramel ice cream?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And truth be told, Wayne’Swirled is a good flavor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The flavors really compliment each
other nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a richness
of flavor in the dark caramel ice cream that works really well when meshed with
the vanilla ice cream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you
really can taste the difference between the dark caramel ice cream and the
caramel swirls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That nuance is
impressive and something I’d never really considered before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The caramel and fudge swirls provide a nice mix of textures
and most importantly, the fudge isn’t overdone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s enough fudge to be present, without it being
overpowering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything works
well together and as a whole the ice cream isn’t too sweet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That said, while Waynes’Swirled is a solid flavor, it’s kind
of boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you consider that
a) it’s the final flavor celebrating SNL and b) it’s a Scoop Shop exclusive,
you kind of expect it to have bells and or whistles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s not even anything crunchy in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of the day, Wayne’Swirled is like a Volvo; it’s
dependable and well put together, but there’s noting flashy about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t honestly say that it’s worth
going out of your way to hit up a Scoop Shop to try, much less playing Scoop
Shop prices for a pint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-24659224998877658172015-03-08T03:27:00.002-04:002015-03-08T03:27:03.950-04:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Chris Hemsworth & Zac Brown Band<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TDJ1oABqBrA3y7DQSQ_Br9HqnfYSS_IPa78d4MX3gin5_kUduHqyfDziYUFlyQjiwMCbw3HcZrIDyh3H9_tMLH6DeOGR1zu04Ohwtz9oxvWE00ca17v1Lu0XzKi-N06uHsdB0YKeO-c/s1600/saturday_night_live-show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TDJ1oABqBrA3y7DQSQ_Br9HqnfYSS_IPa78d4MX3gin5_kUduHqyfDziYUFlyQjiwMCbw3HcZrIDyh3H9_tMLH6DeOGR1zu04Ohwtz9oxvWE00ca17v1Lu0XzKi-N06uHsdB0YKeO-c/s1600/saturday_night_live-show.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can’t front; I’ve got zero interest in either Zack Brown
Band or Chris Hemsworth. I’m watching
this episode because I like SNL. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am sort of curious to see what Hemsworth’s skill set is
like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s an action star, which
typically means he’s not really an actor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But he’s also Australian, which tends to indicate he’s a good
actor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will he do as Saturday
Night Live host?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
First our rating system; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm MacDonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hillary Clinton Cold Open</b> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s interesting to have McKinnon play Clinton as so
energetic, since Clinton’s usually portrayed as calculating and reserved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>McKinnon’s energy doesn’t seem like
quite the right fit for the character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though the runner of “if I choose to run” was used pretty
effectively.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><b>
Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue </b>– Hemsworth’s jokes didn’t really go over, which
is a shame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly the bulk of
the writing for the monologue wasn’t to make Hemsworth appear funny, but rather
to having a funny situation with Hemsworth as a part of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s rather dismaying that the writers
went to the Audience Q&A well in two consecutive weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thompson’s Callum Hemsworth was just
fine and Kate’s Mom Hemsworth didn’t seem to go anywhere, but thankfully signaled
the end of the monologue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Jim Breuer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>American Express Ad</b> – It was sort of funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having Hemsworth recount his Hollywood
journey was cute, but that journey went on a bit too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, the huge penis bit could have
easily been cut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the parody
does get bonus points for having the actual Mindy Kaling played immediately
following it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Brother 2 Brother</b> – I love that this sketch had an actual
set up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was refreshing
touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Strong’s Mrs Watkins
goes in on the differences between the brothers and keeps going in, it got
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having Bryant and Mooney
chime in was equally fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that
dick comment came out of nowhere and felt kind of unnecessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, overall it was a great
sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On an unrelated note, I’d
totally watch Cody Pepperoni.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Empire</b> – I wanted this bit to be better than it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could have been so much
funnier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chip was just
boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Chip had been an Empire
sized exaggeration of a white person it probably would have been funnier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or if Chip had been single minded on
his mission to lock down email protocol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It just didn’t go far enough for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>S. S. Orion</b> – I love a good nutty sketch and this one was
pretty nutty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reveals were
doled out perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reveal of
the captain and of Hemsworth’s relationship with the captain escalated things
nicely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The microwave payoff was
right up my alley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I
just want silly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Iggy Azalea Show</b> - What a disappointingly toothless
sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m guessing this got
pitched because McKinnon can do an Australian accent?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This sketch is just off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pharoah’s T.I. is pretty shabby and I feel like Azealia
Banks’ profile isn’t large enough to warrant someone playing portraying
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The less said about Hemsworth
in this sketch, the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ugh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating</b> – Robert Downey Jr.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Zac Brown Band First Performance </b>– It’s funny because I
recall that earlier this year Blake Shelton also performed a song about small
town life on SNL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sign of how formulaic country songs are
or how they pander to their audience?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Both?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, it’s a
pretty inoffensive if instantly forgettable song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – I enjoyed this outing of Weekend Update, if
only because it felt so much looser than usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve officially reached my fill of Jones doing stand up on
Update, though I totally loved Jost calling her out on her lack of
transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ben Carson bit was
certainly fun to watch as was Che and Jost switching jokes, and Jost
immediately pulling a Che by bumbling the set up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And of course Strong is always welcome on Update.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Avengers Defeat Ultron</b> – There wasn’t really much to this
sketch, but it was fun to see Hemsworth’s Thor ham it up for the
spectators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also fun to see
Bobby Moynihan for what felt like the first time this episode. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Love Unfinished</b> – McKinnon is killing it tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the star of this sketch is
Thompson, actually playing a character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s always a treat when Thompson gets an actual character to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His direction and pretension were
hilarious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, props to the
sketch for having an actual ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Chris Farley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>So You Think You Can Live With Brian</b> – This parody was
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d have been fine with it
if it were just the Real World parody, but roping in the other reality shows
slayed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Zac Brown Band Second Performance</b> – Seriously, seven stringed instruments
onstage at the same time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Honestly, I couldn’t even tell what parts they majority of them were
playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a madhouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A MADHOUSE!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s always good to see that Chris Cornell hasn’t
completely wasted away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dolce & Gabbana</b> – This sketch needs to be put down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of it’s allure was from the
outrageousness, but that’s gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now there are only unmet expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Jim Breuer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts</b> – It wasn’t a bad episode of SNL, it was just
an off target episode of SNL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
sketches seems to be off enough to disappoint, but not off enough to be bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just like the writer’s didn’t seem
to go quite far enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Hemsworth did a fine job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He deserves credit for his commitment to the S.S. Orion
sketch and the Iggy Azalea sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He didn’t just show up, which is what many action stars do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host rating:</b> Josh Hutcherson</div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-9985918316218023712015-03-01T02:21:00.000-05:002015-03-01T02:21:00.262-05:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Dakota Johnson & Alabama Shakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPcqUXYGYXwgIlcYpcptA4EQLpUeArVV7y9YOSkorHh8gb4qTyzsYCCInRm1oWXND7mDXGv5_t07Ytu0DzLpoKpK0RaOuGHcAZWDpFHLxQBjLrNtwwf8kMj3mWSsMOyzr1jfHZyOw-lQ/s1600/saturday_night_live-show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPcqUXYGYXwgIlcYpcptA4EQLpUeArVV7y9YOSkorHh8gb4qTyzsYCCInRm1oWXND7mDXGv5_t07Ytu0DzLpoKpK0RaOuGHcAZWDpFHLxQBjLrNtwwf8kMj3mWSsMOyzr1jfHZyOw-lQ/s1600/saturday_night_live-show.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll admit to still being on a nostalgia high for SNL. The 40<sup>th</sup> Anniversary special
was pretty dope, despite all of the people who tried to make it out to be
disappointing. It was a very dope celebration
of a very influential show. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll also admit to be slightly excited for Dakota Johnson
hosting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve not seen Fifty
Shades of Grey and I probably never will, but I’m always up for an unknown
quantity hosting SNL, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a quantity more unknown
than Johnson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m kind of expecting to be slayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm Macdonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rudy Giulaini Cold Open</b> – Much like the movie it’s
parodying, I appreciated it more than I enjoyed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I definitely appreciate SNL taking a shot at Rudy, which
feels rather big.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But at the same
time it was Killam doing Rudy via a Michael Keaton impression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, the parallels between Rudy and
Keaton’s character are crystal clear, but it just wasn’t all that funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Janeane Garofalo</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – First and foremost, I dig Johnson’s awkward
energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It comes off as playful
rather than stressful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly the
monologue is rather lacking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
touches upon the two things I already know about Johnson; what movie she’s in
and who her parents are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kinda
lame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Isis Ad </b>– This was a really well done ad, apart from the Back
to the Future-esque screaming while driving away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be clear, I’m not defending Isis, I’m just saying that
that particular aspect of the ad felt lazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But apart from that it was pretty spot on and funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cinderella </b>– I’m a fan of Strong’s Kathy Ann character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m really enjoying how she’s being
deployed into these storybook scenarios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her CBing Prince Charming was enjoyable to watch, though the sketch felt
like it dragged on a bit too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The ending was predictable, but still worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Brave </b>– It’s a pretty simple premise that’s well executed;
women finally speaking their mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The exuberance of the truth telling is what really sells this bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As opposed to the previous sketch, I
never got tired of hearing the music kick in and seeing the women celebrate the
truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Fifty Shade of Grey Presser</b> – I’m really hoping that Peter
Scott Finley makes it as a reoccurring character, because Mooney killed it on
this first outing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finley’s
professionalism is second only to his snark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love this 5<sup>th</sup> Grader even has a concept of a
“time crunch.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The setups to his
questions are hilarious and watching Johnson squirm adds that extra layer of
believability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Norm Macdonald </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Millennial Interns</b> – This is a weird sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, I’d have been fine if it was
just the three interns complaining about various things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s one time where I’m advocating a
lack of story for a sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Margo’s plight is funny, but I really just wanted to find out of those
three interns would ever find something that they literally could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the stuff about Margo breaking her
arms from stage diving at karaoke where no one caught here was pretty funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b><b> </b> Kristen
Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alabama Shakes Performance #1 </b>– I dig Alabama Shakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love Brittany’s voice and stage
presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dig her Prince earrings. I fully support the bassist doing his George R.R. Martin
cosplay. But seriously, it’s all about Brittany; she’s putting it all out there
and she’s completely fearless. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update </b>– Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one of those bits
that completely grew on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
first I wasn’t really a fan of the whole catchphrase aspect, but the more it
happened, the more I was onboard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pharaoh’s Kanye perplexes me a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m curious why Pharoah doesn’t try to incorporate Kanye’s
weird interview voice into his impression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, was that Sasheer’s actual tattoo on her thigh?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That thing didn’t impress me much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Riblet’s return wasn’t surprising, but
he’s an enjoyable character so hopefully SNL won’t run into the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Worf M. D.</b> – I really liked this sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was super weird and Dakota almost
broke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was almost certainly in
response to Nimoy’s death, which means it was written on the fly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I loved everything about this
sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved that Kenan’s doing
it get his love back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
enjoyed his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only NBC
were actually making this show, I might actually watch an NBC sitcom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Net Effect</b> – Can I say for the record, that I’m completely
over Jones punking people in the sketches she’s in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m tired of it and it gets less and less funny the more it
shows up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, what was up with
the bit about Dakota’s character being into getting slapped?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was that the lame attempt at meta
humor?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This sketch didn’t really have anything
going for it and it went downhill from there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alabama Shakes Performance #2</b> – I love this song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like a slow ballad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I’m hearing it the more I fall
in love with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dig how it’s
just the band<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and no superfluous folks
on stage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really enjoy the
vulnerability of the lyrics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Really, I think I just love every part of this song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mr Riot Films </b>– A nice parody of socially conscious YouTube
prank show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The preachiness of
Mooney and Beckett when they chastise the people who fail the test is
delightfully conveyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it was
dope how far they went to attack the concept of bullying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Norm Macdonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts</b> – Dakota Johnson did a decent job
hositng.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She fully commit to every
sketch, but she also didn’t ruin anything either. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was perfectly fine as a host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating: </b>Josh Hutcherson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-13655145028384154152015-02-02T12:30:00.000-05:002015-02-02T16:31:10.122-05:00Resolutions – The Resume<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiEGGqpChWV9XfdryGUa17EOqhXmiC2o1FGrboxer7dUPAFkaanQaxOBMTTMnSJj6EBt48f63lcHTgzO_mNnDk9xsfVGEQn5JQwZzSzE-FyDBHgYfxkdV13aOC4ribrCiLqGyDAzi-nE/s1600/pause-icon-614x460.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiEGGqpChWV9XfdryGUa17EOqhXmiC2o1FGrboxer7dUPAFkaanQaxOBMTTMnSJj6EBt48f63lcHTgzO_mNnDk9xsfVGEQn5JQwZzSzE-FyDBHgYfxkdV13aOC4ribrCiLqGyDAzi-nE/s1600/pause-icon-614x460.png" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since it’s a new year, I figured it was finally time to get
some resolutions on the books.
