The Rollercoaster of Alexander Skarsgård’s SNL Hosting Debut
Saturday Night Live (SNL) has a reputation for delivering a mixed bag of entertainment, often requiring viewers to navigate through a series of lackluster cold opens and monologues before hitting the comedic sweet spot. However, during Alexander Skarsgård’s first hosting gig, the episode began with an unexpected vigor that set the stage for a memorable night.
A Promising Start
The cold open, while not a classic, managed to steer clear of the usual political caricatures that have become stale. Instead of the typical Trump impersonation, the sketch took aim at the toxic mentality surrounding ICE, featuring Pete Davidson as border czar Tom Homan. Davidson’s natural likability added a layer of complexity to the character, even if the sketch itself felt somewhat restrained. The humor was subtle, with James Austin Johnson stepping away from his Trump impersonation to deliver deadpan responses that felt refreshing.
Skarsgård’s Delightful Monologue
Following the cold open, Skarsgård delivered a charming monologue that was both simple and absurd. He aimed to spotlight the house band in celebration of SNL’s 1,000th episode, leading to a playful interaction where the band feigned annoyance at his antics. This light-hearted approach harkened back to the late ’80s style of comedy, showcasing Skarsgård’s ability to engage with the audience in a way that felt genuine and fun.
Strong Sketches and Character Work
The episode continued to impress with a sketch featuring Ashley Padilla as a mother who finally admits that Trump may not be the best for the country. The writing was sharp, and Padilla’s performance was a masterclass in timing and patience, allowing the punchline to land perfectly. Skarsgård’s role as a quiet dad complemented Padilla’s performance, creating a dynamic that felt both relatable and humorous.
Another standout moment came in a pretaped segment where Jane Wickline humorously critiqued the overly dramatic nature of Olympic advertisements. The sketch was simple yet effective, showcasing the strength of the writing and the performers’ comedic timing.
A Dip in Quality
However, the momentum didn’t last. As the episode progressed, the sketches became increasingly hit-or-miss. Skarsgård revisited his filmography with a Tarzan sketch that felt more like a checklist of his career than a fully realized comedic idea. Although it had its moments, it relied heavily on familiar tropes and CGI effects that have become predictable.
The Scandinavian Film Set sketch, while amusing, felt like a rehash of previous material, and the Immigrant Dad Talk Show, featuring Skarsgård’s real-life father Stellan, seemed to be running out of steam. Both sketches lacked the freshness that had characterized the earlier parts of the episode.
The Final Stretch
In the closing sketches, Skarsgård returned to his quirky persona, portraying a boyfriend who awkwardly quotes Cards Against Humanity. While this sketch delivered laughs, it felt like a departure from the earlier, more cohesive comedic tone of the night. The initial joy and spontaneity had waned, leaving viewers with a sense of missed potential.
Standout Performers
Among the cast, Ashley Padilla shone brightly, delivering a performance that anchored the episode. Jane Wickline also garnered laughs with her unique perspective on sports, while Sarah Sherman brought an infectious energy to her roles, whether reporting on Weekend Update or engaging in sketches with Skarsgård. Her ability to adapt and shine in various contexts made her a valuable asset to the episode.
Recurring Themes and Observations
The episode featured a surprising number of recurring sketches, which felt reminiscent of the ’90s era of SNL. While some fans appreciate the nostalgia, others may find it tiresome. The balance between new material and familiar concepts is a delicate one, and this episode leaned heavily on the latter.
The inclusion of sketches like the awkwardly tall Agnes alienating her peers raised questions about character dynamics and age appropriateness, highlighting the challenges of executing outlandish premises. The uncertainty in the characters’ ages detracted from the overall impact of the sketch.
Looking Ahead
As SNL continues to evolve, the next episode promises to bring fresh faces and new dynamics. Connor Storrie, a relatively unknown host, will take the stage, and with Mumford & Sons returning as musical guests, there’s potential for another entertaining night. The unpredictability of SNL keeps audiences engaged, and while not every episode hits the mark, the journey through its highs and lows remains a captivating experience.
In the end, Skarsgård’s debut may not have been flawless, but it certainly provided moments of joy and laughter, reminding viewers of the unpredictable charm that SNL can deliver.
