Despite my anti-SNL tirade of a few weeks ago, I did greatly enjoy this past week's episode. Will Forte is the new President Bush (the fourth in three years), and he's the best since Ferrell. An especially inspired "Harry Potter" parody had the cast distracted by Hermione's, uh, growth since the last movie, while a truncated bit with Horatio Sanz as Ron Jeremy (of course) worked as well.
The cast was, however, up to their old tricks in a sketch called "Debbie Downer." In the bit Debbie (Rachel Dratch) was supposed to constantly bring up death, destruction, and disease in order to ruin her family's trip to Disney World. Except- you guessed it- Jimmy Fallon and Sanz couldn't get through the sketch without laughing, to the point when Debbie Downer started giggling as well- and since every one of her punchlines was accompanied by a quick zoom, the entire premise was essentially ruined.
Probably a new low in the trend of SNLers-laughing-at-themselves; the bit had promise as a recurring sketch, but after what happened don't expect it to "recur" ever again.
Speaking of Lindsay Lohan/Tina Fey, "Mean Girls" was great- all the biting satire of "Heathers" with none of the Christian Slater, laughable outfits, or blood. And I know I'm the only person in the theater who got the "Lean On Me" homage, but I laughed nevertheless.
Posted by Stephen Silver at May 3, 2004 01:52 AMC'mon, Steve, it was funny when Jimmy broke up laughing on SNL!
The first time!
Four years ago!
Ugh. But I disagree with your conclusion -- we will see Debbie Downer again. And Jimmy'll be in it. And he'll laugh.
Posted by: Lex at May 3, 2004 09:00 PMOne of the great funny moments in SNL history. You guys are just being too cool for school.
Posted by: martin at May 4, 2004 11:36 AMDon't worry Lex, when you're on SNL I know you'll be able to get through the bits straight-faced.
And the cast cracking up for the 20th time this season was "among the great moments in SNL history"? When did you start watching it, two years ago?
Posted by: Stephen Silver at May 4, 2004 03:15 PMwould ever be topped like Maris' 61 home runs.
I never thought that the self-amusement record would ever be topped, but if Mark McGwire, Babby Bonds and Sammy Sosa have taught us anything it is that the classics are doomed.
The self-amusement of the SNL cast has now surpassed the Burt Reynolds/Dom Deluise self-indulgent outtakes at the end of every one of their movies and has surpassed the even the Coz, who's amusement at himself was only rivaled by Mrs. Ahmad Rashad's amusement at the pudding eating sleuth.
Posted by: J. Lichty at May 4, 2004 03:57 PMI have been watching SNL for the last twenty years. That Debbie Downer skit was one of the funniest I can remember. I laughed so hard I had tears streming down my face. The fact that Jimmy and Horatio were laughing so hard to make Rachel crack up her self was absolutely hysterical! O gotta get that on tape somehow and see it again.
Posted by: Nardoc at May 4, 2004 07:40 PMi tape SNL every week and watch it Sunday. I have to admit that i have not been happy with Falon and Sanz breaking up sketches but Debbie Downer cracked me up.
the sketch was well written and if they had not lost it, would have been funny however when they cracked, it knocked me on the floor.
i have watched it a few times since and i have watched the interplay and the joy between the group as they try in vain to collect themselves.
i thought it was priceless.
The moments when the cast cracks up are the BEST moments, not the WORST. C'mon. It was the only reason to watch THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW...
The only thing missing was Will Ferrell in a too-small pullover ringing a cowbell.
Posted by: JIm Treacher at May 11, 2004 10:00 AMSteve, were you breastfed? did your dad beat you? why do you have no sense of humour? that sketch had me and ALL my friends laughing hysterically. i downloaded the clip and everyone who has watched it cracked up. somethings wrong with you dude.
Posted by: Bob at July 20, 2005 02:50 AM