Darrell Hammond's masterful impersonation of Don Imus notwithstanding, tonight's episode was quite arguably the worst I've ever seen.

Are you serious?? Okay, yeah it wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst - especially this season. The Julia Louis-Dreyfus episode was 100 times worse than this one. I loved the monologue - Kristen as Glinda was great. The Digital Short was hysterical. The Sofa King was funny and the Prince Show wasn't terrible. The Dakota Fanning show was entertaining. Avril was a great musical guest. I'm sorry you didn't like it.

I definitely agree it wasn't the worst.

Not the worst, no. Sofa King... c'mon, are you kidding? That joke was old when I was in high school (back before there was such a thing as SNL). Fred Armisen's Prince was pretty funny. Could we please have not had Maya Rudolph? Kenan's starting to learn timing, and he's getting better. Someone please stop the Dakota Fanning thing. It wasn't funny the first time. The cold open of the Imus brouhaha was ok, the monologue sucked. Who was that guy who hosted (when you don't even know who the host is, it's a bad sign.) The digital short of them shooting each other was not funny in any way.
I'm afraid I'll need a SBS memory refresher to comment further. But worst? No. Some cast members are improving as comedians, like Kenan and Fred. Some need to be fired, like Maya. Some are holding steady, like Amy and Darrell.

The host, Shia LaBeouf is in the movie Disturbia. It opened on Friday. He was also in the Disney Channel show Even Stevens. He also played Max in Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. Here's his imdb site if you care to know more. IMDB

He did make a joke during the monologue saying something like, "for those of you who know who I am, hi mom and dad."

Shia was also golfer Francis Ouimet, first US Open winner, in The Greatest Game Ever Played and in one of those Project Greenlight flicks. Mainly though, he's in Transformers this summer and I guess he'll be in the Indiana Jones IV flick. He'll play the nursing home worker who mashes Indy's food so that he can eat it.

My SBS for the cyber freaks (wink to nihobbs).

Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton cold open - This was a very disappointing opening for the hot topic of the week. Instead of having Darell "ham it up" Hammond do his Jackson impression, why not have him do his Imus as a counterpoint to Kenan's Rev. Sharpton. He could have let loose with all kinds of racial epithets and then demanded that he was sorry and he didn't really mean what he said. The only problem is that SNL would get blasted for propagating the same kind of hatred as Imus and the rap industry. As social satire (which can be serious too, y'know) I think it could have worked. Grade: C-

Monologue - The backstage tour thing has been done a zillion times before, but I am always a sucker for it. Kristen was great and again, thanks for the lack of singing. Much appreciated! Grade: B+

Hathaway's Mustache Rides - It's always good to see Baldwin on the show, even in a commercial. The mustache ride concept was first done last year on the Jason Lee episode, but it was taken much further this time. One of the funniest commercials of the year, along with Urigro. Grade: A-

Prince Show - Fred's Prince impression is always pretty funny. Shia did a really good job as the neurotic Tobey Maguire. My only problem with the sketch is that there was not any development of the jokes. They just kind of fell flat. Still, it wasn't bad and it beat the pants off of Bronx Beat. Grade: C+

Beer Run - A funny and original sketch. The old beer run. I can relate to this sketch since I used to work at a convenience store to help pay my way through college and saw some stuff that was as crazy if not crazier than this. There was a nice twist at the end where the clerk knew the guys all along. Good to see Andy getting some screen time. Grade: A-

Dakota Fanning Show - I didn't care for this the first time around and it still doesn't grab me. If it HAS to be on there though, why not have the young, brainy Fanning match wits with some of the most pompous and ridiculous Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie? Grade: C-

OC digital short - OK, first I had no idea what the reference point was for this sketch until I saw another thread discussing it. Having said that, I must say this is one of the strangest digital shorts I have ever seen. I guess the humor lies in the pretentiousness of the film making and the Tarantino-style ultra-violence. For me it was more poignant than funny, but what do I know? Grade: B-

Sofa King - Yes, this type of commercial has been to death on SNL. One of my favorite was the chandelier commercial with Scarlett Johansen. But, this one had a nice trio of goons as the sons and some truly god-awful sweaters and background music. Amusing but not exceptional. Grade: C+

Weekend Update - What a horrible opening joke about Imus! The Anna Nicole paternity bit was hilarious and was probably my favorite WU sketch all season. The two gay guys from Connecticut were also worth a chuckle but not as good as the NJ guys. Hammond's Imus routine totally stunk up an otherwise decent WU. Grade: B

