(Image via Facebook. I love SNL bumpers regardless of who is featured in them, even though they're ridiculously Photoshopped, everyone always looks so nice.)
As I'm sure everyone and their grandmothers knew (and, I mean that ... didn't every grandmother know about this?), Betty White hosted SNL after Facebook users petitioned for the 88-year-old television icon to appear on the show. Expectations were high for the show, and, unlike most of the lackluster episodes this season, the show was funny from beginning to end.
One fact that's been proven this evening: Betty White could probably describe everything in the Kama Sutra and it would be inappropriate and hilarious. When she said such words and phrases as "Lez it up," "balls," "dust muffin," "Trojan" and more, it was just so insane and delightful.
Granted, it got a little silly with the sketches (even though I enjoyed Betty as Macgruber's grandma, one sketch would have been enough). But, with Betty's perfect balance of both deadpan and heartfelt line delivery, she could save even the weakest sketches.
Even though I'm not a fan of rap music, I was utterly captivated by Jay-Z's performance. He actually performs live, without a backing track (and, obviously, he would never use Auto Tune) and never misses a beat, very impressively. His backup singer, Bridget Kelly, is a great substitute for Alicia Keys, seamlessly singing her part on "Empire State of Mind." Plus, his dedicated to Betty at the end of "Young Forever" was sweet.
I'm upset the Vince Offer (ShamWow guy) joke didn't get more laughs, since, after all, the Internet loves Vince, and the Internet helped to put this show together. Plus, the CSI: Miami sunglasses/YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! meme is on the show. For anyone, like me, who watches too much TV and spends too much too much time on the Internet, it's like a cornucopia of awesome.
In all of the interviews she did before the show, Betty explained how nervous she was about doing the show. However, I think she really brought a fantastic energy to the show. The writers knew how to effectively utilize their host (this is something they have had problems with this season, especially with Ryan Reynolds), and I think they did a great job. The former female SNL castmembers (Rachel Dratch, Tina Fey, Ana Gasteyer, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph and Molly Shannon) didn't play as big of a role as Betty, but it was nice to see them again. SNL proved that they can remain relevant and funny.
As if there was any doubt about Betty's legacy in entertainment, she proved tonight that she can tackle anything (and, based on that Digital Short, anyone!) and remain relevant and hilarious no matter her age. I am glad such a random Internet movement helped to bring audiences such a hilarious show, and brought Betty a new career highlight. Any entertainer should aspire to be as wonderful and timeless as Betty. As this Facebook group says, The Internet should pick who hosts SNL more often.
The only Debbie Downer? Well, the lack of Debbie Downer! Plus, there was a rumor of a Golden Girls sketch that was likely cut during dress rehearsal. Yet, even without those moments, this will go down as a high point for this generation of SNL and its fans.
Haven't watched SNL in years, but it seemed like it was a good show. What was all that controversy about deleted scenes I saw around the Internets the last couple of days?
ReplyDelete