Tag Archives: Saturday Night Live

Kristen Wiig is Back in Studio 8H and All is Well…

She’s back!!!! It really was only a matter of time before Ms. SNL 2000’s herself would return to the hallowed stage and this week is that time. As usual, the show’s promos have been released and it does nothing to quell the excitement.

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=n36522

I’d be lying if I said I haven’t watched it multiple times. In the last hour.

Because Saturday seems so far away (although there is an Arrow episode tonight which is good), I figured it would be best to go out and find some of the best of Kristen Wiig to pass the time.

“Real Housewives of Disney” is perhaps one of my favorite pre-recorded sketches in recent years. It’s hard to beat a broke Jasmine, drunk Cinderella, and gay Prince Charming.

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=n13429

As with all returning hosts/former cast members, I’m sure some of Wiig’s character will be making a return appearance as well. If that doesn’t include the Lawrence Welk Show, well I’m sure I won’t be alone in my disappointment.

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=n13207

There were a lot of people out there (typical internet commenters who seem to hate everything) who really did not like the Target lady but I love that sketch. It is rare, even to this day, that I will check out and not say “Approved!” in my head when my card goes through.

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=n12501

Of course no list of favorite Kristen Wiig characters would be complete without one of her many Weekend Update characters. I can easily see them bringing back Garth and Kat this week. No complaints here!

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=n12831

That’s a few of my favorites but surely there are some I’ve forgotten. Let’s hear it – what Kristen Wiig characters do you want to see come Saturday night?

SNL: 38.19 – Zach Galifianakis & Of Monsters and Men

Season 38 is sadly in the home stretch so we have to savor each moment in hopes they will last us through the long, un-funny summer. :tear: Thankfully there was plenty to laugh at this week with former SNL writer, current The Hangover series star, Zach Galfianiakis!

The cold open was one of my favorite recurring sketches, ‘Fox and Friends’. I keep waiting for this bit to get old but somehow it doesn’t. Everytime I see the Fox logo, I’m giddy (only on Saturday night however – every other day of the week I cringe), I just can’t help myself. Of course a big part of the success of ‘Fox and Friends’ is the “corrections and I might have literally laughed out loud at “The California wildfires are not a professional soccer team”.

Zach Galifianakis
Credit to: gifsnl

I love when hosts come on SNL and just do their own thing when it comes to the monologue. Zach Galifianakis did just that. Thankfully for us, his “own thing” is dry and weird and hysterical. His monologue was a perfect example. I might have soiled myself at the idea of pulling up behind someone broken down on the highway just to try out jokes. Genius.

I think we can all agree that this was the greatest sketch of the night.

Zack Galifianakis

Even if the writing of ‘Game of Game of Thrones’ was shit, Galifianakis in that dragon costume (a child’s XL) would have made up for it tenfold. Thankfully the writing wasn’t shit and the sketch was just funny all the way around. If the costume wasn’t enough, referring to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as an “old pilgrim” made it even better. Of course when the picture of the old pilgrim is held by none other than Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) then the sketch reaches a level of damn near perfection.

Zach Galifianakis

(Speaking of Game of Thrones – make sure to check back to Grizzly Bomb on Mondays to read our recap and review of each new episode. Go ahead and check out episode 5, ‘Kissed By Fire’, right here.)

The match.com fauxmercial was good but really wasn’t that much to write home about. Something about picturing Martha Stewart getting her freak on just doesn’t sit well.

Zach Galifianakis
Credit to: bravoishere

“Let’s put Zach in a wig and Friends t-shirt and have him yell about Helen Keller” is how I imagine the Jennifer Aniston look-a-like sketch was born. I’d also completely forgotten about The Hangover making a third appearance so it never occurred to me that Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms (sidenote: how great was Andy’s goodbye on The Office this week?) would show up. I’m glad they did because there’s just something inherently funny about men in wigs, probably why I watch this show week after week.

