My Three Hopes for the 2011-2012 Season of Saturday Night Live
#1- Less Reoccurring Sketches
This past year, we have seen an abundance of sketches and characters that have been repeated throughout the season. We have seen many characters and sketches that rely on the same joke and premise so much, it gets very tiresome. For instance, on three occasions we have seen the reoccurring sketch “What Up With That”; which features cast member Kenan Thompson portraying talk show host Diondre Cole—who is more interested in singing the show’s theme song rather than interviewing his guests. The joke takes place every time the sketch airs; making the piece’s special guest stars the only interesting component. In addition, my favorite cast member Bill Hader has thrice starred in sketches in which he plays an elderly news reporter named Herb Welch; whose old age prevents him from conducting a proper interview. The same formula is repeated every time; making the sketch an absolute waste of Hader’s great comedic abilities-- such as hilarious celebrity impressions and well-developed straight-men. The same could be said whenever Kristen Wiig portrays one of her reoccurring characters; such as over-excited prize-give-away news representative Cheryl Bryant; as well as the trouble-making Gilly. The same format is employed everytime her characters appear in the sketch; thus removing any shred of unpredictability. Henceforth, I really wish that Kristen Wiig would be able to portray characters that are in the same vein as her protagonist in “Bridesmaids.” That way, she will be able to treat us to preformances that are directly engaging and personable. Hopefully, this year, the writers can bring forward original characters that are capable of conveying intelligent jokes and plenty of laughs.
Image of Bill Hader as Herb Welch taken from http://www.google.com/imgres?q=Bill+Hader+%2B+herb+welch&um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbnid=z-LaHVSriXbJIM:&imgrefurl=http://snl.jt.org/char.php%3Fi%3D828&docid=d2u6qtir4Ef0LM&w=282&h=150&ei=bv58TqPcDs3K0AH-tMX6Dw&zoom=1&biw=1280&bih=596&iact=rc&dur=203&page=1&tbnh=119&tbnw=177&start=0&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0&tx=108&ty=70
#2- More Use of the New Cast Members
Image of (Clockwise from left to right) Taran Killam, Paul Brittain, Jay Pharaoh, and Vanessa Bayer taken from
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=%22Saturday+Night+Live%22+%2B+%22New+Cast+members%22+AND+2010&um=1&hl=en&sa=G&tbm=isch&tbnid=ug4CHnWy2zgXmM:&imgrefurl=http://thecomicscomic.typepad.com/thecomicscomic/saturday_night_live/page/3/&docid=bUiMQfdelSSCcM&w=320&h=158&ei=ZgF9ToqfEaXg0QHOuPAO&zoom=1&biw=1171&bih=536&iact=rc&dur=63&page=3&tbnh=87&tbnw=177&start=20&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:20&tx=53&ty=26
This past season, we saw the arrival of four new performers: Vanessa Bayer, Paul Brittain, Taren Killam, and Jay Pharaoh. And while the main cast members were more showcased throughout every episode, the new featured players proved to be the best addition to the cast in years. Vanessa Bayer delighted us with a hilarious portrayal of Miley Cyrus; as evident through the reoccurring segment Jay Pharaoh presented a great knack for celebrity impressions; such as Eddie Murphy and Will Smith. Taran Killam also proved to be a keen impressionist as well; and also proving to be a great physical comedian as well; as evident in two installments of a sketch in which he plays an animatronic robot at an amusement park attraction. And even though Paul Brittain was the least used out of the newest cast members, he proved to be quite funny as well; particularly when he portrayed the host of a sex symposium in a pre-taped commercial spoof. In short, this quartet of entertainers made the quality of the season better; so much so, that I was always looking forward to seeing them appear on screen. Hopefully, they are featured even more this year; thus ellowing the audience to further enjoy their performances.
#3 (or Prehaps the Most Important)- Better Use of Hosts
In the early years of Saturday Night Live, the episode’s designated host would frequently be given a vital role for a sketch; even going as far as to play a hilarious and well-thought-out character. Furthermore, the host would regularly be a primary source of a sketch’s comedy; thus allowing the audience to enjoy her or him engaging in escapades with the great cast. Unfortunately, now is not the case. Now, the hosts do not get to exhibit their great acting abilities; as most of the roles they are now given tend to be in the supporting field. For instance, talented first-time hosts Ed Helms and Emma Stone weren't given a lot of significant roles in hopes to make their shows unforgettable. The onlystand-out apprances Helms mader were in his monologue and a sketch in which he played a charicature of a Republican candidate running for president. And the only memorable roles Emma Stone had were a a dance sketch with featured player Taran Killam; as well as a digital short featuring the actress spoofing the music and fashion styles of Ke$ha. Thus, I really wish Emma Stone's and Ed Helms' first-time hosting stints were more special; seeing as they are both very talented performers.
