Image of One Direction, Will ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, and David Koechner taken from http://snltranscripts.jt.org/13/13hmono.phtml
Which brings me to my main point. As Season 40 is set to kick off tonight at 11:30pm, I am very skeptical for how this season is going to turn out. What follows now are the specific drawbacks that are still present on the show that make me worried about this upcoming season:
1. Kenan Thompson s STILL on the show!!!: This past season, there was a noticeable void in the talent field since longtime talented castmembers Bill Hader, Jason Sudeikis, and Fred Armisen left the show after Season Thirty-Eight. To fill that void, Kenan Thompson, who had been on the show since Fall of 2003, was shoehorned into being the designates "star" of "Saturday Night Live." Thompson was thrown into nearly every sketch; whether it be in a starring role or even a minor bit role that could have been played by any of the new featured players that were brought on to the show. Throughout the season, Kenan Thompson's brand of comedy was shoved down the audience's throats. The longtime performer's comedic skills mainly consisted of him speaking his lines in an obnoxiously-loud manner to reacting to the antics of his fellow castmember's characters. It should be mentioned that Thompson's reaction expressions mainly consisted of him bulging his eyes in a forced comedic style. Thompson's shtick wore extremely thin very quickly, and it got to the point where I would just groan whenever he trotted out one of his typical "comedic" moves. Now in his thirteenth season,Kenan Thompson is most likely to continue with his tired routines. Hopefully, Executive Producer Lorne Michaels as well as the show's writers make an attempt to scale back Kenan Thompson's starring roles in sketches; considering that the sketch performer does not possess the proper talents needed to be the long-running variety program's official leading man. Though, I do have very little faith in this actually happening.
Image of Kenan Thompson as a character oin "Weekend Update" taken from http://snltranscripts.jt.org/13/13fupdate.phtml
2. Colin Jost Will Still Be On "Weekend Update"- This past February, longtime "Saturday Night Live" castmember and "Weekend Update" anchor Seth Meyers stepped down to take over as the host of NBC's "Late Night" as Jimmy Fallon went on to assume the role of host of "The Tonight Show." Stepping in to fill Seth Meyers's spot at the "Update" desk was the show's current head writer Colin Jost. Right away, Colin Jost was a rather poor choice to take over; as the writer-turned-performer possessed a very bland stage presence. When first appearing on "Weekend Update" this past March, Colin Jost noticeably had a difficult time making eye contact with the cameras; appearing very awkward on the stage. In addition, Jost possessed a very lifeless presence on-air and he spoke his jokes in a manner devoid of any comedic timing or even any personality at all. In other words, Colin Jost appeared as more of a robot-like entity rather than a genuine performer. What's more, throughout the rest of the season, Colin Jost possessed no comedic chemistry with co-anchor Cecily Strong; who started out as Seth Meyers' co-host on the weekly news parody segment when the season started on September 28, 2013. Throughout the remainer of the season, Colin Jost and Cecily Strong just did not click as a team; as they possessed no dynamic whatsoever; thus making "Weekend Update" one of the main aspects as to why Season Thirty-Nine was not very good at all. I'm truly wishing that Colin Jost improves his stage presence this year; though I have doubt that he will.
Image of Colin Jost on "Weekend Update" taken from http://snltranscripts.jt.org/13/13nupdate.phtml
3. I'm still worried about the writing of the sketches: This past season, it has become abundantly clear that the sketch writing of "Saturday Night Live" is nowhere as good as it used to be. Now we see sketches that basically rely on one simple joke that is repeated over and over in an attempt to fill time. For instance, on January 25 of this year, Guest Host Jonah Hill appeared in a sketch where he played an employee going to his boss' house for dinner. The main joke of the sketch was that Hill's character would keep excusing himself to go to the restroom so he can yell loudly at himself whenever he feels that he did something foolish. The joke immediately grew tired and the whole piece just limped to its conclusion. In addition, on March 1 of this year, Guest Host Jim Parsons starred in a sketch taking place in an elevator of a company and Guest Host Jim Parsons played an employer who was holding his own soiled undergarments in a bag while his employees would step inside and complain about the terrible smell present. The sketch's premise just was so completely juvenile in nature and I felt embarrassed for Jim Parsons that he was starring in such a poorly-written piece. It should also be mentioned that there is hardly any effort to change the format of reoccurring sketches any more. Fr instance, the reoccurring segment "Girlfriends Talk Show" basically features the same rundown each time it airs: talk-show co-host "Morgan", played by "Saturday Night Live" castmember Aidy Bryant, would bring on her new friend, played by the variety show's guest host, only for co-host "Kyria", played by Cecily Strong, to steal their guest away from her co-host. The rundown became more predictable each time the sketch was executed; so much so, that the whole segment was basically just a waste in time and talent. It's instances like all of these that make me think that sketch writers of "Saturday Night Live" basically do not care about creating predictable sketches anymore. And that truly infuriates me!
