S40.E07: Cameron Diaz / Bruno Mars & Mark Ronson

[formerlyfreedom]

Host Cameron Diaz; Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars perform

 

 

[VCRTracking]

If they can come up with a sketch that will top Jingleheimer Junction I'll be happy.

[Miss Scarlet]

I'm predicting a Girlfriends Talk Show sketch, although I hope they don't do one.

[Princess Sparkle]

I wonder if we would possibly get a Cougar Den sketch.  I'm guessing Casey probably originated it, but considering Cameron used to come back to the show just do it for other hosts, they could write one with the current female cast members.  For someone who's hosted multiple times, I can't really think of another recurring sketch she has.

 

What I am unreasonably excited is Bruno Mars.  He always brings his A-game when performing on SNL, he always sounds fantastic, and his new song is insanely catchy.

[helenamonster]

I'm predicting a Girlfriends Talk Show sketch, although I hope they don't do one.

 

Ugh, you're probably right. It's getting weirdly easy to predict when they're going to do certain recurring bits (I had a feeling they would do Last Call with Woody and whaddaya know). Someone really needs to take this sketch out back and shoot it in the head. But it comes in handy when they're out of other ideas, so that's a pipe dream.

 

As long as she doesn't sing. I know she's coming to promote Annie, but please, SNL, show some restraint. I can't even tell if they're actively trolling people with it, or if they're completely unaware of how tired it's getting, but either way, it needs to stop.

[vb68]

 

I wonder if we would possibly get a Cougar Den sketch.

 

 

See, I was thinking Girlfriends' Talkshow specifically because Cougar's Den is probably unlikely without Amy (and maybe Maya) around.  But who knows.  Those two could possibly turn up and return the favor for Cameron showing up for them on occasion.  

[helenamonster]

Promos:

 

[Primetimer]

Her Justin Timberlake walk-on years are probably behind her...or are they?

Read the story

[cpcathy]

Promos were good, I hope the show is as funny. Bruno Mars is a teeny tiny sized man but he's so cute!

[Galileo908]

Cold Open: Schoolhouse Rock is here to explain how a bill dies in congress these days. Although a sketch explaining how there actually IS an immigration bill in congress right now, but the Republicans just won't vote on it because they just want to blame it on Obama. That might've justified the whole "let's shove an innocent bill down the Capitol Hill steps" thing.

 

Monologue: Ah, a "Q&A From Fake Audience Members" monologue. Definitely a break from all those damn songs. Of course the best question came from Leslie Jones.

 

Back Home Baller: "Twin Bed" sequel! I definitely relate to the awkward questions from neighbors. And once again Leslie Jones was the best. I still think the first "Twin Bed" short was better.

 

Annie: "My name is Jamie Foxx, I mean Daddy Warbucks." Here's the requisite "Annie" sketch, and Leslie Jones is the perfect Annie. I'll admit I choked on my own laughter at that reveal. Jay as Jamie Foxx looked so much like Eddie Murphy I thought it was really Eddie.
 

Nest-Spresso: This would be horrifying if it wasn't so adorable. I liked how Vanessa didn't know how it worked, only that it incubates chicken eggs as long as you don't put them in upside-down. It's really one of the most useless products I've ever seen. Which, of course, makes it such a great bit.

 

Whispers of America: "So which one's your daughter?" "I'd rather not say." With their background in theater, I'm sure that several castmembers have either seen or been a part of weird productions like this.

 

WU: "For more on this immigration story, bring this up to your grandfather on Thanksgiving." Kate McKinnon is always gold. And I'll admit, I laughed a lot at Taran as Charles Manson.

 

Mr. Patterson: The Baby Boss is back! Always appreciate Kenan & Sasheer trying to keep a straight face.

 

Dr. Dave & Buggles Animal Hour: Heh, it's like Brian Fellow, except more depressing. I think the monkey escape should've happened earlier in the sketch. But then again, the long drawn-out lament of Kenan kinda distracted us from that. I think this just went on a little too long.

 

Good Neighbor: This was silly, and pretty realistic. I can relate.

 

Poetry: We've seen this character before, I just know it. I've had a few English teachers that were like her.

 

Night Murmurs: It's like the Porn Stars are back at work. This was so freaking weird but I loved it. Loved Kate in this.

