Okay, here’s my review. The sheer lifelessness of this show
qualifies to replace Chris Rock/Prince as the worst of the season. Sure, Rock’s
episode had its share of problems but at least it made some daring choices
unlike this episode. Chris Hemsworth barely seemed like he wanted to be there
all night. Kate and Sasheer were the only two cast members who had a standout
night. That would be pretty par for Kate’s course at this point but when you can
say that about Sasheer, something may have gone wrong. Also, I have to wonder aloud
why Chris Cornell was playing with the Zac Brown band and covering what had to
have been one of his own songs with them. He isn’t even touring with them (according
to a local ad for the Zac Brown Bands’ latest tour I saw during the show). That
wasn’t a bad moment in the show necessarily, but it was one of the most left
field collaborations I have ever seen. Anyway, on to the sketches.
A Message From Hillary Clinton - I'm glad Kate has replaced
Vanessa as SNL's resident Hillary Clinton impressionist. As expected, hers was
a stronger and more engaging portrayal. Still, it could use some fine tuning if
they’re grooming her for 2016. The only thing that really stood out to me was
the email from Bill. C+
Monologue - Chris seems to be on the same level as Dakota
Johnson as far as hosts go. He really seemed to be phoning in the monologue but
I can't really blame him given how Kenan heavy it was. Yeah, his Australian
accent was worth a couple of sketches but it was a lame uninspired premise.
Thank god Kate was there to breathe some life into it. D+
American Express - This had some decent writing behind it
but Hemsworths' performance really didn't do it any justice and it wasn’t a
terribly creative spin on the Mindy Akling ad. C+
Brother 2 Brother – This was really a long setup to a rather
obvious payoff. All the performances were strong (except for tonight's host)
but it felt too much like a retread of that Kristen Wiig/Amy Adams school twins
sketch. Also, I can't believe you can now say "my dick is bigger" on
network TV with no bleep on but obviously that was the biggest laugh of the
whole night so far. C+
Empire – This was a pretty one note parody. At least Che’s
part was funny and Hemsworth played well off Sasheer and Leslie. Did anyone
else think Hemsworth resembled Ike Barinholtz just a little in that wig? C-
Spaceship – This was a sketch revolving entirely around a
chicken spaceship. It was just as unfocused as it sounds but I'll gladly take
it over another Bobby kitty cat guy sketch. This seems like a sketch Tim
Kazurinsky would've led during the Ebersol era. D-
The Iggy Azalea Show - Kate does a better Iggy Azalea than
the real Iggy but this whole sketch just felt lifeless and like a big wasted
opportunity for Kate. Jay's T.I. was all right but it sounded too much like a
cross between his Eddie Murphy, Katt Williams and Shannon Sharpe impressions.
While this sketch initially falls flat, it does get better upon a second
viewing. For example, I first thought Chris Hemsworth was just playing Riff
Raff which would have been the worst stunt casting in recent SNL history
(unless he played Riff Raff in the same way that James Franco did in Spring
Breakers). Then, I noticed Kate saying he was playing a different character who
was supposedly her Australian rap “mentor” and suddenly he fit a lot better
into this sketch. Honestly, the true highlight of this sketch was the good
glimpse I got of Sasheer's great legs. C-
Update even felt pretty formulaic and forgettable tonight. I
did like Che's police rant and Josts' plane and penis jokes. Also, their take
on Seth and Amy’s one story/multiple jokes recurring gag was more interesting
than the way either of them were accustomed to it. Leslie's commentary was fun
but it was a little long and a lot like what we've previously seen from her.
Ditto Cecily’s Party girl bit but I did like her HMO/progress jokes.
Avengers - This sketch somehow managed to be weaker than the
one from Jeremy Renner's episode but at least it was Hemsworth's most animated
performance of the night. Taran was all right but he doesn't do a great RDJ or
anything. I did like Pete's take on Bruce Banner though. D+
Movie Set - I already didn't like where this was going Kenan
just made his first entrance in the director sketch. Oh, I get it. It's a very
meta sketch about broad mugging performances. Very subtly meta for Kenansville
but not an admirable effort. D+
Good Neighbor: So You Think You Can Live With Jeff? – This
parodied reality show tropes well enough and it had its moments such as the
Survivor challenge and the ending freakout. Still, it’s not quite up there with
GNs’ best SNL work. C+
Dolce And Gabanna – The former porn stars are beyond tired
by this point. Strangely enough, Hemsworth’s bizarre character was the only
time he was actually funny. Hey, good thing he managed to do it once before the
show ended. C-
Now, for my updated rankings…
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. Dakota Johnson/Alabama Shakes
7. Bill Hader/Hozier
8. Blake Shelton
9. Kevin Hart/Sia
10. Cameron Diaz/Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars
11. Amy Adams/One Direction
12. Chris Pratt/Ariana Grande
13. Sarah Silverman/Maroon 5
14. Chris Rock/Prince
15. Chris Hemsworth/Zac Brown Band
Well, we know the next live show will be on March 28. What
we DON’T know is who will be hosting or why they didn’t bother to acknowledge
that SNL will still be on after tonight during this show. That can’t be a good
sign, but I’m sure we’ll find out in due time. See you then!
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