The stand-up comedian makes his SNL debut with musical guest Foo Fighters.
Horror comedy is an illusive brand of humor, lots of hits and a ton of misses.
I am joined tonight by former cast member Gary Kroeger.
Nate Bargatze hosts ‘SNL’.NBC
When I was on the show the best examples were George Carlin and Eddie Murphy.
Both transcended easy definitions, but they knew where the joke was no matter what they were doing.
And if a sketch were going south they had instincts to save it.
Don Rickles was another example.
I, I proudly recall, did not break character!"
Here’s hoping tonight’s show will be equally hilarious!
(And, maybe, include some scares.)
Let’s brace ourselves for more of this, with Donald Trump as the presumptive 2023 GOP nominee.
He is very bland, and has an “adult Black son” (Devon Walker).
Kroeger shares: “The new political impressions are rock solid!
As nuanced as ever.
Another surprise!Christopher Walkenshows up.
He is playing the Spirit of Halloween.
In South America, they maybe call him Papa Pumpkin.
This is his first appearance on the show since 2008!
Pretty interesting cold open.
A glimpse into the next year.
More on Day: It is tough to do a really fresh Biden, in my view.
Kroeger says: “I loved doing political figure impressions.
I developed imitations by listening to hook phrases.
But it’s more than just a voice, you also look for something to exploit in their personality.
With Teddy, sadly, it was his need to absolve himself of guilt.”
The crowd is into this episode.
Bargatze is a little nervous, but holds himself well.
This is obviously a breakthrough moment for him, and he delivers.
In previous eras of the show, bookers had to be more creative with their choices.
I recommend watching this monologue to get a sense why he’s become so popular.
Gary Kroeger says: “I loved Nate Bargatze the first time I saw him a few years ago.
He is the non comic, comic.
He is an Everyman who is not every man.
He is the upper echelon of working stand-ups even though his approach is very different.
“Chef Show”
Contestants visited a historic Black church to learn the origins of soul food.
A few years ago, Louis CK might have played Nate Bargatze’s part here.
He’s a white guy from Rhode Island.
“Hallmark Horror”
This fall, a chilling new vision of horror!
This trailer is essentiallyA Christmas PrincemeetsMama.
Hallmark has cornered the market on Christmas, now they are going after Halloween.
FormerSNLcast memberVictoria Jacksonweighs in that she is “LOVING SNL tonight!
Nate Barghazi did a smart, funny, great monologue and the first two sketches were excellent!”
Remember whenRussell Brand played George Washington?
(Fallon also played thefirst president on Update once.)
Kroeger says: “The cast seems to be more and more ensemble driven than in past years.
Molly Kearney is terrific.
Chloe Fineman is the emerging, if not already emerged, presence on the show.
In short, the show is in no short supply of new talent.”
Racism was handled funny in a couple of the sketches, the cooking show sketch.
Nate’s deadpan face and him staying in character really allows me to laugh.”
“Lake Beach”
This parody song is a direct concept from JAJ’s stand-up.
This music video still works, but I think that context makes the concept work even better.
Funny to seeDave Grohlhere.
Jackson says: “I have lived in Nashville 11 years now.
Lake Beach music video was spot on.”
This is barbed I like it!
It is taking shots, and Sherman is really funny channeling the quirkyNannystar-turned-labor leader.
This is a classic.
But let’s go a bit deeper.
I asked Gary for his thoughts, given he’s an actor and proud union man.
In terms of a comedy show, the obligation is to bring comedy to the screen.
But you also have to show solidarity to the union that protects you.
Nevertheless, that is the loophole, it is provided, so why not take it?
The question is, does this diminish the effectiveness of the strike?
Foo Fighters “Rescued”
Pretty cool to see Walken introduce the performance!
This throwback has a great energy.
The performance is powerful and vital, evoking the band’s classic material.
Kroeger ison the recordas a fan of the Foo Fighters.
And Dave Grohl holds a special place now in the pantheon of rock and roll.
He is an ambassador for all that came before yet stays on the cutting edge of modern audio relevance.
I think he is comfortable in his own skin.”
“Weekend Update”
Colin Josthas several funny jokes about new House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Sarah Sherman plays Jost’s agent, JJ Gordan.
Finally she gets some moments this season!
The other passengers volunteer their occupations and debate which job is harder.
This is very funny!
Chloe Troast plays a teacher.
She educated future lawyers and doctors!
Mikey Day and Heidi Gardner have great moments here.
Foo Fighters “The Glass”
This is a great ballad and H.E.R.
She was the musical guest back in 2020, when Adele hosted.
By the way, Kroeger enjoyed seeing Mick Jagger on the show last week.
He says: “Mick Jagger is the King of All Ambassadors of what came before yet remains relevant.
I love it.”
Final Thoughts
Well, what did you think?Vote hereor below!
Great episode, one of their best in long time.)
Interested in more words from me?
Do you love mid-aughtsSNL?
Check out my recent conversation withRob Riggle!
Thank you as always to Gary Kroeger!
just check outThe Gary & Kenny Showon YouTube and podcast platforms, alsowww.garyhasissues!
R.I.P.Friendsstar and former host Matthew Perry!
In a classy move,his death is acknowledged during the goodnights.
Check back for updates throughout the episode.
