Amy Schumer goes a little overboard on the Mother’s Day edition of SNL.
Amy Schumer’s been busy since she last hosted SNL three years ago, starring in multiple movies and getting back into standup after the end of her sketch show on Comedy Central. I loved her last time on the show, but last night’s episode rubbed me the wrong way – a lot of sketches added unnecessary character quirks or other details that pulled all the focus from the actual jokes. Comedy is a team sport, and this felt like one player trying to play all the positions at the same time, which doesn’t work for live comedy.
What You Missed
Cold Open: A Special Mother’s Day Message
This was lovely and the perfect blend of funny and sweet.
Monologue
When you have a stand-up comic host SNL, you let them do their act. Amy Schumer isn’t always my taste, but this was great.
Mother Knows Best
I was on board with this from the third contestant reveal, but there were a lot of weird choices for Amy’s gameshow host character that could have been left alone – it felt like she kept trying to drag all the attention back to herself instead of Kate’s character..
Handmaids in the City
The tone here just didn’t work for me, and this felt dated.
The Day You Were Born
This felt by the book, but in a good, sweet way.
Gospel Brunch
The idea of this sketch is okay, but this felt like the 13th edition after all the humor’s been wrung out.
“Put it in a turkey for Jesus” is gold, though.
Weekend Update
- Michael Che’s nickname for Melania made me spit take
- “Bailey at the Movies” returning has made me realize that of this year’s new castmembers, Heidi seems to only be able to do three characters. Over-it teen, baby-voiced woman, and burnout
- Melissa McCarthy! As Michael Che’s step-mom
Wake Up Denver!
“I don’t like that, take him off the split screen”
Dear lord, the idea of “Lil’ Rent” is a great sketch premise. Alas, Amy Schumer’s accent/character choices continue to try and derail things.
Last Call
Pitting Amy vs. Kate on this gave it an interesting vibe.
James Madison High School Graduation
SPOT. ON.
