Bees

I consider myself a bit of a video game nerd but this challenge just left me disappointed. I think the big problem is that they were like "not costumey" but the fact of the matter is that video games are always going to have an element of costume to them. And the way they judged vs the way Christian and company presented it was just such a disconnect. What I would've liked to have seen is that people tackle a genre. Like RPGs, First Person Shooters, Platformers, Rhythm Games, etc. That would've been interesting to see that. Also, where the hell was the color?! Even Hester's look didn't have color and I was counting on her to have some. They were either too muted or just not there. I think Tessa's was the best outfit hands down. I want those overalls. At first I thought of it more like NPC-chic (NPC - Non-Player Character. usually the randos you find in the towns), but I think this could've really worked in an RPG setting. Sure still have the Miller's Daughter sort of background but she gets called to fight and help the party with brawn. That bag of flour would be a helluva weapon. Hester's looks like every DDR character ever minus the color and charisma. So I guess it kind of works. Liked the game idea. Once again, it needed some more color. And of all people, Hester is all about color. Why on earth did she go this route? As a fellow Rhode Islander, I was hoping for Jamall to do well. Alas, he's just not there. He's got ideas but he doesn't quite it all just yet. Just a lot of potential that needs to manifest itself. Dude needs to get his act together or he's done. I had to laugh at Jamall's face after seeing Bishme and Tessa flirting with each other.

I enjoyed this episode. I don't have a sketch by sketch rundown though. I will say that I take back everything bad I thought about Adam Driver because good lord was he great. Anyways just some points. Maybe I'm giving too much credit here but do you think that Kyle Mooney's name was skipped over in the opening as a tie-in to the Kyle short about how he feels like he's forgotten? Pretty genius if so. I need more of Mr. Parnassus. Good lord was that hilarious. Feels a little like a Mikey Day creation as he does love those oddball characters. Just everything about the sketch worked for me. Kanye got 3 songs because of his "Friend of the Show" status though they certainly cut him off before everybody else got back on stage. Man, Adam Driver was robbed of his final Goodnights and one final sketch Kanye is pretty much like one of those edgelord trolls who likes to go against the grain of everyone else to make himself look smarter and more woker than thou (I know supporting Trump and wokeness should be oxymoronic but you'd be surprised at how some people think) and it's hard to take him seriously. His performances were like a fever dream brought to life. I honestly thought that the college frat party sketch was going to be a twist of which Beck's character was actually Kavanaugh. Also the random "Murdered by Andrew Cunanan" was a weird line to add near the end. I kind of like the weird video game character to real life people thing. They've done it before and it weirdly works each time. And I liked the little detail with the controller though as a gamer myself (though I stick to mostly Nintendo), it did frustrate me on that level of things. Next week should be interesting. I only know a little about Awkwafina though its weird that she's the first Asian woman to ever host. Then again, SNL is a reflection of the times so it's not sadly not surprising when you think of it that way. But I'm glad to see that they're making strides.