Knife Salesmen - I love it when we get to see original sketches. Even weak ones are usually better than weak recurring sketches. Will makes a great, slimy salesman ala Dan Akroyd. Spraying Kristen with the spurting blood was a nice touch and is what should have been done with that sketch earlier in the year where Sudeikis was mauled by a mountain lion. I love the ending with the dog attacking the mannequin. Grade: B

John Mayer/Jessica Simpson - Hader's faces as impersonated Mayer playing guitar were spot on and hilarious. Good stuff. Although, I must take issue with using a synthesizer to emulate the nylon-string guitar. Couldn't the SNL band guitarist have played a few licks instead of the keyboardist? Still, it was a funny little bit that highlighted the only thing that Mayer and Simpson have in common is the mutual love of sex. Grade: B-

The Seduction of Shia - Oddly enough, this was Maya's funniest sketch of the season and she was playing herself. It was more believable and less annoying than Whitney, Donatella, Oprah, and the Bronx Beat lady. It's sometimes good to see these little backstage moments like when Belushi and Candice Bergen acted out their "affair" backstage. Not a bad ending to the show. Grade: B-

Overall: I thought this was a pretty decent episode overall. Only two recurring sketches (Prince and Dakota Fanning) were used and they stayed away from the reviled ones like Deep House Dish, Bronx Beat and Target Lady, even though she was in Thursday's promo. Sudeikis was almost non-existent in this episode which gave the other male cast members the chance to get in the game. It was good to see Will back in action and Andy and Bill had some nice bits too. For me, this was a real improvement over the last couple episodes and I hope the gang can keep up the momentum to the finish line next month. Grade: B-

I thought the show was pretty good overall. Only three more live shows this season - enjoy 'em while they last.

Darryl Hammond is one of the best impressionists ever to walk the face of the earth. His Imus had me doubled over in my chair. Especially the way he would say "idiot", "stupid", and "awful" -- exactly like Imus. He is a treasure. Nice to see him back after a month's absence.

The free Mustache Rides was also super funny, always nice to see Baldwin as part of the show.

Looking forward to next week.

This show had alot of good moments but it may have been the most uneven show of the year.

Low points were Beer Run and The Knife Salesmen

High points were Mustache Rides,The Digital Short and Bill Hader in the Two Gay Guys From Connecticut and also playing John Mayer.

Best if the night were Kristen's masterful impression of Jessica Simpson,Darrell as Jesse and Maya playing over the top Maya. For me,when she gets to do something like this,there's nobody better.

I thought the show was great.

SBStivus for the rest of us:

Opening: Too weak for what could have been a better opening. That being said there were a couple of funny oneliners in there, but Hammond really needs to just let it go. GRADE C

Monologue: THought it was pretty good. Loved the bit with Keenan hiding the smoke. Not the most creative but was still funny. GRADE B

Mustache Rides: Who doesn't love Alec Baldwin? I personally hate his politics but his comedy is first class all the way and this was a great commercial. GRADE B+

Prince Show: This is getting a little old for me because it is becoming the same set of jokes over again. Make them sit on something bizarre and have Prince wisper into Beyonce's ear. GRADE C

Beer Run: Very creative and funny all the way up to the end until when the clerk says I'll see you back at the dorm. THis was original and played very well by each person but they have had a problem lately with finishing and that's the only negative thing here with this one. In the old days sometimes they just ended it without any resolution and I thought that would have been ok here. GRADE A-

Dakota Fanning Show: It is ok but its kind of the same joke as the first time. She is an actress that tries to act like a grown up and the first time they did it it was funny. But I don't think it works twice because it is not that outrageous. GRADE C

Digital Short: I loved it as usual. Digital Shorts do not dissapoint. They are insane and over the top in all the best ways. The use of the slow mo and repeat of the song was brilliant. GRADE A

Sofa King: Yes it is an old joke but it still works for a laugh as long as its only used now and then. Creativity points are low but overall laugh quality is there and I have to admitt I was laughing. GRADE B

WU: A little better this week but on the whole I think it has really been lacking this year and I still say its becasue Seth is not that great as an anchor. Instead of lukewarm like every other week i will say it was warmer this time but I can't remember the last time they really nailed a WU and that's just sad. GRADE C+

Knife Salesman: Definite originality points here. Forte is very good in these situations and the lady happening to be Mrs. Ginsu was sharp too. I thought it got a little flat at the end but I still liked it. GRADE B