Zach Galifianakis
Good ol’ Dionne Warwick

For the record: Vanessa Bayer has an incredible Jennifer Aniston impression.

Weekend Update seemed really long this week. Not that it’s a bad thing, because it is not, just seemed longer than usual. I don’t know that I listened to a word Bill Hader as James Carville was saying because I was too busy laughing at his hands. Dealing cards and DJ’ing were my favorites.

Zach Galifianakis

I’d say this has been Kate McKinnon’s year because she has been on fire with quite a few memorable sketches and characters, but this isn’t her first year and she’s almost perfect to be a Kristin Wiig (next week!!!!!) replacement. Instead, I’m giving this year to Cecily Strong. An impressive rookie season especially with her “girl at the party” character. Three times in one year? That’s good. That’s really good.

Fred Armisen’s “Randal Meeks – tech analyst” review of Google Glass is one that I imagine Google isn’t going to be all too pleased with but the rest of the world got a good laugh. However, I can’t imagine many people were laughing at the “Michael Jordan wedding jugglers” sketch. So random and not really in a good way.

The New Balance commercial was great and “Racist Jim” was meh, but the real winner of the second half of the show (and had the Game of Game of Thrones sketch not been so great, it would have certainly topped the night) was “Darrell’s House” on Knoxville Cable Access.

Zach Galifianakis

At first I thought this was just another end of the night sketches that they just let go on way too long that didn’t really seem to have much of a point. The joke had been made and then they kept going on and going on. Much like the “Z-shirt” sketch from the Kevin Hart episode they did a rare callback with the last bit of the night and every edit Darrell had suggested in the first bit we saw done, even the “wink”.

Zach Galifianakis

The comedy writing geek in me loves things like that!

Overall, I thought it was a really strong episode. There were a few sketches that weren’t as great as others, but I think Darrell’s House and Game of Game of Thrones made up for those. This was Galifianakis’ third time hosting so by now I think everyone is aware that his shows are just going to be a bit weird and awkward. Fortunately it was entertaining as well.

But hang on to your ass Fred because next week it’s none other than Kristen Wiig returning for her first hosting gig!

Zach Galifianakis

I’m so excited about this episode that I’ve preemptively forgiven them for the inevitable “The Californians” sketch.

Until next time SNL fans!

Kristen Wiig SNL

SNL: 38.18 – Vince Vaughn & Miguel

It’s been 15 years since Vince Vaughn last graced the SNL stage and after this week’s show, one has to wonder why it’s been so long? I actually loved this episode as weird as it was, and boy was it was weird.

Vince Vaughn

Unlike last week’s press conference with Kim Jung Un, this week’s with Pres. Obama (Jay Pharoah’s imitation is getting better each time out) and two senators discussing gun control was actually funny. Even if it wasn’t funny, those wigs were enough to laugh at. Bill Hader has a lot of forehead going on there. A lot.

CBS
Credit to: paralysedbeaver

The monologue was a little odd and different but I liked it. I can’t tell you why, but I did. The interaction with the audience, the fact it wasn’t musical, how very “Vince Vaughn” it was, it all worked for me.

Bill Hader’s wig in the cold open was just a preview for the awesomeness that was HBO presents Al Pacino Accused Murderer Biopic Series. Between Phil Spector and the Menendez brothers shouting “Tequila”, I was rolling. Hader’s Al Pacino impersonation is so good that that it isn’t hard to see why they often bring it back.  I do wonder when Pippy Longstockings found the time to not only go to law school but then go on to pass the bar and actually become a judge – that is one amazing ginger!

Vince Vaughn

Vince Vaughn
Credit to: shygirl364

The Weather Channel’s show, Stormy Skies might be the best sketch I’ve seen in a long time. I’d be really okay with The Californians being laid to rest and Stormy Skies becoming a recurring thing. I had tears from laughing so hard. They had every stupid weather man cliche – the time and temp, the standing outside in torrential downpours for no logical reason, and Aidy Bryant as the person who decides it’s their big chance to get on camera behind the weather reporter was a highlight. I just can not tell you how much I loved this sketch. Needs to happen again, please.