Cold Open: This was nice. They kind of double barreled the tribute, but I'm totally fine with that. Was this like the greatest cover ever? Hell no, but it was nice and meaningful. The little preamble from Aldean was great. This was just nice. I don't mind when SNL gets serious for a bit, so long as they're not up their own ass about it. Monologue: This just kind of went by. Painfully average. E!: Nothing wrong with turning off your brain from everything, but I'd rather just curl up and watch cartoons than anything from E! but I did love the lineup of shows. They seem to do a good job with this kind of thing. Restaurant: Unlike Galieo908, the reveal of Kenan being OJ actually did surprise me a bit. This was decent and it didn't overstay its welcome. I liked the phone going off after Gal said to her friend she was having a good time with OJ. Then Kenan with the plastic knife was funny too. The Chosen One: In the words of the said Chosen One "Okay" It was alright. I think Chad was the pool boy in one previous sketch? Mirage: For a second, I thought this was going to be the same style of sketch as the one from the Ariana Grande episode which featured Kate as the Blobfish. I kind of liked the randomness of Beck's character keep seeing that damn Jamba Juice but the sketch felt like it just didn't know how to end. Safelight: I liked this one but I was really really hoping it'd turn into some kind of creepy horror movie swerve or have the actual Safelight guy show up and yell at Beck asking him what the hell he was doing. Still funny, but it really could've been better and gone in a much more interesting direction. Weekend Update: The Update itself was great. Some good jokes in there and some nice commentary. It's nice to see Pete Davidson and I enjoyed the Meta levels of things here about how he wants more airtime. Notorious RBG just bored me. I dunno about you guys but I think I'm all McKinnon'd out. I still like her but I certainly am willing to go a while without seeing her. Anyways, this still a great Update. Maiden and Mice: This was lame up until the end when Beck decided to take the mice to the ball with him. Then it got to "pretty decent" but it feels like they had the ending planned out first and just kind of threw together the beginning and middle. Spies: Why did Aidy Bryant sound like Chuckie from Rugrats? This was alright but I feel like I've seen this variation of characters from Cecily and Aidy before, but they do admittedly play trashy really well. Wonder Woman: I just rolled my eyes through this one. It's funny because lesbians, amirite?! I thought we were over this crap. Naomi: This sketch comes off like it was a reject from a 1999 SNL episode that they found in the archives while really really high and thought it was hilarious then somehow convinced everybody else to air it only to find the execution to be okay but the joke to be kind of lost due to age. Maybe that's just me though. This was an okay episode. I liked it better than last week's episode with Mr. Chucklehead (seriously was there ANY live sketch that he didn't chuckle in?). Hopefully Kumail Nanjiani brings it and is awesome.

Cold Opening: Full Disclosure - I'm one of few people who thought the Chappelle episode Cold Open was a little too much despite being a liberal and just as pissed about Trump winning. So I kind of take this as them kind of both making fun of themselves and making fun of Trump. Maybe I shouldn't read it that way but that's how I read it. I enjoyed this. Monologue: Tom Hanks! And I would totally vote Johnson/Hanks 2020...I mean barring them having some good ideas and policies. They certainly are better than Trump. This was enjoyable. Cartier Spinner: I've heard about spinners but I'm not well versed in it. I do know people like Vanessa's character though so I got this. Wrestlemania Promo: I think the thing that made me laugh the hardest was actually how quickly Beck's announcer guy went from his phone to full-on announcer voice. Plus the whole Twins reveal was amusing. Also, this was an odd one to bring back but it was alright. One Voice: I love their tackling of how a lot of pop songs are like 40 people onto one single. I really thought Skiffle was going to be Ass Dan or Riblet. That would've been great. However, David S. Pimpkins completely brought this up about three levels in my book. Scorpio: Someone clearly has the same sense of humor as I do because this was right up my alley. I loved the whole veering into fashion critiquing. All that was missing was a Tim Gunn cameo, honestly. This was just enjoyable and really hit my funny bone. Jurassic Park Ride: Also another character to bring back that was strange. Also wasn't Gemma with another guy that Kenan's character knew? Why has nobody lampshaded this?! I was waiting for them to lampshade it but yet, nothing came of it! Come on, guys! This was okay but could've been better. Xentrex: Once again, someone clearly has the same sense of humor as I do because this was also right up my alley. I can't entirely remember the sketch but it reminds me of a sketch that was done in the late 80s that involved Roseanne and Phil Hartman. Roseanne was a customer service rep or something and was being super rude and then Phil would counter with like a more G-rated version of her stuff. One thing was like "I told him to do this or take it and shove it up his ass" and then Phil saying "She gave me several options..." I think it's just the weird storytelling of it was just that got me. Greatly enjoyed this one. Weekend Update: This was pretty good tonight. I was hoping for Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy to get a proper sendoff. Dawn Lazarus was a strange option. However, seeing Drunk Uncle one final time was my one request. I bet Colin and Michael are seriously pissed that the season is ending with everything that's been going on. RKO: Ehh...it was for cheap laughs and it kind of got me a couple times. Nothing great though. Mad Scientists: Once again, someone with the same sense of humor as me was totally writing this show tonight because this was also right up my alley. I just loved how over the line Dwayne got and then how it randomly turned into an ad for White Castle. And just how bizarre it was altogether. Wingman: This was alright. Felt like a sort of "we got like 2 minutes to kill, let's just go with this stupid idea someone had for the hell of it" Seniors: This was kind of lame and felt like a tease. I thought it was going to be something much more pomp and circumstance. Like the way that Wiig was sent off, Fallon was sent off or Armisen and Hader were sent off. And how Kenan will inevitably be sent off. But it just kind of fell flat. Then again, Bayer and Moynihan were never any of Lorne's Favorites (TM) so they'd never get that. However, I couldn't help but be distracted by the presence of Kyle and Beck. Are they leaving too?! I mean Kyle I could almost get but Beck seems like someone they'd want to keep around for the presidency. Well I hope neither are leaving. Maybe the West Coast viewing will be a bit less lame? This show was pretty great but not the best episode by any shot. Some stuff just fell flat. Edit: I also heard that Sasheer Zamata is leaving too?! I know she didn't do a whole lot but you'd think she'd get some kind of sendoff too!

