Okay, here’s my review. After those last two lethargic shows
dragged in the New Year, this has to be the strongest SNL episode of 2015 so
far. Still, we have seen better in terms of this season overall. Even though some
of the problems that have been plaguing the writing are still present, the
performances from the host and cast really carried this one. JK Simmons was
certainly a welcome presence at studio 8H and he sure must have lit a fire
under the casts’ collective asses this week. Also, they are still holding back
on recurring sketches and characters (save for one) as they have been the past
month which is always a sign that they’re at least taking baby steps in the
right direction. My only real complaint about tonights’ show would be that Beck
Bennett wasn’t in any sketches. He literally only showed up for the goodnights.
Anyway, here it is.
Super Bowl Shut Down - This Marshawn Lynch/Richard Sherman
open was good. It was a fine way for SNL to hit the topical stuff right out of
the gate. Jay did a fine Sherman. His yelling and insulting people was funny
(especially Mayor DiBlasio). Kenan didn't add much as Marshawn Lynch and his
portrayal paled in comparison to that of Jordan Peele. Taran, Bobby and Sasheer
had some funny lines, although their parts felt a little pointless. C+
Monologue - JK Simmons really delivered here. He had great
delivery and poked fun at himself quite well. His yelling at the cast was great
and Kyle, Pete, Leslie and Aidy all played quite well off him. Still, I suppose
this was mostly aimed at people who have already seen Whiplash. The Fred
Armisen cameo was wholly unnecessary (especially since it was at least his
second cameo this season in the span of two months) but it was too brief and
surrounded by too many solid performers to ruin the monologue. Also, it was
thankfully his only appearance of the night. B-
Totinos Super Bowl Activity Kit - This was something I didn't quite know what
to make of but I do know it feels too early in the show for a Vanessa centered
piece and I could definitely see some particularly dim but “well-meaning”
comments calling it sexist (even though its intent was purely the opposite of
that). D+
Miss Trash 2015 -
This felt like a cross between the "Douchebag Of The Year" sketch
from Seth Rogen's '07 episode and the Miss Universe sketch from Kerry
Washington's episode last season. Srill, it was a decent example of an often
used but not quite beaten into the ground yet SNL trope. JK Simmons was a very
funny host. Aidy's performance was the true highlight of this sketch. Cecily
and Kate played their parts well although something about Kate's character seem
dated. Still, I couldn't help but feel like something was missing. This sketch
could've made better use of this, but at least they kept this from running on
too long. B-
Casablanca Alternate Ending - This sketch was well performed
by JK and slightly overacted by Kate. Still, only Kate has the performance
skills to make this watchable. It had several attempts at jokes throughout, but
it seemed a little light on actual humor. Despite reminding me too much of
something that might fall more into Wiig or Cecily’s or Anderlette’s wheelhouse
it was the strongest Reese De'What involved sketch so far. C-
Teacher Snow Day - This seemed like a less funny retread of
last month's Office Christmas Party from last month but damn if it wasn't fun
and I'll be damned if the cast and JK didn't perform the hell out of it. B+
Update was pretty inconsistent. Aside from Josts'
Romney/Disney Latine Princess jokes and Ches' rant and bat triaal line, most of
it was forgettable. Cecily's One Dimensional Woman character was the absolute
last thing I would expect to recur, but I did like the American Sniper
reference. I was very excited to see the return of Jebediah Atkinson and while
he had plenty of great lines even if I saw his jabs at Meghan Trainor/U2 jabs
coming from two miles away, it made me realize that this bit doesn't work as
well when the audience doesn't groan at his "edgier" jokes and leaves
Taran to clutch at straws when they do. C+
Pushie - It seems far too late for SNL to do Microsoft
Office Clippy jokes as they have already been beaten to the ground. Still, this
sketch gets much more entertaining as it goes on and builds to something and
reveals some actual writing. Bobby and JKs performances alone made me laugh and
Aidy played well off both of them. To recap, surprisingly good sketch, odd use
of green screen.
The Jay-Z Story - I wanted to check out of this as soon as I
heard the name "Mike O'Brien" but I'm glad I gave it a chance because
it turned out much better than I expected. I liked Mike's interactions w/Taran,
Sasheer as Beyonce ;) and Jay slowly slipping into his actual Jay-Z impression.
The scene with JK Simmons as Nas was funny and of course the surprise
appearance of Jason Fucking Sudekis as "Kanye" made the whole night
for me. B-
Japanese Messy Boy – This was possibly the strongest live
segment of the night. JK pulled off a role that only an older distinguished
male host w/lots of odd roles under his belt could do like a Walken or a
Malkovich. His interactions with Leslie and Bobby really made the sketch for me
and it was perfect to end the show on. I can't even remember the last time I
saw a new episode of SNL end with a good old fashioned bizarre, experimental
ten-to-one sketch like that. A-
Goodnights – These may have just earned second place behind Kirstie
Alley’s ’91 show for longest goodnights ever. They would probably tie if they
had shown this cast walking off stage and heading out for last night’s after
party.
Now, for my updated rankings for this season…
1. Woody Harrelson/Kendrick Lamar
2. Martin Freeman/Charli XCX
3. Jim Carrey/Iggy Azalea
4. James Franco/Nicki Minaj
5. J.K. Simmons/D’Angelo
6. Bill Hader/Hozier
7. Blake Shelton
8. Kevin Hart/Sia
9. Cameron Diaz/Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars
10. Amy Adams/One Direction
11. Chris Pratt/Ariana Grande
12. Sarah Silverman/Maroon 5
13. Chris Rock/Prince
Well, that show was a breath of fresh air. I guess it was
too much to expect for SNL to have announced the host/MG lineup for its’
February 28 show by the end of tonight, but I’m looking forward to the 40th
anniversary special in two weeks and I’m sure they’ll release a press release
soon enough after that. In fact, I’ve been thinking of reviewing the
anniversary shows to fill the void, but I highly doubt I will have the time (or
the energy) to do so with my new job starting tomorrow morning. See you soon!