 

I thought this episode was simply "okay," which is pretty good. I thought it lost some steam after update, but I think it was due to the lack of Leslie Jones.

 

Did anyone else listen to the second song and think of "Too hot in the hot tub!" the entire time?

[Bees]

That was actually a very interesting episode. 

 

First, I just want to say that the musical guest was fantastic. I really like that "Uptown Funk" song and then the sheer WTF of seeing Mystikal in the second performance was pretty hilariously insane. It also helps that he did a hell of a job too. 

 

Also, this show gave us two things that were sorely lacking in several episodes past -- a non-singing monologue and an actually good Weekend Update. I thought the jokes were fairly on point and Angela Merkel is always fun to come across on Update. I didn't care too much for the Charles Manson bit but I liked that he lied about what he was jailed for. 

 

Back Home Baller was pretty funny. It ain't no Twin Bed. However, I loved the license plate that said "YR GRLS" and the appearance of Jeanne. That was a nice touch. Leslie probably had the best part of it. 

 

Whispers of America is basically everybody's theater department in high school. That perfect mixture of pretentiousness and naivete was basically every high school. Kenan and Vanessa were the best part of the sketch. 

 

I enjoyed seeing Baby Boss again mostly just the idea of them having a baby (which I sincerely hope turns out to be a baby with the body of an old man or an adult) and then Kenan accidentally calling him Baby Boss then running away. I liked the twist of the Poetry Teacher where it's not a student that is coming onto her but instead it's her friend who gives this graphic poem about her love for the UPS man. Seeing the student's reactions was great. 

 

All in all, a pretty solid show. While there was no Jingleheimer Junction caliber of amazing sketches, it was still probably one of the better shows this season. 

[helenamonster]

Cold Open: Best cold open of the season so far. They finally deviated from the usual script and tried something original. It definitely paid off, I thought it was awesome.

 

Monologue: At least she didn't sing.

 

Back Home Baller: ALERT ALERT THE SEQUEL TO TWIN BED IS HERE ALERT ALERT. Okay, it wasn't as spectacular as the original, but it still retained the relatable-ness of going home for the holidays, and it was fun!

 

Black Annie: Meh. I liked the part when they were singing "Hard-Knock Life" and added the line, "I want an iPhone 6, this is a modern twist." I'm not necessarily against a modernized version of Annie, but the trailer is just so "omg look at us being so moderrrnnnn."

 

Nest-Spresso: I didn't get it? Idk what product they were parodying. I guess an espresso machine? But was it a specific one?

 

Theater Showcase: If you did theater in high school, you participated in one of these embarrassing "social commentary" pieces. We even had those exact same black boxes. Kudos to them on the blocking, I'm sure that was difficult.

 

Weekend Update: Kate's Angela Merkel is the best thing about any show she appears on. Charles Manson and his fiance (yuck yuck yuck!) was ok. I know Manson could get shouty crackers back in his heyday, but he's, what, 80-something now? Idk, it just feels like they dressed Taran up as present-day Manson but he was being more '70s Manson. Idk, he just didn't nail down the creep factor enough. But I did laugh at how the fiance thought he was serving a life-sentence for tax evasion.

 

Baby Boss: Ok, this is how you do a recurring character. You move them around and put them in different scenarios. This sketch got a fresh life with Baby Boss interacting with his wife. I always laugh at this because Beck has totally mastered the babyness.

 

Dr. Dave and Buggles' Animal Hour: I didn't pay attention to anything that was said because MONKEYS. Something about Kenan getting his dick ripped off? Who cares? MONKEYS.

 

Good Neighbor: Eh, too similar to the other one with this character. Still 100% on point, though.

 

Mrs. Meadows: Ross is a lil bitch. And I got a kick out of Mrs. Meadows saying, "I really feel like I know that show now" about Friends in 2014.

 

Night Murmurs: I pretty much live in 10-to-1 land so I thought this was great. Just all the weird things they wanted them to do. And I thought it was very clever when Cameron said, "You must be over 18, but under 6 inches" implying that men who are...smaller...would have lower self-esteem and do just about anything to have phone sex with these women. Very funny.

