<!–[if !mso]>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }<![endif]–>
Anotherweek, another SNL! This week’s host is past cast member Miss Maya Rudolph. Ireally like Maya, I love when she sings and when she does an impression ofDonatella Versace. Her career post SNL has been going fairly well. She starredin Bridesmaids (wasn’t the mostmemorable character but she made the friendship look real) and stars on NBC’scomedy Up All Night. I have watched afew episodes of the show and it’s cute but Maya’s character is a littleunbalanced. Hopefully they show fixes that problem.
Thebig question before Maya hosts is: Will she address Whitney’s death? You mayrecall Maya did a hilarious impression of the late singer. I recall she did aWeekend Update segment just last fall. Will she do an impression? Will she evenaddress the issue? Here we will find out.
Opening Sketch – Lin-sanity
Again,here comes my Achilles heel of reviewing comedy sketches based around sports. I’mnever sure how much of the humour I am missing. Apparently the media is havinga little too much fun with puns related to Lin’s name and the fact he is Asian.Anyway, this was a very funny sketch but it was cringe worthy. Let’s say if Iwas watching this with someone of Asian descent I would awkwardly ask, “Whatelse is on TV?”
Monologue
Nopeshe didn’t address Whitney at all. Instead Maya tells the audience how beingback at SNL reminds her of all the people she used to ‘funk’ with. And thussings a ‘funky’ song. God this lady is talented just like her mother. (Look upher mom Minnie Riperton, you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find.)Anyway my favourite part was when all the male cast members showed up as herpast partners, even Seth. And also apparently her and Stefan had a fling? Yougo girl.
BronxBeat
It’stradition when a former cast member hosts, other SNL alum show up. This timeit’s Amy Poehler who helps out Maya by reprising their Bronx Beat sketch. Thesesketches are formulaic but funny. My favourite part is when Maya’s characterdescribes how awful her husband is then finishes her rant in tears saying, “ButI love that man!” Their guests were two guys who work on their show played byAndy Samberg and, Holy Sh*t, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE! These two crew guys confessthat they love the ladies and if they didn’t have their wives or girlfriendsthey would totally do them. And then the ladies make this face.
Yup!I would make the SAME FACE!
I Know why the caged bird laughs
Thiswas hilarious! Maya Angelou (poet, National treasure, and Oprah spirit guide)gets her own prank show. I really recommend you watching it. I love how allthose who get pranked just look at her and say, “It’s been an honour.” Even thedescriptions of the pranks are described as poetic:
“Wasthis an act of malice?”
“No,it was an act of whimsy!”
Beyonce and Jay-Z’s Baby
Eventhough the prodigal child was born a few weeks ago, it was a great idea toexplore this when Maya was hosting. (Or maybe this is just a comment on how NOTdiverse the cast is.) This skit was a classic array of impressions. Who came tovisit Beyonce and Jay-Z? Prince, LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Brad andAngelina, and finally Bon Iver played by, Holy Sh*t, Justin Timberlake!? Hereare my highlights. I loved Maya’s description of giving birth to the baby andhow her screams during pregnancy was her beautiful singing voice. Do you knowwho Bon Iver is? (“White butler loves him.”) You have to know his music toappreciate this hilarious impression that Justin does. Even though Justin issinging in a silly voice I still wonder, “When you are making another album?” Sadlyfor us Canadians, this clip isn’t available. Stupid copyright laws.
What’s Up with That?
Iwas wondering if they would ever bring this back. Something about this oneseemed a little bit off. I usually enjoy seeing what role each cast memberplays but I felt not everyone in the cast was in this sketch. Turns out it wasonly Kristen missing from the group. But why did it feel so empty? Anyway I did like Maya’s Sabrina, the salsadancer who loves to “steal the spotlight!”
Weekend Update
Wellif Amy is on the show it only makes sense for her to make an appearance withher old buddy Seth. They reprise their Really?!segment related to all this talk about women contraception issues. Now Idon’t want to get into this debate, but seriously? Just a room full of mendiscussing women issues? Not a fan. And why are Weekend Updates so shortlately? Don’t have a joke of the night. Sorry guys.
Showcase Girls
Iloved this! It’s like watching two girlfriends having a good time. Kristen andMaya play two showcase models who have an accent that I can’t put my finger on.Is it Swedish? German? Not sure. This was the first time I have seen a sketchfall apart. Kristen was laughing, I mean her whole body would shake and she washolding back tears. Bill Hader also had a tough time keeping it together.
Halfwaythrough the sketch I couldn’t tell what was written and what was an accent. Ilove watching the cast enjoy themselves so I give this sketch a pass.
The Obama Show
Whatif the Obamas had a sitcom? It would look a lot like the Cosby show. The goodpart of this sketch was all the nostalgia it brought and how spot on theopening credits were.
AndJoe “Jamal” Biden with overalls? Priceless! The bad part of this sketch? Theterrible, just terrible Cosby impression by Fred Armisen. Was he in pain orsomething? Shouldn’t Jay Pharaoh be doing Obama impressions by now? Also Ienjoyed the re-creation of the Night andDay song and dance episode. This time Hilary Clinton (Amy Poehler) shows upto sing along. Sadly, this part of the sketch cannot be found online. Stupidcopyright laws!
How’s He Doing?
Thissketch wasn’t that funny and it was well deserved to be the last sketch of thenight. It went on a little too long and I felt there was more room to play.
OverallMaya was an excellent host and there were some great sketches with specialguests Amy and Holy Sh*t Justin Timberlake?! I still miss Paul Brittan though. There!I said it.
Nexttime the host will be Lindsay Lohan! Can you believe this? Will this be thebeginning of a come back or the start of another train wreck. I’m leaningtowards train wreck but I believe if she can make fun of herself she may getthe public back on her side.
Thanks!@AlliTweeds
I was wondering how they got Bill O'Reilly and Kate Upton to sit there for What's Up With That?