Sunday, October 30, 2011

From the Mind of Nate: My Hopes for "Saturday Night Live's'' Upcoming November Episodes

The November hosts for "Saturday Night Live" have been officially announced, and I couldn't be any happier. According to several articles on the Internet, including this one available at http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2011/10/17/saturday-night-live-sweeps-into-november-with-three-back-to-back-shows-386301/20111017nbc01/, we have great people in store for emceeing the iconic sketch-comedy show next month. This upcoming Saturday, Charlie Day, who stole the spotlight throughout “Horrible Bosses,” will be hosting the show for the first time; with Maroon 5 serving as the musical guest for the third time. Then on November 12, Emma Stone, who I greatly respect for providing genuine performances in her films as well as being completely down-to-earth in her interviews and television appearances, will be hosting for the second time and will feature Coldplay as the show’s musical guest for the fourth time. And rounding out the month, Jason Segel, who has given stand-out performances in his movies as well as his regular role on the CBS series "How I Met Your Mother," will be hosting for the first time; and he will be joined by Florence + The Machine—who will be the show’s musical guest for the second time. Truly we are in store for some great hosting performances.

And to mark my enthusiasm about these upcoming episodes, I've been contemplating what I should post on my blog. Seeing as I'm always critical about the writing for "Saturday Night Live," I could write my thoughts about each episode and any concerns that are brewing inside me. Or, maybe I could write out any of my hopes and desires for each episode. As I juggled both options, I cam up with an idea: I will discuss both subjects in the same writing! Combining both topics would truly make for an even more fascinating blog post. Thus, without any further ado, I now present:

My In-Depth Thoughts and Anticipations for "Saturday Night Live" in November

Show #1 Charlie Day / Maroon 5 (Episode Airs on November 5, 2011)






























Image taken from http://www.google.com/imgres?q=%22Charlie+Day%22&um=1&hl=en&biw=1280&bih=592&tbm=isch&tbnid=MhuBQ4iNlz6t6M:&imgrefurl=http://cavemengo.blogspot.com/2010/10/charlie-day.html&docid=2p88wvncfiRgpM&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBT3_3RQc8QME3Jl5sPlZkZ89Q4sezHTMnyqrJpbWvQs0T6OEG2QdCjfVdDyqwWe2cvdBF1f_AMW_lMjWy2eHMVuGaoiDPvD954mt8upfOgqy9fwa27JtJnofYN6Ory3Ms8ucqNVWz7Q/s1600/Charlie%252BDay.jpg&w=1600&h=1067&ei=xwOuTvSCHcnx0gHi6eicDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=913&vpy=288&dur=78&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=144&ty=118&sig=105171626053390580017&page=2&tbnh=112&tbnw=149&start=27&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:16,s:27
While I am very excited about seeing Charlie Day host “Saturday Night Live” on November 5, I am a tad cautious about how the episode will turn out; even though I'm sure he's going to give everything he's got as the show's host. From what I’ve seen on FX’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” the actor’s typical comedy appears more edgy than the straightforward humor brought forwardby the NBC’s long-running sketch comedy program. Nevertheless, I'm truly looking forward to seeing him perform acts of physical comedy as well as utilize his rapid-fire delivery on live television. as well as keep up with the material being given to him. I'm sure his appearance on “Saturday Night Live” will go well; considering that he's very funny and very animated.






Also, seeing as they both starred in “Horrible Bosses,” I am very eager to see Charlie Day paired up with “Saturday Night Live” castmember Jason Sudeikis. Both performers exhibited great chemistry in this past summer’s comedy blockbuster; and it will be fun to watch them interact in several sketches. What’s more, I would love to see their co-star Jason Bateman make a surprise appearance; thus establishing a reunion between the three performers. It would be wonderful to watch and enjoy the three actors participate in a segment together; maybe even reprising their respected characters for a short follow-up to their movie. Just the sight of Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, and Jason Bateman together again in front of a live audience would generate plenty of laughter and merriment; thus enabling the audience to be applauding wildly.

Lastly, I would love to see Danny DeVito, who stars alongside Charlie Day on “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” make a surprise appearance. DeVito has hosted the show quite a few times before; and his last hosting stint took place on December 11, 1999. The two performers are hilarious together on the FX series; and it would be great to see their chemistry displayed on live television. I would love to see the writers come up with a great opportunity for the two actors to perform together. Perhaps for the monologue, DeVito offers an overly-panicked Charlie Day advice regarding how to successfully open the show. It would just be great to see the two performers together and it would definitely lead the audience to cheer loudly and honestly.