Because really, is there anyone who can’t use some
self-improvement? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course I’m limited in my vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got to build up momentum before I
attempt any meaningful change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
this first resolution is really about doing some queue-cleaning; I need to
figure out if I’m going to keep watching some shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m a fan of bingeing tv.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a show pops up on Netflix or Amazon, chances are I’m
going to binge it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there are
some shows that haven’t sunk their teeth into me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qGYeInlkzckKirckLMvog1JnGAoR7ifFydzvm8QlBsqYQq9pX0-EXCYgK1vDgWPMHs4_ziR0HN-Uagp4xIMnUWjUBk-oMnQbkd9UjbHBecD2yL8X6TY9NLtdnGuocP789ERQ4Pr42nY/s1600/Mozart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qGYeInlkzckKirckLMvog1JnGAoR7ifFydzvm8QlBsqYQq9pX0-EXCYgK1vDgWPMHs4_ziR0HN-Uagp4xIMnUWjUBk-oMnQbkd9UjbHBecD2yL8X6TY9NLtdnGuocP789ERQ4Pr42nY/s1600/Mozart.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mozart in the Jungle</b> – I was really interested in where this
show was going to go after watching it’s pilot last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But unlike Transparent, I haven’t
binged Mozart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact I stalled
out less than halfway through the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll probably finish it out, because it’s an “original”
program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to be supportive of
these new media outlets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqfErI7AArbhljTWI8NVju2Jt9NrP-TU6m1Y95JaQfoV_EyVRfMo8PYT0yHlyJXd33b0huzKCza-VIaZZasqiErbyp5qIbHKnnDNYFGGVOso7N7Uf2xIGTXuqsDPdcwcexxgXpB6vXl8/s1600/manhattan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqfErI7AArbhljTWI8NVju2Jt9NrP-TU6m1Y95JaQfoV_EyVRfMo8PYT0yHlyJXd33b0huzKCza-VIaZZasqiErbyp5qIbHKnnDNYFGGVOso7N7Uf2xIGTXuqsDPdcwcexxgXpB6vXl8/s1600/manhattan.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Manhattan</b> – I can’t front; Hulu’s commercials kill this show
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciate how dense
Manhattan is and that’s well written and well acted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if I have to choose between watching something on
Netflix (or Amazon) or watching something on Hulu, I’ll usually opt for the
former.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That said, I’ve pretty much exhausted all of the shows that
I really want to watch on Amazon and Netflix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until Bosch drops in February, my binge schedule is
free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus I’ve only got two
episodes of Manhattan left, which, by my count means only 100 Hulu ad
breaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLM8CS8sitpdGBk2f1DexqOtxV1olqSyCKU6lDi-EI2bbsejF7qugrOKJ3Nwm1xc_najTiUvfvTJ2XtIZdZylBDwII-Gl-ljPJB-DZP195wubqgibN5S4Igdwo7PbWdkqi2Z57aOqCL4/s1600/Boss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLM8CS8sitpdGBk2f1DexqOtxV1olqSyCKU6lDi-EI2bbsejF7qugrOKJ3Nwm1xc_najTiUvfvTJ2XtIZdZylBDwII-Gl-ljPJB-DZP195wubqgibN5S4Igdwo7PbWdkqi2Z57aOqCL4/s1600/Boss.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Boss</b> – I remember when this show was on Starz and for a
second there was positive buzz about it.
When it came Netflix, I figured I’d give it a shot. I made it through the first season and
watched the first episode of the second before I tossed in the towel. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I liked the idea of a political show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the actors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just don’t think I like the
show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course the second season
is the final season, so the finish line is within sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1V7vV2W0EdRDjtqw-teQZGOYXFUvLcIxD0oilTRDGVGFrQ2Ok7Ff8YawWoryK_SwuJBLaJA1KblqarIbQVledFnApx9Yb9B7YmPDzJiYDqtbHI4BqXwA-rFsWYKsbG7GIInJnEWbKkjA/s1600/Derek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1V7vV2W0EdRDjtqw-teQZGOYXFUvLcIxD0oilTRDGVGFrQ2Ok7Ff8YawWoryK_SwuJBLaJA1KblqarIbQVledFnApx9Yb9B7YmPDzJiYDqtbHI4BqXwA-rFsWYKsbG7GIInJnEWbKkjA/s1600/Derek.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Derek</b> – I think that Rickey Gervais is smart and funny. I loved Extras. But Derek did nothing for me. I didn’t even finish the first season
and now there’s a second? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I really can’t see myself diving back into Derek, unless
someone I really respect recommends it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sadly I don’t think anyone recommends Derek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, except Gervais haters.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVa0qWC_PDxH_lCGxyInCWEBEUb8_QxEi6NMp6t1onX-tAKW1AuYsnFJUNIC1TfOh0JvCYaJ40mrNzIkakMqpushaZRYPmkhrzJnu02HIcXxFP78t8dBXofzCRBdjcYZJ8i7e6dkQt8M/s1600/Ripper+Street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVa0qWC_PDxH_lCGxyInCWEBEUb8_QxEi6NMp6t1onX-tAKW1AuYsnFJUNIC1TfOh0JvCYaJ40mrNzIkakMqpushaZRYPmkhrzJnu02HIcXxFP78t8dBXofzCRBdjcYZJ8i7e6dkQt8M/s1600/Ripper+Street.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ripper Street</b> – As a fan of MI-5, I wanted to love Ripper
Street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s got Tom Quinn and
it’s another BBC production.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
Ripper Street is no MI-5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ripper
Street is isn’t own beast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ripper Street also represents a show where I haven’t
finished the first season and still have a second one available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am close to the end of the first
season of Ripper Street, so there’s a shot I wrap it up before I call it quits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqD_hIlmMSKURh5oMq15Rapm8IHVDxC4_SkI94RpcuakethOiBg64Y7ToxM9cOp_q_FKAaTLBKxXjv0V7RmO7o9m7QRPaDT164TSj-pvZAQpcun4FBS8w4E2vv73MLfourzgHljplyG4/s1600/Bojack+Horseman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqD_hIlmMSKURh5oMq15Rapm8IHVDxC4_SkI94RpcuakethOiBg64Y7ToxM9cOp_q_FKAaTLBKxXjv0V7RmO7o9m7QRPaDT164TSj-pvZAQpcun4FBS8w4E2vv73MLfourzgHljplyG4/s1600/Bojack+Horseman.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Bojack Horseman</b> – As I pointed out, I’m a fan of “original”
programming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Bojack Horseman
just didn’t click with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
I’m halfway through the first season, with very little desire to see how it
turns out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a chance that I will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the actors involved, I’m just not invested in the
show at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like, I’m more
invested in stocks than I am in Bojack Horseman, and I have zero investments in
stocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWkS-sQ9ZRcp3JANagXXP9I-TI2UsqI-hVbR4Jv_gDVakKFWWGeA3IZfXtMjdw_BReSLfh28aUztv0Vjr4h-OB_hG-35IQL29DQj3KyQB_t_z8Rc6aR9SD-VxuuY0EqTPJOn-GgZBZnc/s1600/Hinterland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWkS-sQ9ZRcp3JANagXXP9I-TI2UsqI-hVbR4Jv_gDVakKFWWGeA3IZfXtMjdw_BReSLfh28aUztv0Vjr4h-OB_hG-35IQL29DQj3KyQB_t_z8Rc6aR9SD-VxuuY0EqTPJOn-GgZBZnc/s1600/Hinterland.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Hinterland</b> – This show seems like it would be a breeze as
it’s only four episodes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The catch
is that each episode is 95 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And it’s not a Sherlock 95 minutes either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hinterland is much quieter and much more deliberate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I only have two episode to go, but that’s three hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time I think about going back to
Hinterland, I think about the movies that I might as well watch, since I’m
investing over 90 minutes into watching something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s purely mental, which means I may be able to get over
the hurdle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6AijQ2LXgQ1bAudjDhocu_ugZjsGTsFeBOJkvAUVCRIMZkoWgHIUCXFKkF6lSTJL71afGvXHa-Ua1mAaHwFwtyGnf6S8P5pO-wVvHEpNP9YvPSaDUzTnasp51joXiwEcun6_HDSeAAw/s1600/Miss+Fisher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6AijQ2LXgQ1bAudjDhocu_ugZjsGTsFeBOJkvAUVCRIMZkoWgHIUCXFKkF6lSTJL71afGvXHa-Ua1mAaHwFwtyGnf6S8P5pO-wVvHEpNP9YvPSaDUzTnasp51joXiwEcun6_HDSeAAw/s1600/Miss+Fisher.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries </b>– This show as recommended to
me by my uncle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s a big
aficionado of shows from abroad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wanted to like this show, but it’s so formulaic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s like an American 1970’s crime drama, only that it’s set
in the 1920’s Australia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
there’s about as much character development as you’d find in those old
shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not even halfway
through the first season, and like Derek, there’s a second one watching to be
watched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly don’t know if
I’m going to be able to watch this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><o:p> </o:p>Black Mirror</b> – On the plus side Black Mirror is an
anthology, so there’s no getting sick of characters. Also the seasons are three episodes long. On the other hand…there is no other
hand. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apparently this show just fell through the cracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll probably finish it up before the
month is out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojaoi1xe1LPJzEb1k0VwIIvDKt-D2b5bvzTiQEmduP6rixRuc8aaDGLZHv8ExJ8FMbnYHMXVK80_Lm4nfjdbCghXcw7vriS3Q2Ak9n5UC6DXnU2vQA85ch5_IcH7_2l_q5JAeJ3On98g/s1600/Longmire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojaoi1xe1LPJzEb1k0VwIIvDKt-D2b5bvzTiQEmduP6rixRuc8aaDGLZHv8ExJ8FMbnYHMXVK80_Lm4nfjdbCghXcw7vriS3Q2Ak9n5UC6DXnU2vQA85ch5_IcH7_2l_q5JAeJ3On98g/s1600/Longmire.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Longmire</b> – I have family who love this show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried it out and it’s fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like Justified, without the edge,
violence and twists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s fine,
but it’s basically a background show for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The good news is that, like Boss, I’ve finished its first season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And honestly, I’m almost halfway
through the second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a
chance I can wrap this show up before Bosch debuts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK7LrKIs7HfPzgCNLxu4dWkl3c0ryd88udihoddTarK1qpz-zCjVTx2ZYcU27hKke7RExRSBaPRvO3qd0a4daW6mFWl0-01T8h56PIoVZyePXC0BLRtowSuZ-CxKxWMW9Jma5_bMEuSU/s1600/Young+Doctor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK7LrKIs7HfPzgCNLxu4dWkl3c0ryd88udihoddTarK1qpz-zCjVTx2ZYcU27hKke7RExRSBaPRvO3qd0a4daW6mFWl0-01T8h56PIoVZyePXC0BLRtowSuZ-CxKxWMW9Jma5_bMEuSU/s1600/Young+Doctor.jpg" height="213" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><b>A Young Doctor’s Notebook</b> – I only watched one episode of
this show, so I don’t know if it’s completely fair of me to put it on this
list. I tried it out to catch it’s
tone and voice. I was fine with
it, but it didn’t scream for me to return for more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m guessing this may be a show that I’ve got to be in a
certain mood for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This won’t
necessarily be a binge show, but it may be something that I find myself working
through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Chances are I won’t be watching all of those shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll probably have to revisit this list
at some point in the future to check the status of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But anyway, wish me luck. </div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-75938320369329634242015-02-01T02:26:00.000-05:002015-02-01T02:26:03.422-05:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – J.K. Simmons & D’angelo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JCL-Pe9I4RYR6u3m2z4XTxW_ZDwKsS5F7UhfH32e9iEe67haSvCRVPyc_fVZis7r9Bd9gjdiePDyVQrApPE2kJRdFL8mT7bfwDfBf6i5uHnVj16Z4HKQinOhJnq65wlXPNKx0712C7Q/s1600/SNL+-+J.K.+Simmons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JCL-Pe9I4RYR6u3m2z4XTxW_ZDwKsS5F7UhfH32e9iEe67haSvCRVPyc_fVZis7r9Bd9gjdiePDyVQrApPE2kJRdFL8mT7bfwDfBf6i5uHnVj16Z4HKQinOhJnq65wlXPNKx0712C7Q/s1600/SNL+-+J.K.+Simmons.png" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clearly we at Fission Spaghetti are fans of J.K.
Simmons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of it stems from his
role on Oz, but we’ve pretty much enjoyed in him everything he’s ever
done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s why we were so happy he
got nominated for an Oscar and why we were worried about him hosting Saturday
Night Live.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See, we hold him in such high esteem that we’re worried that
a subpar episode of SNL could conceivably tarnish him in our eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And no one likes to see their acting
gods tarnished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So…was there cause for worry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Rating system</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm MacDonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Super Bowl Showdown</b> – I get that the Super Bowl is kind of a
big deal, but I just don’t know if there’s enough there to build a sketch
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pharoah’s Richard Sherman
sounds off, like a generic Black Cali accent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thompson’s Marshawn Lynch is acceptable, but how do you
parody Marshawn Lynch?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best
impression comes via Killam’s Pete Carroll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly there’s really nothing to this cold open, which
stumbles around trying to find a reason for existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Jim Breuer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – Two weeks in a row and SNL has does a great job