I have a feeling that “History of Punk – The Bizarros” has been sitting on a shelf for awhile just waiting for this week. With good reason. Whatever your opinion of the former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher was, you have to admit that the pre-recorded bit was pretty good.

Vince Vaughn Of course whenever you have anything even remotely close to The Sex Pistols it’s going to be awesome by default. I do think they did a good job treading the line between trash talking and paying homage to a very controversial figure.

By the time we got to “Short Term Memory Loss Theatre”, I started to wonder if this was actually the Bill Hader show, hosted by Bill Hader, starring Bill Hader. Not that it’s a bad thing, he just was a very strong presence in every bit of the show so far. This sketch was a good example of what made this episode so good; new sketch ideas, not necessarily based on current events or pop culture references, that are actually funny more than they are strange. It seems like that has been lacking a bit in recent years. I don’t know if it’s because it’s been so long since Vince Vaughn had a huge movie so they didn’t feel as if they could spoof it like they did with Les Miserables, The Avengers, and The Hunger Games but whatever it was, it worked. Of course Bill Hader breaking is always funny. Enter Landlord!

So there are rumors floating around that Seth Meyers is leaving. First his name was included in the running for joining Kelly Ripa on her morning show. Then it was that he was going to be taking over for Jimmy Fallon when he moves to The Tonight Show. I can see him leaving but what I can’t see is who will fill his seat on Weekend Update. I can tell you who it can’t be and that is Kate McKinnon.

Vince Vaughn
Whether she intended to or not, she is quickly becoming one of the best “guests” on Weekend Update. I think I say this every time but I just can’t get over how entertaining she makes these stories of ridiculous people. A woman claims to be raised by monkeys? Let’s get Kate McKinnon on that one. And she nails it! Now if she would only get a bit more comfortable not relying on cue cards so much, things would be perfect.

Vince Vaughn
Credit to: nbcsnl

Have I mentioned that this episode was a bit weird? There was just a feeling about the show in general that was just different and the Junior High Prom sketch was the embodiment of that feeling. As awkward as it was, I still really liked it. Not to mention, more Aidy Bryant! I always get excited when I see her get more airtime. Of course let’s not kid ourselves, the real winner of this sketch was those sweet dance moves. Well that and Nasim Pedrad’s face as Vince Vaughn throws punch on her telling her to “Make better decisions.”

Vince Vaughn

I would like to thank SNL for completely ruining my life. Now every time I hear that theme music, I will start singing ‘babababababasketball”. Life ruiners. Of course then I will think of Dave Tesh with his little hammer and I will laugh so maybe my life isn’t as ruined as first thought.

Vince Vaughn

The night closed out with this happening. As if it couldn’t get any weirder or more awkward they brought back “Last Call if for Lovers” and we all cringed with delight.

Overall, this was a fantastic show. I really wasn’t expecting much which might have played into it but seriously, I loved it. I’d go so far as to say it might have been one of my favorites of the season so far. The writing seemed to be fresher instead of feeling like they had to fit the host into certain sketches and there weren’t a lot of recurring sketches which is refreshing.

Of course it’s that time of year where everyone goes on hiatus again for a little bit so no new episode until May 4th when Zach Galifianakis hosts.

Vince Vaughn

Until then SNL fans!

SNL 38.16 – Melissa McCarthy & Phoenix

I had to check twice that there hasn’t been a new SNL episode since Justin Timberlake because that seriously seems like eons ago, but alas, there were not which made this week’s turn with Melissa McCarthy a bit disappointing. Don’t get me wrong, it was still funny, but you’d think with someone as good as McCarthy and well over a month to prepare, it would be a bit better than it was.

The cold open was lazy. Really. Disappointing given that there’s been quite a few episodes in a row where they’ve had great cold opens and I was getting quite used to that. Plus it was Bobby Moynihan who I usually really enjoy no matter what he’s doing. However the real crime was this man.