Image from "Girl friends Talk Show" featuring Aidy Bryant as "Morgan", Cecily Strong as "Kyra", and Guest Host Miley Cyrus as friend "Tara" taken from http://snltranscripts.jt.org/13/13b.phtml
Thus, these three factors truly make me apprehensive about tonight's season premier of "Saturday Night Live." However, it should be mentioned that there are still some factors to take into consideration. After all, "Saturday Night Live" is entering it's 40th year; which truly is a milestone. Thus, I am looking forward to seeing what Executive Producer Lorne Michaels have in store for such an important year. There have been a lot of articles surfacing up on the Internet over the past couple weeks that make me wonder if the long-running program will be doing anything special for this anniversary season. Thus, I am still feeling some excitement and anticipation for the new season. And, what's more, there still are some things that I am looking forward to seeing in Season 40:
1. There are still some genuinely comedic performers left on the show: Following the departures of
very skilled performers like Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, a couple castmembers have proven that they are very talented as well. For instance, this past season has proven that the Kate McKinnon; who joined the long-running variety series in April of 2012, has proven to be quite skilled at portraying characters and exhibiting impressions-- especially the latter. Throughout this past season, Kate McKinnon has brought forward good impressions; such as Former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen sebelius as wel as actress jane Lynch. However, it was on January 18 of this year that Kate McKinnon debuted her greatest impression-- that of singer-trouble-make Justin Bieber. Right when McKinnon appeared on screen, I thought it was the actual Justin Bieber himself! However, when I realized it was Kate McKinnon portraying Justin Bieber, I let out a series of genuine laughs. It is no wonder that Kate McKinnon is my favorite actress currently on "Saturday Night Live." As for the male cast, I must admit that Taran Killam, who has been on the long-running variety series since Fall of 2010, has proven to be the most skilled. Throughout the past season, Taran Killam has been able to elevate the poor quality of badly-written sketches with his comedic performances. For instance, on April 5, Taran Killam [layed a muscular-looking character named "Big Joe"; who was unable to lift heavy rocks off a trapped villager; played by castmember Bobby Moynihan. Despite the great size of the character, Killam's "Big Joe" was unable to lift the heavy rocks as well as anything else he tried to pick up-- constantly sheepishly saying "I Can't do it" in a hilariously comedic deep-voiced manner. And despite the obvious joke, Killam's performance made me genuinely laugh throughout the sketch's duration. In addition, the "Saturday Night Live" castmember has demonstrated good impressions throughout the previous season. One in particular is his portrayal of news man Piers Morgan. In the sketches, Killam, as Morgan, would rapidly repeat the first word of some of his sentences in a humorously flustered manner. Though the sketches weren't greatly-written, Killam's performance truly helped make the quality better. Thus, both Kate McKinnon and Taran Killam have proven to be the most reliable castmembers currently on "Saturday Night Live", and I hope they get plenty of opportunities to star in creative sketches this season.