This episode was just straight up delightful. That's all I have to say about it. It was nice to have an episode that wasn't like 90% political too (note: I don't mind when it's political, but it's nice to have a couple episodes that were not so political). Chris Pine apparently can sing and yet despite him being in Into the Woods, it still surprises me. And man did he want to sing tonight. Anyways. Cold Open: I had no idea about the whole Joe and Mika thing but I did enjoy the reactions of everybody around them as they got all intensely flirty with each other. Also, this was oddly not that political too, which really set the tone for tonight. As an aside, I think this sketch made me realize that Alex Moffatt has totally won me over. Monologue: Usually I dislike singing monologues but this one was okay. I enjoy the Chris vs Chris vs Chris vs Chris stuff. Where in the World is Kellyanne Conway?: First off, my inner 8 year old got super giddy at this. I used to watch this show near religiously when I was younger. And they were spot on with everything. Though I do lament that Da Chief (Lynne Thigpen) passed away in 2003 which is sad, so that's vaguely anachronistic. I also appreciated how short and to the point this sketch was. Song for Peace: This feels like a 12:50am sketch turned into a Digital Short. I'm not sure exactly what the point of this was. It was interesting at least. Still trying to wrap my head around it. It's my David S. Pumpkins. SWAT Stakeout: Okay there is no way in hell that this was not written by Mikey Day and Co. because this gives some serious Space Pants/David S. Pumpkins/Kevin Roberts vibes to me. And honestly, this was my favorite sketch of the night because of how goofy and delightful it was. And honestly, I would totally have a cotton candy dance party complete with backpack fashion show! It was also oddly wholesome too. It just worked for me and got me in the funny bone for some reason. Then again, I have a deep comedy-related love for Mikey Day that has really really blossomed this season so I could just be biased. HR: This would be rated so much lower for me if it wasn't for the ending. For some reason the subversion of Chris Pine's character being totally into it with Vanessa's character just sold it for me into being pretty good. But I will admit that there is some slight double standardy stuff here since if the genders were reversed, it'd be very hard to watch. The House: I love the touch of that music being used...that seems to be used in every goofy moment in every reality show. I liked this a lot and how they were trying to manufacture drama. Also the ending with the gunman "Welcome to my awkward liiiiife" was funny. Weekend Update: This was alright. Nothing too grand, but it did it's job. It had a few pretty good jokes in there. And the whole Red Sox thing (as a Red Sox fan) was pretty spot on. I enjoyed and appreciated that they weren't too harsh on Boston and acknowledged that there IS a race issue with Boston but it's really not everybody. Though I'm sure some folks may not like the SF comparison. Dawn Lazarus was pretty decent. She had the sound of a weather person down pat. I think maybe not mentioning the nervousness would've worked better. Mechanics: Were they trying to be from Boston or New York? They sounded like a combination of both which is, from my POV, very Rhode Island sounding (RI accents are basically the combination of the worst of both of these accents...I say this as a Rhode Islander who managed to escape with very little accent). Anyways, I loved this sketch way too much. And that lip sync battle was fantastic! Handmaid's Tale: I've never seen this show so I can't speak for if this was on point or not. I didn't really like the sketch. It seems like they kind of failed their point. I did like the ending when the narrator says "See, Netflix?! We have one too!" Star Trek: This was stupid but enjoyable. Just the whole mythology of Spocko and how Spocko came to be was funny as hell. Also why haven't we had Kenan as Neil DeGrasse Tyson until now?! We need more of that! Also, Beck has shown some pretty fancy moves this episode between this and the SWAT sketch. Game Night: This was probably my least favorite sketch, but it wasn't awful. Kind of reminds me of that "Debra's Time" sketch with Chris Hemsworth. Were they trying to hash out a few Hemsworthian sketches as some sort of inside joke about the Chris Confusions? Because if so, then I think this sketch may be a bit better in my eyes for meta reasons. Overall, I really really enjoyed this episode. It wasn't hard-hitting and satirical as hell but just because something isn't like that doesn't mean it's not funny. This was goofy and silly and just seemed to hit almost all the right notes with me. Yes, Chris Pine did a lot of singing but I don't mind that much. It worked for me. I feel like this will be one of those episodes that will end up aging really well in years down the line (let's face it -- there's a few episodes of SNL that have not aged well at all despite being amazing at the time).