of circumventing musical monologue fears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Simmons has some good lines in this one; his distain for hair and Stefon
being his favorite character during Fred Armisen’s run on the show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fred gets to show off, Leslie Jones
gets to be Leslie Jones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fun was
had by all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Totino’s Super Bowl Activity Pack</b> – This is pretty funny,
but it’d be better if it had a target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If this was an NFL commissioned or endorsed product, to give women
something to do during the Super Bowl, that would have been funny. For me, the
point was muddled, which undermined the whole thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it about gender roles?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it about the portrayal of women in advertising?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Miss Trash 2015</b> – For the first live sketch of the evening,
this was a very undercooked sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It felt like two different ideas (Miss Trash pageant and a contestant
signing up for the wrong pageant) crammed together in one sketch that was
underwritten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Miss Virginia
angle didn’t get enough time to grow and whole sketch went nowhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Robert Downey Jr.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cinema Classics</b> – Who doesn’t love Reese De’What? Confession
time; I’ve never seen Casablanca.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately everyone knows the ending, and this alternate ending was
great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>McKinnon’s mugging and
trying to extricate herself was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Simmons does a pretty mean Bogart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also appreciated how this time around, there weren’t cuts back to
Reese, showing the sketch is evolving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Teacher Snow Day</b> – This was a layered short. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were so many different teachers
doing so many different crazy things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I liked how Davidson’s character was an observer to the whole thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really dug how Simmons got into the
whole thing, I’ll say I was slayed by his appearance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm MacDonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>D’angelo First Performance</b> – Right off the bat, I’m pumped
because this is one of my favorite songs off of Black Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, D already has me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondly, I’m digging his look and how
dramatic his performance is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
performance is a pretty solid one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It makes me want to listen to Black Messiah, again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – Another week, another reading bumbled by
Che.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least this week he got it
out of the way early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One-Dimensional
Female Character from a Male Driven Comedy continues to be a great
character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the trade off of
Strong not being co-anchor is that we get to see her perform characters on
Update, I’m fine with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also
appreciate how SNL has been using restraint when doling out the Jebidiah
Atkinson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still love the way he
milks his lines and he still slays me when he shows up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Pushy</b> – I dig how Simmons is using an accent in this sketch,
but it’s really about about Moynihan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s got some good lines like Helvetica Bonham Carter, but didn’t get
sold until Pushy tried to humanize himself to avoid being killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a nice turn and very well
played.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Jay-Z Story</b> – This was brilliant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nearly every part of this short was
perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The origin of the name
was great as was the casting, though the juxtaposition of O’brien, Sudekis and
Simmons as Jay-Z, Kanye and Nas really speaks volumes about
Sasheer/Beyonce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love how they
went all in, including the “Jay-Z” songs playing in the background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing that felt a bit
unnecessary was Pharoah doing actual Jay-Z.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But beyond that, it was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>D’angelo Second Performance</b> – Doubly slayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my favorite song from Black
Messiah and it allows for a statement to be made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved the choreography and general rocking out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m definitely listening to Black
Messiah tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Career Day</b> – You’d think that a sketch centered on a
Japanese Messy Boy would be better than this was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The scenario for how he got the gig was pretty awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No awesome, that phone call on speaker
phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It probably would have been
funnier to hear just his responses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There just weren’t that many jokes in this sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Robert Downey Jr.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> Simmons did a good job as a host, which
makes sense because he’s a great actor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He pretty much played the straight man in the sketches, but seemed to be
up for anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writing wasn’t
always there, but Simmons give it his all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating: </b>Edward Norton</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, what was up with Beck Bennett not being in the
episode?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was there at the epically
long good-bye, but I didn’t see him in any sketches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Curious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-63614252746919562542015-01-25T02:22:00.001-05:002015-01-25T02:22:14.459-05:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Blake Shelton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB48y3xaLtFLKP5gUvv7-sQpqu585MjeUB5bphcKiAhaDPKx6Wq7EiLH1ckyCFP4Pv3YNL5QAhF878zgYTaJQkpqSTu0bgo5A-iGgChfm_9HA0sTiADDVwVdK4VUcCXPndNjqYUVI5ng/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-25+at+2.17.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB48y3xaLtFLKP5gUvv7-sQpqu585MjeUB5bphcKiAhaDPKx6Wq7EiLH1ckyCFP4Pv3YNL5QAhF878zgYTaJQkpqSTu0bgo5A-iGgChfm_9HA0sTiADDVwVdK4VUcCXPndNjqYUVI5ng/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-01-25+at+2.17.42+AM.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know very little about Blake Shelton. I know he’s one of the judges on The
Voice, he’s a Country singer and he’s married to another Country singer Miranda
Lambert. I also know that his
brand of crossing over is to play the kinda goofy backwoods guy as opposed to
the uber patriotic redneck that many Country singers choose. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apparently NBC loves him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even had his own Holiday Special a few years back, which
was rerun last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite my
misgivings about him as a performer, I was pretty optimistic that SNL’s writers
would write to his strengths and that’d he’d follow their lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, how was the episode?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm MacDonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Inside The NFL Cold Open</b> – Beck Bennett as Bill Belichick
was a decent impression, especially when he overtly mentions throwing Tom Brady
under the bus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Killam’s gets some
laughs as Tom Brady giving laughable denials, which would be fine but then the
sketch takes a turn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moynihan’s
character Dougie Spoons comes in and it erupts into a full on A Few Good Men
parody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For reference The Ben
Stiller Show also did a parody of A Few Good Men and that show was cancelled
over two decades ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Topical
much?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Darrell Hammond</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – I can’t front, I almost turned on this monologue
when Blake’s guitar came out, but it won me back with Hee-Haw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, I have an inexplicable
respect and admiration for both Hew-Haw and Larry the Cable Guy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s literally inexplicable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, the castmembers inability to
understand Pickin’ and Grinnin’ is worked to great effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the monologue has an actual
ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm MacDonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Farm Hunk</b> – First off, as someone with family roots (and
family) in Iowa; ouch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said,
95% percent of this sketch was awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His intro was funny, but the sketch was all about escalation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Hollywood/porn jokes, McKinnon’s
interruptions, Bryant’s breakdowns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I loved the Jon Benet Ramsey reference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only weak part of the sketch was Leslie Jones, playing
herself?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like having a perfect routine on
the uneven bars and fudging the landing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kristen
Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wishing Boot</b> – This song is awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything about this video, from the
production values to everyone’s hair was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Jake reveal slayed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Celerity Family Feud</b> – There was almost nothing good about
this sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apart from McKinnon’s
Keith Urban, the American Idol impressions were awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like, shamefully terrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for format and structure reasons, I
get why they started with the American Idol team, but it really just drew
attention to how terrible the impressions were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a rare feat when a sketch feels both underwritten and
way too long, but this sketch achieved it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Blake Shelton First Performance</b> – Huge props to Blake’s back
up singer for really selling me on this being a song that you could groove
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was way into it, which
made me a believer. Honestly the song was not that bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a definite groove, albeit one
provided by a banjo, but still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – Where to start?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok, this was genuinely a solid edition of Weekend
Update.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be on record
saying that I liked both the King Adbullah joke and the triplet joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought they were funny and the
audience reaction only made them funnier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I liked Pete Davidson stand up bit about watching gay porn (apparently he’s
best when he’s doing gay material).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m conflicted on Riblet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On one hand I liked how his initial introduction was handled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand, I’m kind of over
Moynihan playing wiggers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still,
Riblet was funny and perhaps a jab at everyone calling for Lorne to find new
anchors for Update.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nicole was
funny on her own, but Riblet’s return was way telegraphed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Parole Hearing</b> – I really enjoyed Kenan’s cannibal character
not understanding the proceedings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It tickled me and probably too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also liked Kenan playing an actual character for a
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even dug the nutty
ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But my favorite part was
Kenan bargaining for his last meal request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm MacDonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Topeka Today</b> – Nice to see Sasheer getting some prominent
exposure in sketches in 2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
liked how sometimes the photos juxtaposed the lyrics to the song, while other
times it underscored them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Killam’s old make up was pretty solid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for me this sketch was really about Moynihan’s lip bite,
when he was feeling the song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though the lyric “does the devel let you curse at him in front of his
friends” was pretty biting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Blake Shelton Second Performance</b> – I was in awe of the
number of stringed instruments onstage for this song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only two people weren’t playing a stringed instrument; the
drummer and the backup singer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wonder if the mention of the Dougie is a reflection of how old the song is or
