Recap: 'Saturday Night Live' - Christina Applegate and Passion Pit
Could 'SNL' bounce back after a weak episode?
Christina Applegate prepares to host "Saturday Night Live"
Credit: NBC
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The good news? There’s little place for “Saturday Night Live” to go but up after last week’s Daniel Craig-hosted debacle. The fault lay not with Craig but the way the show used him. Rather than using his stoic persona to comic ends, the show bent over backwards to portray him as a wacky guy. It didn’t work, and the show (as well as its audience) suffered as a result. Hopefully, “SNL” has more of an idea what to do with tonight’s host, Christina Applegate. A gifted comic actress, Applegate last hosted the show in 1993 during the middle of her run on “Married…With Children”. Since then, she’s dealt with a dead babysitter, Ron Burgundy’s jazz flute, and countless other fictional conundrums. Along for the ride with her tonight is musical guest Passion Pit.
As always, I’ll be grading each sketch in real time. As always, you shouldn’t worry too much about the grades. As always, most of you will violently overreact. It’s just a thing that happens round these parts each Saturday night. And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Vice Presidential Debate: Kate McKinnon serves as moderator Martha RaddatztoJason Sudeikis’ Joe Biden and Taran Killam’s Paul Ryan. Biden’s laughing from minute one, but Raddatz drops an “F” bomb to calm down both participants before they get out of control. I worry about Killam for the rest of the show, as he’s gulping down a gallon of water during each one of Sudeikis’ answers. If he leaves any sketch mid-scene, we can assume he’s off for a bathroom break. As limp as last week’s presidential debate sketch was, this one is sharp and on point. Part of it has to do with Sudeikis’ inspired performance, but it also has a lot to do with Killam’s spot-on vocal impersonation and bordering-on-creepy toothless smile. McKinnon doesn’t have a lot to do here, but draws huge laughs from a question that starts off referencing the baseball playoffs and then takes a sharp turn towards abortion. An appearance by Usain Bolt is too left field (and too outdated), but overall it’s strong cold open and one of the best political sketches this season. (It’s neck and neck with “Fox and Friends” from the first Thursday special.) This is the “SNL” of old when it comes to politics. Welcome to the 2012 Election, guys. We’ve been waiting for you. [Grade: A-]
Monologue: Applegate says that this favorite time of year, because the holiday season hasn’t truly kicked in. (Tell Dunkin Donuts, which seemingly went all in on pumpkin-related products right after Labor Day.) A musical number about the non-holiday season features “The Fruppets”, which features knock-offs such as Kirby The Toad and Fuzzy The Badger. (The Fruppets’ version of The Swedish Chef? Dane Cook.) It’s a smartly-produced number, with simple but well-executed choreography and a hummable tune to boot. So far, so great tonight. [Grade: A-]
Gillette Pro-Glider: OK, I’m torn. On one hand, seeing a spot-on recreation of this commercial is funny in and of itself, especially Jay Pharaoh’s André 3000. But why is Jerry Sandusky here, especially if there’s no pay off other than simply inserting him into the commercial? It’s certainly surprising to see Sandusky, but the commercial doesn’t use him for anything more than initial shock value. I kept waiting for a punch line that never actually came. That doesn’t make this a bad parody, but it does make for a slightly curious one. There’s a kernel of an idea here, but it never reaches fruition. All I can do now is hope Taran Killam gets a shot at mocking Adrian Brody’s horrific Heineken ad at some point this season. [Grade: B-]
The Californians: THIS SKETCH, you guys. The only joy here is watching Bill Hader’s lower lip for signs of him cracking up mid-scene. Look, there are plenty of sketches that the writing staff falls in love with that simply don’t do it for me. And that’s fine. “The Californians” doesn’t bother me on the same atomic level that “The Manuel Ortiz Show” or “Secret Word” does, but it definitely feels like it’s working on a frequency I simply can’t hear. Each iteration follows the same script: “people talking funny while giving explicit driving directions before staring into a mirror”. Roger. Got it loud and clear. Don’t have to hear it again. Ever. The cast commits fully to the proceedings, and they clearly relish performing it. But energy alone can’t make this sketch sing. [Grade: C-]
