Welcome back toSNLin Review, or should I saySNL at Homeedition.
How funny could it possibly be in the wake of what’s happening?
If nothing else, it’s one of the show’s most novel experiments in recent memory.
Credit: NBC
That’s how little precedent there is for tonight.
In short, I have little idea what to expect and I am here for it.
With cast members presumably performing via video chat, how DIY will this feel?
Which brings us to tonight’s experiment: Is the country ready for live sketch comedy?
I think people feel so confined and stir crazy with no realistic end in sight.
It’s important to keep that perspective, especially as projections and the state of play shifts.
And it will be interesting to see how the show strikes that balance tonight.
The cast appears on screen Black Mirrorby way ofThe Brady Bunch.
The new intro credits capture the cast at home, lounging, with kids.
Great shotsand look,Chris Martinis performing…and COVID-19 survivor (!)
Tom Hanks is the host.
Monologue
Hanks has a shaved head and jokes about the canned laugh track.
This is like a monologue fromThe Tonight Showand it seems to be a pre-recorded segment.
Having America’s dad kick things off is a nice touch.
I believe this goofy, welcomed, reassuring appearance marks Hanks' tenth hosting gig.
He capably closes things off with a silly quarantined “audience interaction” bit (it’s him).
Next up: the sketches!
Pete Davidson’s “Drake Song”
First: I was worried we might not seePete DavidsononSNLagain.
Same with several other members of the cast.
“Drake Song” is kind of a parody, I guess, ofDrake’s music.
Pete’s mom directed it.
RBGs Workout Corner
OK, I get it.SNLis going fullTikTokthis episode.
Not a bad thing.
Here, she’s leading a workout videosomething countless Americans have been doing since this quarantine began.
It’s a classic premise, but they really nail the cliches.
Again, it’s great seeing the cast not relying on the clapter.
They must lean on their own comedy instincts and character workfun!
There are some savage jokes aboutJoe Bidenhere, which are mean and unfortunate.
He concludes by thanking everyone who voted for him, including “the hot girls who love weed.”
Even during a pandemic,SNLis able to tap into its vast connection of celeb cameos.
Fineman’s such a talent!
Chris Martin Performs “Shelter From the Storm”
Coldplay has performed onSNLfive times.
That puts him in rare territory.
This is a very appropriate song choice in these uncertain times.
Interestingly, there’s a call-in audience watching and giggling, which brings some normalcy to their delivery.
Otherwise, as Che says, it would be a hostage situation.
Colin Jostwho, sadly, has shavedtalks about Trump’s “daily improv shows.”
It’s like when I was a kid waiting forJohnny Carson’s monologue.
Pence serves as a mortician like Ed McMcMahon.
The only bright spot is Dr. Tony Fauci, like a Doc Severinsen voice of reason."
A lot of truth in his punchlines.
And hey, look at Che’s pool table!
Ew, they tappedAlec Baldwinto call in as Trump.
You could’ve just skipped this.
Che pays tribute to his grandmother and guilts Jost into ending with another Joke Swap.
Bailey at the Movies
Bailey Gismert breaks out of Update and gets her own sketch!
This is a perfect use of her character, as she’s a YouTube personality riff anyhow.
Nice editing, too.Heidi Gardner, of course, crushes it.
She ends her video by noting that “Louie C.K.
’s special was actually very funny.”
Or was this written by nostalgia-junkie Mikey Day?
Without incessant laughs and production issues, I like the pacing of the showit’s more seamless.
“Whatcha' cookin' up?
Whatcha' jammin' on?”
they ask, before busting out into song.
Then Fred Armisen pops upyet another cameo.
How Low Will You Go?
And here is our game show parody.
We knew it was coming.
Beck Bennett serves as the hostAlex Burpee, a dad forced to hang out with his kids.
All the contestants have broken their vibrators.
The show gauges how quickly these desperate women want human contact.
Pete Davidson and Kenan Thompson also pop up as eccentric participants.
Quarantine QT
Ego Nwodimconducts a makeup market lesson.
SillyI believe I saw her do this on her Instagram.
Pete Davidson’s “Andre 2000” Music Video
Another Pete Davidson rap spoof.
“I got $2000.”
Remembering Hal Willner
Kate McKinnon leads a very lovely tribute to lateSNLmusic producer Hal Willner.
Final Thoughts
A valiant effort by the cast, writers, and editors/production people!
Thought the limitations helped, mostly.
With this kind of episode, you might do ANYTHING, so why rely on the tropes?
But what did you think?Vote here!
Three formerSNLcast members in one bite!
Thanks to Dan Vitale for his contributions tonight!
I got to watch 40 episodes ofHalt & Catch Fire, a brilliant show on Netflix.
I highly recommend."
Watch EW’s new daily series,Last Night’s Late Night, every morning on Quibi.
