“Saturday Night Live”'s thirty-eighth season is experiencing difficulty. As the season started with the writers making an attempt to create intriguing sketches, has eventually led a string of episodes that consists mostly of poorly-written pieces that are only improved by the performances of the late -night series' talented cast.
In the 2013 portion of the current season, the viewing audience, have witnessed weak sketches that featured weak attempts at humor as well as premises for sketches that really didn't go anywhere. Take for instance a piece that took place during the January 26th episode; which happened to be hosted by Maroon 5 Frontman Adam Levine. The concept of the sketch was interesting: a barroom confrontation between Levine and other musicians-- Pat Monahan of the rock band Train (portrayed by Castmember Taran Killam), Jason Mraz (portrayed by Fellow Castmember Jason Sudeikis), and John Mayer (portrayed by Castmember Bill Hader). Ultimately, however, the sketch just led up to a brief dance-off that went absolutely nowhere, and then the piece just abruptly ended. While the performances of Killam, Sudeikis, and Hader were very good, the pacing fell flat and it felt that the writers just had no idea of how to end the sketch. It should me be mentioned that Adam Levine proved to be a forgettable host; as hardly expressed genuine enthusiasm in the sketches-- save for the monologue-- which featured surprise appearances from Cameron Diaz and Jerry Seinfeld as well as Former “Saturday Night Live” Castmember Andy Samberg. We did also get, in all honesty, a humorous digital short; courtesy of Samberg and his Lonely Island cohorts Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer, along with supporting vocals from Kendrick Lamaar and Levine; who was a good sport in going along with The Lonely Island's comedy. However, aside from his performances in the monologue and the digital short, Adam
Levine perhaps could be thought of as perhaps the worst host of the season as well.
Image from the Bar Brawl Sketch taken from http://snl.jt.org/detail.php?i=2013012610
However, I will say t the performances of the host could be quite enjoyable; but ultimately, not enough to save a specific episode. Case in point: the last live episode-- which happened to air February 16th. Christoph Waltz, who just won his second Academy Award this past Sunday, proved to be a good host; despite being saddled with very thin material. Throughout the show, Waltz stepped up to the plate and imparted a genuinely avid performance. For instance, during a game show piece-- which happened to be called “What Have You Become?”- Waltz portrayed a game show host who cheerfully probed three contestants (played by Castmembers Kenan Thompson, Bill Hader, and Aidy Bryant) about their empty lives. It wasn't until the end that we see that Waltz's game show host was not happy with his life as well, and all he wanted to do was be a dancer. Waltz's performance was very good; despite the predictable jokes that dominated the sketch. Waltz bestowed humorous performances in many of the sketches; especially in the final sketch of the night-- during which he played Demitri, a shy office security guard, who sent a poorly-crafted secret admirer card to a female employee; played by Castmember Cecily Strong. Despite his performance, the sketch suffered from insufficient writing; as the joke that Strong's character, despite the sheer obviousness of the letter, wasn't at all aware that Demitri was the one who penned it. Cecily Strong's performance was also quite good, as well as the feats turned in from Castmembers Jason Sudeikis, Kenan Thompson, and Vanessa Bayer-- all of whom portrayed co-workers who were repeatedly asked whether or not any of them sent the latter. Despite the performances, the very weak writing greatly hurt the overall quality of the episode.
There have been other hosts this season that, despite their performances, experienced weak writing. For instance, Jennifer Lawrence, who hosted the January 19th episode (and also won an academy Award for Best Actress this past Sunday, did the best she could with the material she was given. However, despite blending in well with the late-night show's cast, wasn't able to improve the quality of much of the sketches she was given. For instance, a piece about two early morning DJs (portrayed by Taran Killam and Fellow Castmember Bobby Moynihan), practically featured hardly any humor at all and appeared to be included in the broadcast just so the castmembers and Lawrence could impart their performances. Though they interacted well together, the writing was weak and the sketch appeared to drag at times. Lawrence did the best she could with her sketches; including playing a rude waitress at a 1950s-stryle restaurant as well as a canine contestant in a piece called “Top Dog Chef”-- a parody of competitive cooking shows. However, it should be said that if the writing had been better, Jennifer Lawrence's performances could have been even better.
Image of (from left to right) Jennifer Lawrence, Taran Killam, and Bobby Moynihan taken from http://snl.jt.org/detail.php?i=2013011911
However, I will that that the 2012 portion of the current season of “Saturday Night Live” has been slightly better that the most recent shows. Hosts Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anne Hathaway, hosted on September 22nd and November 10th respectfully, both turned in memorable performances that greatly improved the quality of the sketches. For instance, a sketch about a father introducing a co-worker, played by Fellow Castmember Tim Robinson), to his daughter, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, through an awkward musical introduction, was primarily memorable due to our host's enthusiastic performance. Gordon-Levitt displayed an immensely enthusiastic performance; resulting in the quality of the sketch to be greatly improved. In addition, on November 10th, Anne Hathaway also imparted an engaging performance as host; particularly during a piece in which she and Jason Sudeikis portrayed the farm couple that would be featured in the famous painting “American Gothic.” Watching the chemistry of Hathaway and Sudeikis was a lot of fun and all the various poses they suggested before exhibiting the stoical pose that we know today. And even though the writing wasn't entirely great on September 27th and November 10th, both Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anne Hathaway great in their hosting stints; thus making their respective shows enjoyable.
