Nate Bargatze Shines in Saturday Night Live’s Season 50 Episode Review
The much-anticipated return of “Saturday Night Live” for its 50th season kicked off with some bumps, as the premiere didn’t quite hit the mark. However, thanks to host Nate Bargatze, the second episode proved to be a significant turnaround, showcasing just how well the show can adapt to different comedic styles.
Bargatze, known for his understated humor, might seem like an unusual fit for “SNL,” but the writing team and cast have skillfully crafted sketches that play to his strengths. While he often portrays characters that resemble his own persona, the talented cast skillfully weaves their comedic prowess around him. Whether it’s his subtle, dry humor or the hilarious chaos that ensues when he’s surrounded by more boisterous personalities, this episode demonstrated how flexible the show’s format can be to accommodate diverse comedic styles.
Nate’s second time hosting may actually surpass his debut from the previous fall, setting a high bar for future episodes. Notably, fan-favorite The Lonely Island made a triumphant reappearance, marking their first return to “SNL” since 2018.
Let’s dive into the key highlights of the episode and see what made it stand out.
The standout sketch of the night was undoubtedly the Mile High Burger Challenge. Although it started a bit awkwardly, the physical comedy quickly took center stage. This sketch allowed Heidi Gardner to excel as she indulged in an absurdly large and messy burger during a serious discussion, amplifying the hilarity. The escalating chaos paired with a ticking clock added an extra layer of comedy, especially with the inclusion of a chocolate cherry milkshake, culminating in a brilliant spit take.
When it comes to the overall quality of the episode, it was a strong performance. The cold open, featuring returning stars like Maya Rudolph and Dana Carvey in political roles, attempted to deliver a bite on political satire, though it stumbled at times. While it offered fewer laughs than expected, Carvey’s portrayal added a charming touch, providing some comic relief amid the clumsiness.
One of the notable sketches was Washington’s Dream 2, where Bargatze reprised his role as George Washington. This time, the humor revolved around the peculiarities of the English language, cleverly pointed out through various wordplay. Though it didn’t quite match the magic of the original sketch, it showcased enough material for future iterations.
Marcello Hernandez flourished in the Sabado Gigante parody, capturing the bizarre essence of Spanish-language television. Bargatze’s clueless character added to the comedic brilliance, resulting in uproarious moments that highlighted both performers.
The Golf Tournament sketch exhibited clever cinematography that mimicked televised golf events. The commitment to realism enhanced the humor in this sketch, especially with running gags involving unfortunate animal encounters.
One of the more unexpected highlights was the pairing of Bargatze and Michael Longfellow in the Water Park sketch. Their shared deadpan delivery provided a perfect backdrop for comedy, particularly when overcoming the absurdity of moving a deceased person down a waterslide.
If there was a low point in the evening, it came in the form of the Coach Alan sketch, which felt somewhat one-dimensional. While it wasn’t a total flop, it lacked the punch needed to conclude the show effectively, especially after The Lonely Island’s exciting return.
The reunion of The Lonely Island sent fans into a frenzy. Their latest Digital Short, titled “Sushi Glory Hole,” embraced their signature blend of outrageous humor and catchy rap. Though it varied from their earlier works, it seamlessly fit within their comedic universe and hinted at potential new music on the horizon.
Another appreciable moment was Jane Wickline’s appearance on Weekend Update. As one of the new cast members, she quickly carved out a space for herself, managing to inject her unique personality into the segment. While audience reactions were mixed, her playful awkwardness and musical number drew some positive attention, showcasing her potential to flourish in the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, “SNL” will welcome Ariana Grande back to host next week. She’s set to promote her upcoming role in the film adaptation of “Wicked.” As the iconic show continues, it will be interesting to see how the season develops, especially with promising talent like Bargatze and new faces like Wickline. For anyone eager to catch more “Saturday Night Live” content, the Ten to One Podcast remains a must-listen for behind-the-scenes insights and commentary.
