When I first heard that pop-singer Justin Bieber would be hosting last night's episode of “Saturday Night Live,”I wasn't exactly thrilled. Having never seen him act before, I was very skeptical as to how the show would turn out. Would Bieber end up imparting a mundane hosting stint; much like Adam Levine-- who basically showed hardly any enthusiasm and spent a majority of the night glued to the cue cards? Or, would Bieber end up like Justin Timberlake; who is naturally funny and bestows memorable performances whenever appearing on the long-running sketch comedy program? When watching Justin Bieber serve as both host and musical guest on last night's show, I was appeased to see him do the best job possible to keep up with the castmembers during the sketches as well as get a considerable grip on the comedic material he was given. However, I will say that, as we have seen very often this season, the episode was significantly marred by weak sketches turned in by the show's writers. Fortunately, the performances of the cast helped improve the quality of the sketches; much as we have seen many times before. In other words, last night's episode of “Saturday Night Live” truly was a mixed bag.
Super Bowl Blackout Cold Opening: This was a creative sketch to open the show. The idea of the Super Bowl sportscasters coming up with ways to keep themselves amused while the power outage took place. Castmember Kenan Thompson was quite humorous as James Brown; who would frequently plug the CBS sitcom “Two Broke Girls” whenever he could in an attempt to fill time. Castmember Jason Sudeikis was also amusing as Dan Marino, as was as Castmember Jay Pharoah as Shannon Sharpe, who used football plays to explain what's going on during the power outage. In addition, Castmember Taran Killam was funny as Steve Tasker; who became more and more frustrated when Kenan Thompson's James Brown kept asking him what was going on during the power outage, and that he had nothing to report. In addition, Castmember Bill Hader was also very funny as a dancer in a quick advertisement-spoof that was borderline random. All in all, a very engaging opening and a good way to start the show.
Justin Bieber's Monologue: Justin Bieber did what he could with the material he was given. Right off the bat, I expected our show's host to break into song, much to the pleasure of his fans in the audience. The joke of Justin Bieber considering Black History Month as the most romantic aspect of February was somewhat interesting, but the writing was fine, but the entire bit appeared slightly rushed. Kenan Thompson frequently coaching Bieber about what to properly say while the latter imparted roses to a couple of his female fans was quite amusing-- thus being the funniest aspect of the entire monologue. Whoopi Goldberg's cameo at the end of the piece was alright, but I had a feeling that we'd be seeing one surprise guest during the monologue before it ended. All and all, a passable monologue, but not one of the season's best.
The Californians: I am more-than-tired of this sketch. The premise of Californian residents speaking in over-the-top valley accents and inserting travel directions in every conversation has completely worn out its welcome. Longtime Castmembers Fred Armisen and Bill Hader perform their reoccurring characters Stuart and Devin respectfully in an amusing manner; though the weak writing derails the sketch. Justin Bieber did alright as a students playing hookey; though he really didn't get a lot to do. Featured Players Kate McKinnon and Tim Robinson turned in amusing performances as two police officers who were initially though of as being sent to apprehend Bieber's character, though I wish they got to do more. All in all, a very weak sketch.
Justin Bieber Decoys” Now this was a creative and humorous sketch. Jason Sudeikis stars as Steve; Justin Bieber's security guard who introduces the eighteen-year-old singer to a group of body-doubles meant to keep him safe-- despite the fact that none of them bare a striking resemblance to him. All the castmembers playing the doppelgangers were amusing; including Bobby Moynihan as an overweight version of the singer. In addition, Justin Bieber had some comical comments aimed towards the body-doubles; though I wish he took the opportunity to poke fun at his own image. However, it was Jason Sudeikis who stole the sketch; as his comical performance brought about genuine laughs. The seven-and-a-half-year castmember had good chemistry with Bieber and expressed some great one-liners in response to Bieber's dissatisfaction with the body-doubles. The whole piece was quite fun, right up to its conclusion. This was easily the best sketch of the night.
Weekend Update: Once again, the weekly news-parody segment proved to be not very funny; as we have seen quite a few times this season. Many of Seth Meyers' jokes weren't humorous, though I did get a good couple of laughs from a quip aimed at reality-star Honey Boo Boo. I will also say that I have grown tired of Meyers explaining why some of his jokes are funny and then making exaggerated expressions afterwards. The whole concept makes him look hungry for audience approval. For the first update feature, Fred Armisen and Fellow Castmember Vanessa Bayer portrayed
“King Richard III's Two Best Friends From Growing Up;” commenting on the legacy of the King of England from 1483-1485. The entire segment was rehash of previous occurrences (during which, the concept of Armisen's and Bayer's characters were previously seen on “Weekend Update” as “Kim Jong-il's Two Best Friends” as well as “Muammar al-Gaddafi's Two Best Friends.” The entire joke of the two characters quietly bad-mouthing their friend has been done whenever they appear; thus now resulting in the joke becoming officially tired. For the second “Weekend Update” segment, Kenan Thompson appeared as “Corey: The Black Guy From Every Commercial.” Thompson performed well as this character; having some good lines, including his popcorn chicken lines as well as his comment that he has to high-five people every twelve seconds, or else, he'd die. Thompson's segment proved to be the most amusing portion of this installment of “Weekend Update.”
