Fellow Coneheads, a new year is upon us.

Welcome back toSNL in Review: 2022 edition.

And as much as we venture to escape what’s coming, the closer it gets.

No, that’s not a reference to Kanye West’sinevitable rap beef with Pete Davidson.

Late-night shows are retreating, theatrical shows are again being canceled.

What is the right answer?

That comes with risks, but we are in a morally/politically/legally/socially charged time.

We are trying to allow for choice while being respectful and cautious.

It is a tough balancing act."

In other words, this should be a familiar episode amidst a deeply unfamiliar period for the show.

Let’s check it out.

Cold Open

James Austin Johnsonis back, delivering a new message as President Joe Biden.

His advice to beat the pandemic?

“Stop seeingSpider-Man!”

The rest of his time goes to questions.

They are doubling down on theSpider-Manpremise hard.

Which I am not angry about!

It’s specific and doesn’t forcefully insert every cast member like a high school talent show.

Initially, I assumed it was just a punchline, but they’re running with it.

“Spider-Man has his villains, I have Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema,” quipped Johnson’s Biden.

Pretty inspired mix of pop culture and political satire, folks.

He could use Spider-Man to help with the Russia-Ukraine situation.Andrew Dismukesasks about the multi-verse, which is hilarious.

Makes more sense than the current world!

Johnson is killing it you’re able to see his Biden take getting more defined in real-time.

Monologue

DeBose comes out, jokingWest Side Storyis based on90 Day Fiance.

She discusses how magical it is whenKate McKinnonappears, dressed like she’s a Verizon commercial spokeswoman.

She mugs and they duetWest Side Storysongs.

(I guess McKinnon appeared becauseCecily Strongis off doing herLily Tomlinshow).

This is a “no” for me, guys.

It does feel like modernSNLis more musical theater-inclined than ever though, right?

Kroeger says, “SNLuses music so long as there are cast members who are musical.

And I think there always have been.

Joe [Piscopo] did his share of singing with his impersonations.

My personal coup was singing as the dentist Ira Needleman.

I recall the writers being somewhat blown away that I could pull off a nerd-Springsteen.”

“I think Ariana DeBose is the greatest,” Kroeger adds.

And indeed, DeBose wasfantastic inSchmigadoonwithCecily Strongas well.

Dougie McCormick (Johnson) is one of the only available players for the Kings.

Everyone else has COVID.

This timeChris Reddcrushes it as a put-upon, lonelySteve Urkel.

This remix music is amazing.

Ego Nwodimas Laura Winslow needs to happen and love Kenan reprising asReginald VelJohnson, he is great!

I actually think they could’ve done more with this premise, pushed it a bit further.

Instead, it ends up being more of a traditionalFamily Mattersspoof.

I love the surprise attention on Donovan and his white lips and “soupy” swamp ass.

This feels like a 10 to 1 they slipped in after the Paul Rudd episode.

Excellent casting all around, with fun, accurate references toBreaking Badand “Get Low.”

This could instantly become a recurring character.

I love the energy and the conceit “I’m just playing unless you like that.”

Honesty, this could’ve been the cold open it’s the same kind of press conference.

(I wish they would bring back Dismukes'‘nerdy’ reporter.)

“He will kick your ass,” assures his press secretary DeBose.

What I love about this is that it’s all attitude, no make-up.

Also, I am a fan of Redd calling out “weird Eminem” Bowen Yang.

“I do not like chaos.”

He “liked We Are Young …

But it’s just not my music.

There is no occasion that I would put it on my personal playlist.”

Weekend Update

The return ofColin Jost cue: teen girls screaming.Michael Chelaughs.

Things are back to normal.

“That wasn’t an eye joke,” claims Che, after making several eye jokes.

Jost and Che tackle the voting rights bill.

Elmo appears to comment about his viral feud with Zoey’s pet rock, Rocco.

This is an interesting return to form for Chloe Fineman.

Hijinks ensue when Rocco (a future host) shows up.

“Me, a kid who pees in the sink!”

Kenan comes out as the stern dad, who loves Arby’s.

“Gravy fries, crispy fries!”

“Chinatown” approaches the unpolished, authentic air of those days, in any case.

DeBose and McKinnon are two professors, discussing ancient lesbian poetry.

They read transcribed lyrics, with a potential modern spin.

Turns out they’re divorced the crowd eats this sketch up!

Kitchen Staff

It is New Year’s Eve.

James Austin Johnson and DeBose are working their salads, whenHeidi Gardner, the manager, chides them.

She keeps saying “lurr” at the end of every sentence.

She has the perfect haircut for this character.

Love this goofy riff, especially JAJ and Andrew Dismukes' cadence.

(Dismukes crushed it this episode.)

Final Thoughts

This was pretty lively!

What did you all think?Vote here, or weigh in below!

Thank you as always to Gary Kroeger!

Go see his play!

Andcheck out his podcast.

We know where Cecily was tonight but did I missPunkie JohnsonandAidy Bryanttoo?