In her three times hosting, Melissa McCarthy has proved to be an all-star Saturday Night Live host. In the way that Tom Hanks or Christopher Walken has before her, McCarthy has the right mix of star power and powerhouse ensemble player. She’s a hysterical comedian and writer on her own and can infuse her unique comedic viewpoint with SNL’s. So I have high expectations for tonight, especially since last week’s episode with Larry David had some great material.
Like I always do, I’ll be writing the recaps “live,” meaning I’ll watch a sketch and immediately write a short blurb reviewing and recapping it. For each segment, I’ll rate it on a scale of 0-5 stars. At the end of the piece, I’ll share some quick overall thoughts and the best/worst sketch of the night.
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“I Can’t Make You Love Me”: * * * ½
I love when SNL takes the cold open out of the Oval Office or from behind the debate podiums and this premise feels plausible after last week’s Bernie Sanders-themed episode. Yes, this was fairly toothless political comedy, but McKinnon is so game and such a good physical comedian that I couldn’t help laughing. This was probably one of the better cold opens this year, which, unfortunately, is not a compliment.
Opening Monologue: * * *
One of my favorite SNL monologues in recent memory is this one, where McCarthy struggles in ridiculously high heals. It’s a super simple premise, built around one act of physical comedy, but it’s performed so well it becomes a master class in slapstick. This monologue, in which McCarthy prematurely celebrates being a member of the five timers club, is energetic and fun but not very funny.
The Day Beyonce Turned Black: * * * * *
A spiritual sequel to The Beygence, this was another Beyonce-themed sketch built around a terrific premise that actually had some pop culture bite. I won’t reveal too much of the plot, as it’s really a wonderfully written and executed piece of sketch comedy. If only SNL could have so much chutzpah when it comes to politics.
The Cul-De-Sac Test Screening: * * *
I don’t know if this is meant to be a sequel of sorts to the fantastic Hidden Valley Ranch sketch. Perhaps I’m impartial, as Hidden Valley Ranch is a personal favorite of mine, but this one missed the mark. It lacked the screwball energy and weirdly specific characterization. If I can separate this from Hidden Valley Ranch, it’s a fine, if not underwhelming sketch but I’m not so sure I can.
Movie Night: * * * *
I love the idea of the sketch – watching a movie sex scene with your parents is a universally awful thing that most people have experienced – and it’s great to see Pete Davidson succeed in a leading role not built around his own stand-up. There were some really funny moments here, but somehow it failed to keep the energy going throughout. Maybe it was just a minute too long but it felt like the sketch was trying to get somewhere but ran out of gas a bit short.
Weekend Update: * * * * ½
Vanessa Bayer’s Rachel from Friends is just a delight. She sorta work-shopped this bit on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and it just killed on the Update desk. You could tell the audience was totally behind her from the first “wow.” She’s one of the best, most underrated SNL players. Also a star-in-the-making is Leslie Jones, whose set on Valentine's Day was pretty amazing. She is a hysterical and fearless comedian who is able to wring huge laughs out of just a simple shrug. Let’s focus on those two – and a few hilarious jokes (the Bernie Sanders/Al Sharpton joke had me laughing out loud) – and forget about Von Miller’s.
Flirting Class: * *
Usually sticking McCarthy in a weird outfit, crazy hair and having her outlandish things equals funny. Not this time. Pass.
Rap Battle: * * ½
I’m not a big fan of Kyle Mooney’s shorts, although this one felt more personal and grounded than most of the others. He played nicely off of Kanye West and his quest to rap battle Yeezus had merit. But there’s a laidback, sloppy quality to these shorts that just doesn’t add up to great comedy.
Bus Ride: * * *
Looking a bit like Lucy Ricardo, McCarthy sits next to Leslie Jones on the bus and talks about…how much she dislikes “black movies” except for Roots. I’m mixed here. McCarthy’s character was funny and had an interesting comedic POV. But besides making Jones uncomfortable, it didn’t go anywhere. A sketch like this about racism should have some kind of point, some kind of statement it’s trying to make. I’m not so sure this one does.
Whiskers R We: * * * ½
I like Whiskers generally, I can watch McKinnon do her cat lady character all day. But this one failed to take the weird, dark turn that made the other installments noteworthy.
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Best Sketch: Beyonce Turned Black
Worst Sketch: Flirting Class
Musical Guest: Kanye West
I like Kanye West, although I can’t say either of these songs really held my interest. But he’s a great, visionary performer either way. One you can’t ignore.
Overall Thoughts:
Even though McCarthy is a highly skilled sketch comedian, she was weirdly absent tonight. Her characters weren’t that memorable and she wasn’t even involved in most of the night’s best material.
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