In all honesty, this episode, while not featuring the best writing, featured plenty of stand-out performances.
Jason Segel was a TERRIFFIC host! He managed to make the best of every sketch that he was in. He was very funny and his performances were all very good.
The show's opening was great. Jason Sudeikis was great as Mitt Romney as always. The writing was very good and I love his endearingly-modest portrayal of the political figure.
The monologue was a lot of fun. It was great seeing Jason Segel perform a song with the Muppets. He interacts with them very well and the inclusion of Statler and Waldorf at the end was an unexpected twist. I just wish that they included the two elderly characters in more sketches; allowing them to make jokes at the show's writing.
The "Kissing Family" sketch was easily the worst segment of the night. Everytime the sketch is performed, it follows the same format. Jason Segel made the best of the situation; but all in all, it was just plain repetitive and over-the-top (in a bad way). In addition, while I was happy to see Paul Rudd appear, I wish that he was included in a more creative sketch. It seemed as if they only got him to reprise his character from the sketch and nothing more. Though I have to admit that I was happy to see both Segel and Rudd together on stage; as I loved their performances in "I Love You, Man." I just wish that Rudd and Segel were allowed to be featured together in a more creative and original sketch.
The "Kelly Ripa looks for a new co-host" sketch, while clearly a ripoff of a sketch from 2000, was good; on account of all the castmembers' great impressions. Most notably, I really liked Jason Sudeikis as Ricky Gervais as well as Jay Pharoah as Denzel Washington. Jason Segel was very funny as Antono Banderas; as he had the voice DOWN PACT. I wish we got to see more of Kristen Wiig as Kathy Lee Gifford; as I find her impression to be very funny. It was a good sketch; even though it was a rehash.
I was happy to see Weekend update take a more unique turn this week. I liked seeing John Huntsman appear and poke fun at himself. I always like seeing political figures appear on SNL; and as we get closer to the elction, we are sure to see more. In addition, I liked the "Really!!" segment featuring Kermit the Frog. Seeing Seth Meyers interact with the famous muppet was fun; and the bit went very well. As for Seth Meyers himself, he did his best; but his jokes weren't that great.
The "retirement party" sketch was, while original, was impacted by mediocre writing. However, both Kristen Wiig and Jason Segel gave great performances; which, in turn, made the sketch better.
The CD advertisement sketch, while relying on material that was not-so-great, featured good performances by all. Jason Segel once again gave a good performance; even though the ultimate visual joke was kind of ridiculous.
The quick Andre the Giant sketch, while very rushed and seemed to lack a genuine punchline, featured a great performance by Jason Segel.
As for the final sketch of the night, it actually wasn't bad at all. Fred Armisen and Jason Segel performed greatly and it was very nice seeing the cast have a good time dancing to the music. It was also nice seeing Paul Rudd and The Muppets included in the bit; thus adding to the endearing tone of the sketch. As a whole, the whole segment was very special; due to the fact that it was not only the final sketch of the night, but also the last sketch before the Thanksgiving break. And, in all honesty, it reminded me a little bit of the segment last week which featured Emma Stone and the cast coming together and singing along to Adele's "Someone Like You." Sketches like these prove to be very engaging and a nice way to bring everyone together through music. In other words, it was a very nice way of closing the show.
As for Florence + The Machine, they were great in their performances. I really like the first song they performed and I look forward to hearing their second song once again. The lead singer is very talented and I really like the band's sound.
And that's it. While this wasn't the best show of the season, I have to say it was decent. Jason segel is definitely up there with Baldwin and McCarthy as the three best hosts of the season. Even though the writing wasn't entirely great, Segel's performance as the host saved the show and the inclusion of the Muppets was a nice touch. Needless to say, I look forward to seeing him host again.
And that's my review. Thank you so much for following me tonight. I had a lot of fun live-blogging and I look forward to doing it again on December 3 when Steve Buscemi hosts and The Black Keys perform.
Thank you again and I look forward to posting my special writing by Monday night at some point. Thank you and good night!
E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmz.com
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