Mayer/Simpson: Didn't really care for this one that much thought it was more time filler than anything else. GRADE C

Maya and Shia: This was a good idea and handled nicely. Thought the twist at the end was nice too. Maya did a good job on this and came off as a nice 12:55 slot piece. GRADE B-

Overall: Not such a bad show. A lot of progress and I think the more creative and original they get the better it is going to be. Perhaps they are realizing that what is passing for recurring characters now is not working. That is good because it opens the way for better characters that might take over. The use of Hader and Samburg was positive and if they write more stuff for them they are bound to hit a comfort zone soon and we are going to see some great stuff. If they keep it up we are on the verge of some instant classics very soon.

Not only was it the worst, but I was totally offended on Saturday by the 'shooting' skit. I am all the more offended by your skit in light of the happenings at Virginia Tech the following Monday. What could you have possibly have been thinking when you put that skit on -- you have degenerated past the bathroom humor to a place that few shows have gone. I certainly will not waste my time viewing your show in the future.

I don't think that the writers and cast of SNL were thinking that some @$$ was going to go on a shooting rampage at VT. Honestly, the short was parodying the OC. If you want to blame someone, blame the man who actually shot the people. Media like SNL, a late-night sketch comedy show, is not to blame for a crazy lunatic. The 2 have nothing to do with each other.

In fact, why don't you go blame Grindhouse, too. B/c you know Rose McGowan's leg/gun is to blame, as well.

Oh yeah, and that Desperate Housewives episode a few months back where Laurie Metcalf's character shot up a grocery store.... the list can keep going...

Yes, you can blame them all. And you can also blame the NRA for handguns that nobody but police need, the video game producers for violence, and so on....

The point is, it is social desensitization --violence is accepted in society, vulgarity is accepted in society, massive energy consumption, etc. It is easy to point to examples and say 'what can you do?', but perhaps a bit of reflection on this is needed by all.

Also, one can only tune out at offensive humor -- and I think that the gun sketch was offensive. My wife and I looked at each other and shrugged. It was not funny, it was not satirical, it was not ..... anything but poor taste. Defend SNL and its writers if you wish, but the show basically is a shell of what it was, and needs to be put to a fast and painless death.

If you are "disgusted and disappointed", you have the right to your namesake emotions but it isn't right that you up and point fingers at SNL. SNL just coincidently played a skit containing a parody of the monotony of the scene from the OC. No one saw that coming and it completely hypocritical to target any particular source of violence in the media as a source of motive for violence. With all due respect, SNL did not put that gun in anyone's hand and pull the trigger. Accountability lies in the hands of the suspect and no one else. These things happen and it is unfair to point fingers without rhyme or reason. You have a right to your own opinion but mines is that enablers do not completely deserve to be bashed considering they themselves didn't do it. And do you realize that people feast on controversy and that by complaining you only feed people's desires of gratuitous violence?

With that being said, this show is unargueably not worst show of the season. Did you not catch the Dane Cook, Annette Benning, JLD, and Ludacris bombs? I'm surprise there were no reports of people gouging out their eyes.

And now to the business of the show itself.

Cold Opening: Why does Hammond waste our time adjusting himself. Do they not have time before they start airing live for him to do that? I wasn't fond of the whole address format but was glad to have been spared another Bush address. I'm black yet even I am tired of any sighting of Sharpton and Jackson because they lament so long and drag stuff further than it should go because they don't have anything better to do. It's no wonder no voted for them. They did have some moments that evoked some laughter because of the references (rehab, Oprah and her other film credits the Women of Brewster Place and Beloved (truly a demented film), and Don Cornelius and Don Imus meeting only because of the image of wild hair) Grade: B-

Monologue: Boring. Been behind stage seen that. The moments from the cast members only partially salvaged it. Grade: C+

Moustache Rides: This started slow and gained momentum. I thought this was going to be a rip off of that change bank thing from seasons ago and I remember the reference from the Jason Lee show. It should been placed later in the climax of the show though. Grade: B-

The Prince Show: This sketch didn't completely bombed like a few sketches that don't deserve to be mentioned. The premises of weird whispers, crazy chairs, and crazy antics by Prince should go further than they do as I have been saying as they decided to make it a recurring sketch. I applaud the wardrobe department for Maya's Beyonce costume though. I still want to beat Amy's Nancy Grace character with a shovel. Grade: C

