SNL Scorecard: Steve Carell/Ella Mai
Last week, I mentioned how often it is that the funniest SNL episodes come from the most unlikely hosts. After last night, I feel as if I have to remind you all that the inverse can be true as well: sometimes, the most-anticipated episodes can produce pretty disappointing results.
Steve Carell is nothing short of a comedic genius; yes, Michael Scott is one of the most legendary characters in American television, but Carell had the Midas touch: every role he was in was golden. Many jokes were made in the various promos for Saturday Night Live about how he is a "serious actor" now, and perhaps he's lost his touch for comedy. It was presented as a joke, but maybe there actually was some truth to it. Carell did seem a bit like a dramatic actor trying to cop a comic presentation to every character. Regardless of the reason, it was tough to see him relegated to either Weird Dad or Stoic Astronaut in nearly every every skit he appeared in.
If you didn't watch, and you're thinking that sounds weird, you'd be correct. It was a really weird episode. I mean really weird. A couple weeks ago with Jonah Hill, we saw a really bizarre episode mostly work. Last night, we saw a really bizarre week mostly not work.
Here's the sketch-by-sketch breakdown of the 6th episode of the season:
Sketch of the Night
“'50s Sleepover”: 7/10
I mean, sure. In a night of unimpressive skits, this was the most consistently funny. Here, Carell's Weird Dad Act (this was about Take 5 of that role by now) manifests itself as an estranged father who accidentally reunites with his daughter whilst playing the role of a Grease-esque "guardian angel" to one of her high-school friends.
The Good
“Monologue": 8/10
It's not a skit, but the monologue was the best thing about the night. Even without the Office sentimentality, it was legitimately funny and enjoyable throughout. But for hardcore Office-ites like myself, it was like cocaine.
"Message From Jeff Bezos": 6.5/10
Steve Carell plays Amazon chief/human dementor Jeff Bezos in a mock ad that asks an important question: is an evil multi-billionaire just trolling an evil president? It ignores the bigger question, though....who do we cheer for in that situation? The best part about this skit.
“Friendsgiving": 6/10
Steve Carell's weird loner and his perhaps-phantom of a friend (Cecily Strong) lead the Thanksgiving crew in a totally real Thanksgiving-inspired song. The whole "singalong with a song that nobody knows" joke has been done so many times in years past, but still, the song was hilarious, and this skit had far better energy than most. I didn't appreciate that they just ignored that this Thanksgiving classic exists, though.
“RBG Rap": 6/10
The Chris Redd and Pete Davidson rap duo is now an almost weekly occurrence. No complaints from me; I love the way those two play off each other. This one wasn't their funniest, as it was almost more of an ode to Ruth Bader Ginsburg than anything else. Still a worthwhile watch, though.
“Weekend Update": 6/10
Nothing bad about this installment of Weekend Update, per se, but it failed to build on the really positive momentum of the last 2 weeks. The jokes were a little more tame. Mikey Day's visit as a state congressman who is definitely NOT attracted to Bigfoot Erotica was funny, but a little too unsettling to be thoroughly enjoyable. It's always fun to get a visit from Kenan's LaVar Ball, though.
“GP Yass": 5.5/10
An unassuming suburban married couple discovers their GPS has features inspired by RuPaul's Drag Race. A funnier premise than it was as a sketch.
“Space Station Broadcast": 5.5/10
Most outlets thought this was the best skit of the night, but it was just a little too scattered for me. I did love frozen Kate McKinnon slamming against the window, though. Terrific physical comedy from her and Mikey Day in this sketch.
The…Less-Good
“Disney”: 5/10
This felt at the start like it could have developed into a much funnier skit than it did. It wasn't totally unfunny, with Carell's oblivious dad continuing to find unfortunate revelations about his wife and family from his kids, who are more tuned into the truth. The timing and pace just felt a little off, not for the only time this night.
"RV Life": 5/10
Same goes for this one. This wasn't bad, but felt like a missed opportunity. I really like Heidi Gardner, and think she's next-in-line to be the token "weird girl" on the show. Her mannerisms were just a touch too strange this time. I did love her delivery of the line "Did you know a dog can punch you?"
“Voter Fraud Cold Open”: 4.5/10
I didn't love the Laura Ingraham skit they did last time, and that was just two weeks ago. Needless to say, I didn't love it this time either.
“Space Thanksgiving”: 3.5/10
What the hell happened here? I always am a sucker for everyone cracking up, especially Beck Bennett, who I swear I've NEVER seen break. But I'd prefer it be a result of a legitimately hilarious skit, not one that's an absolute mess. It's never good when everyone's actual reactions are the only humorous part of a sketch.
Musical Performances
Ella Mai: 7/10
Before the performances, I didn't know any Ella Mai other than her hit "Boo'd Up," which I expect describes most of America. She's got a good sound though! Very Mariah Carey, or just 90s girl-bop in general. For this being among her first mainstream performances, at least in America, she sounded quite good and oozed confidence.
OVERALL SCORE: 5.81 (Comedy Only score: 5.71)
Heading into Thanksgiving Break, here are the standings for Season 44:
1. Liev Schreiber/Li'l Wayne - 6.54
2. Seth Meyers/Paul Simon - 6.08
3. Awkwafina/Travis Scott - 5.92
4. Jonah Hill/Maggie Rogers - 5.86
5. Steve Carell/Ella Mai - 5.81
6. Adam Driver/Kanye West - 5.55