Bill Burr hosts a post-election ‘SNL’ that he couldn’t quite lift

Bill Burr hosts a post-election 'SNL' that he couldn't quite lift

As a seasoned comedy critic who’s seen more punchlines than a one-legged comedian in a minefield, I must say that this week’s SNL left me feeling as confused as a chicken at a vegetarian picnic. The show started off strong with some clever sketches and witty banter, but it quickly devolved into a jumble of unfunny nonsense.

The last episode of “Saturday Night Live” broadcast after Donald Trump’s presidential election victory was on November 12, 2016, with Dave Chappelle as the host. The opening skit featured a subdued Kate McKinnon portraying Hillary Clinton singing “Hallelujah,” and the subsequent monologue and sketches were thoughtful and insightful reactions to an unexpected result.

In the premiere episode following the 2024 elections, comedian Bill Burr served as the host. However, unlike what one might expect, this show took a completely different direction. The creative team experimented with various approaches, only a week after Vice President Kamala Harris graced the stage. One such attempt included a cold open that satirized Donald Trump by depicting the entire cast feigning support for him. Additionally, Bill Burr’s monologue could be perceived as either harshly insensitive towards disheartened supporters of Vice President Harris, particularly women, or ironically provocative.

As “Weekend Update” progressed, two sketches without any election connection fell flat, leaving the segments feeling repetitive and lacking in creativity. The quality seemed to decline after that and didn’t improve. Looking back, one might question if it was wise to have Burr host just a few days following such a contentious election, as his sensibilities may not have aligned with the show. There were some minor highlights, like the “Good Will Hunting” spoof and an ad for a “Sex Rock” CD, along with a few more we’ll discuss later, but overall, they were forgettable or simply unfunny.

During the show, musician Mk.gee (not a webpage) played “Rockman” and “Alesis.” Unlike most episodes this season, there was no “Please Don’t Destroy” video.

Before saying their final goodbyes, the program paid tribute to producer Quincy Jones, who recently passed away, by displaying a dedication message. In 1990, he was the host of the show.

Bill Burr hosts a post-election 'SNL' that he couldn't quite lift

“You might expect ‘SNL’ to fiercely criticize Donald Trump’s victory, but surprisingly, they chose a lighter approach this week by using mocking flattery instead.

In a humorous turn of events, the performers on ‘SNL’ turned towards their audience, sharing the election outcomes, before Kenan Thompson exclaimed, “This is why we, the team at ‘SNL’, feel compelled to address Donald Trump… We’ve been by your side all along!” Ego Nwodim and Marcello Hernández playfully hinted that they had supported Trump in the vote. “We did so because we see reflections of ourselves in you,” Nwodim added, “Each time we look at you, it feels like… ‘That’s me!’

Colin Jost seemed to criticize his “Weekend Update” partner, implying that Michael Che is biased in the media, saying, “I dislike how the mainstream press — Michael Che — twists things to make you look foolish.” He also spelled out Che’s surname to help Trump remember it better.

A muscular man dressed like Trump with a red bandanna, played by impressionist James Austin Johnson, was presented. Trump joked, “They finally got the body right.” The sketch concluded with Dana Carvey reprising his role as energetic, leaping Elon Musk, who claimed he’s now in charge of the country, comparing it to one of his rockets. However, there’s a small possibility that things might go wrong and everyone could perish, Musk added.

Is Bill Burr’s comedy intended to be taken literally or is it a satirical portrayal of the controversial “edgelord” humor style, which became controversial following Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden? It was not entirely clear from Burr’s performance, as his monologue began with a story about getting the flu and making an ethnic slur: “You’re trying to figure out who gave it to you. You’re going through this Rolodex of people that coughed on you, sniffed near you, walked by someone who was Asian or something.” Later, Burr touched on political topics, initially criticizing women: “OK, ladies, you’re 0-2 against this guy.” He suggested female candidates should abandon pantsuits, stop trying to respect themselves and “dress a little more provocatively.” He added that unattractive women, or “feminists,” probably wouldn’t appreciate his advice. Burr also commented on Trump’s physical mannerisms, suggesting they might have prevented an assassination attempt, and joked about Trump’s visit to McDonald’s: “That’s the only time I’ve ever seen that guy truly happy.

Best sketch of the night: Mike Wazowski like you’ve never seen him

At a Boston fire station, a group of firefighters are assembling for a session with mental-health consultant Heidi Gardner, who is presenting them with a sequence of Rorschach test images. While others perceive various shapes in the black-and-white pictures, Ralphie (Burr) consistently interprets vibrant Disney scenes, including Mike Wazowski from “Monsters Inc.” in bridal lingerie and heels, Elsa from “Frozen” in an awkward moment with Olaf stealing her bra, and Snoopy and Charlie Brown among others. Surprisingly specific details of numerous animated characters are also included, such as Master Chief from “Halo,” the deceased wife from “Up,” and Bandit, the father dog from “Bluey.” Despite the seemingly absurd concept, the dedication to the joke is impressive, particularly the extensive knowledge Ralphie demonstrates about various cartoon figures.

Also good: Dads who will talk about anything but themselves

Two pickleball players (Devon Walker and Andrew Dismukes) opt to check on their fathers (Thompson and Burr). However, the conversation veers away from personal matters, with one father focusing on the Philadelphia Eagles and the other shifting topics to his son’s vehicle. It transpires that both dads are grappling with some challenges and choose to express their feelings symbolically through sports team analogies or car discussions. For instance, Thompson humorously remarks about the Eagles, “Last week, the Eagles took a dive in the shower – I thought, ‘This could be where the Eagles meet their end.’ ” This unique piece is both amusing and moving.

‘Weekend Update’ winner: Oh no, there’s a Pennsylvania ballot in that purse

In the “Weekend Update” segment, Thompson portrayed Willie, a remarkably optimistic character familiar to Michael Che. However, it was Nwodim who left a more lasting impact with her character, “A Woman Frustrated by Her Purse.” This enormous purse housed an assortment of items such as a deceased goldfish in a bag, a firearm, a smaller evening bag, and a multitude of Pennsylvania ballots. But what exactly was she searching for? As it turns out, not much at all: “It’s effective to emphasize your anger when you decide to exit angrily,” she humorously explained.

2024-11-10 11:31