But no matter what, I am looking forward to seeing Charlie Day host the show this upcoming Saturday. I'm sure he'll do the best he can with the material. And if he has any trouble, you know that Jason Sudeikis will be be there to help him out. This next show will definitely be a wild rige and I look forward to live-blogging throughout the whole telecast; commenting on the sketches, performances, and writing. But while I'm looking forward to watching and covering this episode, I'm more excited about the following two hosts; especially the next one .

Show #2: Emma Stone / Coldplay (Airs on November 12, 2011)






















A week after Day hosts, Emma Stone, who starred in both “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and “The Help” this past summer, will be returning to “Saturday Night Live” for her second hosting appearance. I am very excited to see her return; seeing as I know she is more-than-capable of bestowing performances that are comical and genuine. While I'm very positive that she'll once again do great in front of a live audience, I fear that the writers will make the same mistake they made when she first hosted this past season. On October 23, 2010, the actress was mostly given supporting roles in sketchesThe writers barely allotted her with any material that was amusing or memorable; thus misusing her impeccable comedic timing and first-class acting skills. In other words, I really hope that the writers don't waste her talents a second time.





Also, I really look forward to seeing Emma Stone teaming -up with the show's castmembers in all of the sketches. I look forward to seeing the young actress paired-up once again with Kristen Wiig. The last time she was paired up with Wiig, the veteran SNL castmember was the one who primarily got the laughs. This time, I truly want the writers to supply Stone with funny material. Furthermore, I want to see Stone working more with either Bill Hader or Jason Sudeikis; as well as participate in sketches with other castmembers; particularly Fred Armisen, Abby Elliot, and Bobby Moynihan-- considering that they were barely used when Stone first hosted. In addition, I really hope Emma Stone gets to work more with Bill Hader and Jason Sudeikis; mainly the later-- seeing as they got to work alongside eachother when he hosted The MTV Movie Awards this past June. Moreover, I look forward to seeing more sketches in which Stone is paired-up with some of the featured players as well; particularly Vanessa Bayer and Jay Pharaoh. That way, the newer castmembers can continue to be further noticed and that out host could have a chance to get more acquainted with them. In other words, I greatly hope that Emma Stone gets the opportunity to share enough screentime with every member of the "Saturday Night Live" cast; including Seth Meyers. That way, she gets to work with everybody; even moreso than when she first hosted.








In addition, seeing that the newest "Twilight" movie opens almost a week after this episode's broadcast, I would love to see the writers and cast create a dead-on spoof of the popular franchise. The writers have poked fun at the film series in the past, and now they have a great opportunity to produce something special. Perhaps they could do send-up of the film's trailer; allowing Emma Stone to comedically portray Kristen Stewart. With any of the male performers could impersonate Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, the commercial spoof could feature a voiceover mocking the tone of the real trailers; thus establishing a strong parody. Or perhaps there could be a talk show sketch featuring impersonations of the "Twilight" cast overly-praising the film series. But no matter what, I'm sure that if they come up with a spoof of the franchise, it will be funny no matter what.





Furthermore, seeing as the digital shorts are getting more elaborate, as evident from the ones that have aired this season as well as the previous one, I anticipate a lavishly-produced short film starring both Emma Stone and Andy Samberg. I could actually see a big show-stopping short film or music video premier that would eventually hit the Internet a few short hours after the evening’s telecast; thus becoming a big viral sensation. In addition, since different past musical guests, such as Paul McCartney and Nicki Minaj, I could easily see Coldplay’s Chris Martin make a surprise appearance to lend his vocal chords to a given lyric or chorus. Such a video would be very funny and exciting; thus leading to a very memorable short film.

Therefore, I am looking forward to seeing Emma Stone return for a second hosting “Saturday Night Live.” If the writers are able to get their act together this time and give the actress topnotch material, then I'll be more-than-satisfied. With great material as well as providing Emma Stone plenty of airtime to exhibit her great talents, then we are in store for a truly memorable episode. I am very excited about live-blogging this episode; and you can bet that my analysis will be very critical and in-depth. However, even if Emma Stone and the cast bring forward a great episode, we must remember that there is still one more episode in November.





