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First-time ‘SNL’ host Paul Mescal isn’t afraid to have fun, and Church Lady returns

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First-time 'SNL' host Paul Mescal isn't afraid to have fun, and Church Lady returns

As a seasoned viewer of “Saturday Night Live,” I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by Paul Mescal‘s debut performance. Having watched him in more serious roles, I wasn’t sure how he would fare with comedy, but he proved me wrong in a delightful way. He seemed to have surrendered to the process and wasn’t afraid to look foolish, which is exactly what young actors should do when hosting SNL for the first time.

In the initial episode of this season’s “Please Don’t Destroy,” it was noted that serious actors don’t always excel on “Saturday Night Live.” Sometimes they’re not genuinely humorous, or they put too much thought into being perceived as funny and their performance seems overly forced.

Actor Paul Mescal from “Gladiator II,” in his inaugural appearance on “SNL,” managed to avoid a disastrous performance by delivering a relaxed, enjoyable act. This is typically how young actors should approach their first hosting stint: embrace the experience and not shy away from appearing foolish.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but highlight how Mescal infused each sketch with his captivating acting prowess. From the drama of a college student enduring his parents’ disapproval over a new pierced ear, to the struggle of an actor trying to nail a commercial for an Italian eatery, and the spot-on portrayal of his compatriot Bono towards the end – Mescal truly shone in all.

However, it’s worth noting that he was equally playful in several skits. For instance, there was a comedic take on a Spotify Wrapped playlist starring an obscure artist and podcaster named Satoshi Gutman (Bowen Yang), featuring Trisha Paytas as well. A courtroom scene with an inept lawyer played by Andrew Dismukes and a pirate-themed all-male dance revue were also part of the mix. But what truly showcased Mescal’s versatility were the two outstanding segments of the evening: a heartfelt “Please Don’t Destroy” video where he developed feelings for the “SNL” writers, and a hilarious “Gladiator II” trailer transformed into a musical. His exceptional performances in these skits suggest that we might see him back as host in the future.

Musical guest Shaboozey performed “Good News” and “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

First-time 'SNL' host Paul Mescal isn't afraid to have fun, and Church Lady returns ×

In the 50th season of “SNL,” Dana Carvey brought back his iconic character, Church Lady, during the opening sketch. This was the first time since 2016 that we’ve seen “Church Chat” on the show. Church Lady started by labeling 2024 as the most Satanic year yet, referencing various things like Hawk Tuah Girl, the movie “Wicked,” and pop star Sabrina Carpenter. She jokingly asked, “Who’s the best carpenter?” to which she answered, “Jesus!

First-time 'SNL' host Paul Mescal isn't afraid to have fun, and Church Lady returns ×

Initially, Mescal’s brief speech centered around his well-known roles in films like “Aftersun” and “All of Us Strangers,” which are serious rather than comedic. He humorously mentioned that he either performs nude scenes, cries on screen, or a combination of both – nude crying scenes. A quick montage combined these performances with scenes from “Gladiator II.” Later in the conversation, Mescal spoke about his Irish heritage, taking light-hearted jabs at England and the U.S., and even poked fun at Hernández by suggesting he dress more like Mescal to seem more authentically Irish.

Best sketch of the night: ‘Gladiator II’ could really use 50 minutes of singing

As a film aficionado, I must admit that “Gladiator II” was quite popular, but it didn’t quite reach the heights set by the recent musicals such as “Wicked” and the upcoming “Moana 2.” However, in an attempt to regain some of its lost glory, a re-release is planned, featuring a whopping 50 minutes of fresh, original songs. One such tune goes like this: “There’s No Place Like Rome: / Our streets are the cleanest, / Our soldiers the meanest, / And all of our statues have a tiny penis.” This new rendition sees Mescal belting out, “They call me slave, they call me a killer, but someday they’ll know my name!” as he slices through necks with his swords. The climax involves a Lin-Manuel Miranda-penned rap battle against Mikey Day’s character, the ‘Mad Emperor with the bad temperor.’ In a fitting conclusion, the movie ends with a flossing dance, a broomstick ride, and the apt “Gladiator Twosical.

Also good: Daddy time with the Please Don’t Destroy boys

First-time 'SNL' host Paul Mescal isn't afraid to have fun, and Church Lady returns ×

For the very first time this season, an entire episode of “Please Don’t Destroy” aired, and it was quite entertaining. When temporary host Mescal learns that the writers adore him, he interprets it literally and feels as though he’s developing genuine affection for them. However, his feelings aren’t romantic; instead, he yearns to nurture and safeguard them in a secluded winter cabin, much like a father would. Yet, it’s essential to clarify that he isn’t their biological father; he’s more like a protective figure – or “Daddy.” And the cast, dressed in Old Navy pajamas, are overjoyed when he returns home from playing yet another tragic character in a film. Enraged villagers who fail to comprehend their bond attempt to assault them, but “Daddy” and his crew defend their newly formed family – at least in a dream sequence set within their cabin sanctuary.

‘Weekend Update’ winner: The Dookie family is living large

First-time 'SNL' host Paul Mescal isn't afraid to have fun, and Church Lady returns ×

This week on “Weekend Update”, only one guest segment was featured: Heidi Gardner portrayed “A Mom Whose Son Just Became Famous” alongside Hernández, a new NFL player. The mother is equally thrilled about her new Oakley sunglasses and Louboutin shoes as she is about her son’s achievements, considering the sacrifice he made to his personality to climb up the ladder. “Trust the process,” he replies flatly. The mother also looks forward to meeting the musical guest backstage: “I’m about to show Shaboozey my Shapoozey,” she says. The family’s last name is “Dookie”, and there are numerous jokes about them staying strong even in tough times. Perhaps another guest segment could have been added for variety.

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2024-12-08 11:01

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