I think the Sectional Couches sketch is one of my favorite sketches of the year. Something about the sheer ridiculousness and overdramatics just won me over from the jump. I mean there's still been a few funnier sketches (see: Tom Hanks and Dave Chappelle episodes for examples) but that one just hit the right notes for me.

While I'm super glad that I'm not the only one with a thing for Mikey Day, I can't go too far to say that he makes me not miss Taran because man do I miss him. He had great range and I would've loved to have seen how he did in this season's cast. Also, I think they were both on Wild n' Out together (this was MTV's way to capitalize on how Whose Line is it Anyway? managed to get a niche audience...it was okay).

Cold Open: Yeah what's been said has been said. It was great. Felt somewhat formulaic but not enough to take the punch out of it. I think they should give ol' Spicey a rest for a few weeks. Monologue: Ehh...it was okay. I liked the exchange between Alec and Pete "Are you young or just stupid" "Neither, I'm just really high right now" over not knowing something. Also, for Baldwin episodes, nothing will ever top his first time hosting. That was legitimately a strong episode up and down. Russell Stover Black History Chocolates: I thought this was pretty funny. I liked that there was a Bill Clinton one. Kind of carries onto the Weekend Update joke about Bill being pretty much black. This gave me a good laugh. Cheetos: The mental imagery of the ads for Cheetos is pretty much what sells it for me. Also plays into the whole "Soulless Pandering for the Green" that a lot of ads have. Kellyanne and Jake: Yeah, I hope this is a recurring thing where they have Jake Tapper and Kellyanne Conway interacting using different movie genres. You had the musical, now the thriller. This was well done and Beck and Kate sold the heck out of this. Did anybody else notice how Kate kinda broke into a Glenn Close voice there? Who am I kidding, I'm sure you all noticed. Boot Camp: This was good. I mean not the greatest, but it worked for what it was. Though for the record, Mikey Day was the best shouter in the bunch. I almost expected them to go further into the favoritism. Weekend Update: Not one of their strongest weeks, but it worked for me. Kate as Elizabeth Warren was pretty good. Alex' character was an interesting one, but wasn't douchey enough. Needed more douche. The "Trying S&M Couple" was pretty good too. Then again, I have a weird thing for Mikey Day so that may just be that speaking. People's Court: They could've gone far more with this. I feel like there was more to this sketch but they lost track of time due to the Cold Open being fairly long. Grim Reaper Bannon strikes again. And of course, Putin coming in all shirtless is funny. BTW, Trump's sons Eric and Donald Jr. look like the Children of the Corn all grown up. Beyonce's Twins: It's nice to see Tracy Morgan doing stuff. It really is. This sketch was okay. I was just more happy to see Tracy. Also was this the only sketch Kenan was in tonight? Leslie Wants to Play Trump: Leslie has the Tracy Morgan role of "Only person who is allowed to yell at Lorne" character. I enjoyed this because I love how this is a little series now. Also liked the Leslie/Kyle callback (though Leslie/Colin is best fake couple). Sit-Up Record: I feel like this is a sketch that they always had in their back pocket in case things ran too long and they needed like a quickie 1-2 minute long sketch to fill the time just enough. It definitely feels like it was written that way. It was weird and not that great but it didn't overstay it's welcome and for that I am grateful. Also, as an aside, I LOVE Ed Sheeran's second song "Castle on the Hill" and it bothers the crap out of me that "Shape of You" is the one that's the big hit instead of "Castle on the Hill" which is just a fantastic song and a breath of fresh air of sorts in a pop music landscape that's just kind of downbeat as hell. Not as good as an episode as it could've been. Though some stuff was really good, it just felt like they knew they couldn't top the cold open so they didn't entirely try that hard in some regards. Not at Tom Hanks and Dave Chappelle levels of good, but not awful either. I'm very curious about how Octavia Spencer will do. That's an interesting choice for host (I mean that in a "man, I really think this could be fantastic")