 

Honestly, I thought this was the best show of the season. It kept me engaged the whole time, I laughed out loud at multiple sketches...idk, I thought it was great. And this is the most we've seen Kate all season. Coincidence? I think not.

 

Also, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson were easily the best musical guests of the season so far. Their performances were just so fun! And I appreciate anyone who can make that teeny tiny stage look so big.

[opus]

"Now do one about the FedEx guy"

[vb68]

I thought the show started off very strong but sled downward after update.

 

 

but the Republicans just won't vote on it because they just want to blame it on Obama.

 

I love the concept of the CO because "I'm Just a Bill" ROCKS, but yeah it seriously bugged me that they gave the Republicans a complete pass on it.  But I guess that's one for the critics who always moan that they never go after Obama.

 

I'm not sure that monologue was any better than the singing ones.  Everything screamed afterthought.  They did fake me out with Bobby, though, as I was sure he was going to start singing.

 

Yay to the callback to Jean in the Ballers song!  And Leslie Jones just makes everything better with her energy.  Love her.

 

Kate did wonders in making Colin seem more animated with that German kiss. But I thought Charles Manson was hella awkward, and I don't think they knew what to do with the character other than having him there.  I think Colin should have been FREAKED that he was next to Charles Manson.  Just saying.  Rare dud from Taran.  Where the hell is Jebidiah? 

 

And is Colin going to be getting all the guests now?  I don't think Che did any last week either.  I won't read into that (yet)even though I am very tempted.

 

Speaking of being freaked out, I think Kenan should have ran off or something at the end of the animal sketch.  It would have sold it more for me.

 

And I know I shouldn't think too much about the "rules" of the Baby Boss sketch, but if he knows other people shouldn't chew on plates and whatnot, it does make me wonder, does he just sometimes have the brain of a baby and other times not?   I know, I know.  I guess the physical comedy and absurdity of it isn't enough for me not to start questioning the details.

 

They are riding high on the musical guests.  Three for three in the past three shows, and I usually care less about them.

Edited November 23, 2014 by vb68

[MarquisDeCarabas]

 I found Michael Che's (what I assume was an ad-lib) about how he always wanted to tell Cosby to pull his pants up to be kind of fascinating. One of things that's sort of popped up again, is Cosby's tendency to side against African Americans when it comes to racial inequality.

 

This is probably one of the reasons why Hannibal Buress brought the whole thing back into light and I'm guessing it's something of a sore point with Che as well.

[Dancingjaneway]

This was one of those episodes where I actually would have liked the musical guest to have a 3rd number. I only liked the sequel to Twin Bed, Kate as Angela Merkel, and some of the Annie sketch. I wish Michael Che had kept his Bill Cosby commentary to just the "pull YOUR pants up" joke. The whole mentioning of him forgiving Michael Richards was just stupid. What Michael Richards did was in NO way close to what Bill Cosby  is accused of doing. Also ever since the whole catcalling situation with Michael Che it's hard to enjoy him. 

[tomsmom]

They should have ended the monkey skit with a dong hitting the exit sign!!

Edited November 23, 2014 by tomsmom

[niklj]

The only stand-out moment for me tonight was when Kenan was left with no one to hug but himself at the end credits. It was an "aw" moment.

 

Feel so bad every time they have a game host and the material just does not live up to their energy.

Edited November 23, 2014 by niklj

[ruby24]

I thought the show started off very strong but sled downward after update.

 

 

I love the concept of the CO because "I'm Just a Bill" ROCKS, but yeah it seriously bugged me that they gave the Republicans a complete pass on it.  But I guess that's one for the critics who always moan that they never go after Obama.

 

I'm not sure that monologue was any better than the singing ones.  Everything screamed afterthought.  They did fake me out with Bobby, though, as I was sure he was going to start singing.

 

Yay to the callback to Jean in the Ballers song!  And Leslie Jones just makes everything better with her energy.  Love her.

 

Kate did wonders in making Colin seem more animated with that German kiss. But I thought Charles Manson was hella awkward, and I don't think they knew what to do with the character other than having him there.  I think Colin should have been FREAKED that he was next to Charles Manson.  Just saying.  Rare dud from Taran.  Where the hell is Jebidiah? 

 

And is Colin going to be getting all the guests now?  I don't think Che did any last week either.  I won't read into that (yet)even though I am very tempted.