Tech Talk: Applegate plays the host of a talk show discussing problems with the iPhone 5. What initially seems like “SNL” mocking tech bloggers turns into a forum for the Chinese peasant laborers that made the phone to confront their critics. Of course, for this sketch to really work as a piece of satire, it might not suck for the show to have Asian actors in its repertory. I know. It’s a wacky idea, but it just might work. What should be a great comeuppance for people who complain too much about miracle technology instead has me cringing over Cecily Strong’s Chinese accent. That isn’t Strong’s fault. She didn’t make the show put her in that position. And I realize I’m a potential outlier on this, judging by the laughter in the crowd. “SNL” doesn’t need to hire more actors of Asian heritage for the sole purpose of placing them in sketches like this. That’s not the point. What is the point is that time after time, the show writes sketches that would be better served both comedically and culturally with a more diverse cast. Strong, Fred Armisen, and Nasim Pedrad all do the best they can (Pedrad’s sarcastic dance a true highlight, and Armisen’s line about diabetes is truly devastating), but it’s 2012. It’s ridiculous that I have to keep ranting about this. [Grade: C]
Give Us All Our Daughters Back: Well, that’s one way to wipe the sour taste out of my mouth. Here’s an archetypal “let’s have a bunch of cast members do a bunch of impressions”, but with a solid hook, great production, and enough variation to keep it feeling like repetition of a single comic idea. Highlights include Denzel Washington’s bizarre “this or that” interrogation style, Uma Therman’s cell-phone service issues, and Steven Seagal’s way of paying for delivery pizza. “SNL” feels a bit ahead of the curve here, as it’s only a matter of time before “Taken”-esque knockoffs turn into the new “Paranormal Activity” rip-offs at the box office. [Grade: A-]
If I told you Passion Pit led off with “Take A Walk”, how surprised would you be? Completely unsurprised, of course. I have to give props to the band for looking EXACTLY how I imagined a band that wrote this song would look. It’s almost eerie. What seems like a cheerful, upbeat alternative-pop song is lyrically quite dense, with an intricate story about one immigrant’s experience trying to achieve the American Dream in the 21st-century. So, good luck dancing to THIS at Bonnaroo, y’all. Still, danceability isn’t the only criteria that makes a song great. It’s over-earnest by half, but I dig the Elvis Costello-esque organs and soaring chorus all the same. [Grade: B]
Weekend Update: Arianna Huffington , calling Seth Meyers “the cabana boy I never had”, arrives to talk politics. Pedrad’s pronunciation of “penis” alone justifies her presence here on “Update”, although I’m also of the opinion that there’s no such thing as “too much Pedrad”. Huffington states that if abortion rights concerned men as directly as women, morning after pills would come in “Cool Ranch” flavor. (Here’s one way for “SNL” to really shine this election season: airing women’s issues that don’t get nearly enough attention on the national stage.) Everything Pedrad does is absolute gold here, especially Huffington’s descriptions of Biden and Ryan. Afterwards, Jean J Jean makes his triumphant return to the “Update” desk. We can’t get “What’s Up With That?” anymore, but we can get Kenan Thompson’s French Def Comedy Jam artist discussing recent revelations about Lance Armstrong. Talk of cycling is just an excuse to bring back this comic’s general observations about food, wine, and women’s hygiene. (“Pepe need the pew!”) I have never had grue, but man, I want to try some after hearing Jean K Jean rant about it. I have to give extra props to Meyers’ subtle shoulder shake during each musical breakdown. (I would like a .GIF of that, please. If I don’t get one, I don’t know why there’s an internet in the first place.) There’s no reason mocking the way a Belgian man throws a handball should be funny, but it happened nonetheless here. Two top-notch guests make this a solid “Update”. It’s really feast or famine this week, overall, in terms of quality. [Grade: A-]
Odysseus And The Sirens: Hey, I get it: Lisa Loeb’s “Stay” is catchy is hell. So it’s understandable why Odysseus would crash his boat in order to hear it better. Apparently Odysseus attended Lilith Fair, since most of the music that the sirens sing to lure him to shore was once played on its stage. Sudeikis has the joyous energy that he brought to the late, great Lord Wyndemere sketches. (RIP, Lord Wyndemere.) There are small details that keep it from being a straight-up karaoke routine, such as Odysseus not understanding the “L.A.” reference from “All I Wanna Do”. This is pure silliness, but it’s silliness executed at a high level. Hell, I would crash my boat upon hear TLC’s “Scrubs”, too. (Though I’ll confess Salt-N-Pepa’s “Shoop” is my true jam. Oops, I’m typing out loud again, aren’t I?) I’m having so much fun I don’t even mind the model designed by a fifth-grader that depicts the sketch’s explosion. I don’t remember Homer writing about Odysseus doing the running man, but I think I prefer this new spin on the classic character. [Grade: A-]
