‘SNL’ cold open: Maya Rudolph joined by Jim Gaffigan and fellow alums Andy Samberg, Dana Carvey
As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for political satire, I must say that Saturday Night Live’s opening of its 50th season was nothing short of a masterful display of comedic timing and impersonation skills. The choice of Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz, Andy Samberg as Doug Emhoff, and Dana Carvey as President Biden was spot on, bringing a fresh yet familiar take to these political figures.
On Saturday evening, “Saturday Night Live” commenced its 50th season with a focus on the 2024 presidential race, and it unveiled the actors chosen to portray significant characters such as Gov. Tim Walz, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.
In the opening scene of the first episode back, Maya Rudolph once again portrayed Vice President Kamala Harris, a well-known Democratic candidate, just as many had anticipated. Joining her was Jim Gaffigan, playing Walz, Harris’s friendly vice president and governor of Minnesota. SNL veteran Andy Samberg stepped in as Emhoff, while Dana Carvey reprised his role as President Biden. The Democratic side was rounded out by James Austin Johnson returning as former President Trump and Bowen Yang assuming the part of his running mate, Vance.
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Tim Walz was impersonated by Jim Gaffigan. (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times)
Initially, we see a depiction featuring actor Andrew Dismukes portraying ABC news anchor David Muir, who jointly moderated the latest presidential debate. He began by speaking directly to the audience, then switched to showing clips from campaign rallies for both candidates.
During the Harris-Walz rally, Rudolph’s Harris jokingly remarked as soon as she reached the podium, “Who just fell out of a coconut tree?”, followed by her distinctive laughter. At some point, she compared her campaign to Sabrina Carpenter’s song ‘Espresso’, stating that while the lyrics may be unclear, the overall feeling is strong. Gaffigan’s Walz also added humorous comments, explaining his decision to join the Harris ticket was primarily financial: “As a former teacher, I needed the income… This suit is from Costco, it’s a Kirkland brand.” Samberg’s Emhoff, on the other hand, referred to himself as the “Second Gentle-mensch”. Later, an impersonated Biden, played by Carvey, took the stage. He humorously mentioned that people often forget he’s president, even himself. When Rudolph thanked him for putting the country first and relinquishing control, Carvey’s Biden replied, “I didn’t want to! They made me.
In the subsequent part of the presentation, Johnson’s portrayal of Trump was positioned behind a shield of bulletproof glass where he addressed the audience saying, “I can see you attempting to exit, but the doors have been secured.” Upon Yang’s Vance entering the stage, he spoke to the crowd, remarking on Trump by saying, “Let me tell you how much we adore Donald Trump. Earlier today, he said, ‘J.D., you’re like a son to me, because I don’t particularly care for you but I’m stuck with you.’
After the unveiling of both Democratic and Republican nominees, there were discussions about who would be chosen to portray these political figures on “SNL”. When Walz was chosen as Harris’ running mate, Steve Martin became a popular choice. However, Martin informed The Times this summer that SNL producer Lorne Michaels had extended an offer to him, but he declined: “I told Lorne, ‘I’m not an impressionist. You need someone who can truly capture the essence of the person.’ I was chosen because I have gray hair and glasses.
Previously, Martin Short, who stars with Martin on “Only Murders in the Building,” had taken on the role of Douglas Emhoff in a Passover-themed sketch back in 2021. Similarly, Kate McKinnon, known for her time on “SNL,” initially depicted Harris on “SNL” in December 2019, which earned her an Emmy for best guest actress in a comedy series. She continued to portray the impression during the 2020 election alongside Jim Carrey as Biden.
The opening episode of the extended run of the popular sketch comedy series was led by Jean Smart, famously known from “Hacks”, with Jelly Roll serving as the musical guest.
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2024-09-29 10:01