 

Speaking of being freaked out, I think Kenan should have ran off or something at the end of the animal sketch.  It would have sold it more for me.

 

And I know I shouldn't think too much about the "rules" of the Baby Boss sketch, but if he knows other people shouldn't chew on plates and whatnot, it does make me wonder, does he just sometimes have the brain of a baby and other times not?   I know, I know.  I guess the physical comedy and absurdity of it isn't enough for me not to start questioning the details.

 

They are riding high on the musical guests.  Three for three in the past three shows, and I usually care less about them.

 

I actually think the show has taken up a completely right wing point of view this season when it comes to Obama jokes. Which, I really don't understand. Remember when they endorsed the mishandling of the "ebola crisis" as though it was a huge scandal, deserving of panic? Um, yeah, not seeing a ton of ebola panic now are we, maybe because it was ridiculous to begin with.

 

The thing about the right wing POV is that it always has to leave out these things called facts, which means the premise of the jokes are always false. So, why are they doing that?

Edited November 23, 2014 by ruby24

[mtlchick]

Uptown Funk did two things: 1) made me download it (first time I heard it which NEVER happens) and 2) made me wish Bruno would host again.

I only saw up to WU but it was a mixed bag. The monologue was flat and the Annie onehad a few good lines. The theatre one was certainly strange but I give them crediton the direction. There was a lot of movement in that so I bet camera blocking took a long time.

[EtheltoTillie]

The only stand-out moment for me tonight was when Kenan was left with no one to hug but himself at the end credits. It was an "aw" moment.

 

Feel so bad every time they have a game host and the material just does not live up to their energy.

I noticed that too! Kenan is so hilarious. Go back and watch his stunned look during the teacher sketch. No one can open his eyes as wide.

[peeayebee]

Loved both musical numbers, particularly the first. He just does the best choreography. Plus, of course, the music is catchy. I can't say I understood all the words, mainly in the second song, but this is one of the rare times when I was looking forward to the musical performances.

 

I'm not a Cameron Diaz hater, but I didn't really enjoy her appearance here. I guess she did what she needed to do in the sketches.

 

I didn't like the Cold Open. Obama pushing the bill down the stairs? What the? I did enjoy all the noises and comments that Kenan made as he fell down the stairs. I also liked when Bobby appeared as the Executive Order, smoking a cigarette and sporting that attitude. But the gist of the CO was questionable.

 

Back Home Baller was fun. Leslie was outstanding, but everyone was great.

 

Nest-spresso was weird, but I liked the performances. 

 

I also liked the experimental theatre sketch. The play seemed just like something high school students would put on. The staging was really good, too, and I was impressed with the cast. I liked that Kenan was only focused on the boxes.

 

I didn't enjoy Angela Merkel as much as previous times, but I did like her line, "I bet HIS Keystone Pipeline is XL."

 

I always love Baby Boss, and it was great seeing him in a different environment. I never tire of seeing Beck absolutely nail how a toddler moves and acts.

 

I was disappointed in the animal sketch. Penis penis penis. Great. Also, the closeup of the Exit sign that was weird. What was the point? It did make you think that we'd see something hit it.

 

I kind of liked the phone sex commercial, mainly for Kate's character. She was more goofy than Cecily's or Cameron's.

[Ms Blue Jay]

I tuned in 10 minutes late but I found it painful and uneven.  I tuned out after awhile to watch Gilmore Girls.  I also really did not like Bruno's first song.  I'm going to try to watch the whole thing later today.  I have to say it was a disappointment after Woody and Jim.

Edited November 23, 2014 by Ms Blue Jay

[Fostersmom]

This was one of those episodes where I actually would have liked the musical guest to have a 3rd number. I only liked the sequel to Twin Bed, Kate as Angela Merkel, and some of the Annie sketch. I wish Michael Che had kept his Bill Cosby commentary to just the "pull YOUR pants up" joke. The whole mentioning of him forgiving Michael Richards was just stupid. What Michael Richards did was in NO way close to what Bill Cosby  is accused of doing. Also ever since the whole catcalling situation with Michael Che it's hard to enjoy him. 

