Dakota Johnson/Alabama Shakes (2.28.2015)

Okay, here’s my review. This show was pretty unremarkable and a bit of a let down from the JK Simmons episode and the 40^th Anniversary special. Still, only a couple of things stood out as really terrible rather than just overwrought and forgettable like the rest of the episode. Any episode where Kyle is more of a standout than Taran, Kate, and Bobby can’t be completely bad. Dakota Johnson delivered pretty much exactly what I expected of her as a host. She didn’t do much besides prove she was able to coast on weak material and take Amy Adams’ place as most underutilized SNL host this season. Also, is it just me or does Dakota Johnson look a lot like Noel Wells? I swear they added her back to the cast if I didn't know any better. Anyway, here it is.

Giuliani (Or The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance) - This was pretty creative and ambitious for this season. It was a strong showcase for Kilam, for sure. I liked how he was able to channel both Rudy Giuliani and Michael Keaton seamlessly. Sure, he didn't do the most accurate Giuliani but it was a grounded portrayal. Turning the Giuliani controversy into a Birdman parody was a clever angle. The pop culture references practically scream "Kelly and Schneider wrote this". Working Dakota into this sketch felt unnecessary even though it seemed to be her most committed performance of the whole show (and it was taped). B-

Monologue - Dakota did just as fine despite how little confidence she seemed to have in the material. Unfortunately, she is setting that tone for the whole rest of the show. Kyle and Kate were funny was audience members and it was pretty gracious of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson to show up. C+

ISIS – Well, at least this was better than whatever they attempted during the Chris Rock show. I liked how they didn't just beat us over the head with it and how this audience wasn't gasping and silent. C+

Cinderella - I can't believe they recurred Cecily's character from that awful James Franco bridge troll sketch. Hey, is it just me or is Cecily doing the exact same voice that Kyle used in that 420 sketch from Seth Rogen's episode last season? D+

Say What You Wanna Say - This was probably the strongest piece in the whole show so far even if it ran just a little long. Kate, Leslie, Dakota and Aidy did well in it although I can't help but notice how similar it was to a piece I saw the current Second City touring company do last year. This really made me think about those accusations of plagiarism that arose from the riverboat sketch in Sarah Silverman’s episode. B-

Press Junket – This sketch was fine if not a little unfocused. Kyle was great as a precocious reporter and Kate played off him well. Overall, it reminded me of the type of sketch Bobby would've done before Kyle joined the cast. I know a lot of people are reminded of Samberg, but the whole behind the scenes angle reminds me of a sketch Bobby did when Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro hosted. C+

I Can’t - This was all right if not a little obnoxious. Aidy really carried it. It could've benefitted from some editing, though. Did Bobby’s voice remind anyone else of Louis CK’s “one voice”/Obama “impression” from his monologue last season? C-

Update was pretty strong tonight. I liked the dress bit and Che's ISIS gentrification rant. The pope/Chris Brown jokes were great too and Jost is showing more signs of life than ever. Kate was good as Justice Ginsburg. She did the type of commentary she always excels at but they really ran the whole "Ginsburn" bit into the ground. Jay's Kanye was all right but it just goes to show Jay's Kanye doesn't work in a solo piece when the entire focus is on him. I think it's a little soon to bring back Riblet but his attempts at ghetto style Update jokes were great as were the suit reveal and mic delivery. B-

Worf M.D. - This sketch had potential but it kinda flailed around all over the place. Kenan started to turn in a real solid performance but it somehow got away from him. Vanessa and Pete each had great lines here. Also, I'd think Dakota was breaking character if she didn't look so blatantly disinterested in this whole sketch. D+

Net Neutrality - This sketch seemed to take a minute to find its real focus. The highlights were Bobby's porn speech, Pete and Leslie's back and forth, and Taran slapping everyone. Dakota's "harder" line was her only real contribution to this sketch. I'm surprised Pete's joke about racist YouTube comments didn't get a bigger laugh. I'd almost swear Leslie was wearing Hader's old Stefon wig if I wasn't so sure it wouldn't fit her. C-

Good Neighbor: Mr Riot Films – This short seems to be parodying a specific type of viral video that hasn't been popular in years, but I did like how Beck and Kyle incorporated real people off the street into it. B+

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

Well, another forgettable episode just came and went. Next week, Chris “Thor” Hemsworth hosts and I honestly think this could go any possible way as I have no idea what he can bring to the show. See you then!