Dennis Rodman, SNL, Kim Jung Un

Now I understand that someone like Dennis Rodman might have gotten tongue tied due to not being in front of an audience before – that’s scary, I get it – but come on man! The line is, and has been for a very long time, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!” How you mess that up, I do not know. Again, perhaps is was stage fright, entirely possible for a man not used to people watching him.

The monologue was great though. Melissa McCarthy does physical and ridiculous humor so well that it was fun to see her get the chance. I will say though, just looking at those shoes made my feet hurt! Her mention of crocs made me immediately think of this.

Melissa McCarthy, crocs, SNL, Gilmore Girls

Oh Sookie St. James how I loved you. You and your love of sensible shoes. Although the monologue did have a musical number, it didn’t have that “oh my lord not another musical monologue!!” feel to it. Actually watching McCarthy try to keep up with Taran Killam while fumbling around was hysterical.

Melissa McCarthy, SNL, Coach Kelly
Credit to: norewardisworththis

However it wasn’t nearly as funny as the ESPN “Outside the Lines” sketch with McCarthy as Coach Shelia Kelly who, it turns out, is even more awful of a coach than the now fired Rutgers coach Mike Rice. Even though it was long (is is just me or have the last few episodes been really bad about long sketches?), it didn’t really get old. Jay Pharoah as the whistle-blowing Assistant Coach who then get’s the the crap beat out of him? Delightful. Bill Hader with a black eye? Yes please. I loved this sketch, so much. I particularly enjoyed the inset of the toaster laying on the ground after it’d been thrown. That’s just funny.

I’m beginning to wonder if NBC has asked SNL to promote The Voice because is it really that great/awful of a show that it warrants two sketches in a season? Outside of a few lines like “I like your misplaced enthusiasm”, it wasn’t much to write home about, especially since they’d done it before.

I’d be okay with them replaying the “Honeybaked Ham” sketch every week. I’m sure after awhile it might get old, but that would be a long while. It is a little embarrassing how loud I laughed when the “presentation” started. Then when she pulled the ham out of the pig costume? I was damn near in tears.

Melissa McCarthy, SNL, Ham
Credit to: tubulartv

Not only was the sketch funny, but it made me really want ham; from Bobby Moynihan’s footie pajamas or not is optional.

SNL, Melissa McCarthy, Bathroom Businessman

When the “Bathroom Businessman” started, it was sort of amusing. When Kenan Thompson crapped his pants, it was mildly funny. When it popped up as a “Decency” PSA? Perfect. I imagine we’ll see this again at a later date when they need something to fill time.

Weekend Update was on fire this week! Not only that but it got a pretty good chunk of airtime which seems like that hasn’t happened in recent episodes. Three guests? That’s pretty good. I do wish however, that they’d do this when it’s a weaker guest and not someone like Melissa McCarthy. Recent Bar Mitzvah boy is growing on me and that’s only because Vanessa Bayer sells it so well. How she captures the awkwardness of a young teenage boy is beyond me but she does, so well. Kenan Thompson’s Charles Barkley is scary good. I felt guilty for laughing about Kevin Ware’s injury, but I did it anyway.

Peter Drunklage, SNL, Melissa McCarthy, Game of Thrones

This was, without a doubt, the highlight of Weekend Update. Perhaps the only thing better was when Peter Dinklage, I’m sorry, Peter Drunklage, said that the IRS stood for “Immigrant Return Services” and Seth Meyers’ reaction to the audience. Fantastic. Shameless plug – if you are a Game of Thrones fan, make sure you check out our reviews each week.

SNL, Melissa McCarthy, Pizza Eater
Credit to: pieceofhumangarbage

Million Dollar Wheel and Dating in the 90’s each weren’t horrible but they certainly could have been better. But Pizza Plan? That was awesome. Instead of  bringing back a specific character from McCarthy’s first time hosting (which is very often the case), they did a sketch that was reminiscent of McCarthy’s “taste tester” character.