This episode is an endearingly hot mess. There was so much that was rusty as hell and a lot of screw-ups, yet it worked. Kristen Stewart is a pretty good host, though I feel like they didn't have a lot of confidence in her at first, which is why I think Melissa McCarthy was on as Sean Spicer. I kinda feel bad that McCarthy as Spicer pretty much stole the show. II wouldn't mind seeing Stewart host again. Next week should be fun with Alec Baldwin. He's always good though when I think of all the episodes that he's hosted, I feel like the first one he ever hosted was the best episode. That was a strong episode up and down.

Cold Opening: Yeah I came into this slightly late. I did like the brief appearance in there of Olya putting on the hat. Monologue: I really liked the monologue and I liked how Aziz was fair to Trump voters. Most people want to quickly demonize everybody who voted for Trump but he has an understanding at least that not everybody who voted for Trump was a sexist or racist or anything else like that. And I think that's good to know. Beat the Bookworm: What's with them doing these Game Show sketches that only go like one round and then always cut off before the final round? This was alright. Nothing too special, IMO. Interrogation: I haven't seen either movie (though I did like the reaction of the cops about Moonlight then admitting that they hadn't even seen it yet...I know a lot of self-righteous folks like that). Though if you had replaced any of those movies with Beyonce, then I'd be interrogated so hard even if Lemonade has a couple of decent songs on it. Kellyanne Does Roxie Hart: I'm a sucker for these kind of musical numbers. Man it's been very musical heavy hasn't it? Is Aziz like a secret fan of musicals or something? Anyways, I really liked this. Broderick & Ganz: Aziz is at his best when he's annoyed and ranting and he really brings it here. Also, nice to see Bobby Moynihan here. He's one of my favorites and I've been missing him lately. Weekend Update: Ohhh boy, Che is going to piss of a LOT of feminists if he hasn't already. He has a few decent points but overall, he was pretty far off. This was an enjoyable Update. I liked seeing Leslie Jones and her shamelessly hitting on Colin Jost. And I liked the Friend Zone thing since I totally get it and understand it, having been in that unrequited love situation quite a few times (yes it happens to women too, it's not really a that gendered of a thing to be honest) though I'm not a fan of the "she likes guys who treat her like crap" thing. That's an old tired stereotype. I would've preferred him saying that she has a really awesome boyfriend that he just can't compete with and doesn't really want to compete with. A more honest kind of Friend Zone, you know? Dirty Talk: I didn't think this was going to be funny at first but then things went down the dark and weird road and I found myself cracking up at some of the stuff. Also, nice way for Melissa to display a couple of her impressions too. Five Stars: This was pretty good but I was wondering what on earth was this leading up to. I was not expecting the end. Also Russian trance music was pretty funny. Pizzatown: Was this written by Mikey Day? I feel like this was written by Mikey Day. It's got the Space Pants/David S. Pumpkins feel to it. I really liked how Kenan was really enjoying it and it looks like he was trying to find a way to not crack up. Thanks, Obama: Cecily usually sounds great and has a lovely voice but man she sounded off tonight. Sasheer was much better. Rather I'm sure some folks may be like "Liberal Bias!1" but I think of it more as a sweet sendoff to a decent dude. I liked this episode. Had a few clunkers, but Aziz was great at hosting and I'd love to see him host again.

