What’s kickin', Conehead nation?
You’re entering another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind.
It is an area that we callSNLin Review.
That’s right, set your dials.
It’s time for another rivetingSaturday Night Liverecap.
Tonight’s host isNightcrawlerhimself,Jake Gyllenhaal, star of Michael Bay’s latest movie,Ambulance.
I am joined tonight by formerSNLcast member Jeff Richards.
It’s been wild watching him evolve over the years.
A lot of people might not remember his work inOkjaor as Mr. Music in the John Mulaney special.
But he’s got a really weird comic sensibility that’s underappreciated."
I think that’s a solid place setter.
Gyllenhaal is a versatile actor, and willing to take risks.
She reflects, conjuring the ghost of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Kate McKinnon).
Ah, the return of the “Ginsburn.”
I could do without ever seeing this bit again.
She is also imagining Thurgood Marshall (Kenan Thompson).
He gives his advice: Never give up.
This is a straightforward, sort of banal yet well-intentioned tribute to Jackson’s historic confirmation.
And with the ease of someone who has been on the show for many years.
Monologue
Gyllenhaal is back in his element.
He notes that he last hosted back in 2007, or “400 Marvel movies ago.”
He summarizes some of his sketches, including singing in drag, and calls outBrokeback MountainandNightcrawler.
Richards recalls: “His lastSNLhosting was pretty good.Laser Cats 2was a highlight I think.
Looking forward to those coming back tonight.”
Why’d You Like It?
“Youdid the double tap,” chides the host (Thompson).
An embarrassed Gyllenhaal liked a photo of a bikini picture, despite having a girlfriend.
It was a sad attempt to plant the seeds for hooking up down the road.
The point is: People are shallow, desperate, and addicted to online thirst traps.
Hate to say it, but this hits home.
“Pass,” says contestant Chris Redd.
Bleak as it is.
Suffice to say, huge sacrifices were made.
Bea orders Pat to “hit her,” meaning her daughter-in-law.
I am not a fan of Kate’s mugging here.
And as Gage and Rick, Day and Gyllenhaal embody those hosts and their odd chemistry nicely.
Cabaret Night
It’s cabaret night!
The Singers Four (Bowen Yang, Strong, McKinnon, and Gyllenhaal) have reunited after several years.
They are celebrating mediocrity.
“I grew out of a peanut allergy,” shares McKinnon.
Yang hatedHamiltonbefore it was cool.
This sketch is cute and well-written.
“That’s enough for me!”
Flower Bed
Spring has finally sprung!
And Mr. Green Thumb (Kenan Thompson) is busy tending to his garden.
Gyllenhaal, Redd, Strong, and Sarah Sherman play flowers greeted by a horny bee (Yang).
“It kind of tickles,” he laughs, distracting the bee.
“Shut up, I’m close!”
When a weed (Kyle Mooney) appears, he wants to choke the flowers.
Unfortunately, Mr. Peanut Thompson’s dog urinates on them.
It’s gross, sort of clever.Toy Storywith plants.
Another song featuring Cecily.
For those of you playingSNLdrinking games at home, take a shot, folks!
She is too quiet and eats tuna every day!
In their anger, they compare her to the evil Chucky doll.
Suddenly the toilet stall flushes.
It’s Chucky (Sarah Sherman)!
His first instinct is violence, and he attacks them.
That results in an HR meeting.
Meatball short film aside, this is a great distillation of Sherman’s bizarre, off-putting body humor.
Camila Cabello performs “Bam Bam”
Familiais the third studio album byCamila Cabello, released yesterday.
Very colorful, lively performance.
Weekend Update
A fun Update!
The real punishment would be to make him host the Oscars next year!
It’s an education for viewers, goofy and absurd.
The contagious energy here reminds me of Stefon.
“Jogging to Kelly Clarkson?
She has a talk show now!”
They debutedback in January.
“Go to bed and never wake!”
“It’s just allergies!”
he sneezes, spewing blood across the set.
“I have a normal body temperature of 108,” he assures the concerned cowboys.
Fluids are flying everywhere.
Scatological humor wins the day.
Couples Counselor
Oh good, Punkie Johnson gets a showcase!
And Melissa Villasenor in a decent-sized role!
Punkie is a couple’s therapist, counseling Jake and Melissa.
But when she takes a phone call during the middle of the session, things turn aggressive.
“Anger is never the answer,” she assures her clients, before flipping out on the caller.
Punkie’s partner, an angry Ego Nwodim, shows up with a super soaker.
Fairly slight (two stars), but I love seeing Ego and Punkie play off each other.
(Watch the music video here.)
This is also noteworthy, givenWillow Smith’s role here.
Her parents have never hosted or appeared on the show.
at 21 years old, she’s a vet.
“I haven’t heard her stuff, but I’m sure it slaps,” quips Richards.
She goes on to introduce a medley of trucker songs featured onTruck You, You Trucking Truck.
Songs include a duet with a trucker’s wife, as well as a ditty about helping El Chapo.
It’s a compulsion.
(I do like the pan out at the end of this sketch, revealing the studio audience.
Final Thoughts
Thank you as always to Jeff Richards!
Fun, innovative stuff.
“Live your life with joy!”
implores Jake Gyllenhaal while saying good night.
We’ve come full circle.
Fair amount of Chloe Fineman tonight.
Based on the box office returns, it looks like Gyllenhaal’sAmbulanceis underperforming.
In a different era, this would’ve found an audience immediately.
“Michael Bay movies aren’t not bad, I get why people like them.
Apparently,Ambulanceis very entertaining,” offers Richards.
Two recurring themes for tonight’s episode: song and liquids played for laughs.
What did you think about Jake Gyllenhaal’s return to 8H?
Comment below orvote here.
