Throw Me A Meatball, Martin Scorcese!
6.5
"Fair"
The fate of this season can, and will not be told until we really get into it. My predicitions are that SNL will be a continuation of last season, with maybe a little bit more or less consistancy. The direction of this season will not have an explosive change, or at least not negatively. It's very hard to do with such a versatile cast, that has been functioning fine for the last 2 years. It's hard to tell if this cast has reached it's peak or not. This season shall tell. But, as of now, especially after our most recent bombing episode, starring Michael Phelps, I must say that I'm not worried for this season... yet?
This week's host is James Franco, the man fresh off Pineapple Express. He is known by older ones, for starring in Freaks and Geeks. We'll see how he does. The musical guest is Kings of Leon. It's good to see indie bands make their appearances on the stage. Especially after Lil Wayne. *shivers*
*drum roll*
McCain/Palin recording session: John McCain decides to show up to record new approval messages, since he didn't know the old one was recorded digitally. Basically, this sketch went to Bill for doing those great sarcastic messages. The ridiculous points they came up with in the messages weren't much of an exagguation as to real life. They are ridiculous at times. Slow, yes, at times, but it sure did pay off as a decent opening.
Monologue: Gilbert Grottfried- I mean James Franco delivers his monologue, saying how he enrolled in college. Even though this could have been funny, it went by slowly.
Cougar Den: Getting cocky, are we? Putting this sketch first? Yes, it has a cameo, big whoop. That doesn't mean this sketch is the funniest of the night. It, infact, was far from it. Though, I'll give them points. They mixed it up. Cougars = relevant. Emo boys = very relevant!!!
Agent 420: Weed enthusiast, Agent 420, is the only M16 agent left over. He gaffes his mission up, and ends up getting all the bad guys high, having them turn off their laser beam, that was to destroy a communication sattelite. The sketch wasn't that funny, but somewhat entertaining. Once again, did dress find this sketch hilarious or something, because SNL put this way too much at the top of the show.
O.J. Simpson Jury: O.J. Simpson's lawyer makes sure they have a jury who hasn't heard of O.J. A very funny sketch, indeed. I'm sorry, but Kenan's Simpson really grew on me (even though he didn't say anything).
Malcolm Hill: When a girl goes to flirt with him, Malcolm creeps her out, by trying to get all deep, and talking about his small penis In the end, he does get one taker, though. A guy. The Digital Short was wierd, and goofy.
The Looker: This was hilarious!!! Fred Armisen as Penny Marshall was genius. It's true, though! Penny Marshall does catch that depressing facial expression! This was hilarious! Absolutely hilarious!
Musical Performance: Kings of Leon performs "Sex on Fire" which is an awesome song.
Weekend Update: Tonight's update was really, really strong. Most jokes were great, and both commentaries were good. A save from last week's Update. I loved the Rosie Perez Dora the Explorer.
New York Times to Alaska: 50 people were chosen to go to Alaska, from the New York Times, to do research on Palin. The sketch was long, but had a pound up delivery at the end.
John Steinbeck Closing: Another Bobby Moynihan audition sketch, I take it. Bobby seems very talented, but these sketches are border-line retarded. This one was definetely an improvement over last week's "Peppuh" sketch. I'll give him that. For writing, he may not be on top, but for acting, he's there.
Yankee Stories: Just for the clear up, these were shot in May. You can tell, due to Amy not being really that pregnant. (plus, it was in the info thing from an insider). Much like the Jaime Pressley episode, these were enjoyable to watch.
Musical Performance: Kings of Leon performs their second song, "Use Somebody". I even like this song more than their first one. Such an awesome tune.
Kill Andy: I thought this was a good last sketch. Another green light for Bill Hader.
Tonight's episode was enjoyable. It wasn't just because of the sketches, but really, think about it: Every cast member got to show themselves tonight. Jason Sudeikis, who's been somewhat pushed aside for a while, finally came back out tonight. Bobby even got a sketch. Usually, only a few cast members get the spot light an episode, while the rest of them do supporting characters. Tonight evened out to, seriously, everybody.
As for the episode, It was hard to decide if this were just fair, or if it had more momentum than fair. I gave it the benefit of the doubt. James Franco was not anything special tonight. He can act, it was just that he got mostly straight men character, but, you know what? I'm not complaining! Kings of Leon was an enjoyable musical guest tonight.
By the way, I've been reading a lot of crap about Casey Rose. How can you not like her? She has a different way of acting, yes, but she is unique in a good way. I have a lot of hope for her, when Amy leaves.
Next week: HouseBunny Anna Faris hosts, with musical guest Duffy. Anna Faris has proven herself in the comedy field, while Duffy, I could not be any more excited about.moreless