Okay, here’s my review. Despite how wildly uneven this show
was all night, it is definitely one of the better episodes this season. It
started off fairly strong and then started to fall apart in the middle and then
picked up some steam toward the end. Lady Gaga has displayed some real hosting
talent tonight, but I thought it would translate better to musical performances
than sketch acting. To me, this seemed truer for the monologue than her duet
with R. Kelly. Something about that first MG spot seemed a little off to me and
I think it was the dancing. Her second performance was a something a little
unexpected, but just OK other than that. Usually, it would be a demerit to the
show when they don’t use a particular host in many sketches but this actually
worked in Lady Gaga’s favor. You may have noticed early on how she was
basically shoehorned into sketches with rather small roles. This actually wasn’t
a detriment to the show because as we saw the last two times she appeared on the
show, she doesn’t quite have the acting chops for a lead role in any sketch.
Thankfully, the writers seemed to remember this and figured out the exactly
when and where to use her in just the right moments during the show. Otherwise,
we’d have to sit through ninety minutes of Lady Gaga just trying too hard. I
also liked how much they gave us a chance to see the featured players on air
more and made great use of Taran and Bobby. Anyway, this might be my longest
preamble ever so let’s just move on with the actual review.
CBC – This Toronto Mayor cold open was pretty funny, even
though they probably could've gone without the stereotypical hosehead accents.
Bobby was funny as Rob Ford (even though he probably didn't have the voice
down) and the taped press conferences were a highlight. A-
Monologue - This musical monologue is pretty much exactly
what I was expecting, but this jazzy Broadway version of "Applause"
is quite an improvement over the original. Her interaction with Bobby was
definitely the best part and the "tuck" line was a nice touch. Other
than that, it reminded me a bit too much of Chevy Chases' monologue from his
first hosting stint in 1978 but this was more enjoyable. B-
Paxil Second Term Strength - This was a clever and well
executed ad, but something about this felt a little dated. It's like they
really could've done this for any president. Taran's appearance as John Boehner
was a nice touch but other than that nothing really stood out to me here. B-
Waking up with Kimye - This seemed to be meandering . Jay's
Kanye is great (even if it's slipping a bit) but Kardashian impressions on SNL
should've stayed retired. Still, I'd like to see a little more from Noel and
Kate here and I did like Nassims' MJ and work lines. Gaga seemed to be trying
too hard to create a stereotypical nerd character in a sketch that doesn't
necessarily call for that type of "acting" and her not-so-subtle nod
to camera toward the end kind of bugged me. Still, they did know exactly where
to end this and I'd definitely rather see it than Vanessa's Gaga impression again.
Also, I sure hope we don't have to read any fluff pieces about Kanye's reaction
to this because I already know that's going to annoy the hell out of me. C+
Whaaat Cover Songs - This reminds me of something Ferrell
would've done in 1997 for some reason. Taran and Kenan were great in it and
Noel does great Britney. Aidy was good as well but I wish they didn't underuse
her so much. Gaga did a better job of poking fun at herself here albeit maybe a
couple of years too late. The Jay/Kate duet at the end was also great.
Thankfully, this was different enough from those "Bunny Business"
type soundtrack sketches that it was somewhat enjoyable. C+
Update had a long string of decent jokes. Nothing really
bombed and as a whole, I'd say the entire segment got the audience reactions it
deserved. I could already tell I wasn't going to like Kenan's commentary before
he even came out. They lost me at "common sense". The pre-taped
sketch reminded me of something Fred Armisen would've done in '04-'05. I liked
the level of energy Kenan committed to, but not much else about it. The thing
that bugged me the most was how it appeared to be the first use of most of the
featured players the whole night. Taran's commentary was great and really
breathed some life into the show here, but Seth and Cecily's constant giggling
really bugged the hell out of me. B-
Co-Op Board - This sketch meandered worse than anything I've
ever seen. I still don't know what to make of it even after its ending. Still,
I have to say I liked how they used Aidy, Kyle and Kate. Gag's appearance was
just all right. D+
Spotlightz Camp For Serious Child Actors - This was
obviously recurred from the horrendous Scarlett Johansen 2010 shows. At first,
I didn't think they needed to recur it again but then I noticed how well it
utilized this cast and host. Gaga and Noel were very cute and definitely turned
in their best performances of the night. Gaga's role seemed especially suited
to her acting range very well. Kyle and Taran were also great additions to this
sketch. The only real flaw with it was that it ran on a bit too long. C+
Blockbuster - This digishort was really saved by its ending.
Something about it made it feel like it was missing something in execution. I
can tell this is probably not a Good Neighbor short due to the lack of a title
card and the fact that Beck appeared in it but not Kyle. C+
Fourth Grade Pageant - It was great to see John Milheiser
finally have a breakout moment after being virtually invisible for two months
and it played well to Gaga's talents as a dancer. I could see this as being
Milheiser's equivalent of Farley's Chippendales sketch. Aidy played well off of
him, too. B+
Upper East Side, NY 2065 - This sketch was probably the best thing Gaga
could've done in terms of self-deprecation as this is probably how everyone
already feels about her anyway. Hell, I sure didn't think we would still be
talking about her in 2012 much less 2013 but she put out another album
so...here we are. It was a little long, overly cutesy and not all there in
terms of acting but it was nice other than that. I did like Kenan playing off
her, especially his lines about One Direction and Willow and Jaden Smith being
considered "classic rock" in the future. C+
The Roze Zone – This was another flimsy premise that felt
less out of place had it been done in the Tina Fey era, but the girls made the
most out of the material they were given. C+
And now, just because I haven’t done this in a while…I’m
going to rank this seasons’ episodes from best to worst. After this and the
Kerry Washington episode, I think it’s about damn time.
1. Kerry Washington/Eminem
2. Miley Cyrus
3. Lady Gaga
4. Bruce Willis/Katy Perry
5. Tina Fey/Arcade Fire
6. Edward Norton/Janelle Monae
Next week Josh Hutcherson of “Hunger Games” fame hosts just
in time for Thanksgiving. This show could seriously go either way. See you
then!
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