Between the repeating of her name and constantly giving Jason Sudeikis a new pen, this was fun to watch. Add in the ridiculous, but almost brilliant, idea of a business solely comprising of being paid to eat leftover pizza, and this was a fantastic sketch. Not only was it funny but it clearly illustrated how good Melissa McCarthy is. This was not really a great sketch on paper. Much like the majority of the episode, the writing was a little lackluster, but McCarthy is so dedicated and puts so much effort and energy into selling those sketches, that they work. I’m always amazed at how little she looks at cue cards. I mean she has a improv background (Groundlings) so it makes sense but even the people who still do improv for a living, the SNL cast, are reading off cue cards on the regular so it’s refreshing to see. It does make me wonder how much better the episode would have been had she been given better material. Oh well, we’ll just have to wait until she hosts again to see!

Next week it’s the tall man himself, Vince Vaughn!

Melissa McCarthy, SNL, Vince Vaughn

Until then SNL fans!

SNL: 38.10 – Jennifer Lawrence & The Lumineers

I’ve mentioned it before, but I look forward to shows after long breaks because they usually are of better quality than those towards the end of a long stretch. Sadly, this week was not one of those shows. It was alright, but not much to write home about.

They started off strong with the cold open, of course anyone who has kept up with the news this past week knew exactly who was going to make an appearance. I loved Bobby Moynihan as Manti Te’o as he nailed Te’o’s constant deer in the headlights look. I was also quite delighted to see Kate McKinnon again (she’s been absent for a while which is odd seeing how omnipresent she was at the beginning of the season) as Jodie Foster.

Jennifer Lawrence SNL

McKinnon does a fabulous Jodie Foster! Of course one does have to contemplate the stability of the cosmos when you have one SNL actor impersonating an actor, who was impersonating a character done by another SNL actor.

Jennifer Lawrence’s monologue was boring. No two ways about it. The smack talking of other Oscar nominees was amusing to a point but overall, blah. When the funniest part of your monologue is someone else (Bill Hader as Tommy Lee Jones), then something went wrong.

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=1428979

They did gain some ground with the fauxmercial for Starbuck’s home brewer, the Verismo. Besides being funny on its own, if not slightly racist, it made me realize that I like Vanessa Bayer a thousand times more when she is playing the straight man. Her reaction to the sass talking coffee maker and it’s even sassier manager was hysterical.

I really want to like the Girlfriends Talk Show sketch. I really really really do. Unfortunately I really really really don’t. It’s just boring. However, I will say that I am actively trying to find a way to make myself a “Davide R.I.P.” button because that was by far the funniest part of the sketch. That or the “slimming outer garment”. Other than those two parts (thank you Aidy Bryant) it just falls flat.

Much like when Jeremy Renner was hosting and they did the Avengers sketch, you knew there was going to be a Hunger Games sketch this week. Unfortunately just like the Avengers sketch, it left us a little wanting. There were some definite funny moments, Bill Hader’s beard for sure, and Bobby Moynihan not realizing everyone else was dead, and of course Taran Killam as Peeta, but overall it was just there.

Jennifer Lawrence

However, the Hobbit as 32 movies bit? That was awesome. Between the titles of the movies and the “reviews”, I was dying. Thank the gods above that it was funny because the “Johnny TwoTones Diner” sketch? It was anything but. I liked the premise, and there were certain moments that were funny, but if there wasn’t a “Girlfriends Talk Show” this would have been the worst sketch of the night.

Ikea Dresser SNL

The Lumineers were refreshingly good. There was no trippy windows 98 screen saver or useless and extraneous dancers involved which was really nice. I’d forgotten what it was like to just watch people sing. Of course they went with the ubiquitous “Ho Hey” for their first offering. Is there anyone on the planet that hasn’t heard at least a snippet of this song by now? Because it seems like it is everywhere- commercials, TV promos, movie trailers.  “I belong to you, you belong to me, you’re my sweetheart” is heard every time I turn on my television. Thankfully it’s not too annoying. Yet.