Image of Kate McKinnon as Justin Bieber taken from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2542053/Scandal-plagued-New-Jersey-Governor-Chris-Christie-takes-center-stage-Saturday-Night-Live.html
2. "Weekend Update" is Getting a Semi-Revamping: As I mentioned above when discussing my thoughts regarding Colin Jost, "Weekend Update" was a big component as to why Season Thirty-Nine of "Saturday Night Live" was not great at all. Well, I am now semi-optimistic bout the weekly news parody segment this season. It has been announced that Cecily Strong, who served as co-anchor to Seth Meyers from September to February and then Colin Jost, starting from March to the end of the season, will no longer be on "Weekend Update." Throughout this past season, I was not crazy at all about Cecily Strong's performance.When telling punchlines, she would often speak her punchlines that was hardly humorous-- basically speaking in a semi-loud voice and enunciating her words in forced manner. What's more, she did not possess any comedic chemistry whatsoever with Seth Meyers; thus making their pairing seem very fake and boring. And, as previously mentioned, I was not very enthusiastic about her pairing up with Colin Jost either. So, now that Cecily Strong is no longer on "Weekend Update," I am hopin she focuses more on her comedic acting in sketches. Maybe I will enjoy her more on the show this season now that she concentrate on just the sketches given to her. And taking over for Cecily Strong on "Weekend Update" is Michael Che; who spent this past summer being a corespondent on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart." I saw some of Che's work on the Comedy Central program and, in my opinion, I think he will be a good edition on "Weekend Update." First and foremost, Michael Che has personality and energy; unlike Colin Jost- who speaks his dialogue in a genuinely emotionally-devoid manner. What's more, from what I have seen from his work on "The Daily Show," it is clear that Michael Che has keen comedic energy that will be useful on "Saturday Night Live." If his performance on "Weekend Update" proves to be success full, maybe Michael Che will be put into some sketches as the season progresses. But no matter what, I am looking forward to seeing Michael Che on "Weekend Update." I'm just curious to see how his comedic chemistry with Colin Jost will turn out. This will be a pairing that I am very curious about seeing.
Image of Michael Che and Jon Stewart on "The Daily Show" taken from http://lockerdome.com/6959556584539969/6987698887999508
To see videos of Michael Che's work on "The Daily Show", you can check out this article: http://popwatch.ew.com/2014/09/12/remembering-michael-ches-too-brief-daily-show-run/
3. Darrell Hammond is Returning to "Saturday Night Live"; Over this past summer, Don Pardo, who has served as the announcer for almost every year of "Saturday Night Live",passed away at the age of Ninety-Six. We all remember Pardo's enthusiastically saying "It's Saturday Night Live"! and announcing the cast, host, and musical guests during the opening credits montage. His presence will be greatly missed on "Saturday Night Live." However, filling in the role of the announcer will be Darrell Hammond; who served as a castmember from 1995 to 2009-- solidifying him as the longest-running castmember on the long-running variety show. Hammond was greatly skilled at performing impressions; such as ABC News Anchor Ted Koppel, original "James Bond" actor Sean Connery, and, perhaps his most popular, Former President Bill Clinton. From what I have read online, Darrell Hammond will not be mimicking Don Pardo's announcing style but will indtead be doing the voice-over in his own way. I am looking forward to seeing Darrell Hammond back on "Saturday Night Live"; and I would not be surprised to see him pop up in sketches every once in a while to reprise one of his well-known impressions.
Image of Darrell Hammond as Bill Clinton taken from http://lockerdome.com/6557163480941121/6985189218850324
So, there you are. The reasons why I am both worried for and excited about Season 40 of "Saturday Night Live." And the milestone season begins tonight; with actor Chris Pratt hosting for his first time. Pratt has been seen this summer in the hit-blockbuster "Guardians of the Galaxy"; in which he played roguish space thief "Peter Quill" (aka "Star-Lord). In the movie, Chris Pratt brought forward an engaging performance that officially became his breakout movie role. I am looking forward to seeing Chris Pratt host tonight; as he's proven to have keen comedic acting abilities as seen from his performance in "Guardians of the Galaxy" as well as his role of happy-go-lucky government worker "Andy Dwyer" on the NBC series "Parks and "Recreation"; which stars Former "Saturday Night Live" Castmember Amy Poehler as "Leslie Knope"- the Director of the Pawnee Parks Department. Chris Pratt is one of the series main castmembers of the series and often exhibits his fun sense of comedic timing as his character. I truly hope that Chris Pratt is given good sketches tonight; as he's a very likable performer and he possesses a lot of genuine energy. It should be mentioned that I would not be surprised if Amy Poehler makes an appearance at some point during tonight's show. But no matter what, I just want a fun show tonight to kick off Season 40 of "Saturday Night Live".
Image of Kate McKinnon and Chris Pratt taken from http://www.crushable.com/2014/09/24/entertainment/chris-pratt-snl-promos-kate-mckinnon-watch/
And I will be covering the whole show this evening. Beginning at 11:30pm, I will be commenting on the sketches, the performances of the cast, Chris Pratt, and musical guest Ariana Grande. And then, sometime this week, I will be posting a mini-commentary on the episode in regards to how it turned out.
So be sure to keep 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.
Thank you all for following my blog. Stay tuned and I will see you at showtime!!
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