Well, the new season of NBC's long-running variety series “Saturday Night Live” starts this Saturday night at 11:30pm. And as the thirty-ninth year approaches, we are reminded of the significant departures that have occurred since the previous season. For instance, Bill Hader, who has treated audiences to an array of hilarious-yet-spot-on impressions of well known personalities, such as Hollywood Actors like Al Pacino and Alan Alda, and also and humorous characters;like flamboyant City Corespondent “Stefon”, started out on the program as a featured player at the start of the 2005-2006 season, and then moved up to regular castmember status at the beginning of Season Thirty-Two, announced his leaving a few days before this past season's finale-- thus totaling a full eight years on the weekly late-night program. Also leaving is fellow longtime castmember Fred Armisen; who joined the cast as a Featured Player Fall of 2002, becoming a regular repertory castmember Fall of 2004-- thus acting in sketches for a total of eleven year; impersonating President Barack Obama, partaking in reoccurring sketches like “The Californians”, and playing offbeat musicians in various sketches. Finally, Jason Sudeikis, who joined the show as a Featured Player May of 2005 and joined Hader in reaching regular castmember status the Fall of 2006; bestowing humorous performances as likable straightmen in sketches as well as a zany portrayal of Vice President Joe Biden. All three castmembers have left their mark throughout their duration on the late-night program and their presence will be missed. And as Season Thirty-Nine approaches, we are now faced with a cast that mostly consists of performers who have been on the show since Fall of 2008; with the exceptions of Kenan Thompson, who has been on the show since Fall of 2003, and Seth Meyers; who has been on the show since September 2001-- but will only be serving as the anchor of “Weekend Update”; which he's been doing since September of 2006, and will continue to until he leaves midseason so he could host “Late Night.”. Nevertheless, with the exception of Meyers and Thompson, we must prepare ourselves for an all-new era of “Saturday Night Live.”
Image of Bill Hader as "Stefon" taken from http://snl.jt.org/char.php?i=758
When looking at the castmembers for the upcoming season, it is important to note that, for the first time in a while, there is not a big-name star in the cast. In recent years, we had Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, Bill Hader and Jason Sudeikis. All of whom has achieved a level of fame that made it easy for viewers identify them on the show and enjoy their sketch comedy performances. And from the point of view of the series, the network was able to advertise “Saturday Night Live” simply by either showing a picture or sampling some of their sketch work in commercials. Now, with the exception of Seth Meyers, who has gained his own level of fame, thanks to his anchoring of “Weekend Update,” viewers might find it difficult to keep track of who's left in the cast. For instance, Bobby Moynihan, who has been a castmember on the show since Fall of 2008, hasn't appeared in a lot of Hollywood films.
Furthermore, while in past years, we had Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Kristen Wiig-- and since leaving, they have all gone on to star in movies and television shows. At this point in time, it could be said that “Saturday Night Live” does not have a Leading Lady. However, there has apparently been a revelation that could change this concept. A week and a half ago, it was announced that Catsmember Cecily Strong, who joined the show this past season as a Featured Performer, will be serving as Seth Meyers' co-anchor on “Weekend Update.” I do have some mixed views about this. On the negative side, I was not a big fan of some of Strong's reoccurring characters. For example, this past season Strong brought forward “The Girl You You Wish You Hadn't Started a Conversation with at a Party”; a tipsy female party guest who would be constantly rambling and checking her Blackberry for text messages. Strong's character reappeared throughout the season; and her constant babbling grew old very quickly. In addition, there was a twice-occurring sketch in which Cecily Strong and Bobby Moynihan portrayed two obnoxious employees who would constantly joke around in an insulting way towards their co-workers during a staff meeting. Strong's delivery, as well as Moynihan's, was very loud and obnoxious on both instances of the sketch; enough for the sketches to drag slowly. I will say, however, when playing grounded characters, Cecily Strong is a more enjoyable performer. For instance, on February 16th, Strong and Jason Jason Sudeikis starred in a cold opening two Triumph Cruise directors. Who were trying to calm down passengers amidst various problems. Throughout the piece, Cecily Strong possessed good chemistry with Sudeikis and her performances proved to be quite engaging. Thus, perhaps when anchoring “Weekend Update” with Seth Meyers, Cecily Strong will bestow a naturally performance.