Image of Anne Hathaway and Jason Sudeikis taken from http://snl.jt.org/detail.php?i=2012111010
However, my favorite of the season so far took place on December 15th when Former “Saturday Night Live” Castmember Martin Short returned returned to host the annual Christmas episode Right when appearing on stage for the monologue, Short was full of energy and performed a lively variant of the classic holiday song “It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”; all the while wandering backstage and running into completely surprised guests Tom Hanks and Samuel L. Jackson, as well as Former castmembers Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, and Kristen Wiig; who had left the late-night program on May 19th along with Andy Samberg. This past December's episode also featured a surprise appearance of frequent host Alec Baldwin; who reprised his impression of Tony Bennett for a holiday talk show sketch that featured Short portraying the iconic singer's younger brother Jerry. Baldwin and Short possessed great chemistry and watching them sing together was a delight, The episode also included an creative sketch in which Short portrayed a representative of the Royal Family, outlining bizarre requirements to a doctor, played by Bill Hader, assigned to assist Kate Middleton throughout her pregnancy. The writing was of the sketch was very intriguing; as the specific guidelines that Hader's was given got more hilarious as the sketch went on. Both Short and Hader were great and the entire segment was executed flawlessly. The episode was a lot of fun and even though the writing dipped in the later part of the episode, the performances of Martin Short and the castmembers were great enough to keep the momentum alive. In all honesty, this was truly the best episode to air so enjoyable to air this season so far.
Image of Martin Short and Alec Baldwin taken from http://snl.jt.org/detail.php?i=201212153
So, all in all, Season Thirty-Eight has truly been a mixed bag so far. Truly we've had a significant amount of weak episodes; particularly due to insufficient writing. Fortunately, even with the poor sketches, we've had memorable performances from the cast; particularly Jason Sudeikis, who has bestowed significant feats throughout the season. For instance, in a courtroom sketch entitled “Maine Justice”, which took place on the December 8th episode (hosted by Jamie Foxx). Sudeikis bestowed
an overzealous performance as Southern judge dealing with a civil suit involving a vacationing tourist; played by Bobby Moynihan. Throughout the sketch, Sudeikis was hilarious and possessed good chemistry with Foxx; who portrayed the courtroom's sharp-tongued bailiff. The sketch was very creative and it got funnier as the piece progressed. In addition, during the February 9th episode, Jason Sudeikis portrayed a security guard for Guest Host Justin Bieber; who was introduced to a group of decoys that were intended to keep him well-protected. However, none of the decoys looked like the young singer; who was less-than-impressed with what he was seeing. Sudeikis was great as Bieber's security guard and had many good lines throughout the piece. Watching the eight-year-castmember bounce some zingers at Just Bieber was all in good fun. It's sketches like these that remind me just how good Jason Sudeikis is as a sketch comedy performer and I will definitely miss him when he eventually leaves the show.
Image of Jason Sudeikis and Jamie Foxx taken from http://snl.jt.org/detail.php?i=2012120810
There have been more good performances from the late-night series' cast. For instance, Taran Killam has proved to be a good utility player; as seen in his ability to play different types of roles; whether it be an original character or an impression. For instance, in a sketch in which he played the older brother of a college student bringing home her boyfriend, played by Justin Beiber, to meet her parents. While the writing of the sketch was completely weak and repetitive, Killam's performance as the brother was humorous; mostly due to his delivery when mocking Bieber's character. In addition, Killam has proven to be a good impressionist as well; as evident by his portrayals of various celebrities like Michael Keaton and Vice Presidential Candidate Paul Ryan. I will also say that Kate McKinnon has proven to be a good addition to the cast; as she's been able to bestow comical performances in sketches; particularly one where she plays a bar patron that hooks up with another patron; played by Guest Host Louis C.K. McKinnon gave turned in an amusing performance and possessed good chemistry with the actor-comedian. In addition. She has also has proven to be a good impressionist; as seen by her spot-on portrayals of Ellen DeGenerous and Jodie Foster. Furthermore, Jay Pharoah has done well taking over the important impression of President Barack Obama from Castmember Fred Armisen. He's also turned in some good impressions of other well known personalities; such as Sportscaster Stephen A. Smith, singer Kanye West, and comedian Katt Williams-- the later of whom, the castmember has the voice spot on. In other words, the cast of “Saturday Night Live” manage to improve the quality of the sketches thanks in large part to their performances and energy.
Image of Louis C.K. and Kate McKinnon taken from http://snl.jt.org/detail.php?i=2012110311
Thus, we are now left with seven episodes left to air. And tonight, they begin with Guest Host Kevin Hart. I know that he's a stand-up comic, though I haven't seen any of his comedy routines. Nevertheless, I'm going to watch tonight's episode with an open mind. And as usual, I will be commenting on the sketches, the performances, and anything else that comes to mind during the show. And following the episode, I will be posting a review that outlines my opinions in more detail.
Be sure to have your televisions set to NBC by 11:30pm and have my blog on your computers. Be sure to keep refreshing your computer screens so you can see my latest comments. Feel free to share your own thoughts by clicking the “comment” link underneath any of my posts. Your feedback means a lot and I look forward to seeing your opinions.
So stay tuned and I'll see you at 11:30pm!
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