I missed the first few sketches due to football. I jumped in during the Albie sketch. Though looking at the reactions from everybody else, it looks as though I didn't miss anything. So I guess I'll go from there... Albie Durberry: I think this could've worked better if it was more spread out. I just felt like the placement of everything in this sketch was off. Also, if the nurse was played by someone whom wasn't so wooden. I did want to see more about Kate and Beck's play going on. The Princess and the Curse: This is actually pretty funny when you think about the shallowness of some folks. It kind of worked, I guess. Thought the ending part after Maleficent put in a possible exchange for the princess' nightly weight gain and Beck and Felicity both agreeing that wasn't going to work. Susan B. Anthony: Boring. Lazy. Just didn't bring anything. I would've loved to have seen this in a Digital Sketch format and then have them take Susan B. Anthony for a night on the town. I feel like they wanted to go somewhere satirical with it given that Susan B. Anthony did have some rather...err....crummy views on some stuff (also I believe she voted straight Republican ticket when she did vote...but I think this was during the Republicans being the liberals era?) but then kind of held back too much. Weekend Update: I thoroughly enjoyed the Update stuff. Pete Davidson's bit seems like it was cut shorter than it was supposed to be. And while I do love Beck Bennett, this was not one of his best. Also, I saw the Ducktales cast reveal video, Beck, I know you can carry a better tune than that, man! I think I liked the whole bit about the term "black on black crime" and how it takes away from the issue by just putting race to it which kind of depersonalizes it for others. Hot Robot 3 Junket: I wanted to like this, I really did. Though kind of funny they had her play a robot, seems like a bit of an in-joke of sorts. This was a good idea but it just didn't come together at the end. The execution was just off. Jokeoke: It's funny because they're women telling really gross jokes, right? RIGHT? Ugh...spare me. Though the second joke was kind of funny. Sturgill Simpson: I usually don't review musical guests but my god was this awesome. When I saw that he was nominated for Album of the Year (though I'm guessing Beyonce will take it. While Lemonade is a fantastic album that deserves it, I just don't think that the Grammys would be able to withstand the gallons upon gallons of salt Beyonce fans are gonna have if it doesn't.) But man, this was energetic, fun, had horns and was just a ton of fun. Though if I had any complaint, it's that Sturgill kind of needs to enunciate more or the sound mixer needs to get his shit together. Other than that, fantastic performance. I'm definitely looking more into his stuff. Man the cast was all kinds of rusty outside of Update from what I've seen. Felicity Jones was just not a good host. I'm sure she's fine in other places, it's just here she was not good. Maybe it was nerves or she just really sucks at live performing. Yeah, this was not a great episode. When the best thing about the episode is the absolutely phenomenal musical guest, you kiiiind of have an issue.

I really enjoyed this challenge. I loved how they showcased a chef that not many people have heard of. I hadn't even heard of her before the show. And I love how it's getting people to buy her cookbook. That's just wonderful. Man, I was so sure Jim was getting the loser edit. I mean showing his wife and getting so much screentime, I felt like he was doomed. Thank goodness he wasn't. He's my favorite of the newbies. While I am also surprised that he is in fact straight, I feel like a bit of a jerk for blindly stereotyping like that. As for Emily, while I totally get the whole tears of frustration thing (most of the time I cry is because I'm frustrated), I also think that she's way too much of an asshole to me. And the arrogance, my god. Like, I appreciate confidence but not to the point of that. I'm surprised I didn't hear anybody call out Amanda for her portioning. That portioning was very large.