The Beer Run: I agree with nihobbs that they suck at even ending good sketches. I'm glad we got to see Andy, Bill, and Will after a long time of only seeing them scarcely the last few episodes. Bill actually looks like he's in his 20's here. Grade: A-

The Dakota Fanning Show: The best part of these sketches is Kenan's "I'm trying hard not to pimp slap a little girl" face. Again this sketch isn't a great recurring one but it beats a lot of the one's that SNL has done ad nausem this season. Avril doesn't look like she'd actually take that type of tongue lashing in real life. Grade:C

Digital Short OC: This had the complexity and underlying stupidity vibe working for it. Post-shooting I still think this sketch is funny. Grade: A-

Sofa King: Even I'm a sucker for stupid humor. It didn't go far but it reminded me of the Pat and Patty's Backpack Shack with Maya and Horatio from a few years back for some reason. Grade: B-

Musical Performance and Voting Commercial: Is it me or does Avril's "Girlfriend" sound like "Hey Mickey" and "Don'tcha"(or whatever that annoying song is) had punk baby. SNL has jumped on the bandwagon all the text voting reality shows which is disappointed because I was expecting a live vote like the lobster and Andy Kaufman incidents.

Weekend Update: Once again Amy sets up the pins and Seth rolls a gutter ball. The Gay Guys from Connecticut weren't too original (ie the aristocratic characters from several sketches and the Gay Guys from Jersey). Hammond's Imus was just okay. But even a mediocre performance from Update beats the usual. Grade: C+

The Knife Salesman: This was way too predictable. Mrs. Ginsu and knife salesman always points to squirting blood but Forte's dire, relentless character smoothed things out. Grade: C+

Jessica and Mayer: This was pointless but mildly funny. I agree with Farley Rules that they should at least made Hader's playing seem realistic. The house band has a guitar we see it every show so why use a synthesizer. Hader's fingers didn't even seem to line up; he might as well have been playing an air guitar.

Maya and Shia: This is the first time in a while that the last sketch hasn't been a worth piece of crap. Who knew Maya's best character would be herself. I'm little put off by the artwork in the background of her as Donatella. Grade: B

Overall: B
Months later and finally SNL has rediscovered its stride. I am not going to get my hopes up just yet because this season has snuck up on us several times with bombs.

Are you shrooming, the last Saturday Night's SNL was maybe my favorite in the last 4 years. Shia and Avril where perfect for the show, the only skit that I absolutly hated and I had to thank god for DVR's was the Beyonce and Prince show. The Sofa King might have been one of the funniest things I have seen on SNL in 5 years. I have been showing absolutly everyone that skit and they die laughing everytime. Kudos to Shia, I really started to dislike him, almost hate him, he was getting pompus in the media and with people out on the street. However SNL I think catupulted him into another level of star, he has commedic chops, actual ability. Congrats to Lorn for taking the chance on the youngster. I thought I may never like SNL again, but thanks guys for making at least one episode in the last years a classic.
Holler,
Mo

That Dakota character is unique. Haven't seen anybody act like her in real life. eg.. older lady going around wearing little girl party dress intentionally behaving like an 8 year old.

Ok, the sketch was parodying The O.C. But it wasn't a show that enough people would know. First of all, that episode aired TWO YEARS AGO. Second, there was one shooting, and it was because in defense of another person. I didn't get it until someone on this board told me what it was about, and I didn't find it funny. Yes, it is a shocking coincidence that it aired before Monday's events, but it's still inappropriate. I also didn't like the stab at Princess Di during WU. To say that Lindsay Lohan wants to play Princess di is funny in it's own, they didn't have to go as far as to say something about the way she died. It's completely uncouth. I've noticed that recently Lorne Michaels has been letting things like this pass quite a bit recently. Just the other week, 30 Rock, a show he is the exec producer for, had a thing about the network doing a fireworks thing in NYC. The comment at the end of the show (I'm paraphrasing) was about fireworks going off in Manhattan on a day other than the 4th of July, and how it would scare people. This directly refernced the Seot 11th attacks, and was meant to be funny. This would be an appropriate comment on a drama as something handled seriously, but I don't think ANYONE should be making jokes about 9/11. The SNL people were in New York City when this happened, they saw it all first hand, I was in Philly at the time, and was severly effected, so I can't see with their personal experiences how they could make light of anythign dealing with that day.

Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton cold open - it was Okay. Darrel wasn't bad other then that it was boreing. needs more colors to keep my attention

Monologue - from Kristen's tantrum to Amy's bitterness I'd have to put that in my top monologues catagory

Hathaway's Mustache Rides - better then most of their commercials but still lacking something

Prince Show - I liked the freaky Toby Mcguire and Mya wasn't bad but my favorite part was Amy's danceing

Beer Run - very funny especially the added seeyou at the dorm. I think they all did awsome

Dakota Fanning Show - HILARIOUS! I think I'm gonna get dunkeroos this weekend but I didn't really like Avril. but she took some good shots at Reggie (I thik thats his name)

OC digital short - I thought it was stupid and I didn't really get it

Sofa King - I thought it was hilarious loved the unibrows and the sholder shaking and lets not forget the implied cursing

Weekend Update - Ok I didn't think it was the best, I'd say mediokre

Knife Salesmen - very funny I loved Shia's face it brought back memories of even stevens just wish he would have done that girl scream he used to do all the time.

John Mayer/Jessica Simpson - I don't know who John mayer is so it wasn't that funny except the end part.

The Seduction of Shia - Hilarious one of my favorite of the night. I didn't know Mya was so funny, but you could see alot of her other characters when she was actong normal. I love when she screamed at that poor girl and threw the salad.

Overall: I liked it I probly got a little let down but it was good. The best were Dakota Fanning Show and Shia's Seduction. over all I give it a B+

Amy's dancing did save "The Prince Show". I'm knew that I wasn't the only on that cracked up with her rhythmless mixes of the butterfly from the 90's and the dip.

It's been awhile since I've seen Dunkeroos, too. Those were the s*** 10 years ago.

DoL, John Mayer is the guy that sings such songs as "Daughters" and "Waiting on the World to Change. Not a fan of the former but love the latter.

ok ok I think I know him now. weren't they I miss them so much. I'd be on a sugar high for days if I had some. that reminds me this morning I had this incredible cupcake and I could not concentrate all day.I think I may have failed a test.

The big question for tonight is whether or not the OC digital short will air. The Virginia Tech shootings are no longer the tragedy du jour and the media is now obsessed with bridges, so maybe, just maybe.

It aired! Woohoo!

1. The Constitution says we have a right to bear arms, not the NRA. Regardless what you think I may need, it's not for you to decide.

2. Can someone please reference me to what the song was that was played in the OC Digital Short... It was absolutely haunting and the highlight of the sketch in my opinion.

I don't think anybody's trying to tell you what you can or can't do. I am just happy SNL decided to rerun the digital short and exercise their First Amendment right, just like you like to exercise your Second Amendment right.

Absolutely - I was referring to the person saying that the only people who need guns are the police. But this isn't really the place for that discussion I think...

I do however desperately seek to know who did the backtrack and how I can get a copy of it - like I said - hauntng

According to this thread it's "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap.

OC Parody

Does anyone know the name of the song that played during the OC Digital Short?
Pez

Look at the post right above yours. Or to save you the effort, it's "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap.

I'm starting to wonder if i'm crazy...

A few weeks ago(maybe longer), i recorded saturday night live. There was a digital short on there that was exactly like "The Shooting" skit, but it was with pillows. I thought it was funny, but i didn't really get it until last night when i saw "The Shooting" digital short. I told my brother about the one with pillows, and he wanted to see it, but someone already erased it from the DVR. I've been searching all over the internet for it for about 45 minutes now and i can't even find anything to prove it ever showed!? Did anyone else see this digital short? And if you did, do you know where i could possibly find it?

Miles

I believe you may have had yourself a bad trip and might want to consider switching dealers...that or you saw a parody of "The Shooting" online. There are tons of parodies done by third parties and posted online, it is highly possible that one of them features pillows. As for something like that on SNL, I can't say I remember seeing it, and I tend to remember most of the sketches I've seen. but for the final ruling let's wait for Farley, his memory is infallible on all matters SNL.

-Nick

I refuse to comment on anybody's mental health lest my own come under scrutiny. Having said that, I will have to agree with ComedyWriter on this one. There has not been any other SNL-produced digital short that even remotely resembles "The Shooting", let alone one featuring a pillow fight. The only pillow fight I can recall on SNL featured Clinton, Monica Lewinsky and Paula Jones in a three-way pillow fight that was broken up by Janet Reno. Funny stuff, but not what you're talking about.

I was very happy when they re aired this show and the Digital short and I found the music in the digital short to kind of grow on me since they replayed the same part everytime someone shot someone else,