Image of Cecily Strong as "The Girl You Wish You Hadn't Started a Conversation With at a Party" and Seth Meyers taken from http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS473US477&biw=1382&bih=710&tbm=isch&tbnid=wxy0VfsHbDDhfM:&imgrefurl=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2013/09/saturday-night-live-cecily-strong-seth-meyers-to-co-anchor-weekend-update.html&docid=15v_AZll9o1GcM&imgurl=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/snl-weekend-update-cecily-strong-seth-meyers.jpg&w=560&h=327&ei=FjRDUomiPJW34AOR8IH4CQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=337&vpy=135&dur=1218&hovh=171&hovw=294&tx=128&ty=93&page=1&tbnh=137&tbnw=232&start=0&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:87
But while Cecily Strong has gained attention this past season, there is a different castmember that I have found to be very engaging every time she's on screen. Kate McKinnon, who joined the show as a featured player Spring of 2012, has been a very engaging performer throughout her duration on the show so far. For one thing, McKinnon has presented viewers with some spot-on impressions; such as Scarlett Johansson and Ellen DeGenerous; the later being perfected in a sharp parody of her talk show. During which, Kate McKinnon perfected the comedian's fast-paced dialogue as well as her method of dancing. In addition, Kate McKinnon has done well portraying characters; particularly in a piece during which she played a patron at a bar; hooking up with the last male patron during last call. The first sketch took place on November 3rd, with special Guest Host Louis C.K., and again on April 13th; with Guest Host Vince Vaughn. When playing her character, Kate McKinnon possessed keen chemistry with the guest host; both performers bouncing one line after another off each other with ease. And when the sketch involved physical comedy, specifically getting intimate with the guest host's character, Kate McKinnon displayed a naturally funny comedic performance. All in all, I have enjoyed Kate McKinnon's performances in sketches on “Saturday Night Live” so far, and I'm hoping that she gets more opportunities this upcoming season.
As for the male castmembers, I have mixed thoughts as well. For instance, Jay Pharaoh, who joined the cast as a featured player Fall of 2010 and has become a regular castmember this past season, is an adept impressionist; as he's done quite well impersonating President Barack Obama-- finely mimicking his voice and his mannerisms. Pharaoh has also brought forward some more enjoyable impressions; such as Oscar Winner Denzel Washington and Stand-Up Comic Katt Williams. Other than impressions, however, Jay Pharaoh hasn't dome much else on the program; often times speaking only one or two lines in sketches. There have even been a few times this season where he his only role in sketches was to react to the action taking place. Hopefully, in his fourth year on the show, Jay Pharoah steps up to the plate a bit more and brings us some original and creative sketches and characters. Otherwise, I'm not going to have a lot of hope for him as a castmember.
Another “Saturday Night Live” castmember I have mixed feelings about is Bobby Moynihan. In his five years on the show, I haven't been that impressed by Moynihan's characters. Most of them come off as being one-note and over-the-top. For instance, I haven't been too crazy about his somehow popular reoccurring character “Drunk Uncle”; a sloshed family member who appears on “Weekend Update” with the intention of making a commentary; only to spend up to five minuets rambling about any topic that comes to mind. Each “Update” segment featuring the character basically feels like a rehash; as there are hardly any differences to previous appearances. What's more, a typical “Dunk Uncle” segment also seems an excuse to fill time on “Weekend Update.” However, while characters might not be Moynihan's strong suit, I will say that the five-year castmember does a fine job playing the straightman of a sketch. Whenever playing the unfortunate foil to the main character of the sketch, Moynihan's straightforward delivery makes for some good laughs. An example of this took place takes the form of a dating game show entitled “It's a Date”; which aired on March 9th with Guest Host Justin Timberlake. In the sketch, Moynihan played a hapless contestant competing against Timberlake's and Andy Samberg's R & B Duo and, in a blast from the past, The Festrunk Brothers; Steve Martin's and Dan Aykroyd's swinging foreign brothers. Watching Moynihan's character casually state that he know he's going to lose was humorous; primarily due to the actor's casual delivery. The idea of Moynihan playing a contestant who obviously knew he didn't stand a chance against two duos was a great one; and hopefully, the “Saturday Night Live” castmember can have more opportunities to play more characters like this in the upcoming season.
Image of Bobby Moynihan as "Drunk Uncle" taken from
http://snl.jt.org/char.php?i=877
But while I have mixed feelings about Jay Pharaoh and Bobby Moynihan, it has to be said that I am looking forward to seeing Castmember Taran Killam get more screentime. Since joining the show in September of 2010, Killam has demonstrated a knack for truly humorous impressions; among which include actors like Michael Cera, Brad Pitt, and Ashton Kutcher; as well as other figures like Piers Morgan, Rush Limbaugh, and Jon Huntsman. In addition, Taran Killam has managed to improve the quality of poorly-written sketch by showcasing enjoyably funny performances. One sketch this past season featured Killam as the obnoxious older brother of a young woman, played by Castmember Nasim Pedrad, who was dating a college boy; played by Guest Host Justin Bieber. Though the jokes in the sketch weren't very funny, as the main bit was centered around Killam's character going on about Bieber's on-stage persona's misspoken words, the “Saturday Night Live” castmember's antics and his over-the-top delivery brought out honest laughter. In addition, Taran Killam has exhibited keen comedic chemistry with his fellow castmembers; especially Bobby Moynihan. Whenever starring in sketches together, Moynihan and Killam interact well and they display energy that improves the quality of poorly-written sketches. It could possibly be said that Taran Killam can bring out better comedic performances from Bobby Moynihan. But needless to say, I am looking forward to see Killam get more screentime this season; especially as this will be his fourth year as a castmember.