how out of touch the boys in that town are with pop culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did like that the song provides a
tutorial for how to chew tobacco as part of the chorus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Westside Theatre</b> – Last sketch and the first real miscue of
the night, as Blake forgets to read his second line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing Blake’s character transformed from a skeptic to
a believer is funny, but the sketch runs out of material way too early, yet
keeps going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s really sad
because that’s the note the show ends on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Darrell Hammond</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts</b> – Thankfully the writers did keep Blake in
his comfort zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Counting the
monologue he got musical three times and even played himself in most regrettable
sketch of the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Update tried
something new and gets an “A” for effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Blake did what was asked of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t blow my expectations out of the water, but he also
didn’t fall flat on his face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
may not have been the most comfortable, but he made it through without any
major incident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating:</b> Charlize Theron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Next Week:</b> J.K. Simmons and D’angelo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, as an Oz fan, I’m really looking
forward this episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-41436970827618809822015-01-24T10:00:00.000-05:002015-01-24T23:16:46.679-05:00Amazon Prime – The Man in the High Castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm45iUvQURsoKrUGk4jop5X8jsmyZaOPggSEYi80gro0oByV9kwDOaWjehicGWDVPn0EuGf_CVu2_d5CbX6F47K8HkWVUXWekzdGkZ4UvdLqBN_HymfswxY5UtvbCAcc5Rh03Pqpdheo/s1600/the-man-in-the-high-castle-amazon-pilot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm45iUvQURsoKrUGk4jop5X8jsmyZaOPggSEYi80gro0oByV9kwDOaWjehicGWDVPn0EuGf_CVu2_d5CbX6F47K8HkWVUXWekzdGkZ4UvdLqBN_HymfswxY5UtvbCAcc5Rh03Pqpdheo/s1600/the-man-in-the-high-castle-amazon-pilot.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I dig high concepts.
There’s something designed to make you think is something that’s right
up my alley. It’s the reason why I
like shows like Fringe or even Game of Thrones. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Man in the High Castle seemed like the most ambitious
Amazon pilot in the batch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly
that didn’t work out too well for The After.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, it’s based on a book, just like Bosch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In case you don’t know, The Man in the High Castle is set in
1962, in a world where Japan and Germany won WWII and share control of the
United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a tense
allegiance and one that’s set to crumble with Hitler’s impending death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of the action centers around Juliana Crain (Alexa
Davalos) who lives in a Japanese controlled San Francisco and Joe Blake (Luke
Kleintank) who starts his journey in a German occupied NYC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joe secures a meets up with some underground rebels and is
tasked with driving a shipping truck to Colorado.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he doesn’t know what he’s carrying or what it’s for, he
just knows where he’s going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile Juliana trains in martial arts, much to her
mother’s chagrin and lives with her half-Jewish boyfriend (the Japan controlled
West Coast is more tolerant than the German parts of the country).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When her flighty sister pops up out of
the blue and eventually gives her a film reel before getting gunned down by
occupiers, it’s kind of a turning point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Juliana watches the film, which is a newsreel that shows the U.S.
celebrating winning WWII, which her boyfriend writes off as a fake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still Juliana is intrigued and sets out
to finish her sister’s mission, which involves going to Colorado, a portion of
the country that’s not occupied by a foreign power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually Juliana and Joe’s paths cross, in Colorado but
then the episode is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re looking for story, The Man in the High Castle is
slim pickings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the episode
is spent on world building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see
how the generation who fought against the Germans and Japanese have, for the
most part, accepted their new reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One character even remarks that he can’t remember what he was fighting
for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also see how not only did the world not end, but apart
from omnipresent propaganda, not all that much has changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>TV game shows are still on the
air and the trains still run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We get a peek into both how the Japanese occupying government
and German occupying government work, both individually and with each
other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are subplots laid in
this pilot episode for representatives of both governments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is one very well produced pilot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s well written and looks great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure it’s a challenge creating an
occupied San Francisco and New York City, but both look pretty flawless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The costumes and set design are all
fantastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really felt like I
was looking at a world where the US lost WWII.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Out of all of the pilots in this pilot season, The Man in the
High Castle is the most deserving of being picked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easily the best of the bunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-10172555895004863672015-01-23T10:00:00.000-05:002015-01-24T22:40:59.223-05:00Amazon Prime – Point of Honor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSu80OYrIsJjuZFCEwZnl2DjhyumU0YDT_To8IdjmshEhKKi3WFRDT0KZavfHoVCi2R-E9bxyaPHRCAGa8Fmx9IWcGSv1Ta-_NIrgnNZ2Di0B6rItkEMDCmni_N350ut1I5wPkQpPTZPc/s1600/Point+of+Honor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSu80OYrIsJjuZFCEwZnl2DjhyumU0YDT_To8IdjmshEhKKi3WFRDT0KZavfHoVCi2R-E9bxyaPHRCAGa8Fmx9IWcGSv1Ta-_NIrgnNZ2Di0B6rItkEMDCmni_N350ut1I5wPkQpPTZPc/s1600/Point+of+Honor.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this point, The Civil War can be summed up in by a series
of clichés; North vs South, Brother vs Brother, States Rights vs Human
Rights. Also, by this point is
there any reason to cover the Civil War if you aren’t saying anything new? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Point of Honor would say “yes.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Point of Honor focuses on one Virginia slave owning family,
The Rhodes. Ralston Rhodes is the patriarch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s got three daughters, Kate, Lorelei and Estella.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s also got two sons, Garland and
John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John is a cadet at West
Point and his friend and classmate Robert Sumner recently married Lorelei.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So when all the talk of secession hits West Point a ton of
cadets leave to fight for their home states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John makes a speech about how he’s freeing his slaves, but
leaving West Point to fight for Virginia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Of course Robert is staying to fight with the Union, because he from New
York.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see The Civil War is
already tearing a family apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back in Virginia, the Rhodes sisters free their slaves and
talk about the upcoming war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also
Ralston decides to for his own battalion to fight for his state.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually Robert comes to Virginia, under the command of
the ruthless Palmer Kane (Patrick Heusinger).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Naturally there’s a battle between Ralston’s crew and Robert’s
crew, which results in Robert’s death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>John finds his father and hears his last word “Robert” as he watches
Robert retreat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s literally nothing good about Point of Honor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The actors are saddled with dialogue
that’s either heavy-handed or anachronistic, and sometimes both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s almost like the writers set
out with a checklist of clichés and tried to mark off as many as they
could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And characters make quizzical decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John, a pretty progressive guy, opts to
free his slaves but fight for his state?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The act of freeing his slaves doesn’t go over well with his neighbors,
there a scene that involves a laughably small mob outraged at the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Estella feels like a character
completely out of place for the era; the smokes, drinks and sleeps around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s hardly a Southern Belle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As if to balance out how anarchistic
she behaves, she’s also uber pro Dixie and pro slavery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other things are done poorly as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire opening sequence, which is
meant to show us a Civil War battle, where John and Robert are on opposite
sides, is a huge waste of time and presumably budget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone knows about the Civil War and it’s been recreated
much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That money could have
gone towards making Cullen’s horseback scenes looking slightly realistic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s also an attempt to give the Black actors playing
slaves a storyline, but it’s pretty much a misfire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Point of Honor has the distinction of being the worst Amazon
pilot I’ve ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s
definitely worth watching, as long as you’re playing some sort of cliché
drinking game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-52345106060791610672015-01-22T10:00:00.000-05:002015-01-24T21:57:40.301-05:00Amazon Prime - Down Dog
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB4y-UWzKj1kGlGzYTbgXl5IoSoMmyoVvefns93cJ_2uYeDCtmD0_o9JxZ-pnwDHAzsghNJqi_hy-0eCcTwzVUEOY-gL6ZQWi8k-DUd6pMLqXZJ0DFW0XJl0RIv0GYWdnhITwwYqYw0o/s1600/Down+Dog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB4y-UWzKj1kGlGzYTbgXl5IoSoMmyoVvefns93cJ_2uYeDCtmD0_o9JxZ-pnwDHAzsghNJqi_hy-0eCcTwzVUEOY-gL6ZQWi8k-DUd6pMLqXZJ0DFW0XJl0RIv0GYWdnhITwwYqYw0o/s1600/Down+Dog.png" height="640" width="433" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amazon only has two half hour comedy pilots this pilot
season. It’s kind of disappointing
that neither offering has the ambition of Transparent, which has easily become
Amazon’s most successful show to date, in every regard. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That said, does Down Dog offer up enough potential to get
picked up by Amazon?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Down Dog is about Logan Wood (Josh Casaubon), a guy who has
breezed through life, coasting on his looks, he eventually ends up as a yoga
instructor in a studio he co-owns with his girlfriend Amanda (Paget Brewster).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Amanda attends a wedding, which
prompts her to question why she isn’t married and Logan gives the wrong answer
via the phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She breaks up with him and dissolves their partnership in
every sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a talk with his
father, Logan decides not to give up on the yoga studio, she doesn’t fight him,
deciding that she’d rather see him fail miserably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus Logan becomes the proprietor of the studio and all that
it entails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Down Dog is described as a “satirical look at LA’s yoga
culture” and it feels very Cali centric.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that yoga is pretty much everywhere at this point, but I’m
guessing that not all of the jabs will ring just as true throughout the
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, the whole runner
about Logan’s father being a pot grower probably carries more weight in the
Golden State.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Down Dog is a challenge because there’s really no one to
root for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The show has zero
sympathetic female characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Winter (Lyndsy Fonseca) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is
at best flighty and at worst manipulative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gabrielle (Alysia Renier) really only exists to undermine
Logan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Amanda is slightly
sympathetic until she relinquishes the yoga studio out of spite, just to watch
her former beau fail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Logan is
frighteningly vapid, to the point where he sleeps with someone else almost immediately
after getting dumped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I imagine that, provided it’s picked up, Down Dog will be
about Logan learning how to be an adult and business owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he’s just not a character
whose corner you can really get into.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Down Dog wasn’t my least favorite of this batch of Amazon’s
