Saoirse Ronan proves more than capable at bringing the funny in her first SNL hosting gig.
How’s this season of SNL going? No, really, how’s it going? Between traveling for work and other stuff going on, I’ve managed to be present for only a few episodes when they’ve actually aired. Of the ones I’ve seen, I’ve really been missing the leadership of Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider – the new head writers are okay, but it feels like they’re trying to replicate what worked last season without fully understanding what made it tick. I’ve got a few back episodes sitting on my DVR to catch up on, but Saoise Ronan seemed to do a great job of blending in with the cast and giving energy to this week’s sketches:
Cold Open
The weakest part of this (as always, this season) is Alec Baldwin’s Trump, but the Christmas Carol riff felt well-executed for what it was.
Monologue
Saoirse’s name has a bunch of vowel sounds that my American brain can’t process. Aidy Irish Goodbye-ing made me cackle audibly
Floribama Shore
Setting this during Hurricane Irma gave this the extra level it needed to be more than just a bunch of white trash jokes.
Action News Phoenix
I immediately pegged this as a sketch for one of Mikey Day’s weird characters and I was not disappointed.
Welcome to Hell
“My dad gave me a pink gun…so it’s a lot there”
Kmart Returns
This was a weird little slice of life thing that I liked a lot, though I thought Saoirse’s character was the worst part – “actually it’s the woman who’s crass and kind of emotionally abusive in the relationship” is a one-note joke that’s really lost its luster.
The Race
Loved the design of this one. This had Kyle/Beck’s fingerprints all over it.
Weekend Update
- Kate as Teresa May is inspired
- The Kama Sutra couple was also great
Bachelor Auction
This ramped up so nicely and had a good button.
Midterms
This was like if a terrible loud Nickelodeon sitcom had consequences and I loved it.
Aer Lingus
This was so weird and yet delightful. I blame the captain’s dogs.