“Grease” Parody: This wasn't terrible, but I feel that the writing could have been a little better. The homage to the popular song “Summer Nights” was creative, and everyone's performances were alright. Featured Player Cecily Strong did well as her incarnation of “Sandy Olsen”; who was singing about the childish comments made by “Danny Zucco”; represented in the sketch by Justin Bieber. Our host did an okay job mirroring the speaking manner of John Travolta's character from the 1978 film; though I felt his portions in the sketch appeared slightly rushed. All the performances were fine, though the ending seemed a bit abrupt.
“The Miley Cyrus Show”: I'm surprised we're seeing this piece again, considering that Miley Cyrus has grown up a bit since the segment last appeared. Vanessa Bayer once again enthusiastically portrayed the popular singer/actress, and her comments about being the “New” Miley Cyrus were amusing. And once again, Jason Sudeikis engagingly portrayed Billy Ray Cyrus; who was frequently gushing about his daughter's growing up. In this particular installment, Justin Bieber portrayed the President of the Miley Cyrus Fan Club; who was more-than-excited to be on the talk show. The sketch proved to be the outlet of the night in which our host makes fun of himself; as Bieber, in character, listed some foibles he made, including smoking pot. The quick joke about Vanessa Bayer's Cyrus showing footage of her wedding to Liam Hemsworth and Sudeikis' Billy Ray not being aware of the entire event was very funny. All in all, this was an amusing sketch, though certain parts appeared rushed and could have been expanded.
Older Brother: Now this sketch is a good example of how the performance of a “Saturday Night Live” castmember can improve the quality of the sketch. In this piece, Taran Killam portrayed the older brother of a young girl, played by Fellow Castmember Nasim Pedrad, who was on a date with a well-mannered young man; played by Justin Bieber. After Bieber's character makes the error of combining the words “glad” and “nice” into the word “glice”, Killam's character goes on and on about the slight vocal error that this polite boy mistakenly made. Killam's constant mocking about the in-adverted word “glice” grew a bit old, but the performer's manner of speaking did, in all honesty, bring about a few laughs; as did some of his physical comedy movements. And the idea of Killam's character seeking approval from his father, keenly played by Jason Sudeikis, was humorous, as was some of his lines. Aside from the weak dialogue, the performances made the piece better than it could have been.
A Valentine's Day Message from Justin Bieber: Now this could have been much better. The various disruptions to our host's romantic words were okay, but the whole thing fell flat. What's more, Bobby Moynihan didn't really do anything special as his bizarre character ; which is a shame, because he's been bestowing some very comical performances this season. All in all, just a weak pre-filmed segment.
Valentine's Day School Dance: This wasn't a bad closing sketch, but I feel that it was a little rushed at times. It was nice to see Jay Pharoah's Deep-Breathing and Fast-Talking Principal Frye again, and I got some laughs from some of his announcements; particularly his comments regarding small reptiles that were fighting each other on the dance floor. Justin Bieber did alright as a nerdy student who helped put the dance together, though I feel that he wasn't given a lot of funny material to work with. Kenan Thompson was quite comical; as his delivery brought about some laughter. This piece was good, though the pacing seemed a bit hurried.
And that's basically the show. Justin Bieber was a slightly better host than I expected; considering that he possessed good chemistry with the cast and he generally seemed enthusiastic to be hosting the show. He did fine with the material he was given; although some of his roles just weren't that creative. I'm happy that he got the opportunity to poke fun at himself a few times, though I just wish the writing was better. As for his songs, Justin Bieber performed alright, but he was not this season's best musical guest.
I will also say that Castmembers Kenan Thompson, Jason Sudeikis, and Taran Killam were very good. Killam was very funny in the cold opening and was also vastly able to
was able to improve the quality of the older brother sketch though his physical performance and enthusiastic delivery. Jason Sudeikis starred in possibly the best sketch of the night (Justin Bieber Decoys) and possessed good chemistry with our host. And Kenan Thompson proved to be the main saving grace of “Weekend Update” and also provided some of the most humor in this week's cold opening. Taran Killam, Jason Sudeikis and Kenan Thompson were DEFINITELY the MVPs of the episode.
And that's my review. Thank you for following my blog and stay tuned for more Nater-Tainment!
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