pilots, but that’s only because one was truly awful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-71410391776893496272015-01-21T10:00:00.000-05:002015-01-24T18:25:40.368-05:00Amazon Prime – Mad Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-Gqg6s5OfjxLH1JMNM_WXUy1NNL7H3VhMzTVCl7kZPNjoyaRO8TEj4w5zqsxg80VPyYOIRcMjUKyWTRzYY2qOrWnL6g_QnDPUMRzUvR6rIMFH8aIjF_hHfRq7sPfwkFzfEDn5KcasCo/s1600/mad_dog_amazon_pilot_belize_01_jpg_19965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-Gqg6s5OfjxLH1JMNM_WXUy1NNL7H3VhMzTVCl7kZPNjoyaRO8TEj4w5zqsxg80VPyYOIRcMjUKyWTRzYY2qOrWnL6g_QnDPUMRzUvR6rIMFH8aIjF_hHfRq7sPfwkFzfEDn5KcasCo/s1600/mad_dog_amazon_pilot_belize_01_jpg_19965.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know how sometimes something looks too good to be
true? That’s how felt about Mad
Dogs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a show from the creator of The Shield, Shawn Ryan, and
stars Steve Zahn, Romany Malco and Michael Imperioli.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a pretty good pedigree of talent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, was Mad Dogs too good to be true?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mad Dogs tells the tale of four friends who take a trip down
to Belize to celebrate the retirement of a fifth friend, who lives down
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They all arrive with their
own baggage. The married Cobi (Steve Zahn) could have partnered with Milo
(Billy Zane) but went the safe route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Joel (Ben Chaplin) still carried a torch for Cobi’s wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lex (Michael Imperioli) is in recovery
and just scraping by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gus (Romany
Malco) is divorced and broke after ruining his marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course the grass is always greener, so Milo’s lavish life
in Belize not only provides for a nice getaway, but also shows them what they
didn’t achieve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Milo also
provides them with flowing gift baskets once they arrive, including (unsubtly)
camcorders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But after a day of fun, tensions begin to flare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Milo is being pressured by some shady
characters, who dump a dead goat into his pool, and he begins to pick at his
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His friends bury the goat
and then things get crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
retaliation for the goat, Milo steals a boat and his friend go along for the
ride, thinking everything is kosher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once they realize it’s not, they want out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Milo persuades them to have one final meal together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The evening doesn’t end well and
someone ends up dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A mess is
cleaned up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the next day, when
a local cop (Athena Karkanis) drops by to inquire about the missing boat, the
guys decide to leave the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The only problem is that Cobi left his camera on the boat, which has footage
of them, carefree and using names.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mad Dogs is an adaption of a British show of the same
name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t seen it, but
British adaptation seem to be split pretty evenly between impressive and
forgettable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far Mad Dogs is in
the former category.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mad Dogs makes the sound decision of not spelling everything
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The audience doesn’t get too
much back story into the group of friends, how they met or how they grew apart,
which makes sense; old friends with a shared history naturally wouldn’t provide
exposition like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Director Charles McDougall knows how to maximize the creepy,
as he does expertly in the dinner scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The visual of the diminutive killer in a cat mask is haunting and
effective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, the use of
the cameras in the first act practically screams “these cameras will be
important later” which undermines the reveal of the left camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The actors all a really solid job with their roles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one is really asked to do anything
extraordinary, except maybe for Chaplin who has to put on an American
accent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t quite have it
down, which is mildly distracting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Athena Karkanis was a pleasant surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was one of the best things about
AMC’s Low Winter Sun (another adaptation of a British show) so seeing her turn
up really captured my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Given her role, I imagine that, should Mad Dogs move forward, she’ll
become an important part of the show in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Mad Dogs was the one pilot this season that I had
expectations for going into it and I’m happy to say that I wasn’t
disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-2537593653689761782015-01-20T10:30:00.000-05:002015-01-24T17:41:08.917-05:00Amazon Prime – Salem Rogers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJO_rgMMISGCclUGyGQQZ0iB0A8hyso4OWMCEALmRVLD6kDJtcx0N-4P2YyqhmJacdi4bY8AjPiYLuT9-2eTz_P3mnhD14EnTIoIzV0VBEB1gDiyGZzx7K6ufoPLP0rXY8w5e-6BrYGM/s1600/Salem+Rogers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJO_rgMMISGCclUGyGQQZ0iB0A8hyso4OWMCEALmRVLD6kDJtcx0N-4P2YyqhmJacdi4bY8AjPiYLuT9-2eTz_P3mnhD14EnTIoIzV0VBEB1gDiyGZzx7K6ufoPLP0rXY8w5e-6BrYGM/s1600/Salem+Rogers.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the cool things about the explosion of “new media” is
that it allows for the discovery of new voices and allows for success outside
of the traditional means. Also,
because they’re less entrenched in the old ways, Amazon and Netflix are more
willing to takes risks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amazon Studios in particular accepts submissions, which
presents a huge opportunity for aspiring creators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Salem Rogers is a show that that was submitted to Amazon
Studios and has now become a pilot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Salem Rogers is a half hour comedy about of a former
supermodel who, after spending years in rehab, is trying to reclaim her former
glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along for the ride is her
former assistant and current covert life coach Agatha Todd. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Salem Rogers does a good job of establishing the
characters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Salem is Ron Burgundy
mixed with most clichés about models.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Agatha pretty much has her life together before Salem reenters the
picture, at which point basically reverts to their old dynamic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course part of the reason Agatha falls back into her old
role is because she wants to transition from kid lit to being a published life
coach and her publisher only signs on once she claims she’s going to guide the
Salem, a notorious trainwreck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a plot motivation that is both necessary and clunky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leslie Bibb plays Salem is delightfully over the top with
just a hint of self-awareness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
has no censor and for the most part still believes that she’s on top of the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bibb manages to avoid being
cartoony and actually makes Salem a viable character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rachel Dratch’s put upon Agatha is everything you’d expect
her to be, she’s fashionably schlubby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though you know that it’s probably going to be bad news, you can’t
help but hope that Agatha and Salem can help each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, Harry Hamlin steals every scene he’s in as the
delightfully catty Roberto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seriously, this guy is having a renaissance on the small screen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course as a show Salem Rogers isn’t without it’s
flaws.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Firstly, it relies too
heavily on crude humor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
almost as though it aspires to be a tv version of the aforementioned
Anchorman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thing about that
sort of humor is that it works best with limits (It’s Always Sunny in
Philadelphia) or when it’s used sparingly to punctuate something (Veep).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should it get picked up, hopefully
Salem Rogers will find some sort of balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But Salem Rogers should
also be applauded for having a plan, as illustrated by the teaser and tag,
which flash-forward to a disastrous trip abroad. </span><!--EndFragment-->Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-61502763903345580552015-01-19T16:00:00.000-05:002015-01-19T16:00:01.342-05:00Amazon Prime – Cocked<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KIVNhNNbj9Dy1TBWUVzy8O5PUZysrJG8v5AX1preeYRj9wSoy6_NUHvi8aYDndE_iZxDsyVrDevFG661bkMKQXY4pFK1IHMZuNRHAIfoxEWcXffuPNi1tO70aw7U6hCtxBGIjiov38Y/s1600/cocked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KIVNhNNbj9Dy1TBWUVzy8O5PUZysrJG8v5AX1preeYRj9wSoy6_NUHvi8aYDndE_iZxDsyVrDevFG661bkMKQXY4pFK1IHMZuNRHAIfoxEWcXffuPNi1tO70aw7U6hCtxBGIjiov38Y/s1600/cocked.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I applaud Amazon’s resilience. They are constantly churning out pilots for public
consumption. I missed out of the
first batch, which produced Alpha House and Betas, but I was all in for the
last two offerings. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This time around Amazon has 13 different pilots up review,
including six kid shows and one based on the New York Times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s pretty ambitious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
First up is Cocked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cocked is a comedic drama about Richard Paxon (Sam Trammell)
a modern family man with middling corporate success who is forced to return
back to his hometown to save the father’s gun business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His father Wade Paxon (Brian Dennehy) is too old fashioned
and his brother Grady (Jason Lee) made a decision that put the company in a
precarious position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The show works the familiar formula of creating conflict by
placing the lead in a situation where he doesn’t want to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Realizing the gun business wasn’t for
him, Richard sought to make a name for himself,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he’s drawn back into the family business after his life
is threatened by a mysterious stranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Richard is very much a modern man, or more accurately
everything that’s wrong with modern man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His kids don’t respect him and neither does his wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because he’s concerned about the pasta
intake of his children he brings home a vegan feast from a new restaurant that
he heard had a good kale salad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Also his proposal to save his father’s floundering company is to market
guns to the LGBT community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course that proposal is actually a success and helps relieve
the business of some of its financial burden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But by that point Richard is completely committed to being a
part of the family business again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Other subplots introduced in the pilot include a rival, more
successful gun company run by Wade’s younger brother, Tabby (Dreama Walker) the
half sister to both Richard and Grady being Richard’s rival within the company,
as well as the idea that the mysterious stranger who threatened Richard may
have been employed by someone at Paxon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dennehy does what Dennehy does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a very ‘Brian Dennehy’ role and he’s up to the
task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile Jason Lee gets to
take things up to 11 as the occasionally coked out Grady.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trammell is fine as Richard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of the character, he can’t
really bring any flash to the screen, but he lacks magnetism and any sense of
depth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s just sort of dull,
beyond what the character calls for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the other hand Dreama Walker gives Tabby some real
bite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It could come off as
one-dimensional, but thankfully the writers provide layers via exposition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately Laura Fraser, as
Richard’s wife Hannah, has very little to do beyond place demands on the
lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully she’ll be fleshed
out if the series goes forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cocked is a completely adequate pilot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s got paint-by-numbers conflicts
that are predictably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard
reluctantly returns to a place he never felt welcome, but opts to stay out of a
sense of honor and pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Richard
and Grady have a contentious relationship, but their bond as brothers wins out
in the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
If Cocked does get picked up I would hope that the writers venture
