Teyana Taylor’s SNL Episode: A Mixed Bag of Political Commentary and Sketch Comedy
Teyana Taylor’s recent hosting stint on Saturday Night Live (SNL) showcased her undeniable talent but also highlighted the show’s ongoing struggle with timely political commentary. The final live sketch of the episode featured Taylor anchoring a PBS news analysis show alongside Kenan Thompson, while Mikey Day and Chloe Fineman played commentators attempting to express centrist outrage over pressing issues like the ICE situation in Minneapolis. Their milquetoast points were met with Taylor and Thompson’s skeptical nonverbal cues, subtly indicating their disagreement with the notion that such law-enforcement terror is unprecedented.
While the premise had potential, especially given the day’s news cycle dominated by another ICE-related tragedy, the execution felt lackluster. The sketch seemed to sidestep the gravity of the situation, opting instead for vague mumblings about America’s legacy of violence. This approach left viewers with a sense of dissatisfaction, as it appeared to dilute the urgency of the topic at hand.
Rehashing Old Themes
SNL has previously explored the theme of Black voices countering white centrism, but this sketch felt like a rehash rather than a fresh take. The humor, while potentially sharp, came off as soft and somewhat centrist itself, especially when juxtaposed with the more biting Trump-themed sketches earlier in the episode. The Trump Awards segment, for instance, was crafted with a sharper edge, making the PBS sketch feel even more mealy-mouthed in comparison.
The sketch’s placement in the episode’s closing moments suggested it could have been a stronger statement, yet it ultimately felt like a missed opportunity. The question lingered: had the show exhausted its capacity for sensitive topics in previous weeks, leaving this sketch to feel undercooked?
Teyana Taylor’s Performance
Teyana Taylor, fresh off an Oscar nomination for her role in One Battle After Another, brought a vibrant energy to the episode. Her enthusiasm was palpable, whether she was pulling faces or making broad gestures. However, this exuberance sometimes overshadowed weaker writing, particularly in sketches like the PBS segment and one involving the NFL, where her performance felt more like a distraction than an enhancement.
As the first Black woman to take on a substantial role in SNL sketches this season, Taylor carried a significant weight on her shoulders. The show’s lack of diversity in its cast made her presence all the more crucial, and it was clear she was eager to make an impact. Yet, the broadness of her performance occasionally clashed with the material, leading to moments that felt more like filler than substance.
Highlights of the Episode
Despite its shortcomings, the episode had its share of standout moments. Ashley Padilla emerged as a front-runner in the cast, showcasing her knack for combining the earnestness of Aidy Bryant with the insistence of Kristen Wiig. Her portrayal of a hapless teacher in a confidence class was particularly memorable, thanks to both her performance and the clever writing that allowed for genuine curiosity from her students.
Another highlight was a spirited ad for an imagined action figure line, where the absurdity of the concept shone through. The playful nature of the sketch resonated well, even if it lacked deeper satire.
Missed Opportunities
While the episode had its bright spots, several sketches fell flat. A sketch featuring Taylor as an elderly man unable to contain himself when hearing Earth, Wind & Fire should have capitalized on her dance skills but ultimately felt underwhelming. Additionally, Marcello Hernández’s role on Weekend Update as a "Gen Z translator" felt misplaced, as his portrayal didn’t resonate with the intended demographic and retreaded familiar territory.
The MVP of the Night
James Austin Johnson emerged as a standout performer throughout the episode, delivering some of the funniest lines. His ability to infuse humor into various sketches, from a drunk pilot to a sort-of doctor, showcased his versatility and comedic timing. Even in a less-than-stellar Trump opener, Johnson’s presence elevated the material.
Looking Ahead
Next week promises to bring Alexander Skarsgård and Cardi B to the SNL stage, a pairing that feels intriguing. It raises the question of whether this episode will provide a clearer opportunity for the cast to explore fresh comedic territory, especially with a more diverse lineup.
Stray Observations
- The Herlihy Boy’s videos felt more polished than typical Please Don’t Destroy segments, but the dynamic within the group felt off given the semi-break-up.
- The "Backstab Island" sketch had potential but could have pushed boundaries further, especially in its commentary on reality TV tropes.
- Padilla’s confidence slide deck was a rapid-fire showcase of sight gags, adding a layer of humor that the episode otherwise lacked.
In sum, Teyana Taylor’s SNL episode was a blend of vibrant performances and missed opportunities, reflecting the show’s ongoing challenges in addressing timely issues while maintaining its comedic edge.
