In which Jack Harlow’s ‘Saturday Night Live’ is overshadowed by the haunting of David S. Pumpkins

Saturday Night Live
Jack Harlow
October 29, 2022

Even though I am An Old, I am vaguely aware of who Jack Harlow is thanks to my love for Lil’ Nas X, and Jack Harlow’s collaboration with him on “Industry Baby.” And because of that collaboration, I know Harlow is a rapper who has a decent sense of humor and enough security in himself and his masculinity that he can appear in a music video filled with a bunch of naked men twerking in a shower without worrying — or caring — that he might be presumed to be gay by association. And that’s not nothing, especially in the world of Hip Hop. What Harlow demonstrated by collaborating on that song and participating in that video and in live performances is that he has a healthy self-image, the ability to laugh at himself, and a willingness to take risks — all of which are excellent qualities for a successful Saturday Night Live host.

So I was not disappointed when Harlow helped deliver the best episode of the season so far — though he had a big assist from Tom Hanks and the loveable Bobby Moynihan. Because the truth of the matter is, no matter who was hosting, people were going to love this episode thanks to the return of one David S. Pumpkins. In fact, it was almost a disservice to Harlow as host, because the return of David S. Pumpkins is going to be the only thing people remember from this episode, even though Harlow himself was funny, goofy, and game. Any questions?

Continue reading “In which Jack Harlow’s ‘Saturday Night Live’ is overshadowed by the haunting of David S. Pumpkins”

Liz Truss resigns as the U.K. Prime Minister; hilarious TV chaos ensues

Continue reading “Liz Truss resigns as the U.K. Prime Minister; hilarious TV chaos ensues”

In which Houston’s Megan Thee Stallion owns ‘Saturday Night Live’

Saturday Night Live
Megan Thee Stallion
October 15, 2022

Between the Astros clinching their place in the ALCS and Megan Thee Stallion hosting and serving as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live (on an episode whose start was threatened by the Astros game because it just went on SO LONG), Saturday was a big night for my hometown of Houston, Texas. Now, this might shock those of you in Houston, but there are people out there in this world who do not like either the Astros or Megan Thee Stallion. WHAT’S WRONG WITH THEM, AMIRIGHT? But to them I say: too bad, so sad, Saturday night was all about HustleTown.

Megan Thee Stallion is only the second female rapper to host and serve as the musical guest of Saturday Night Live after Queen Latifah had the honor back in 2004. And I have to say, Megan did Houston proud. She has so much charisma and personality as a performer that extends past her obvious musical talent. Those of us who have seen her in She-Hulk and as a judge on Legendary already knew this, and weren’t surprised at her ability to hold down a live sketch comedy show. Plus, the writers gave her a series of sketches that played to her larger-than-life persona helping her deliver a solid — if not particularly revolutionary — episode of SNL. Good job, H-Town Hottie.

Continue reading “In which Houston’s Megan Thee Stallion owns ‘Saturday Night Live’”

We need to talk about ‘The Midnight Club,’ because Mike Flanagan has done it again, y’all.

Continue reading “We need to talk about ‘The Midnight Club,’ because Mike Flanagan has done it again, y’all.”

Brendan Gleeson brings his Irish charm to a solid ‘Saturday Night Live’

Saturday Night Live
Brendan Gleeson & Willow
October 8, 2022

After a rocky first episode of the season, Saturday Night Live felt a little more sure of itself in last night’s episode. This week’s episode — though not perfect by any stretch — was much smoother and consistently funnier than the premiere. I certainly do not blame last week’s host for the mess that episode was, that was all about the writing, but I would be remiss if I didn’t give this week’s host, the wonderful Brendan Gleeson, his due for contributing to a more solid show. Gleeson was charming, light on his feet, and had natural comic timing: it was clear he was having a good time, and he brought the audience along with him. 

Continue reading “Brendan Gleeson brings his Irish charm to a solid ‘Saturday Night Live’”

Miles Teller hosts the most wildly uneven ‘Saturday Night Live’ in recent memory

Saturday Night Live
Miles Teller and Kendrick Lamar
October 1, 2022

As I’m sure you know, this is a season of change — literally — for Saturday Night Live. Eight cast members, Aidy Bryant, Pete Davidson, Kate McKinnon, Kyle Mooney, Alex Moffat, Melissa Villaseñor, Aristotle Athari, and Chris Redd, left this season, some under … interesting circumstances.

They have added four new cast members, Marcello Hernandez, Molly Kearney, Michael Longfellow, and Devon Walker, but as anyone who has watched this show for a while knows, it takes a minute before baby cast members find their sea legs.

And so I was ready for this premiere to be uneven. Without seasoned performers like McKinnon and Bryant around to anchor what would otherwise be mediocre sketches, some bits just aren’t going to land as well.

What I was not expecting was for this episode to give me whiplash: sharp and self-aware in one moment, delivering two of the worst sketches I have ever seen on this show in the next. Sketches so bad that at the time of this writing, no one has yet taken credit for writing them. Genuinely, you guys, this episode is one of the most baffling I’ve seen to date.

Not that I’m blaming Miles Teller. I’m not a huge fan of Teller — I find him very punchable, but I understand that this must just be a me thing since he’s a huge Hollywood star. But I have to admit, he did his very best with what he was handed. When the material was good, he was very good! When the material was terrible, he still tried his hardest.

No, the blame lies squarely on the writers and head writers here. Let’s hope they can pull it together in the coming weeks.

Continue reading “Miles Teller hosts the most wildly uneven ‘Saturday Night Live’ in recent memory”

Three celebrity scandals, one reality show. What’s going on here?

Continue reading “Three celebrity scandals, one reality show. What’s going on here?”

Did you miss a drunken and ultimately meaningless awards ceremony? I’ve got some great news for you!

Continue reading “Did you miss a drunken and ultimately meaningless awards ceremony? I’ve got some great news for you!”

Sit down, because it’s once again time for me to remind you how ‘Lost’ changed television.

Continue reading “Sit down, because it’s once again time for me to remind you how ‘Lost’ changed television.”

Natasha Lyonne hosts an exceptional and emotional ‘Saturday Night Live’

Saturday Night Live
Natasha Lyonne & Japanese Breakfast
May 21, 2022

It’s almost unfair: Natasha Lyonne is one of my favorites — a wonderful actress and a New York classic, and if she had hosted any other episode, that would be the story. Fortunately, she hosted one of the best episodes of the season. Unfortunately, it was the final episode for four now-legendary cast members: Kyle Mooney; Aidy Bryant; Pete Davidson; and the great Kate McKinnon, who, along with Kennan Thompson, has been carrying this show on her back for ten years now, and that will be what this episode is remembered for. Not that it’s a bad thing: the goodbyes are sweet and funny and well-deserved. I just hope Natasha Lyonne is invited back soon: she had great chemistry with the cast, had terrific comedic timing, and held her own in a challenging episode.

Continue reading “Natasha Lyonne hosts an exceptional and emotional ‘Saturday Night Live’”