 

Right? I in no way believe Richards only used the N-word that one time in his life, but him screaming it once on stage somehow being as forgivable as Cosby having a string of women accusing him of rape over a 40 year span is just incredulous. But then, Che's remarks on women kind of lead me to believe he does see the two events as somehow equatable. I wish they had let Lezlie do one of her commentary bits on the subject instead or even had Kenan do his impression and address him that way. I've long since thought Bill Cosby is an ass and not funny, and unlike a good percentage of the country, I had actually heard about the rape settlement and the other accusers a long, long time ago, but he's in "untouchable" level of older celebrity who's fame is built on their much funnier past (I'm looking at you Mary Tyler Moore and Carol Burnett). 

[Chit Chat]

I didn't like the Cold Open. Obama pushing the bill down the stairs? What the?

 

I liked it.  It's nice to see this administration get called on it's shit for a change. As for the rest of the show, I skipped about half of it.  Some of it just wasn't funny, IMO.  Bruno Mars was the best part of it.  He's an awesome performer.

[DrivingSideways]

General notes - I like Michael Che & Colin Jost as WU hosts, although I liked Cecily Strong also.  And I'm so happy they pulled Leslie Jones out into the main cast, she's really talented.

 

As a conservative (don't throw anything at me), I am glad that SNL is finally calling the Obama administration on some of it's crap.  I've been laughing along at the jokes on Republicans for years, so it's only fair that we get a few too :-)

 

Bruno Mars is an amazing performer, but everybody on that stage gave 110% during both musical numbers!  Loved it and can't wait for Mark Ronson's album to come out!

[theatremouse]

I didn't think the bit was very good, and I also think it'd have been better if Che stopped after "pull up YOUR pants". That said, I thought the point was he said he forgave Kramer, not Richards. I thought it was strongly implied he had no intention of forgiving either performer, but basically, had gotten to the point where he could still watch episodes of Seinfeld without it being completely ruined for him by presence of the actor. I thought that was gist. That now Cliff Huxtable, who many people have known for a long time is not remotely like Cosby himself, was now ruined and that's sad because that family was so meaningful to him in the past. I mean, it was a WU joke, so maybe I'm analyzing it too much, but I really thought it was pointedly about being able to watch the character without the horrible real person portraying the character tainting it. Now whether that's a good thing to want to do is debatable, but I didn't think he was saying either real person were redeemable.

[peeayebee]

That's how I took it, too. 

 

BTW, esp at the beginning, I thought Taran's Charles Manson sounded like his Matthew McConaughey. Also, I think this was the first time Taran couldn't make something funny. I just watched a clip embedded at the AV Club of a sketch from the Ben Stiller Show where Bob Odenkirk plays Manson. Very funny.

[Dejana]

The high school theater sketch made me think of recent interview where Jaden and Willow Smith shared their "deep thoughts" with the world. Teenagers who spout pretentiousness and think they have all the answers are so cute.

My favorite part of Back Home Baller was the awkward exchange with the neighbor. Definitely been there, ouch.

Also been there with being asked a completely stupid question, but soon realizing that it's just easier to answer it and keep on going. Really glad they added Leslie to the cast.

[vb68]

 

or even had Kenan do his impression and address him that way.

 

 

I think Kenan has always cited Cosby as his mentor, so I doubt that will happen.  I would applaud Kenan if he actually took a few swipes at him.

 

 

ETA:   

 

My favorite part of Back Home Baller was the awkward exchange with the neighbor. Definitely been there, ouch.

 

It's always a whole thing with Jean.  :)

Edited November 23, 2014 by vb68

[Katmai]

 

First, I just want to say that the musical guest was fantastic. I really like that "Uptown Funk" song and then the sheer WTF of seeing Mystikal in the second performance was pretty hilariously insane. It also helps that he did a hell of a job too.

YES, YES, YES! to this!!!! I didn't know who Mark Ronson was but I do now and will have to download his music. Bruno always brings it. The first song was just so lively, happy...and I never describe songs like that, but I couldn't sit still during it because it was awesome. Mystikal did great on the second song, too, although I didn't know that was him (had only heard of him before). Can they be the musical guests every week? I'd love that.

[Lakewood27]

ETA:   

It's always a whole thing with Jean.  :)

Hahahaha!

[Princess Sparkle]

Nest-Spresso: I didn't get it? Idk what product they were parodying. I guess an espresso machine? But was it a specific one?