The Hell-oween Ball: Principal Frye in the house, everyone! Applegate’s horny librarian is a treat, but it’s all about Pharoah’s Frye, with his heavy breathing and bizarre phrasing. “Two students have just been expelled for fornicating inside a Mufasa costume!” might be the line of the year so far. I had to pause the show to catch my breath. Pharoah breaks, which is unusual, but who could blame him? There’s almost no form to the sketch at all, which simply hands the microphone to several teachers before abruptly ending. I wanted to see more of Applegate’s “slutty Jedi”, but them’s the breaks. [Grade: B]
Passion Pit returns to play “Take A Walk” again. Kidding! They are playing “Carried Away”, a catchy if indecipherable ditty. I want to know more about the band’s female keyboardist, who seems like the happiest person that’s ever lived on this planet. What’s her story? Where does she find such joy? Can she bottle it and sell it on Amazon? If this song came on my Pandora playlist, I certainly wouldn’t skip ahead, although I’m not sure I’d purchase it. There’s nothing really wrong with this band. But nothing tonight has convinced me to pursue deeper tracks in their catalog, either. [Grade: B]
Jillian Chizz Dance Studio: Applegate is doing her best Kristen Wiig here as a Fosse-inspired dance instructor. As far as 12:55 am sketches go, this is pretty middle of the road. That’s not a bad thing, per se. It’s certainly preferable to say, cutting off a sketch mid-stream in order to end the show on time. (Sorry. I’m still bitter.) Chizz’s backstory with Tommy Tune is fairly random, but it’s hardly weird. Two things make this a fairly impressive final segment. The first? Applegate’s character has a fully-developed inner logic that Applegate plays to the hilt, allowing her to taken center stage rather than simply serving the sketch. The second? All of Jillian’s nonsense actually pays off within the reality of the sketch, with all of her students finally understanding her Fosse-based counting system and turning into decent dancers by the end of the proceedings. The degree of difficulty for this scene at this point of the night is high, and the challenge was met by all involved. But the heavy lifting belonged to Applegate, who did a fine hosting job tonight overall. The show didn’t always ask her to do a lot tonight. But here they put all of the responsibility on her, and she bears that weight with ease, grace, and comedic wit. [Grade: B+]
Best Sketch: “Vice Presidential Debate” (though tomorrow I’ll probably favor either “Weekend Update” or “Odysseus And The Sirens”)
Worst Sketch: The Californians
Biggest Surprise: That a show so strong could also contain something as tone-deaf as “Tech Talk”. Don’t worry. I did all my ranting above. No need to repeat here.
Most Pleasant Surprise: Nasim Pedrad’s on-air time. Last week, Kate McKinnon was front and center. And while McKinnon didn’t hurt for screen time, tonight’s MVP was Pedrad. That came at the expense of time for Vanessa Bayer (barely there) and Aidy Bryant (who I honestly can’t recall seeing, even during the goodbyes), but at least now there’s a sense that any particular cast member can be the go-to performer on any given week. That’s how it should be.
Next Week: Bruno Mars pulls double duty as host and musical guests.
What did you think of tonight’s episode? Did “Tech Talk” reveal the show’s Achilles’ heel, or did it not bother you? Who would be your pick for episode MVP? Sound off below!
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Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupJonathan
October 14, 2012 at 1:47AM EST Reply to CommentGood show, dreading next week, hoping for some big guns for November sweeps.
Maybe a Tom Hanks or a John Goodman for old times sake?
svetlana Oops wiig**
October 14, 2012 at 2:21AM ESTsvetlana
October 14, 2012 at 2:20AM EST Reply to CommentI thought the tech talk sketch was funny. No need to make everything a big deal, the show is what it is. To be honest ranting about racial inequality doesn't seem genuine. there are much bigger offenders than SNL. And in the last sketch I thought christina was channeling maya Rudolph and not kristen woof. She did the dumb voice maya used for all her impressions.
