Tag Archives: Usher

I’ll watch anything with Will Ferrell. Well, I’ll watch anything with Will Ferrell when he speaks English, as I haven’t yet had the opportunity to see Casa de Mi Padre, even though I’m almost certain he’s terrific in the film. Like almost everyone, I first became aware of Ferrell during his 7 year run as a cast member on SNL. He is arguably one of the best cast members of all time, and his post show success is unparalleled. He’s hosted twice previously, and I was looking forward to seeing him once again return to Studio 8-H as host of the show he once dominated. On one hand, I admired the attempt to try out new sketches rather than rely on old Ferrell classics (save for the Culp’s sketch with Ana Gasteyer back to reprise her role as Bobbi-Mohan Culp). But I have to admit that I could have used an Alex Trebek or James Lipton or Neil Diamond to spice things up. Thankfully, we did get an appearance by George W. Bush in a very amusing cold open featuring a jealous-of-the-attention-President-Obama-was-getting-because-of-the-gay-marriage-endorsement Joe Biden, hilariously portrayed by Jason Sudeikis. It was also a nice touch having Biden’s room decorated with a toy train set and posters of his home state of Delaware and Philadelphia Phillies legend Mike Schmidt.

It was also great to see the return of Will Forte and his clueless ESPN commentator character, Greg Stink.

The Weekend Update segment was above average with some pretty decent jokes, but Mollie felt that Seth’s take on the “Really?!” segment was easy and narrow-minded. That Time cover was ripe for a Kristen Wiig bit–not just another judgmental opinion.

Andy Samberg gets a lot of grief, but he will forever get a pass from me because of his “Get in the Cage” segment (also “Mark Wahlberg Talks to Animals”). Last night’s segment with Liam Neesen was another great one.

And of course, I can’t mention Andy Samberg without mentioning his Digital Shorts. Yes, he’s had some clunkers over the years, but the good shorts are exceptional. And the 100th Digital Short was one of the greats. Samberg is one of the cast members rumored to be leaving and if that’s the case, this was a nice way to go out.

Like I said, I admired the attempt at new sketches, but for the most part, the other new sketches (Broadway Sizzle, Funkytown Debate, Anniversary Party) were just average, and I was expecting a lot more from a powerhouse like Ferrell.

I enjoyed the first commercial parody but wish they would have spent more time on the goodbye segment rather than squeezing in the (previously aired) “Almost Pizza” commercial. Because of  the extra commercial parody sketch, we only got a brief goodbye from Will Ferrell. I was really looking forward to seeing Ana Gasteyer, Will Forte, and Usher, mingle with the rest of the cast.

Next week  is the season finale, and Mick Jagger is host and musical guest (with help from Arcade Fire, Foo Fighters and Jeff Beck). I really hope Jimmy Fallon shows up as well.