SNL Recap: A Humorous Take with Room for Improvement
This week on Saturday Night Live, James Austin Johnson opened the show as Donald Trump aboard Air Force One. He bantered with reporters, made light of military strikes on drug boats, and joked about Warner Brothers. Amid all the laughs, he candidly admitted, “I’m very ill.” The segment was entertaining but felt light on substance.
Next, we saw British actor Josh O’Connor, known for his work in The Crown, host for the first time. His monologue about a live-action Ratatouille didn’t hit the mark, leaving many wondering if it could have been more engaging.
The sketches ranged from a game show, “Let’s Find Love,” to a humorous Uber Eats segment revealing people’s eating habits. One customer exclaimed, “I’m in the top 1% of nuggets!” while showing how absurd some of our dining choices can be.
Dr. Please, played by Bowen Yang, made a return, delivering ridiculous medical news to a patient. While the crowd applauded romantic moments shared between Yang and O’Connor, the humor often fell flat, leaving the audience wanting more.
The night took a slightly more comedic turn with a bachelorette party sketch featuring sensitive strippers, but it didn’t quite dig deep enough into the themes it touched. O’Connor’s kiss with one of the characters felt forced and didn’t deliver the punch that was expected.
Weekend Update had Marcello Hernández discussing family traditions and the humorous aspects of holiday gatherings, while cast member Jane Wickline performed a song about the “greatest threats” to humanity, poking fun at celebrities and cultural issues today.
Lily Allen performed her hit song “Sleepwalking,” injecting some much-needed energy into the show. The episode closed with a sketch where friends shared their feelings through song, particularly highlighting Allen’s charm and talent.
While Lily Allen was a standout, many sketches missed the mark. The pacing felt off, and O’Connor had little to showcase his comedic range. Recent viewer polls suggest that while SNL sometimes struggles, fans are hopeful for a triumphant holiday finale next week.
For anyone wanting to dive deeper into the show’s evolution, consider this: Historically, SNL has faced ups and downs, especially during politically charged times. This current era may feel similar to the infamous ’90s when humor often danced on the boundaries of social commentary.
As we look ahead to next week, let’s hope SNL not only embraces its comedic roots but also offers viewers a memorable holiday celebration.