Stormshadow4life Thank you. Couldn't agree more. It seems every time I read one of these recaps, McGee is crying about something
October 14, 2012 at 12:26PM ESTDAVEINRI Thought the tech talk sketch was hilarious, topical, and had amazingly well lines delivered by Armisen, Pedrad and Strong. Bravo! I think this sketch will be oft quoted and linked to. What's your problem Ryan? - Where is this sensitivity to the myriad other accents done on SNL? The skewering of Apple's reliance on Asian sweat labor far outweighs someone doing a Chinese accent.
October 15, 2012 at 3:15PM ESTsvetlana
October 14, 2012 at 2:25AM EST Reply to CommentThis new comments section is the worst! Anytimei try to reply to a comment it automatically puts it as a reply to the first comment on the page. How many times do people have to complain before the problem is fixed?
Peter Friesen
October 14, 2012 at 3:08AM EST Reply to CommentPassion Pit has much better songs earlier in their catalog.
Lee Harvey
October 14, 2012 at 3:10AM EST Reply to CommentLoved "Tech Talk." It had serious bite, something usually lacking on SNL.
Lee Harvey And a big thumbs up to Applegate for the 12:55 sketch. She was all in and sold it.
October 14, 2012 at 4:01AM ESTJFK I agree with Oswlad here. The sketch had spot on satire regarding the "failings" of the iphone 5, and great sarcasm the rest of the sketch. Good piece, well above the C given
October 14, 2012 at 4:08AM ESTKat "Tech Talk" was edgy and irreverent, but it had a point to make and did so with great hilarity. While the reviewer's grade (whether it was a C or an A) means very little to me, I would appreciate any efforts by the blogger to do the reader "a kindness" and rant less.
October 15, 2012 at 2:04PM ESTForrest Try this for example:
October 15, 2012 at 2:14PM ESThttp://popwatch.ew.com/2012/10/14/saturday-night-live-recap-christina-applegate-sang-and-danced-her-way-into-our-hearts/
Guest
October 14, 2012 at 3:15AM EST Reply to CommentPedrad does a good Huffington but her straight ahead reading off the teleprompter hurts it. She should look at Seth Meyers once in awhile so it looks like a conversation not a performance.
Wylie76 Agreed.
October 14, 2012 at 4:07PM ESTK
October 14, 2012 at 3:55AM EST Reply to CommentIf you want to find Passion Pit's best music, then I recommend starting with their debut album 'Manners.'
Sarah
October 14, 2012 at 3:55AM EST Reply to CommentPassion pit is a joke. Absolutely awful. If the lead singer has no other musical capability outside of singing off key, then what hope is there? And the awful, cheesy backup singers? No. Just no. Awful.
sportz
October 14, 2012 at 4:12AM EST Reply to Commentwierd i know, but i thought The Californians skit was hilarious, especially the references to driving directions and freeways...
October 14, 2012 at 9:19AM ESTgkay This is the third time for the Californians and it was not as funny tonight because they hammed it up way too much. I love the sketch and hope it continues although Kristen may be irreplaceable. Loved her "Are you crazy? It'll be jammed!".
October 14, 2012 at 2:08PM EST
October 14, 2012 at 5:13PM ESTEd G. I love this sketch. This time they even brought up the freeways in the Inland Empire. We're rarely talked about out here (although Norco got a nice mention in Sons of Anarchy a couple of weeks ago). And Usain Bolt was the perfect payoff.
October 16, 2012 at 12:53PM ESTspoobnooble
October 14, 2012 at 7:19AM EST Reply to CommentMy guess is that the lawyers got to the Sandusky sketch before the show went on the air. Most likely payoff: a cutaway to the women ogling Brody, Andre and company including a young boy with a horrified look on his face at seeing Sandusky.
Max
October 14, 2012 at 7:47AM EST Reply to CommentI have to be honest...I find Ryan's ongoing complaints about the cast not being diverse enough to be little more than whining for the sake of whining. Yes, all colors of the rainbow aren't represented on the show. But you know what? SNL is a TOUGH gig for a sketch comedy actor/stand-up comic to land. They should be staffing the show with the best comedic talent available to them, not trying to win equality Bingo. And while, yes, it would be cool to see representation of all kinds of races on the show, if the people in contention aren't funny or talented enough, they shouldn't be on. Just that simple.
