RATINGS UPDATE: From Tom Shales of Washington Post: "Based on Nielsen overnight ratings from 56 metered markets, "SNL's" season finale -- hosted by actor Steve Carell -- scored better than any show on any network in prime time that night. The 5.4 rating/13 share (roughly 6 1/2 million viewers) was also the best showing for an "SNL" season finale in three years. This was, of course, an abnormal season, with the writers' strike shortening it by five shows and some episodes being run twice in the same month.
Steve Carell hosted Saturday Night Live, the finale to a season of highs and lows. Carell opened the show with a funny spoof of graduation... and just plan bad name choices. This is great for Carell. His dry wit and humor seem to have found a loyal audience, including the limited TV hit "The Office".
The show, which was to include a guest appearance by Republican John McCain and musical performance by Usher, got off to a good start.
Carell's opening monologue included an appearance by his wife Nancy is sure to be a YouTube hit. It's Carell... a bit whacky thanks to six Red Bulls, he said.
Now to the political satire that could have made a rough season great... The split screen mockery of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama speeches delivered a pointed veiled commentary on the messages from both candidates. By the way, if you haven't checked out 'SNL Elections 2008', you should. Here are quick thoughts on other skits:
Deal or No Deal - mediocre at best. 'Deal' is fading in popularity. It clearly doesn't warrant a prime spot in a show that can (and should) reflect pop culture... with a bit of commentary.
Karaoke Night - another mediocre skit. Carell is the saving grace to both of the first skits. It's just not memorable TV.
SNL Digital Short - A Japanese (true original) version of "The Office"... starring the same cast of the American version. The cast speaks Japanese. True fans of the Thursday night show on NBC might have loved this skit. I have to say, I find the show funny in short bits. But, this skit too will be another viral video hit.
John McCain 2008 - McCain made his cameo here. The gaydar bit of the skit was the funniest... 'best left to state and local government'. Otherwise, McCain's script was a bit dry. Combine that with McCain's dry delivery... and you don't have the engaging appearances by Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee earlier in the season.
Usher performs - Nice. He knows he's hot right now.
Weekend Update - This is almost always my favorite part of the show. The first story was great. John Edwards officially endorsed himself for vice president when he endorsed Barack Obama. John McCain made another appearance. LOL. This was funnier than his '2008' speech earlier. He encouraged Democratc to not make a quick decision... "Imagine the excitement of leaving the convention and still not knowing who the nominee is." LOL. This was the best part of the show.
By the way... Amy Poehler is quickly working her way up the list of all time favorite females on this show.
The Charlie Flitt Show - Carell was pretty funny here, including the take off on Ellen DeGeneres dancing and the endless popping through the overweight image.
New CPR Guidelines - not a fan of blood skits.
Bless This Child - cute, worth a chuckle. Again, Carell made the clip with his style of humor.
The highs and lows that I mentioned include a strong start to this season, thanks to the heated political race. Then the writers strike brought what could have been a great season to a halt. The season re-started in late February with a few highlights. But the second half of the broken season was marred by only a few new episodes.
OTHER 'SNL' POSTS: Ashton Kutcher Hosts SNL, Ellen Page Hosts SNL, The Right Season for SNL - Clinton on SNL March 1 - Return After Writers' Strike - Brian Williams and Barack Obama on SNL
While You're Here...
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