Welcome back, fellow Coneheads, toSNLin Review.
TonightsSaturday Night Livehost isRuPaul, a multi-hyphenated legend.
I mean,look at this picture.
NBC
She was dressed like Wonder Woman, recalls Cleghorne.
Congrats to RuPaul and break a leg, hunty.
Tonights musical guest isJustin Bieber, who previously performed during a season 35 episode.
He alsohosted during season 38and cameoed in 2012.
Will she reappear as him tonight?
This should be a joyful one.
Were LIVE, people lets DO THIS!
Cold Open
We shift from impeachment to the Democratic debate in New Hampshire.
Iowa was a disaster, says Mikey Day as debate moderator George Stephanopoulos, recapping the week.
Lets meet our future MSNBC contributors.
For those keeping score,Mike Myers used to playStephanopoulos back when he was a Clinton administration boy wonder.
SNLalum Jason Sudeikis jumps in as Joe Biden, talking about kissing voters on the neck in South Carolina.
(His appearance also brings us a great cutaway to Kenan Thompson in the audience.)
The show returns Larry David as Bernie Sanders, complaining about the Iowa caucus app.
Of course, the Sanders campaign insisted on the states so-called reforms about transparency.
He also boasts about being the most popular person on 4Chan.
Shes in celeb cameo status!
Thats how well-regarded she is.
Rachel Dratchs Amy Klobuchar-as-Shakira moment needs to be a GIF now.
Im here, Im square, get used to it put that on a bumper sticker.
Shes such a treat.
(As is Bowen Yang, back as Andrew Yang.)
Overall, this is way better than the Trump cold opens, though a non-political opener would be refreshing.
Cant shake the whole madlibs aftertaste.
Monologue
This is fun, right?
The answer: YES.
He gets into a description ofDrag Race, one of TVs bright spots.
This is a short monologue: punchy and charming.
They talk out their clues.
Ego Nwodim briefly sings Purple Rain.
So, this is the shows latest playful look at race relations.
Any sketch that spotlights the super-funBad Boys for Lifeis A-OK in my book.
Plus, we get Chris Redd trying on his best Marlon Wayans/Loc Dog impression from Dont Be a Menace.
Hes never done drag, just weed and pills.
This works, in part, because drag is so focused on performance and theatricality Chads exact opposite qualities.
Bye Ruple, he utters decked out in runway attire.
Shes joined by RuPaul to defend Gardners honor.
Theyre dressed like theyre going to aDesigning Womencosplay.
This is an MVP performance by Strong.
She knocks it out of the park.
Bennett gets increasingly frustrated, sending Redds Taylor home early.
Turns out he and wife Heidi Gardner are in the process of a divorce.
Reading With RuPaul
RuPaul comes to a public library to promote literacy.
The library is open!
he shouts in snazzy glasses before reading from Kay Thompsons Eloise, and Madeline by Ludwig Beethoven.
If you wanted to watch RuPaul riff on classic childrens books, this is it.
Reading is throwing shade in the drag world after all.
Very fun and dare I say it educational.
The art direction gives the performance some fun shadow play as Bieber begins dancing.
I wonder if a later season ofThe Other Twowill ever spoof this era?
Its wonderful to watch Uber rich white people (men) fight and bully each other.
Reminds me of The WWF, says Cleghorne on the last several days of impeachment.
I fell in love with Mitt Romney.
He needs a statue in my heart.
At least hes happy, reasons Michael Che.
He also dunks hard on Rush Limbaugh.
This was a bewildering week in politics, and Jost and Che comment well on the insanity.
Chloe Fineman pops up to discuss tomorrowsOscarsceremony.
Its a savvy observation on the different kinds of awards acting.
Its great seeing Fineman get a moment on the show literally on her own.
She impersonates Renee Zellweger as Judy Garland and Saoirse Ronan and Timothy Chalamet inLittle Women.
The audience really gets behind her Laura Dern seemed like it took them a moment to warm up.
Do you feel like youre at home, Colin?
she asks as Scarlett Johannson, Josts fiance.
Jost and Che riff on Gritty the Mascot AND THEN CATHY ANN IS BACK!
Its your birthday today?
asks Che, incredulously.
(And only the second time since December 2017.)
Remember when Cathy Ann started out as a mentor to fairy tale characters?
Interesting, her transition to a modern Drunk Uncle.
Go Parasite, she calls out.
Thirsty Cops
We last visited these thirsty cops when Leslie Jones was still a cast member.
The last time these characters popped up, theBaltimore police unionwas not happy!
I like that this iteration has a clear public service announcement, Dont text and drive baby.
This episode feels like the most the show has utilized Pete all season.
And between this, Chad and Cathy Ann, I appreciate the show leaning on non-political recurring characters.
I always get a sense Aidy and Kate sketches are very much for them which I dont hate.
RuPaul is their first guest, Terry, an unemployed shoe critic and usher.
He seems to love this premise the songs, the reminiscing of classic New York, the eccentricity.
(Fact check: hes been game for everything so far.)
The sound of bed bugs stampeding outside electrical sockets, is a very Mulaney/Stefon line.
Fun to see Quavo back on theSNLstage.
Themusic videofor Intentions just dropped.
In addition to McKinnon, Jimmy Fallon and Miley Cyrus have both busted out Bieber impressions on the show.
Quite the range of performers.
Final Thoughts
-What did you all think?!
The consensus on Twitter is RuPaul is a great host; I agree.
If you have a free moment, weigh in below or vote here!
-Thank you so much to Ellen Cleghorne for her time!
His Oscar snub continues to haunt me.