Taran mentioned the actual machine quickly in the sketch - they were doing a parody on a Nespresso machine. Penelope Cruz used to do the commercials, and I swear, every Crate and Barrell I've ever entered tries to get me to try a cup of Nespresso.

Before I can even get into the content of the sketches, I have to say: That is how you do a musical performance! Other musical guests should take notes, because Bruno Mars always kills it.

I have to say, I've always really liked Cameron Diaz in general, so I was predisposed to like the show anyway, but I did like the majority of the sketches. Annie was my favorite of the night, even though I think Jay sort of lost his Jamie Foxx impression throughout. Leslie Jones has just been a fantastic addition to the cast.

I also really enjoyed Whisper Theater and The Good Neighbor short, just because they rang so true - I feel like I've seen both that play, and that fight. The "Twin Bed" sequel was great too.

My only complaint - there has been a serious lack of my SNL boyfriend Bobby this season. I'm gonna need a lot more Bobby over the rest of the season.

Edited November 23, 2014 by Princess Sparkle

[cpcathy]

Fun show! I enjoyed all the sketches, glad Leslie seems to have gotten her mojo back. Sasheer still does nothing for me. Love Baby Boss, I even liked the UPS poem. It seemed a good use of the entire cast. And hey, WU is funny! "If you want more on the immigration topic, bring it up to your grandfather at Thanksgiving." And agree on Bruno Mars as a performer, he's just sooo entertaining. I hoped he would pop up in a sketch, perhaps they are saving it for a second hosting gig.

[hendersonrocks]

I felt like these last two episodes have been the strongest of the season thus far, so am hoping that's a sign of things to come. One thing that jumped out to me last night was that it felt like more of a female-driven show--it felt like the guys were more often than not side characters to the main event. Or maybe it was closer to 50-50, but that in and of itself felt unusual? I dunno.

 

But still: WE NEED MORE BOBBY. 

 

Other random thoughts:

• Bruno Mars is magic on stage. He sets the bar really fucking high for any other musical performer.
• That monologue was absolutely terrible. 
• Leslie Jones is the real deal and Kate McKinnon is gold.
• I was probably overly excited that Jean made a cameo in Ballers. Love that little but meaningful callback.
• Glad they said something about Cosby, and all things considered they probably did an okay job of handling it. (And I agree that Che wasn't comparing Cosby's actions to Richards's. They both suck hard, but Cosby...shudder.)
• I am not at all, in any way shape or form, looking forward to James Franco.

Edited November 23, 2014 by hendersonrocks

[helenamonster]

And I know I shouldn't think too much about the "rules" of the Baby Boss sketch, but if he knows other people shouldn't chew on plates and whatnot, it does make me wonder, does he just sometimes have the brain of a baby and other times not?   I know, I know.  I guess the physical comedy and absurdity of it isn't enough for me not to start questioning the details.

 

I don't think he realizes that his body is like a baby's. Like he's got all the mental faculties of a grown man, except for the fact that he has no sense of self, like a baby. So when he chewed on the plate, I don't think he realized he was doing it, but he noticed when Kenan was doing it and the adult part of his brain told him that it was weird behavior. If that makes any sense. Idk, I try not to read too much into it. It really is just the best kind of silliness.

[vb68]

 

Like he's got all the mental faculties of a grown man, except for the fact that he has no sense of self, like a baby.

 

 

That actually makes a lot of sense. Thanks.   I knew I was thinking about it too much.

[Samsnee]

They need to find a better studio audience. There were legitimately funny skits last night like the high school play, and there wasn't a peep from the studio. Sometimes I think they're only there to cheer the random celebrity cameo.

[editorgrrl]

Dr. Dave & Buggles Animal Hour: Heh, it's like Brian Fellow, except more depressing.

How in the hell did anyone think this was a good idea?!

Edited November 23, 2014 by editorgrrl

[vb68]

Apparently they cut Pete from the opening as Obamacare.

 

 

How in the hell did anyone think this was a good idea?!

 

 

Yeah, I didn't think that one was very good at all.  It was a very weak Brian Fellow ripoff without any sort of payoff when the monkey escaped.