outside of familiar tropes and make the show special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I wouldn’t bet on that happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-48183081636775852762015-01-19T10:00:00.000-05:002015-01-19T14:39:19.738-05:00Adventures with Peanut Butter<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcRBWWEILFav521oUcXJjAiJp1dmH2qC02xUETn-_QZde3kTz8DfJg7IVvcZeQwW32Xq8q6nTwlLPuFg7jbDPPI4r9yznqv3FFwQ72RWoJKGGWuu5JodSDkgicpuejynqQNWu5kMCI9Y/s1600/Peanut+Butter1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcRBWWEILFav521oUcXJjAiJp1dmH2qC02xUETn-_QZde3kTz8DfJg7IVvcZeQwW32Xq8q6nTwlLPuFg7jbDPPI4r9yznqv3FFwQ72RWoJKGGWuu5JodSDkgicpuejynqQNWu5kMCI9Y/s1600/Peanut+Butter1.jpg" height="640" width="446" /></a></div>
Last December I fell ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t life threatening, it was just a bug, but it wiped
me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t get warm or
comfortable, it was a pretty miserable five days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But while I was sick, I bought some peanut butter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Y’see I’m one of those people who really goes with their gut
and listens to their body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
I’m craving something, 97% of the time, I’ll satisfy that craving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know if that speaks more to me
being in tune with myself or my desire not to go without, but usually get what
I’m longing for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, when I was sick I was craving peanut butter on
celery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I’d already had
celery in my fridge I went out and picked up some peanut butter from my
severely underwhelming local grocery store Pathmark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I’ve got to say that the celery/peanut butter combo was
awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really hit the spot,
which was particularly satisfying because I was under the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately I was left with a jar of
peanut butter that was 95% untouched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not the biggest fan of peanut butter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It stems from my childhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a kid I made my own lunch for
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did it up until high
school, at which point I switched up to getting lunch from school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But back to my making my lunch, it was really the first time
I toyed with philosophy, sort of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’d make my lunch the night before and every day I’d take it
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I didn’t often eat
those lunches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d eat the snacks
I’d packed, but not the main course; the sandwich. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Usually I’d make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or
occasionally a peanut butter and honey sandwich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d make those sandwiches because they were easy to
make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strangely enough I wasn’t all
that invested in my lunch, I’d make sandwiches that were easy to make, rather
than tasted good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Making the sandwiches was Nighttime Skip’s responsibility,
eating them fell solely in the domain of the mythical Tomorrow Skip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as though I truly believed that
I was reborn anew each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nighttime Skip wasn’t worried about those sandwiches he was making; he
wasn’t going to eat them, they were Tomorrow Skip’s problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Basically I was done with peanut butter for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m fine with peanut butter as a flavor or incorporated in
ice cream (it's one of my favorite parts of Chubby Hubby) but as an adult I’d never purchased a jar of peanut butter for
personal consumption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow, I just
realized that I bought my first jar of peanut butter while shivering from a
fever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I don’t like peanut butter, I like wasting food even
less. So I have this jar of barely used peanut butter that I’m trying to find
ways to get rid of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully
I’ve got the Epicurious app which happily provided me with some recipes that
incorporate peanut butter in them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Stay tuned to see how it turns out. </div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-36788305619036080102015-01-18T02:42:00.005-05:002015-01-18T02:42:45.013-05:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Kevin Hart & Sia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1WZwY28YJHm4e7-lSJgD7wiBj27QCl4Rg_eRIf2iz8Cv5fUAvDIqj0MiQaT25UU4jgScHRlugP-wtICA218DM2djyjDUMGvPGLA5oA_bx2uL2QPyMVtBanz8u04uWoWdxJVaVVpxxVc/s1600/SNL+Kevin+Hart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1WZwY28YJHm4e7-lSJgD7wiBj27QCl4Rg_eRIf2iz8Cv5fUAvDIqj0MiQaT25UU4jgScHRlugP-wtICA218DM2djyjDUMGvPGLA5oA_bx2uL2QPyMVtBanz8u04uWoWdxJVaVVpxxVc/s1600/SNL+Kevin+Hart.png" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy New Year
It’s been a long time since SNL was new and I’ve genuinely missed
it. Sure things have been pretty
rocky so far this season, but I believe it’s going to get better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kevin Hart is Saturday Night Live’s first host of 2015 and
he’s a star who seems to continually be on the rise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His last hosting effort didn’t leave a bad taste in my
mouth, so I’m looking forward to what he’s going to bring to the table this
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our rating system;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm MacDonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>MLK Cold Open</b> – I guess this is a mildly topical
sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But apart from the bit
about the Oscar nominations, this felt cribbed from a variety of sources
including that infamous episode of The Boondocks and several stand up routines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also two things really distracted me;
the cue cards popping in the reflection behind Kenan and Pete Davidson’s
blatantly and unnaturally reading of those cue cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Jim Breuer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue </b>– I always applaud whenever a host strays from
having a monologue written for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like Chris Rock and Louis C.K., Hart opted to perform genuine stand up
material. The audience loved it and so did the band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Justin Bieber for Calvin Klein</b> – I’ll always appreciate Kate
McKinnon’s Bieber impression, but there’s very little meat to this ad
parody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it goes on way too
long for something that’s so light on material.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Darrell Hammond</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Why’d You Post That?</b> – This sketch was marred in the opening
minute by a horrendous technical glitch and it never fully recovered from that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the wall dungeon didn’t work right
the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite those
bumps, Hart did his best to keep things from going off the rails and gave it
his all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the only thing anyone
is going to remember about this sketch is how the screen, an integral part of
the sketch, malfunctioned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Chris Farley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Bushwick, Brooklyn 2015</b> – This bit was gold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved how those corner dudes adapted
to the gentrification of Brooklyn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Artisanal Mayo, dog walking business, Kareem and his life partner, where
all placed perfectly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I’m
totally going to steal “put gluten in your muffins or something.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>James Brown at the Apollo</b> – Having the cast as James Brown’s
backing band is funny enough, but having Hart’s Brown ask them to answer individually
was pure comedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the food
order was just a cherry on top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Nancy</b> – This was nice silly little sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The walk on music switch up build
nicely to Hart’s Martin, who has learned enough English to do his job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s absurd, but it works because
everyone sells it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
importantly, the music cues go off without a hitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Justin Bieber Call Back</b> – Pretty much an example of
diminished returns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Darrell Hammond</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sia’s First Performance</b> – I’ve been a fan of Sia’s since one
of her songs played a pivotal role in one of television’s finest finales, so
I’m happy that she’s found success and having her moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, her aversion to performing
is becoming a distraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
it’s dope that she is still trying to make sure there’s a performance, it’s
like literally distracting from the song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – Right off bat; Colin opted not to shave
this week?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Update felt very
abbreviated this week, I’m guessing because Hart’s monologue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only one guest this week but Mrs
Santini is pretty awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
how she writers her notes on paper scraps and napkins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s such an awesomely passively
aggressive neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither Jost
nor Che had any major mess ups, which is a good sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>We Must Move On</b> – Wow, this is a one-note sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And holy cow does it go on
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually, I dig this kind
of sketch, but this time out it did nothing for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Leslie Jones popping up at the end felt less like an
escalation than a prolonging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Kevin's Son</b> – Kevin gets to play himself, unlike what he’s
been doing in every other sketch tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Pharoah does a pretty good Hart impression, which isn’t surprising
because he’s basically a savant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But yeah, it’s one of those sketches where a cast member does an
impression of the host.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m
99% sure that’s what the script for this sketch says.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Darrell Hammond</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sia’s Second Performance</b> – So this is the second time this
song has made an appearance on SNL this season, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like this time better, but again, the
performer is distracting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
signing mime?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty sure
that’s against the rules, because mimes don’t talk, and signing is
talking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So really he’s not a
mime, he may possibly be a deaf clown, but he’s not a mime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Chocolate Drop Listening Party</b> – Hart brings an established
character to SNL?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess that
since he’s a big time movie star he doesn’t have a problem with loaning
Chocolate Drop out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I’m
betting most of SNL’s audience has no idea that this character wasn’t dreamed
up by SNL’s writers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a funny
premise, with the appropriate amount of escalation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m glad we found out why Kenan looked dead in every
shot he was in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Chris Farley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Final Thoughts – I wonder if the writers were happy that
Hart’s monologue ran long and planned for it by underwriting the show or were
upset that the monologue ran long and their material got cut?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either way, there at least two great
and well executed premises this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The holiday rust seemed most apparent with the blocking and cuing of the
screen in that first sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kevin Hart’s second time hosting SNL and he did an equally
good job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly there wasn’t
another Z-Shirt bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kevin Hart is
always “Kevin Hart” but the writers used that to their advantage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating:</b> Josh Hutcherson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Next Week:</b> Blake Shelton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if I can lure Jay1 to cover SMQB next week?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-32418964036141636312014-12-21T02:10:00.001-05:002014-12-21T02:10:05.884-05:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Amy Adams & One Direction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZoWDHZ2AdoAaExz2er0AdPnkN_4YOz7KA9BKWRA00aqHpUfXpmJaJNOcMYtE7fEOrJ80phPlhGckO6nVgM3vY-Er5CaHvfL68U_rudyW-FMzGuS9pfT3vSKHe55bC2YIMR8cbKshaek/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-21+at+2.08.48+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZoWDHZ2AdoAaExz2er0AdPnkN_4YOz7KA9BKWRA00aqHpUfXpmJaJNOcMYtE7fEOrJ80phPlhGckO6nVgM3vY-Er5CaHvfL68U_rudyW-FMzGuS9pfT3vSKHe55bC2YIMR8cbKshaek/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-21+at+2.08.48+AM.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s the last Saturday Night Live of 2014. What a year it’s been. We’ve lost Seth Meyers (among others)
and gained Sasheer Zamata (among others).