Weekend Update sadly only had one guest and it was the second-hand news guy, Anthony Crispino. I like him only becauseDepp ceiling you can tell how much fun Seth Meyers and Bobby Moynihan have with him. Although I did literally laugh out loud when he said that Fargo, directed by the Aflac duck won a Golden Globe.

Something odd has happened with the last few episodes. For years, and perhaps decades, the sketches following Weekend Update are the ones where you start to wonder what on earth is wrong with the writers of SNL. Were they dropped on their heads too often as infants? Licked lead paint as small children? Smoked too much pot? The questions were endless. However, recently these have been my favorite sketches. I don’t know if it’s me or them, but I like it.

I smell butthole“Top Dog Chef” for example? There is no reason in the world as to why I found that to be so hysterical. Actually I should have thought it was stupid but much like “Maine Justice”, it was fabulous. Of all the random things on the show, I would not have guessed that a Yorkie costume would be the one to end up reused (Daniel Radcliffe was a Yorkie on Weekend Update January of last year). Jennifer Lawrence made a great Yorkie but I think we can all agree that Fred Armisen as the canine Mario Barktali complete with orange crocs was the crowning achievement in that sketch.

The best sketch of the night though? The Minnesota hip-hop morning show. I don’t know if it’s just the combination of Billy and Taran with Vanessa as the straight man,  Then add in Jennifer Lawrence as the not so Lyrical Assassin, Busty Rhymes and it was just awesome. A great sketch!

Jennifer Lawrence

If you haven’t had the pleasure, nay, the honor of seeing the incredible 1974 French soft porn classic, Emmanuelle then the Danielle sketch might have just seemed really odd and from left field. If you have seen Emmanuelle then you know how spot on this sketch was. It was sort of creepy in an incredibly brilliant kind of way.

Last sketch of the night was “Civil War Letters” and was a typical last sketch of the night. Little stupid, a lot ridiculous, and somewhat funny. It was nice to see Tim Robinson again as he’s been relegated to background extra for many weeks now. If the sketch did nothing else, it made us question whether or not Abraham Lincoln was a fan of the “tit pic”.

Like I said at the top, it was a little disappointing of an episode. It certainly wasn’t the worst I’ve seen but it was far from the best I’ve seen. Luckily we have next week to look forward to with the always funny and engaging Adam Levine.

Adam Levine and Kendrick Lamar

Until next time!

SNL: 38.9- Martin Short/Paul McCartney

Whatever your feelings on Saturday Night Live (although I assume if you are here reading a review of SNL you are indeed a fan), there is no denying that it is a part of our culture, both entertainment and current events wise. Very often those two worlds collide and it falls on the shoulders of SNL to toe the line of sensitivity and recognizing that messed up things have happened while still doing their job as a late night variety show. Already this season they’d dealt with “Superstorm” Sandy and then this week, had the unenviable task of being funny the night after a national tragedy. I think we can all agree that the cold open of the New York Children’s Choir singing “Silent Night” was gut wrenchingly simple and perfect.
New York Children's Choir SNL

When Martin Short was announced as host there were plenty of people who pissed and moaned like littleTom Hanks SNL babies that SNL had to have an episode that appealed to “old people”. Well call me an old lady if you want, but I loved it. He started off the show in fine fashion, walking through the halls of the studio meeting up with old cast members and hosts, and even a random llama. One does have to wonder if Tom Hanks has a second home next door and just pops on over when he’s bored or something. No complaining from me! Of course when you see all those former cast members it’s easy to get your hopes up that they’ll pop up in the rest of the episode. Sadly, this was not the case but it was still a great episode.