Ooo...can I play? I just got done with the series and have a few to add in. * I thought Post-Sorkin did a much better job writing conservatives. Though that doesn't mean that Sorkin didn't have his good conservative characters, it's just that Post-Sorkin did a better job with it. * I preferred Vinick over Santos as a person, but would've probably voted for Santos because of education. * I preferred Josh with Joey Lucas over Amy or Donna. * I liked some parts of the Kate/Will relationship, particularly that scene in Drought Conditions when they keep stealing glances at each other set to "Take Five" kind of giving off a "Well...maybe....?" * I'm still annoyed that there was little resolution to Charlie and Zoey * I really enjoyed Seasons 6 and 7, even if it felt more like a spinoff.

Cold Open: I missed the first part of this sketch, but the part I saw from it was okay. Monologue: Mehh, I liked the dig at the singing monologues and the first "enter then swiftly exit" from Baldwin and Goodman. John Goodman looks good these days. Dunkin Donuts: As someone who lives in New England and worked at a Dunkin Donuts throughout high school and college, this is pretty damn accurate. The workers with the thick accents (though it'd be Rhode Island here) with the juvenile humor is spot on. I liked when Mikey Day popped in as Casey's buddy. Also it's clear that Casey has run into many folks like this too. Helix 900: I kind of liked this in that strange way. It seems like a Portlandia sketch but somehow doesn't draw itself out to be way too long. I liked the confusion of Casey and the way everybody else was equally as confused by were like "Yeah, I'm not getting involved". Also, I feel like there's a bit of a social commentary here but I can't put my finger on it entirely. Christmas in Hollis 2 - Electric Barackaloo: Okay not the actual title, I forgot what it was. I enjoyed the crap out of this. Breakdancing Jesus! Also second sketch in a row where Beck and Kyle are gay, only this time being a couple. Enjoyed Chance the Rapper and DMC getting into the mix. And Leslie's verse about the sexiness of Joe Biden was pretty fantastic. Santa Encounter: This is fine. I mean I'm not as big of a fan as everybody else is, but it's enjoyable and there's some funny lines in it and I like that Casey and Cecily kept their composure. Weekend Update: Update was going so damn well but then Fred Armisen came on with Vanessa Bayer and his penchant for drawing stuff out to be way too long just put update to a screeching halt. Thankfully, it picked up again at the end but man that middle was awful. Silent Night, Hilarious Night: Ehhh...I enjoyed Chance the Rapper as the Three Wise Men, but other than that mehh. Hillary Actually: This was pretty nice. I almost expected see Harambe on her cue cards as other options. Though that would've been too dumb. I enjoyed this though but knowing the way people are way too tied to their party allegiances, it won't happen :( Pervy Elves: Ugh....why is this a thing?! Tony and Jerry: This went really nowhere. Seemed like it would've worked better if developed more. Overall, some really good stuff, but that second half wasn't great. I loved Chance the Rapper and I like how he infuses a lot of positivity and gospel into his music.

I don't know how to feel about this episode. I mean I liked it but it wasn't that great. Though I don't think it's of any fault of John Cena who I thought did fantastic, all things considered. I'd be cool with seeing him host again in the future. I think it's just that with the Tom Hanks episode and Dave Chapelle episode, I just feel kind of spoiled in a way. Man, this season has been pretty great, hasn't it? I enjoyed the Hook a Hunk thing. At first I thought it was going to be a lame rehash of the "And she's my daughter..." one from earlier in the season (or was it late last season...I don't remember) but then I saw how it went and it got pretty great. I also liked the Beck and Kyle characters getting all lovestruck then Mikey's character like "Uhhh.....so can I go now?" So baby brother Affleck is hosting next week? Should be interesting at least. You know, I feel like there should be a rule that Christmas episodes should be hosted by either former cast members (I HATE Cast Reunion Episodes normally, but they're a little less obnoxious and annoying during Christmastime) or a Friend of the Show (i.e. Baldwin, Hanks, Stone, Goodman, Timberlake, etc.) I wonder if Ben will pop by. As for the Football Player in Science sketch, I wish they had gone the "he's actually really really smart but you all dumb things down too much for him because you're too afraid of your jobs being in jeopardy if he ends up not doing well" like a perfect opportunity would've been when Vanessa's character was stumbling over her answer for that scientific equation. I thought it would've been pretty great if he ends up answering it, surprising everybody (but maybe I just like subversive humor like that).