October 14, 2012 at 9:20AM ESTspoobnooble Is it racist for Nasim Pedrad, an Iranian-American, to portray MIA, who is Sri Lankan, or Nikki Minaj, who is black? As for Armisen, his mother is Venezuelan and his father is half-German, half-Japanese. While I agree that the cast could include an "asian" (what's Bobby Lee from MadTV doing for work these days?), I do agree that it's a bit much to complain over and over that the entire cast is lily-white. Maybe they should have put Jay Pharoah in yellow-face and made him one of the Chinese characters. I suspect that would have made the reviewer's head explode.
October 14, 2012 at 9:20AM ESTalynch For me the bottom line is this: actors portraying difference races and ethnicities from their own is an inevitable reality when you're dealing with a repertory company of performers.
October 14, 2012 at 1:35PM ESTYou're dealing with a cast of 14 people, and when you consider the actual racial makeup of this country, it doesn't strike me as unreasonable for at least eight or nine of these people to be white. Once you accept that, it becomes pretty difficult to establish your rainbow coalition with the five or six spots remaining. And even when you do cast a couple of Asians (who depending on their background might also suck at doing a Chinese accent anyway), you're still going to have situations (i.e. any sketch that requires more than two Asians) where someone of another race will have play such a part.
Daniel
October 14, 2012 at 8:54AM EST Reply to CommentHello,
i thought that the tech talk sketch was the best thing snl did in a long time. showing that there are so much bigger problems in the world, giving me hope that the people actually wake up and understand.
Thanks SNL!!!
Daniel
October 14, 2012 at 9:03AM EST Reply to CommentOh, and by the way, having a great sketch like tech talk and complaining about that the cast isnt diverse enough so the actors actually look like chinese, is what the sketch is about in the first place ;)
themadlibs Precisely! Thank you!
October 14, 2012 at 12:10PM ESTThe point of the sketch was in part a mockery of the show itself as I took it. They were bringing irony to the fact that we bitch not only about a brilliant tech gizmo that was made off slave labor overseas isn't perfect, but also we have no awareness about who asinine our we sound.
Haynie
October 14, 2012 at 9:26AM EST Reply to CommentRyan, how can you hate on "Secret Word" but then praise a sketch where Applegate "channels Kristen Wiig" playing a character with all the same mannerisms? Your reviews would be so much better if you didn't get so hung up on your pet peeves and narrow-minded biases.
oliver Not necessarily related, but I also have to ask Ryan why he feels 'What Up With That' can't be done as a sketch anymore? You still have all the key players available (Thompson, Hader, Sudekis). Not sure where Ryan's comment is coming from. Now if you want to argue that sketch is tired and needs to never come back that's one thing, but then you could make the same argument about the one-noteness of Jean St. Jean on WU. Speaking of WU, if the writers want to break up Seth's news stories with more guests, why don't they use WU as a platform strictly for celebrity impersonations such as Ariana Huffington and the like? More of that and less JSJ (I guess you could keep Stephon although it could be argued that's running out of steam too).
October 14, 2012 at 2:43PM ESTryanmcgee Oliver: Kenan Thompson is on record saying that he's retired the sketch. Which disappoints me! I love it.
October 14, 2012 at 3:28PM ESTBen Jones
October 14, 2012 at 9:51AM EST Reply to CommentSo are you going to start a "Free Aidy Bryant" campaign? I think there are individual studio audience members I've seen more of this year.
Brandon
October 14, 2012 at 10:43AM EST Reply to CommentI'm sorry, but you know that even if they had Asian people doing the Tech Talk skit, you'd still probably be complaining that it was an unfair stereotype. Just get over it and enjoy. Comedy is not pretty.
JR
October 14, 2012 at 11:42AM EST Reply to CommentThe Weekend Update "if men could get pregnant" abortion joke was done by Dennis Miller on his HBO show at least 15 years ago. How very cutting edge of SNL.
HWah the sad thing is, is that the joke is still relevant today...
October 14, 2012 at 7:00PM ESTchris_bowyer
October 14, 2012 at 11:53AM EST Reply to CommentThe reason they don't talk more about women's issues is because they're invariably really, really sensitive issues that are hard to discuss without pissing off half the audience, let alone being genuinely funny to people who disagree. Also, I see little reason to think the writers have the political open-mindedness to do anything other than preach on such topics, too.
So yeah...it'd be a terrible idea. SNL is best when it manages to find things we can all laugh at together. Abortion? Not really one of those things, no matter what you think of it.