That being said, one of the sketches with a cameo was right off the bat and it was one of the worst of the night. This has happened enough this season that I’m wondering if they’ve made a conscious decision to put weaker sketches up front to see if they perform better. If it is, listen to me now SNL- it’s not working. Even though Alec Baldwin’s Tony Bennett is frighteningly good, and Martin Short as his younger brother, Picadilly CervixJerry was funny, the sketch as a whole just fell flat. There was a few laughs but there’s only so many times you can laugh at the same poop joke.

Apparently I’m able to laugh repeatedly at vagina jokes however, because the “Royal Family Doctor” sketch had me rolling. Of course “Her Downton Abbey” started off the chuckle but by the time they got to “Church of Taint Andrews” I was a goner. I had to pause the show to give myself a moment to try and gather my senses and be able to move on. Of course they would put Bill Hader in this one because he is so well known in his ability to keep his composure and not break character. Such an admirable trait he has. Of course who could blame him though? Best sketch of the night, bar none.

http://www.nbc.com/assets/video/xnxx-92/widget/widget.html?vid=1427024

This week was yet another slam dunk on the pre-filmed short. I know there were people who were really nervous about what the show would look like without Andy Samberg’s digital shorts but I’ll admit it, I haven’t really missed them. That’s not true, I have missed them but I don’t feel like the show is lacking because they are no longer there. “You’re a Rat Bastard Charlie Brown” was spot on. While Bill Hader’s Al Pacino was fantastic, Martin Short’s Larry David was downright eerie. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen Martin Short do Larry David but I’m hoping this wasn’t the last time because damn, that was perfect. I wonder if he’s available for parties?

Hillary Clinton Weekend Update SNL

I was so looking forward to Weekend Update because I thought for sure there would be a Stefon sighting and if not Stefon than surely Drunk Uncle. Nope, it was “Girl you wish you hadn’t started a conversation with at a party”. That’s a fun character with some great lines but I was disappointed. Between that and Vanessa Bayer’s “recently Bar Mitzvah’d boy”, Weekend Update was a bit of a let down minus a few shining spots in the “news” stories.

Samuel Jackson SNL

Of course the sketch that everyone was talking about afterwards (and during for that matter) was “What’s Up With That”. It’s a sketch that if I’m not really liking the host, I’ll usually fast forward through but being Martin Short and a Christmas episode, plus having Carrie Brownstein there, and Samuel L. Jackson… I watched, and I am so glad I did. Of all the Martin Short characters to show up, I was least expecting Jackie Rogers, Jr. A pleasant surprise! I think we can all agree though, Samuel Jackson dropping the f-bomb and Keenan Thompson’s quick “hey now, that costs money” was the highlight. It’s by far the most I’ve ever laughed at that sketch. Well Jason Sudeikis and his red track suit usually illicit a laugh or two but nothing like ill-timed profanity.Paul McCartney and Nirvana

Paul McCartney with the guys of Nirvana. That could be one of the coolest statements I’ve written in a long time.

I think the Restoration Hardware sketch was only funny because I know those people. Hell, I’ve been those people. And I can not tell you how badly I’ve coveted that big ass plane propeller they’ve got. Completely impractical and serves zero purpose, but I still want it.

Caleb and Monty were my second favorite sketch of the night. There is nothing not funny about Martin Short screaming in Paul McCartney’s face. Doesn’t matter what he says, it’s going to be funny. When the sketch started I had said to myself “huh, usually they have the big name acts perform three times” so I wasn’t too surprised when the set opened up to the New York Children’s Choir again. It was a great way to end the show.

Speaking of the end of the show, I really wish the local affiliates would just watch the end of SNL and choose to delay their next show a few minutes so we could see the entire goodnights. It’s one of my favorite parts of SNL and there is nothing on Inside Edition that is more interesting. It’s the middle of the night people, cut off the end of an episode of Knight Rider or something. Overall? Easily the best episode of the season. Maybe it’s just because I like when the alumni come back to play, but seriously it was quite enjoyable. A great way to cap off the fall season. Jennifer LawrenceThe show will return on January 19th with Jennifer Lawrence and The Lumineers and I’ll see you then. Have a great holiday SNL fans!