Image of (from left to right) Taran Killam, Justin Bieber and Nasim Pedrad taken from http://snl.jt.org/detail.php?i=2013020910
But what really has me excited about this upcoming season of “Saturday Night Live” is that, for the first time since Fall of 2010, we are getting a significant group of new performers. Coming this weekend, “Saturday Night Live” will be getting a total of SIX new castmembers! I'm glad to see that Lorne Michaels and company are bring in a fresh batch of talent to bring new energy to the show. Joining the show are Beck Bennett and Kyle Mooney; two members of the Internet sketch Comedy group “GoodNeighborstuff.” I have seem some of the troop's videos, and I interested in seeing their comedic chemistry live on the “Saturday Night Live” stage. Also, judging by some of their videos, I'm guessing that Beckett will serve as the straightman to most of Mooney's characters. Also, seeing as though these guys were part of an Internet comedy troupe, I'm guessing that Lorne Michaels and company are going to make these guys into the new “The Lonely Island”; the comedy group that Andy Samberg was a part of and the threesome responsible for creating the SNL Digital Shorts. Also joining the show is Noel Wells; who seems to specialize in celebrity impressions. I have seen some of Wells' work online and, I have to admit, she does some good impressions of actresses like Zooey Deschanel and Lena Dunham as well as musicians like Alanis Morissette and Adele. So needless to say, I'm looking forward to seeing Noel Wells bring her arsenal of impressions to “Saturday Night
Live.” 
Image of (From top let to bottom right) Beck Bennett, Brooks Wheelan, John Milhiser, Nichael O'Brien, Noel Wells, and Kyle mooney taken from http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/saturday-night-live-adds-6-new-cast-members-which-is-nice-but-whats-wrong-w-this-picture
In addition, stand-up comedian Brooks Wheelan will be joining the cast. I have seen two videos of his stand-up comedy; and, while his own stand-up comedy isn't that great, Wheelan has an energetic stage presence that could work well on the show. If he tones down his material for live television, perhaps Wheelan could bring bring some new life to “Saturday Night Live.” In addition, Lorne Michaels has promoted writer Michael O'Brien to the group of new featured players. O'Brien has been starring in a series of Internet videos entitled “7 Minuets in Heaven”; in which he interviews celebrities like Tina Fey and Paul Rudd in a wardrobe closet. Judging from the videos I have seen, Michael O'Brien has sort of a jovial attitude similar to that of Jimmy Fallon. From his interview shorts, I could see Michael O'Brien as a frequent commentator on “Weekend Update.” And, perhaps, a successor to Seth Meyers; once he leaves the show to take over the hosting position of NBC's “Late Night.” And finally, a comedian named John Milhiser has been added as a new featured player. Unfortunately, I haven't seen much of Milhiser's videos to have an opinion yet, but, I have read online that he does a good impression of John Cryer. Nevertheless, I am VERY excited to see what these six new performers contribute to “Saturday Night Live” in the upcoming season. And even though there will end up being a total of SIXTEEN castmembers for Season Thirty-Nine, I'm not TOO worried; as Lorne Michaels needs to do whatever he can to fill the void left by Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, and Jason Sudeikis. After all, A LOT of talent has left the show after this past season; and Michaels needs to do whatever he can to ke
ep audiences laughing! Especially with the departure of Bill Hader.
But no matter what, the iconic sketch-comedy series returns for its thirty-ninth season this Saturday night at 11:30pm; with Former Castmember Tina Fey hosting for her fourth time. I have to say, in all honesty, Fey is a good choice to host the premier episode. Considering that three longtime and successful castmembers have left the show after this past season as well as the fact that we are getting a lot of new performers, it is a good idea to have Tina Fey, who has achieved much success since leaving the show in May of 2006, host the season opener. It will be nice to see her back on the show and performing in skits once again. And, seeing as she used to co-host “Weekend Update from Fall of 2000 to Spring of 2004 with Former Castmember and Fellow Alum Jimmy Fallon, as well as from September of 2004 to May of 2006 with Amy Poehler, another successful alum, it would be nice to see Tina Fey appear on the weekly news segment as a way to introduce Cecily Strong as Seth Meyers' new co-anchor. In addition, I'm sure Tina Fey will interact very well with the new “Saturday Night Live” cast and it will be interesting to see how the sketches will unfold, Who knows? Maybe she'll even help out with some of the writing for this show. Nevertheless, I'm sure that Tina Fey will help get the thirty-ninth season of “Saturday Night Live” off on the right foot.
Image of Tina Fey and "SDaturday Night Live" Castmember Kenan Thompson taken from http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2013/09/25/lorne_michaels_brings_back_tina_fey_to_launch_new_snl_season.html
Now, as I said in a earlier post, I will not be live-blogging this week's episode; as I will be going away for the weekend. Upon returning, I will be watching the show online and then I will be posting an in-depth review of the show that features my strong opinions the sketches, the writing, the performances of the cast (especially those of the new performers), and other important matters.
So stay tuned. Enjoy watching the season premier of “Saturday Night Live” and stay tuned for my review. See you next week
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