The hip-hop star exceeded expectations while pulling double duty.
Happy Saturday, Conehead Nation!
Once again, welcome toSNLin Review.
Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images
Over the course of the show,36 musicianshave pulled double duty as host and musical guest.
Tonight, a new artist joins them:Megan Thee Stallion.
They performed the song “Handsome.”
She was a full on musical guest for the season 46 premiere onOct.
So, she is familiar with 8H to say the least.
Pulling double duty is a special feat and a challenging gig.
I recently spoke with former cast member Jerry Minor.
Usually, doing the dual hosting is pretty tough.
I was there when Jennifer Lopez did it.
She was complaining the whole time.
‘Now I have tosing?!
Now I have to be inanothersketch?!’
He adds, “It’s such a hard show to do, to do a live show.
You get out of a sketch, they’re taking something and putting something on you.
And you go, ‘Oh, that’s the next one?’
‘Oh, that whole chunk’s gone now?’
It’s that fast.”
Let’s dive headfirst into the deep end of the pool, and see how the show fares.
Cheney acknowledges that Republicans aren’t watching, and Democrats are nodding their heads so hard.
She has big Dick Cheney energy.
The wig is not flattering.
He introduces the Nancy Pelosi footage that went viral, which gives Chloe Fineman an opportunity to shine.
Sarah Sherman is playing Chuck Schumer that is inspired casting.
They both crush it.
I could enjoy this becoming a recurring bit.
We all remember Pelosi used to frequently be played by Kristen Wiig and thenKate McKinnon.
She’s also been impersonated by Cameron Diaz and Amy Poehler.
James Austin Johnson returns as Donald Trump it’s flawless as always.
“Is Mike Pence dead yet?”
Of course, this kind of sketch resembles the kind of cold open that the season premiere sketch mocked.
(They must quit the group LFNY though.
Whatever NBC intern is reading this, kindly highlight and bold this in your clips!)
There is more to her than meet’s the eye.
She then directs viewers to her mental health website: BADBITCHESHAVEBADDDAYSTOO.COM.
“Hot Girl Summer” was Megan’s first big hit back in 2019.
Funny whenA Black Lady Sketch Showpremiered on HBO it used “Hot Girl” in the opening title sequence.
Also funny: Megan loses an earring midway through the sketch and nonchalantly reattaches it.
The New York Timescalls it both empowering and regressive at the same time.
This is relatable and the raps are pretty funny and well done.
“Where are our friends?
Where have they gone?”
I like this more than the average Pete Davidson-Chris Redd rap video from last season.
Deer
A group of friends are visiting Kenan Thompson’s cabin.
They spot a cute deer eating in the woods, but Thompson, unfortunately, can’t see it.
He grows frustrated, they grow frustrated.
The deer eventually taunts Thompson.
“Everybody always messing with me,” he laments.
The deer eventually sneaks inside and pulls down his pants.
Kenan Thompson is DJ Willie.
Megan is the first guest she’s getting cheated on.
Instead of actual words of wisdom, a bunch of “Girl” exchanges are had.
It’s an unspoken, hilarious exchange.
Punkie Johnson is the next guest, she’s got anxiety about the world.
This time, helpful subtitles are provided.
The final guest is Andrew Dismukes.
He’s not getting it, so Megan intervenes.
Another solid effort I would love for Ego to bring this back.
At this point, it’s got that familiar quick banter and camera work.
Weekend Update
Colin JostandMichael Chediscuss Donald Trump, Herschel Walker, and Kanye West.
Che makes a dark joke about killing a dog.
It’s great to see Gardner back at the Update desk.
The past few episodes have allowed new cast members a chance to introduce themselves at the Update desk.
Tonight is Devon Walker’s turn.
He talks about moving to New York from Texas and asks the audience if he looks like a catcaller.
He lands most of his punchlines, and the crowd seems to like him.
But with a big ass, comes big responsibility.
“Any of you looking to not get a butt today, look our way,” says Heidi.
Their lack of booty is “actually spooky,” remarks Bowen Yang.
Some of the cues feel off here, but there’s a body positive message.
Megan Thee Stallion performs ‘NDA’ and ‘Plan B’
Kenan Thompson does the introduction this time.
A hard guitar lick kicks things off as Megan performs “NDA”, the first track onTraumazine.
Then she slides into “Plan B.”
This beat samples the “Freek’n You” remix by Jodeci.
She previewed the song during her performance at Coachella in April.
Women’s Charity
Important cause alarm!
Millions of single, chilly women are sitting in their drafty apartments right now and they need your help.
The designs are familiar: Patriots, Slipknot, and Dunder Mifflin.
Classroom
Ego Nwodim is inspiring a group of underachieving students.
“Sometimes it is the teachers who are dumb,” she concedes.
Ego was such a star tonight.
Final thoughts
Thought this had a good energy!
Despite being an amateur, Megan was more than capable, and anchored some goofy premises.
What did you think?
Sound off below orVOTE HERE NOW.
Thank you to Jerry Minor for his thoughts!
Not a ton of James Austin Johnson so far this season.
“Thank you to the hotties!”