It’s truly been a year full of growing pains for the show. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Amy Adams is hosting the SNL Christmas episode, which
traditionally features special guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Who will show up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And will
this episode end the year with a bang or a whimper?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our Rating system</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm MacDonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dr. Evil Cold Open</b> – First off, I would have been totally
fine with “A Very Somber Christmas with Sam Smith” which looked funny enough,
but Dr. Evil was a great touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
allowed them to deal with the Sony/The Interview/North Korea situation from a
critical standpoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The jokes
about moving a movie to January and The Love Guru were nice touches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for a bit that could have easily
coasted on seeing a familiar character, it was actually well written and
funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – So Adams mentions that this is the second time
Kristen Wiig has hijacked her monologue, but it’s also the second time Wiig has
hijacked a musical monologue this season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Normally I’d be bashing this monologue, but the holiday season has
ironically melted my heart and the song is getting me into the holiday
spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Asian American Doll</b> – This sketch was brilliant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s sort of like a thematic sequel to
The Dudley’s sketch from the Woody Harrelson episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The toy company walking on eggshells was just great and
Strong’s narrator was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Phil Hartman</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tenderfield Christmas</b> – Nice of SNL to take on viral family
videos, with a familiy who had viral success and is trying to duplicate that
success despite having a seriously rocky year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The high point of the sketch is McKinnon’s sociopath
daughter, Suzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The low point was
Kenan playing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>essentially the same
character he plays 33% of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Usually it works, but here it just feels lazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, Killam and Adams’ enthusiasm really helps sell this
sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Serial: The Christmas Surprise</b> – Serial is a phenomenon, but
it’s also a podcast, so making a parody for TV seems like an odd fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, they did a great job of
capturing the rhythms of Serial, while elevating it to the absurd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a solid parody, that goes on a bit
too long, because there were so many aspects they wanted to lampoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating:</b> Darrell Hammond</div>
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<b>Girlfriends Talk Show</b> – I usually love this sketch, but this
week it felt like an excuse to cram One Direction into sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Morgan didn’t get a ton of lines in
this outing and she’s usually the heart of the sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also Kira’s story about her boyfriend
wasn’t as outlandish as it usually is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It makes me sad, because I really like visiting with Morgan and
Kira.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating:</b> Jim Breuer</div>
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<b>Office Christmas Party</b> – The idea of a couple of guys who
get an office holiday party turnt up is mildly funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the image of Bobby Moynihan as the boss, making it rain
with gift cards is undeniably funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Equally hilarious is Bryant’s Carol from New Media going wild.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
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<b>One Direction First Performance</b> – I don’t know what this
song was, I mean, other than extremely bland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kind of dig how these guys still perform in a straight up
lineup.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only does it show
solidarity, but it also keeps you from noticing the backing musicians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Weekend Update</b> – First off, shame on Michael Che for
tainting a perfectly good Cosby joke by failing to pronounce “sedative”
correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good grief man!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, Moynihan’s Kim Jong Un bit
was pretty funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also enjoyed
Che’s neighbor Willie, whose jokes slayed me (but then again, Gil is one of my
favorite residents of Springfield).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But seeing Garth and Kat on Update was like the best Christmas present
ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>A Very Cuban Christmas</b> – Ok, this was clearly supposed to be
the cold open, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
topical, it’s got Pharoah’s Obama in it and the ending felt tacked on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apart from that, seeing Strong play
Latina, again, is kind of lame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Equally lame, Killam apparently thinking all Latinos are Mexican,
because his Pitbull clearly sounded Mexcian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But on the plus side, Armisen’s announcer was funny and
seeing him actually show up as Raul Castro was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Weekend At Bernie’s-esque bit with Fidel Castro was
pretty funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating:</b><b> </b> Tim
Meadows</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>One Direction Second Performance</b> – I feel like this is the
same song and they just shifted their positions on stage so that we’d think it
was a different one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I swear this
is the same song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s gotta
be hard to write songs for One Direction, because you have to have five
different voices to put in the spotlight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But this is still the same song as the first one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>A Magical Christmas</b> – This is one of those sketches that
hinges on the reveal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the
reveal might actually save the sketch for some people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me the reveal was the cherry on
top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am a fan of the Dundee
Sisters and their fixation on trash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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<b>Rating:</b> Norm MacDonald</div>
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<b>Whisters R’ We </b>– I was genuinely happy to see Barbara and
her new girlfriend, Ashley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
loved Barbara cracking herself up with her jokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dug how Adams’ Ashley kept trying to get frisky, in weird
ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But obviously the star of
the sketch was Toby, the textbook narcissist, who digs Adam Lambert and has
power of attorney over Barbara.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating:</b> Norm MacDonald </div>
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<b>Final Thoughts</b> – I’m glad that SNL went out on a strong
note, because it’s a long cold month until the next episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writers really brought their A game
and for the most part it was an evenly funny episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Adams certainly did her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn’t asked to really carry any sketches, but he held
her own, particularly in the Tenderfield Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she ended things with her weird Ashley. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Host Rating:</b> Edward Norton</div>
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<b>Next <strike>Week </strike>Year:</b> Kevin Hart and TBD</div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-69578461353904559752014-12-14T02:18:00.003-05:002014-12-16T21:54:08.561-05:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – Martin Freeman & Charli XCX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8pbRpjyxjSygSP0lP1CxLplkyYYZvJiwOF2m5mM_TQEtDdDz316A58C6EHXVVSWuw7_PCQaiGn2rNJoIZYZBNBsDEw1gMMAB1A6ax4C0v0r3id5eEQl1MbojTtHEpEdwUp3C_z23Si8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-16+at+9.50.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8pbRpjyxjSygSP0lP1CxLplkyYYZvJiwOF2m5mM_TQEtDdDz316A58C6EHXVVSWuw7_PCQaiGn2rNJoIZYZBNBsDEw1gMMAB1A6ax4C0v0r3id5eEQl1MbojTtHEpEdwUp3C_z23Si8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-16+at+9.50.56+PM.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
It's funny, but I don't think I've ever seen Martin Freeman in a comedic role. I've yet to watch the original The Office. I guess Sherlock is slightly comedic. I'm very curious what he's going to bring to Saturday Night Live. </div>
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Hopefully, SNL's writers are hopped up on holiday cheer and give us something worth watching this week. </div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
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Our Rating system</div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Phil Hartman – Comedic gold<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm MacDonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
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And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
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Drake – Outstanding</div>
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Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
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Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
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Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
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Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
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<b>Charlie Rose Cold Open</b> – Nice to see the show start with the
torture report and the Cheesecake Factory jab was really well placed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having Moynihan and Mooney play the two
clinical psychologists, who not only aren’t ashamed of their work, but also don’t
want it to overshadow their previous efforts was a smart take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They could have lingered on the actual
torture a bit more, but I get why they moved off of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the self-checkout run sounded
like a stand up bit, it still worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And while it ran a bit long, it was still consistently funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating: </b>Kristen Wiig</div>
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<b>Monologue</b> – I liked this monologue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed the edge of sarcasm that it
carried as well as it’s brevity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The weakest part of the monologue was Killam’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alan Rickman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But Mckinnon’s Maggie Smith was completely dope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also loved the self deprecation of
Freeman trying to get a pop from his lesser known tv work and his
hometown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
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<b>Sump’n Claus</b> – This slayed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dug the individual verses and loved the chorus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kenan killed it with the Morris
Day-esque dance moves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the
origin of Sump’n Claus was just dope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also dig that he gives out cash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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<b>Rating: </b>Norm MacDonald</div>
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<b>Wedding Objections </b>– The premise of this sketch wasn’t a
home run, but the escalation is what made it impressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had ten kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His penis is like a late stage Jenga tower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The objections forming a line and their rebuffing the
objections were really well done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And thankfully the sketch didn’t rely on Jones objectifying Freeman,
Jost-style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But McKinnon’s Evelyn,
the weird stranger really put this sketch over the top for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating:</b> Norm MacDonald</div>
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<b>The Office: Middle Earth</b> - This was expertly done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Melding two of Freeman’s most iconic
characters and doing it well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moynihan’s Gandalf (First off; really
computer, you recognize that as a word? And secondly, I only know how to spell
that because of the cover of this week’s EW) channeling David Brent was spot
on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun to watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But much like movies that feature Middle
Earth, this thing ran long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating: </b>Darrell Hammond</div>
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<b>Right Side of the Bed</b> – This is a funny sketch that’s all
about the chemistry between Strong and Killam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, the awkward and lingering tosses to Louie were great,
but the playful bickering between Strong and Killam was mesmerizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best line: “I’m a red blooded
American male, like everyone else on the planet.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
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<b>Christmas Mass Spectacular</b> – I’m curious why this ran this
week instead of next week?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Freeman’s not in it and it’s the third filmed bit this episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That said, it’s funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mr. Drubbler’s sweaty hands were
awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating: </b>Norm MacDonald</div>
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<b>Charli XCX First Performance</b> – Right off the bat, I’m
digging the all female backing band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I like the uniform look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beyond
that I’ve not nothing positive to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Charli’s voice sounds crazy sometimey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seems like one of those singers that you can get