October 14, 2012 at 11:54AM ESTbigperm33
October 14, 2012 at 12:54PM EST Reply to CommentI wonder if the guests tend to push for the California sketch since most of them live or at the least spend a lot of time in California.
Matt
October 14, 2012 at 1:55PM EST Reply to CommentWhile I think it's a stretch to say the SNL writers intended some sort of meta-commentary about their lack of diversity with "Tech Talk," I do think it was a bold and funny sketch. The lack of diversity in the SNL cast is symptomatic of a larger societal problem, but does not in the *least* mean that they should limit their characters to the ethnicities of their cast. Those Asian stereotypes would have been just as offensive coming from Asian-American actors and the insinuation that the presence of Asian actors--regardless of their ties or knowledge of Chinese culture--would make this sketch somehow more okay or palatable is very offensive.
Matt Also, the Passion Pit reviews are a little odd--I think it would make more sense to critique the band's performance rather than just telling us how much you like or dislike the songs (although that could obviously be a part of your review). I'll also add that I do love these SNL reviews overall and look forward to them each week.
October 14, 2012 at 2:19PM ESTgkay
October 14, 2012 at 2:04PM EST Reply to CommentThis is my favorite SNL recap; love the grade for each sketch.
Intellectual Ninja
October 14, 2012 at 3:50PM EST Reply to CommentNice to see McGee's political correctness continues to rear it's backwards-thinking head in regards to SNL.
I know Ryan likes to believe these rants show him to "sensitive" and "progressive" when it comes to all-encompassing idea of "multi-culturalism," when in logical actuality, it shows the complete opposite.
Firstly, Lorne Michaels is one of the most liberal people out there. Seth Meyers, the head writer, is even more so.
Doesn't everyone think, since they also worship at the alter of political correctness, that if they found an Asian American who could join and succeed at SNL, that they would hire them in a New York Minute? Doesn't everyone think two guys who run in those liberal elitist circles in New York have probably been frantically searching for the "diversity" for which some scream so incessantly?
Applying that logic, that even though Meyers and Michaels share very liberal ideological leanings, that they HAVEN'T hired more Asians or more whatever, that they have to put the comedy aspect first? And not just the comedy, but the ability to be able to succeed in the pressure-cooker that exists at 30 Rock?
In people's quest to plead for diversity, they are actually assigning value to people based upon their ethnicity. I know they don't understand that's what they're doing, but that is what they're doing. They're saying, in essence, they don't care if people are not the funniest people available, this show needs some Asians or some more "others" because, well, they just do. It doesn't matter if they're funny, they just have to add "diversity." Meaning their ONLY value to SNL is their ETHNICITY.
The content of their character, or their comedy doesn't matter. Only the color of their skin.
How is that progressive? How is that good? Their only needed, defining trait is their ethnicity for the sake of "diversity" offered to the altar of political correctness.
Comedy is really, really easy. It's either funny, or it isn't.
It's the one place in entertainment so many people who think themselves "progressive" have so many problems. Whether it's content that's deemed "offensive" or "insensitive" (which is just another way of saying it needs to be censored), or the fact that their personal bugaboos of diversity and political correctness can't ever be applied with the sledgehammer with which they like to apply them, because comedy is going to funny, or it isn't.
White, black, Asian, women, men, gay, or straight... it doesn't matter. You're either funny or you're not.
Comedy is the ultimate "content of character" entertainment. And it drives some people who believe themselves to be progressive crazy.
As we see by this review.
Lee Harvey Phrases like "liberal elitist" show your contempt for the Left. Any good points you have made are diminished by your bias.
October 14, 2012 at 5:08PM ESTIntellectual Ninja I have no bias against anyone. I'm just calling this as I see it.
October 14, 2012 at 5:29PM ESTWould the word police have me use another term?
In New York City, there are the liberal "elites." They do exist. I'm not using it as a derogative, I'm using it as a proper noun.
People who went to Ivy League schools, or other elite institutions, who subscribe to a political ideology that is decidedly left of the middle. Not moderate liberals, but straight-up liberals. People like Keith Olbermann, or Jon Stewart, or you know, almost every single writer at SNL who went to Harvard, or Seth Meyers who went to Northwestern.
I know others use the phrase "liberal elite" as a derogative, but I am not. I'm not misusing the term, I'm applying it correctly.