Image of Ed Helms taken from
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=%22saturday+night+live%22+ed+Helms&um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbnid=CRfbYjX-qTpPsM:&imgrefurl=http://clutch.mtv.com/2011/05/16/ed-helms-snl/&docid=643WlLSU8617IM&w=575&h=350&ei=mCJ9TrbCBqjn0QGB5YTQDw&zoom=1&biw=1171&bih=536&iact=rc&dur=46&page=11&tbnh=141&tbnw=166&start=104&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:104&tx=52&ty=140
http://www.google.com/imgres?q=%22saturday+night+live%22+ed+Helms&um=1&hl=en&tbm=isch&tbnid=CRfbYjX-qTpPsM:&imgrefurl=http://clutch.mtv.com/2011/05/16/ed-helms-snl/&docid=643WlLSU8617IM&w=575&h=350&ei=mCJ9TrbCBqjn0QGB5YTQDw&zoom=1&biw=1171&bih=536&iact=rc&dur=46&page=11&tbnh=141&tbnw=166&start=104&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:104&tx=52&ty=140
Image of Emma Stone and Taran Killam taken from http://www.google.com/imgres?q=%22Saturday+Night+Live%22+%2B+Emma+Stone&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&tbm=isch&tbnid=eh-kv4yIVUYGbM:&imgrefurl=http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/emma-stone/photos/287279/570816&docid=G8NjAFKgnly1PM&w=495&h=350&ei=cxh9To79MfLG0AHm1anVDw&zoom=1&biw=1171&bih=536&iact=rc&dur=47&page=16&tbnh=152&tbnw=203&start=160&ndsp=11&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:160&tx=148&ty=85
In addition, stars who had previously hosted the show weren't given a lot of material as well. For instance, Paul Rudd, who last hosted in 2008, wasn't given any material that allowed him to display his great comedic timing. Among the routines he was given included playing an audience member in a talk show sketch as well as being a member of a family who kiss each other in an over-the-top and continuous manner. Furthermore, former cast member Dana Carvey, who last hosted in 2000, only got to shine during a reprisal of his famous sketch "Church Chat;" during which his classic character The Church Lady interviewed Snooki, played by cast member Bobby Moynihan as well as Justin Beiber-- who appeared as himself. In addition, fellow alum Mike Myers joined Carvey for a reprisal of "Wayne's World:" which featured the performers reviving their characters Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar respectively. These sketches, in addition to his monologue, which featured a cameo by former cast member Jon Lovitz, proved to be the best parts of the night; seeing as the rest of the show featured Dana Carvey primarily being subjected to supporting roles that weren't funny. This was a true crime; seeing as he was one of the best cast members Saturday Night Live has ever had; and it pains me to see his presence being limited. Other previous hosts such as Jon Hamm and Anne Hathaway weren't used to their capacity; seeing as the sketches they were given were poorly-written and not at all funny. This is truly saddening; considering that the host is meant to be the focus of the episode. And when he or she is given material that relegates them to bit roles; you have to wonder why they aren't being allowed to showcase their talents. It gets to the point where you just want to see them in movies and talk shows; since Saturday Night Live is basically wasting their talents
In addition, stars who had previously hosted the show weren't given a lot of material as well. For instance, Paul Rudd, who last hosted in 2008, wasn't given any material that allowed him to display his great comedic timing. Among the routines he was given included playing an audience member in a talk show sketch as well as being a member of a family who kiss each other in an over-the-top and continuous manner. Furthermore, former cast member Dana Carvey, who last hosted in 2000, only got to shine during a reprisal of his famous sketch "Church Chat;" during which his classic character The Church Lady interviewed Snooki, played by cast member Bobby Moynihan as well as Justin Beiber-- who appeared as himself. In addition, fellow alum Mike Myers joined Carvey for a reprisal of "Wayne's World:" which featured the performers reviving their characters Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar respectively. These sketches, in addition to his monologue, which featured a cameo by former cast member Jon Lovitz, proved to be the best parts of the night; seeing as the rest of the show featured Dana Carvey primarily being subjected to supporting roles that weren't funny. This was a true crime; seeing as he was one of the best cast members Saturday Night Live has ever had; and it pains me to see his presence being limited. Other previous hosts such as Jon Hamm and Anne Hathaway weren't used to their capacity; seeing as the sketches they were given were poorly-written and not at all funny. This is truly saddening; considering that the host is meant to be the focus of the episode. And when he or she is given material that relegates them to bit roles; you have to wonder why they aren't being allowed to showcase their talents. It gets to the point where you just want to see them in movies and talk shows; since Saturday Night Live is basically wasting their talents
Henceforth, I truly hope that the writers give the show's hosts this season great material and plenty of screen time; thus resulting shows that are both funny and memorable. Otherwise, I'm uncertain as to how the season will go.
So, there you go. Hopefully, my aspirations will be met. And with any luck, the 37th Season of Saturday Night Live will be a great season filled with brilliant sketches and grand performances. And optimistically, the cast will do their best with the writers' material. And ultimately, all I want is to watch a good show and have fun.
And I want be in on all the action. Before showtime, I will be posting my predictions for the Season Premier. And then at 11:30pm, I will be blogging the episode as it broadcasts; commenting on the sketches and performances. And, as I blog the episode, feel free to comment on anything I post. I want to hear your feedback; so be sure to tune into my coverage starting at 11:30pm sharp! Be sure to be in front of your computers and have your televisions turned to NBC. This is going to be big and I guarantee an exciting evening. See you tomorrow!
E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com
DVR is all set up to record just in case I'm asleep. I can usually stay up for at least the first half hour but by Update I'm asleep.
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