something out of them in the studio, but live is a different story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She actually sounds decent on the
chorus, but those verses need some help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She’s like a modern day, female Nate Dogg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except Nate could actually give you “Regulate.”</div>
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<b>Weekend Update</b> – After nearly a year on the show, Zamata
finally gets into the spotlight by appearing as herself on Update, something Pete
Davidson and Leslie Jones have already done three times this season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you know what, her bit about emojis
is actually not half bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bar
Mitzvah Boy Jacob is always welcome, but the star of Update was Strong’s One
Dimensional Female Character from a Male Driven Comedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her flat delivery and sticking to her
pre-assigned plot points, pretty genius.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jost and Che were also there and said jokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Heinz Factory</b> – This was the best bit of product placement
all year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this rhythms it
almost felt vaudevillian, like it was a reworked vaudeville bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially given how it’s virtually all
dialogue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Freeman and Killam
did a great job of performing this really well written sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating: </b>Norm MacDonald</div>
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<b>Pine River Lodge</b> – I’m a sucker for anything with a lounge
act, they’re my favorite kind of performers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really liked the hint of a back-story with Isaac and
Roman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this sketch just seemed
to missing something to really take it home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to like it more than I actually did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Rating:</b> Robert Downey Jr.</div>
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<b>Charli XCX Second Performance</b> – My god, could this song be
loaded with any more clichéd lyrics?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hope “Cliché” is the name of this song, but something tells me that
Charli doesn’t possess that amount of self-awareness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Charli really seems to be trying hard, like trying too
hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Musically the song wasn’t
all that bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But lyrically, oy
vey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Waterbed Warehouse</b> – I was not feeling this sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was prepared to end the night on a
note of disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then,
on that third cut to Bryant, when she keeps drawing out and teasing the last
line of the jingle, I found myself all in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This sketch literally grew on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus the story was dope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And waterbeds are never not funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And honestly I believe that their waterbeds are the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating: </b>Norm MacDonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> This seemed like a pretty well balanced
episode, with most of the cast getting some screen time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The writers seemed to set their sights
a bit higher this week and achieved their goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This episode was actually funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Martin Freeman did a really good job hosting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No real serious mess ups and he was
committed to every sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He held
is own and seemed game for anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating: </b>Edward Norton</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Next Week:</b> Amy Adams and One Direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve got nothing to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Except I’m expecting guests since it’s
the last SNL before the Christmas break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8507027938884494151.post-81150580450417004712014-12-07T02:33:00.000-05:002014-12-07T02:33:00.371-05:00Sunday Morning Quarterback – James Franco & Nicki Minaj<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDyxXx8Ew5orxGTYEf5RQ95JvX-SjsVuG_FkG2K_Uynw01cz_5aW5EVEqAXzU6VS9AA1cK9NkJWOoOytS9QJSIcu1luJ42NBnLCyJNGi5Xhr2P3fCk_roTLWXtgfctNseC81T8XuMHB4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-07+at+2.31.25+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDyxXx8Ew5orxGTYEf5RQ95JvX-SjsVuG_FkG2K_Uynw01cz_5aW5EVEqAXzU6VS9AA1cK9NkJWOoOytS9QJSIcu1luJ42NBnLCyJNGi5Xhr2P3fCk_roTLWXtgfctNseC81T8XuMHB4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-12-07+at+2.31.25+AM.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was looking forward to this episode, mainly because I was
a pretty big fan of James Franco’s SNL documentary. It was pretty interesting look at what goes into the making
of an episode of SNL. And how
blindingly white things are behind the scenes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And having Franco host with Nicki Minaj as the musical guest
sets up all sorts of interesting things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will the writers at Saturday Night Live be refreshed by their holiday
break or rusty?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Phil Hartman – Comedic gold</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Chris Farley – Definitely funny, but
kinda messy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Norm MacDonald – Funny, but not for
everyone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Kristen Wiig – So-so premise saved by
performer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tim Meadows – Didn’t hate it, didn’t love
it, dripping with adequatulence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Darrell Hammond – Funny, but overstayed
it’s welcome<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Jim Breuer- Crowd pleaser, but a bit
obvious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Robert Downey Jr – Brilliant performer,
not a lot to work with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">David Spade – Trying too hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Janeane Garofalo – Weird weird, not weird
funny</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And introducing our new Host Rating Scale;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Drake – Outstanding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edward Norton – Impressive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Josh Hutcherson – Fine Enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Charlize Theron – Essentially an Extra</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seth Rogen – Expectation, Unmet</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jim Parsons - Awful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Politics Nation</b> – SNL was in a no win situation; if they
didn’t address the Grand Juries with the cold open they’ve be viewed as
avoiding the one thing that’s been dominating headlines for the past few
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But how do you make that
funny?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As this sketch proves, you
really can’t, in sketch form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
jokes come from standard Kenan as Al Sharpton humor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Monologue</b> – Nice work including the Sony hack in the
monologue, which gives it a bit of topical relevance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then Seth Rogen comes in and effectively sucks all the
air out of the thing, which becomes incredibly predictable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though Franco tying his Instagram
fiasco into the hack was a nice touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Jim Breuer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Peter Pan Live</b> – This was a sketch that I bet sounded better
on paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only is it poking
fun at NBC’s Peter Pan Live, but it also brings back Aidy Bryant’s Tonker Bell
character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, because
it’s really two sketches crammed together, it never really found a rhythm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I haven’t decided if I liked
Franco’s Walken or thought it was terrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like it’s the latter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Tim Meadows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Star Wars Trailer</b> – This was a funny bit that maybe went on
too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Killam’s Harrison Ford
was pure comedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the
sketch was just jokes about old people, set in a galaxy far, far away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was stupid, but it made me
laugh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jingle Ballerz/Hip Hop Nativity</b> – This sketch was
garbage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The premise was so thin
and the impressions ranged from adequate to laughable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sasheer’s Rihanna was horrible, like
distractingly bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Franco had to
be crammed into this sketch and I just kept waiting for it to end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though McKinnon’s Bieber deserves a
shout out for being great as always.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> David Spade</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Grow a Guy</b> – First off, “A Mike O’brien Picture”? Mike gets
branded stuff now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the weirdness of this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love Beck as the jerky bully that he
often plays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked watching
Franco’s character grow and learn things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The fact that Franco’s character had a sense of humor was a nice
touch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that ending was pretty
sad, in a funny way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Norm MacDonald</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Troll Bridge</b> – Nice to see Cecily anchor something
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the second time
we’ve seen this character, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She’s an interesting character with a pretty funny story, but she’s
bogged down by the premise of the sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And the big laugh getter in this sketch is supposed to be Franco and
Mooney making out, which feels pretty juvenile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Robert Downey Jr.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Nicki Minaj Performance #1</b> – Bold of Nicki to allow Skylar
Grey so much time to establish the hook of the song, given that it’s Nicki’s
performance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I vaguely recall
Skylar Grey was supposed to be something huge, but that never really panned
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, Nicki is rhyming and
aiming squarely at her base.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s to see here, other than an outlandish figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Weekend Update</b> – You’ve got to applaud SNL for devoting the
entire opening of Update to some pretty awful Grand Jury decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was good not only because of the
shift in tone and voice, but also because it showed that the show can
evolve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy to see Anthony
Crispino again, because he’s one of my favorite of Moynihan’s
correspondents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Leslie Jones,
again performing stand up, and with diminishing returns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe she should give Update a rest
until the Spring?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was kind of
fun to see Nicki as Kim K.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are clearly grooming her to host SNL in the near future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jeremy’s Brain</b> – Light on plot but funny premise with some
solid jokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s also completely
relatable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Chris Farley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Tad Rankin</b> – I loved this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved the fact that Tad was traumatized by sight of
Tommy’s father’s ballsack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked
how bitter he was about losing an election to a kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even liked when Franco almost lost his composure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was good stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Chris Farley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Nicki Minaj Performance #2</b> – This performance was a mess and
really illustrated the a problem with Hip-Hop; given it’s highly collaborative
nature, if all of the contributors to a song aren’t present a performance can
have some awkward gaps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nicki
trying to fill voids by soliciting response from the audience was possibly the
most awkward thing since Ashlee Simpson’s hoedown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, I really appreciate how Nicki is blatantly selling
sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sunseeker Yachts</b> – I’m surprised and slightly saddened that
this sketch wasn’t been retired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s another case of diminished returns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We’re gonna need a bigger throat” was a pretty funny line,
but beyond that things looked bleak until Franco’s character brought some life
to the sketch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m totally fine
with this being the final one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rating:</b> Kristen Wiig</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Thoughts:</b> Seriously, I think we can all agree that
Nicki Minaj will be hosting SNL within the next 12 months, and possibly later
this season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This episode was
clearly a test run. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Franco did fine, which is another way of saying “it’s not
him hosting the Oscars.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t
blown away and I wasn’t disappointed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Host Rating:</b> Josh Hutcherson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b>Next Week: </b>Martin Freeman and Charli XCX.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m genuinely curious about this
episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m putting even money on
both Sherlock and Fargo getting send ups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
Skip Serpicohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18008604904681125754noreply@blogger.com0