Show #3: Jason Segel / Florence + The Machine (Episode airing on November 19, 2011)





Image taken from
http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1280&bih=592&tbm=isch&tbnid=5qo54G5EcuvC5M:&imgrefurl=http://www.dipity.com/timeline/Jason-Segel/&docid=Smj2ZdkqWWE9RM&imgurl=http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/03k5cVF9SOd0G/340x.jpg&w=340&h=323&ei=Lx6zTvKyKMnd0QG45YTHBA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=78&sig=105171626053390580017&page=8&tbnh=112&tbnw=117&start=188&ndsp=26&ved=1t:429,r:20,s:188&tx=116&ty=50




For the last show in November, Jason Segel will be taking the stage for the first time. As a big of of the actor’s endearing performances in “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “I Love You, Man,” I am very excited about watching this episode. His likable personality and his strong sense of humor should lead him to be a very memorable first-time host; and I'm sure he will have great chemistry with the cast of "Saturday Night Live." In addition, Segel is musically talented as well; seeing as he can sing and play instruments such as the guitar and the piano. It should also be mentioned that Segel is a songwirter as well; seeing that he wrote specifc songs for "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." Thus, besides contributing his comedic personality to the sketches, maybe the writers will let him help with any musical pieces that will be featured throughout the episode. Thus, I really hope that the writers don't miss out on any opportunity with Segel hosting. I'm very sure that he's going to do a great job.





Also, seeing as they had many hilarious scenes together during “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” I really hope that Jason Segel is paired-up with castmember Bill Hader for a good number of sketches. The two actors shared great scenes together and their interactions were very hilarious. Hopefully they are paired-up for many sketches and their chemistry is brilliantly utilized. In addition, I really look forward to seeing Segel act alongside other castmembers such as Kristen Wiig (for possibly a good character-driven sketch) or Andy Samberg (for possibly a very lively musical short film).








In addition, since Jason Segel stars on the CBS series “How I Met Your Mother,” I would enjoy seeing a cameo appearance by his co-star Neil Patrcick Harris. Seeing as the two actors star alongside each other, I would love to see Harris partake in a sketch or two; thus contributing his charismatic personality to the show. It should also be mentioned that Harris has hosted “Saturday Night Live” on January 10, 2009, it would be wonderful to see him on the show once more; considering that he did a great job and he hasn’t been on since. Furthermore, I would also love to see Amy Adams, who hosted the show on March 8, 2008, appear on the show as well. Seeing as she co-stars with Segel in “The Muppets,” which opens on November 23, 2011, it would be a great opportunity to see her on the show again as well. She was a wonderful first-time host; and it’s a shame that we haven’t seen her wonderful comedic and great singing talents on the show a second time. In other words, this is a great prospect for both Amy Adams and Neil Patrick Harris to appear on “Saturday Night Live” and contribute to a sketch or two...or three..

Lastly, seeing as Segel iis starring in and has co-written “The Muppets,” which is opening four days after the broadcast of this episode, it would be very nice to see Kermit the Frog, Missy Piggy, and many of theother iconic characters make surprise appearances throughout the show; thus integrating them into some of the sketches. It would be a nice change of pace to see the cast members interact with the renowned Muppets. Furthermore, since this would be the last episode before Thanksgiving, it would be very exciting and special to see the episode end with a fun and well-put-together musical number featuring the cast, Jason Segel, Musical Guest Florence + The Machine, and The Muppets and any surprise guests that appear during the show.





Thus, I am very excited to see Jason Segel host “Saturday Night Live” for the first time.He's sure to be a memorable host; on account of his great comedic abilities and his keenpersona. It's going to be a lot of fun live-blogging his show and commenting on all the sketches and performances. I just hope the writers don't let him down by suppliying him with less-than-stellar material.





But even if the writers fail to deliver the goods to Charlie Day, Emma Stone, and Jason Segel, we need not to worry. These three hosts will definitely do what they can to make the material better. I'm really looking forward to seeing them interact with all the talented castmembers of "Saturday Night Live." They are all naturally funnyare all naturally funny and I am more-than-confident that they will all go the extra mile to make us laugh and enjoy the show.

So, there you go. I am looking forward to see Charlie Day, Emma Stone, and Jason Segel host “Saturday Night Live”all next month. And I’m very excited to be covering these episodes for my blog. Whether I’m live-blogging the show or writing an in-depth review, you can bet that I will be completely critical of everything that's being presented. And that includeds the acting, the writing, and the overall tone of the show. Next month is going to be very exciting; and I can’t wait for the fun to start. So stay tuned for plenty of "Nater-Tainment!"

E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com

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