Edited November 23, 2014 by vb68

[Princess Sparkle]

I didn't like the sketch as a whole, but Keenan describing how the monkey fell back like Nolan Ryan and then chucked his nuts at the Exit sign cracked me up. Just the way he got into it, and Keenan barely keeping it together, just made me lose it.

Edited November 24, 2014 by Princess Sparkle

[ruby24]

I don't think it was fair to make it seem like the executive order stops a bill from being passed. It doesn't. At all. That's the whole point- they could pass the bill TODAY if they wanted to.

 

If the writers don't know that, they clearly didn't do their research. That was weak.

[imjagain]

Bruno Mars!

[opus]

I had heard the Michael Che line earlier in the week. I just don't remember where.

[mtlchick]

 

I had heard the Michael Che line earlier in the week. I just don't remember where.

 

 

Probably from several fake and real news outlets by now.  

[opus]

Did some googling, and turns out it was Bill Maher on Real Time.

[Traveller519]

Normally I don't like when the show relies to heavily on recurring sketches, which this one had in spades. Ur Girls, Boss Baby, Chris Fitzpatrick, and Miss Meadows all came back for at least their second tour. But I loved each one of those sketches on this week's show, and I'd say Miss Meadows hit a high point for its run. The other's didn't quite, but were better than what we usually see in the exact same format. Little things like moving Boss Baby out of the office, or brining in a grown adult to read poetry in Miss Meadow's class made a lot of difference.

 

High School Theatre was the best sketch of the night, and it seemed to me like Beck and Kyle were probably heavily involved in that one, it seemed right up their alley, and if so, Congrats putting out some great live sketch material guys. Nest-spresso really looked to be a Mike O'brien joint to me. I wish he could have been in it. Vanessa's "I don't know"s were delivered so perfectly.

 

I agree that this was the best update of the season, but it was Kate's weakest outing as Merkel. That said, nearly kissing Colin saved it, and showed off some of his Charisma. I really wanted Che to go into a full Cosby rant. I think he has real things to say there that wouldn't go over so well on the network.

 

And finally, the Cold Open, this was the second week in a row where they came up with a fun and original way to handle the week's news. Kudos, political writers. 

[ChromaKelly]

Cold Open - I was excited about a Schoolhouse Rock spoof, but it didn't quite do it for me. The skit seemed to imply that Obama is the one killing the bill. Should have been a Republican leader pushing the bill down the stairs. I did love Bobby as the executive order. I agree with the poster who said this show Needs More Bobby.

Ballers - Loved it. Yay for seeing Jean again! Not as good as Twin Bed but it was pretty funny. I liked Leslie with the bowls. I've been in that house.

Nest Spresso - Has chicken fever hit your circle of friends? It has mine. I could oddly relate to this. Vanessa's "I don't know" was great.

Annie - Did not work for me.

High School Theater - Yes! I've sat through this.

 

WU - Happy to see Angela Merkel. Really not digging Michael Che anymore.

Phone sex girls - Kate was the best part of it.

[helenamonster]

Normally I don't like when the show relies to heavily on recurring sketches, which this one had in spades. Ur Girls, Boss Baby, Chris Fitzpatrick, and Miss Meadows all came back for at least their second tour. But I loved each one of those sketches on this week's show, and I'd say Miss Meadows hit a high point for its run. The other's didn't quite, but were better than what we usually see in the exact same format. Little things like moving Boss Baby out of the office, or brining in a grown adult to read poetry in Miss Meadow's class made a lot of difference.

 

This how I felt too. Usually a show that relies this heavily on recurring bits (and there were a lot) gets on my nerves, but all of them oddly worked for me. It was just nice to see that the writers know how to do recurring characters without sticking to the same cookie-cutter formula.

 

I think my favorite thing about Back Home Ballers (besides the neighbors asking questions; I can so relate to that, especially being in college and the only question you get is "so what are you doing after graduation?" to which "be unemployed, probably" is apparently not an appropriate answer) was the wifi password. I know I've been there, spending a half hour trying to get on the internet because I keep miscounting the seventeen 0s at the beginning.

[potatoradio]

"They moved all those boxes for THAT?"

 

Funniest line of the night to me - KT and VB made that sketch with their reactions. KT also made the poetry class work with his reaction shot. Best I've seen KT in a long time.