To say last night’s installment of “Saturday Night Live” was a relief is an understatement. It came off like real show, with top notch writing and acting, and singing. It was funny, it was messy, it had authority.
Steve Martin and Martin Short, two “SNL” alumnus superstars, hosted. Brandi Carlile, a consummate singer, was musical guest. Selena Gomez, who co-stars with the Martins in “Only Murders in the Building,” dropped in for the monologue and a cameo. Everyone’s game was upped. Cecily Strong really rose to the occasion, so did Kenan Thompson. Mikey Day seemed enthused. All the new people were good. “Weekend Update” was jaunty.
At the end, Marty Short thanked Lorne Michaels. My guess is this show will win an Emmy and so will the hosts. It was that good. The “Father of the Bride” sketch was hilarious, with everyone chiming in. I’m just sorry Short’s Ed Grimley didn’t show up. He could have since Short never ages!
We have one show to go in 2022. “Elvis” star Austin Butler is coming and he’d better turn the studio into Heartbreak Hotel. The Yeah Yeahs Yeahs as No No No because of COVID, they say, so Lizzo– who pulled double duty last spring — is returning as musical guest. She can play the flute. (Why don’t they do a Pied Piper number with her?)