I also don't misuse the term "neo-con," which may be the single-most misused descriptive noun in all of politics. People continue to apply that term to all or any conservative, when it is only applicable to very small minority of conservatives: those who rebelled against the rebellion of the counter-culture movement in the 60's as well as their parent's liberal routes and embraced Goldwater. Mostly, these people were those of Jewish descent. THAT is who neo conservatives are. Literally, "new" conservatives.
The term "neo-con" is improperly, derogatively attached to people who are "social conservatives," like George W. Bush. You know, the ONLY part of them you can say are conservative are their social values, especially regarding abortion or the right of all humans to marry. Because, especially's in W's case, he was no true conservative in any other way, liberally increasing the scope & power of the federal government in a most-un-conservative and troubling way.
But I digress. When I say liberal elite, I am applying the correct definition and usage of that group. It IS who they are by virtue of their elite education and very liberal leanings.
No dismissiveness attached by me to the group, unless it's a slavish and very unprogressive devotion to political correctness and diversity for no other purpose than making ethnicity that defining characteristic of a person's worth.
Intellectual Ninja *roots
October 14, 2012 at 5:30PM ESTstupid auto correct
Wylie76
October 14, 2012 at 4:17PM EST Reply to CommentAidy Bryant was present during the good byes but that's the first time I saw her. I think it may be time for a "Free Aidy Bryant campaign". I think she's been on air for a couple of minutes tops so far in the season. I at least want to see what she's capable of.
Though there is no doubt at this point that McKinnon is the next rising star of the show.
I don't mind the Californians sketches but they always run way too long.
Pedrad does a good Huffington at least with the voice but it makes me miss Michaela Watkins.
Also, Pedrad and Killam seemed way more into the monologue dance number than McKinnon and Pharaoh.
HWah
October 14, 2012 at 6:35PM EST Reply to CommentI've got to agree that Ryan's "i'm more sensitive to cultural issues than SNL" seemed to totally miss the boat of the SNL tech talk sketch meant to highlight hypocrisy and what cultural sensitivity and real complaints look like.
However, coming from such a culturally diverse site of writers such as this, his criticisms seem....oh, wait, I'm not so sure it is so diverse. Does that make the criticism less worthy?
I'm not sure the point I'm trying to make other than to say that sometimes funny is funny; and sometimes mistakes are made (a black President is impersonated by white man even though there is a very funny black man on the cast); and some times folks try to make a point when it isn't necessarily relevant.
Carry on...
HWah I was too obnoxious above, for that I apologize. My point was that even though groups (writers, performers, critics, commentors, others) haven't achieved a perfect balance, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't listen to the point they are making.
October 14, 2012 at 7:40PM ESTKat Isn't Obama half white? How would using a "black man" instead of Armisen be any less of a mistake unless this replacement brought greater humor or vitality to the role?
October 15, 2012 at 1:56PM ESTThe quest for some kind of "affirmative action" for the SNL cast is not even slightly relevant to the quality or hilarity of the show. Quite frankly, I would prefer to read the recaps without having this pet peeve rehashed week after week. It seems as most of the other regular readers would agree.
Swearin
October 14, 2012 at 8:22PM EST Reply to CommentAs a fan of Greek myth and having lived through the 90's, I could not stop laughing at "Odysseus & the Sirens". Then I realized I knew what all those songs were, knew the words to most of them, and where I was when I first heard them...and suddenly I realized how old I'm getting.
Jeff Mclachlan
October 14, 2012 at 9:55PM EST Reply to CommentI kind of think the idea of SNL hiring three Asian performers might be over-serving that demographic a little bit. The "Tech Talk" sketch was a pretty sharp satire, along the lines of the "What's My Name?" sketch from a couple of years ago. Actually, if they did have three Asian Actors do that sketch, it would have seemed racist in a whole other way, so there's really no way to make everyone happy and still do the sketch. The alternative is don't do the sketch at all, which is not the kind of second-guessing SNL should ever give in to.
Winnie
October 14, 2012 at 10:32PM EST Reply to CommentAmateur Hour....and a half.
Bennett
October 15, 2012 at 2:03PM EST Reply to CommentRyan I have the gifs here:
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbvrd5GNSw1r2orvvo1_r1_250.gif
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbvrd5GNSw1r2orvvo2_250.gif
Enjoy!
DM
October 15, 2012 at 2:52PM EST Reply to CommentGreat show. Taran really shined and we finally got a decided portion of Jason Sudeikis!