WYTHE CO., Va., Sept.16, 2012 – If last night’s 2012-2013 season premier is any indication of what to expect from Saturday Night Live’s 38th year on the air, this season could turn out to be one of the show’s finest in a long time.
A 14 member cast ranges from newcomers, Aidy Bryant, Tim Robinson, and Cecily Strong to 12th season veteran Seth Meyers has me looking forward to seeing new characters develop, as well as enjoying the further adventures of all the old favorites.
The guest host, Seth MacFarlane, did an admirable job, and could easily be a regular cast member. Given the fact he is a little busy these days, this emmy award winning comedian, creator of “Family Guy,” co-creator of “American Dad,” and up and coming film star will not be a regular, but he adeptly managed to complement the emsemble cast without overshadowing them.
Just as expected, the show had strong political undertones with sketches that were relevant and well written. Saturday Night Live rarely ignores an opportunity to accentuate the ridiculous side of politics, so both parties got a good dose of vintage SNL satire.
Eight year cast member Bill Hader put on his high waisted pants and reprised his role as Clint Eastwood, who was promoting his upcoming comedy tour “Eastwood and Chair,” which was perhaps the funniest sketch in the show, regardless of anyone’s politics.
Hader has been one of my favorite cast members for years, and he certainly did not disappoint last night. I hated to see Andy Samberg leave the show, but with Hader and other tried and true veterans, hopefully Samberg withdrawal will not be too painful.
Another sketch spoofed Obama’s ads about Bain Capital, featuring Kenan Thompson as a man who loses job after job at the hands of Bain Capital’s alledged conspiratoral meddling. For viewers tired of the never ending campaign ads that will continue to monopolize TV till November, this sketch alone should ease your weariness for a bit, or at least until you turn the television on Sunday morning.
Frank Ocean discarded the sometimes over-the-top approach of many SNL musical guests in favor of sitting on a stool and letting his talent speak for itself. The concept worked beautifully; Ocean’s performance was exceptional.
I’ve been a fan of Saturday Night Live since its inception in 1975, and over the years some seasons have disappointed me enough to stop watching by mid-season. Yet, at the beginning of each new season I tune in, hopeful I will be entertained enough to watch throughout the entire year.
After watching last night’s season premier, I will definitely tune in next week; ever hopeful the quality will continue throughout the season.
The beauty of SNL is in its ability to evolve over the years without abandoning its comedic grip of current pop culture and all things political. Like any show, its success depends on the quality of the writing and a talented cast.
With the current cast, and with seasoned veteran Seth Meyers as head writer, success appears to be in SNL’s future, at least for this season.
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