"Bailout Press Conference" (Grade B)
SNL was on a roll with the current event sketches this week. Like the vice-presidential debate parody, this sketch was a send-up of everyone involved in the bailout process. The sketch featured every cast member, and included George Bush (Jason Sudeikis), Senator Barney Frank (Fred Armisen), and Nancy Pelosi (Kristen Wiig). This was a well written sketch that cleverly sent up the government as well as home buyers and lenders who took advantage of the boom in real estate a few years ago. A highlight was Kenan Thompson and Bobby Moynihan as buyers who were able to get a loan despite not having jobs or credit.
"Bar Dance" (Grade B-)
In this sketch four guys in a bar try to pick up on four girls. Each guy took a turn trying to woo the girls, but after being shot down had to return to his friends in defeat. Finally Bobby Moynihan asks Anne Hathaway for a dance and she agrees. The rest of the sketch featured the two dancing, and was fairly entertaining though not all that funny. It was a nice showcase for newcomer Bobby Moynihan.
SNL Digital Short: "Extreme Challenge: Andy vs Kristen" (Grade C)
Andy Samberg always goes for the absurd with his digital shorts. While I appreciate the effort to do something different on the show, I rarely find the short films to be very good. This one is no exception. Andy and Kristen challenge each other in a bunch of contests that people normally wouldn't, or in some cases couldn't, compete in. They compete in walking (not racing, just plain old 'who can walk better'), hat balancing, acting casual, and even turning into a different person. These shorts come across as more strange than funny. I suppose that could be what they are going for, but they have a film school "I'm making something weird" feel that gets tiresome after a while.
Musical Performance: The Killers - "Human"
"Weekend Update" (Grade B-)
After last week's Bill Clinton "Weekend Update" appearance they had a lot to live up to. They didn't have anything as funny as that this week, but the segment was okay. They got in several decent jabs at current news and events.
Article comments
1 - Jordan Richardson
My wife has a huge crush on Anne Hathaway, so we were pretty much glued to the show from start to finish. It was pretty funny, with the opening sketch easily being the best part of the show.
The rest of it provided only chuckles and I didn't like the bail-out thing as much as you did, although some moments were quite good.
Overall a decent show. I'm enjoying reading your reports!
2 - cladzad
Sioux City News SNL Skit Video here, check it out! You really have to understand how horrible the local news anchors are in a town like Sioux City in order to really appreciate the skit.
3 - Alekapone
I'm a newcomer to this site, but I love your breakdown of the SNL episodes. You're right, the show has been better this season, but there are still the sketches that fall flat. I personally hated the Bar Dance sketch. It wasn't funny (except for the slow motion dancing). Awesome blog, though!
4 - Becky
I'm FROM Sioux City and let me assure you, this WAS based on our stellar local news shows. We have had our share of idiots on TV, especially since several of the affiliates fired all the seasoned veterans and replaced them with (inexperienced and poorly paid) newbies. The sports was especially dead on. I'm still laughing days later.
5 - conner
i know siox city news wasnt the best skit but it is a real town tats where i live n thats the whole reason i read this haha
6 - Jack
hey...I was wondering what was the name of the song at the very end of the bar dance scene ? :P
7 - Miguel
Anybody know the name of the song in the bar scene?
8 - Person
Does anyone know the song for the Extreme Challenge?