INSIDE THE NFL: As expected, the show tackles the Patriots’ deflated footballs controversy right off the bat, and it’s a solid opening to the show. Bennett and Killam both do fine work as Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, respectively, but the real laughs are found in Bobby Moynihan’s Dougie Spoons; he goes on about Brady being the father of his child, he references A Few Good Men, and he’s the necessary energy in a pretty meh sketch otherwise. GRADE: B
MONOLOGUE: Shelton’s pretty enjoyable to watch throughout this segment, and thankfully, he puts a slight twist on the normal music monologue with his “Hee Haw” bit. It doesn’t look like it’s very good at first, but parts of it win you over. GRADE: B
FARM HUNK: “Probably the two black girls…” The Bachelor is incredibly easy to poke fun at, and that’s what the show does here with a relatively simple concept anchored by some hilarious comedic performances. Most notably, I’m talking about Kate McKinnon, who brings a macaw and spaghetti and welding tools in order to get in Shelton’s favor. The sketch goes on for a bit too long, but the McKinnon-Bryant alternating is funny. GRADE: B
WISHING BOOT: This is Saturday Night Live at its most bizarre, and although it’s not as polished as some of the other prerecorded musical segments, it’s still funny when, say, Shelton’s dog turns into the Wishing Boot or when the Wishing Boot holds a phone. Strange, yet also kind of catchy…and confusing. GRADE: Dog
FAMILY FEUD: As much as I like sketches that feature a bunch of celebrity impressions, this one feels a bit bland; the impressions aren’t that great, the jokes don’t land, and the Idol stuff is pretty outdated. GRADE: C
WEEKEND UPDATE: Bobby Moynihan crashes the boring party that is Weekend Update as Riblet, Michael Che’s old high school friend. He’s alright, I guess, but like with Zamata’s character later on, he’s not all that funny (even if it’s a good idea to start looking at these anchors like characters). Pete Davidson’s bit about gay porn is similar to what we’ve seen before, but it’s funny nonetheless; great delivery. GRADE: C+
TEXAS MAN GOBBLER: “At this point, all you should be thinking about is your last meal.” “A man.” Kenan Thompson is hilarious in this one, especially when he’s held up in contrast to the exasperated parole board. This sketch hinges upon Thompson’s character, and it’s great as a result. GRADE: B+
TOPEKA TODAY: This feels like it could’ve been a longer, more developed sketch that really embraced the weirdness. It’s still pretty strange and amusing, though, especially given Taran Killam as the 97-year old man. GRADE: B-
MAGICIAN: Shelton brings the energy to the 11:55 sketch, but it’s a weak premise that’s stretched out for way too long. GRADE: C
OVERALL: B-/C+
NEXT WEEK: J.K. SIMMONS!!!!!!!
Photo credit: NBC, Saturday Night Live
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good review!! I usually wait till I’ve been able to see the show before reading but I had no desire to watch Blake Shelton as I don’t even think I could hum a tune of his..ha! so now I don’t have too! yay! but next week..oHHHHHH I just want to scream..J,K.!!!!
They will most likely have a Whiplash sketch. I hope it is good.
ohhh..you know they will.. 🙂