SNL Retro: Shelley Duvall/Joan Armatrading (5/14/77)

by Brendan Wahl

(Season 2, Episode 21)

As we approach the end of the season very soon, one has to look back at this point and decide what this season managed to accomplish for the cast and crew of Saturday Night Live. The Chevy era of Season 2 was a fairly solid period while the transition to Bill Murray as a replacement was a little shaky. The show did manage to have a great recovery after that though despite a few bumps in the road. Since then, there has yet to be one castmember that really comes through as Chevy’s replacement as the go-to guy. This is because the show was starting to mature. They didn’t need one guy to rely on for great comedy because they had people like the Not Ready For Primetime Players that were more than up for the task, despite certain members being underused from time to time.

Anyway, I will discuss that more in the next episode review but right now we come to one hosted by Olive Oyl herself, Ms. Shelley Duvall. You might also know her as Mrs. Torrance, the poor woman who is trying to escape her deranged and cabin fever-stricken husband in The Shining. Just before this episode however, she would have been the star of a little movie called 3 Women and she also had a part in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall that came out about a month prior to this episode. Shelley has been known for her very unique features in that her face looks like a mouse. That’s not even a particularly negative thing, but it is quite obvious that her look is very different from the average Hollywood actress.

Accompanying Ms. Duvall is Joan Armatrading on the musical end of things. This British singer/songwriter was perhaps best-known for never actually covering anyone else’s songs and instead using her own material 100% of the time. Whether that’s a good or a bad thing is a moot point, but it makes Ms. Armatrading stand out from the rest as an original. Her biggest hit at the time was definitely the Top 10 hit, “Love & Affection,” so there is a pretty good chance she will play it.

Start!

The Show:

1. Programming Change (3:46)

Due to the high cost incurred by NBC because of the one-minute Norton/Bobick fight (note: Norton DECIMATED him), the network is forced to re-air the fight before every program starts. Unfortunately for Belushi, this means the Flight of the Bumblebee sketch is cut. Afterwards, the ladies (and the host) argue cattily in the dressing room and even make a crack about Shelley’s cartoon mouse face while Belushi yells the opening line on a TV in the background. This was a pretty neat idea and a funny way to make fun of the boxing match. B+

2. Video Vixens (4:07)

Instead of the traditional monologue, Shelley and the girls sing a pop-punk number about dominating television in a sort-of aggressive ballad. There’s lots of funny lines here and the whole thing brings the girls together in a solidarity against traditional comedic presences like Helen Hayes, Carol Burnett, etc. This is basically the show’s way of saying that they are tired of that old, banal type of comedy and this is now their generation! At least that’s what I got out of it. Did I look too much into it? A-

3. Bank Robber Disguises (5:06)

One man in an insect costume (Aykroyd) initiates a nasty bank heist with his associates (Belushi, Morris, & Radner) but all the teller notices (Duvall) is the shoddy job that the gang leader did with his costume, especially when compared to his colleagues. The funny thing is even his partners-in-crime get more concerned about his appearance as well while completely ignoring the job they’re doing. The whole thing eventually gets turned into a costume-judging contest as well in a ridiculous, but funny conclusion. A-

4. Joan Armatrading sings “Love & Affection” (4:20)

Joan has an amazing voice, which is the first thing that really sticks out for me here. She also plays a mean guitar and has a knack for writing some absolutely heartbreaking lyrics. This is definitely a very fine performance. A+

5. Continental Men (5:20)

In a classy joint, Ricardo Montalban, Cesar Romero, and Fernando Lamas (Aykroyd, Belushi, & Murray) interrupt a trio of ladies (Duvall, Newman, & Radner) and ask them to help figure out which one of them is which because they are so damn similar. The same joke is repeated several times throughout the sketch about different trios of celebrities that are similar to each other, but it’s all for naught. The sketch is somewhat banal, but at least it was kept short. C

6. Weekend Update with Jane Curtin (Part I) (Total: 5:26)

After an amusing phone conversation, Jane discusses a contract that Duane Bobick signed with NBC… seconds before the Norton fight. More Patty Hearst goodness this week as well mostly for the picture they chose to show while Curtin told her joke. The material this week isn’t the strongest, but Jane tries her darndest especially with the bit on Watergate conspirators becoming members of the Mickey Mouse Club.

7. Black Educational Conference (1:13)

As footage is shown of the Bobick/Norton fight, Duane himself (writer Tom Davis) voices his opinion on getting more education for blacks for the sole reason being so that they stop beating up on white folks. Another funny piece related to the fight. A-

8. Weekend Update (Part II)

Mr. Fire Extinguisher will take care of those defective Mr. Coffees but no refund, of course! Jane gets around to introducing Emily Litella, but she’s nowhere to be found so our newswoman calls her up. The answering machine bit that follows is a clever play on the usual Litella routine. Update was decent this week. B-

9. Viva Las Vegas II (5:36)

While attempting to make a comeback, Elvis Presley (Belushi) does a different type of movie moreso because of the advice from his agent, the Colonel (Murray). The scene being filmed includes some rich sleazeball (Aykroyd) on a date with a pretty little thing (Duvall). Of course, his advances are interrupted by the King playing a busboy but instead of busting a move, he performs a scene from Hamlet. Unlike the “Continental Men” sketch, this didn’t pound the same joke into the ground but unfortunately the sketch moved at a slow pace and didn’t really seem to go anywhere other than offering the odd juxtaposition of Elvis doing Shakespeare. C+

10. Baba Wawa At Large (4:03)

The woman with the “adowable” speech impediment, Baba Wawa (Radner), returns with her usual egotistical self and this time, she interviews stage actor Richard Burton (Murray) who has an odd speech impediment of his own. Burton mentions his return from rehabilitation and lashes out at the reporters printing out negative stories regarding him and his reputation as a Hollywood partyboy. Of course, the subject switches to Liz Taylor and Burton breaks down so badly that he loses his accent. Well, this was an improvement over the previous sketch. B

11. Film: Brides (2:53)

Spalding Gray narrates a film by Sharon Sacks regarding the innate subtleties of brides and what the true meaning of marriage is. It’s hard to explain the contents of the film without giving away a lot of information, but let’s just say that the types of weddings that Gray discusses is probably my favourite part of this intelligent short. A

12. Bad Ballet (4:41)

This week, Mr. Pinth-Garnell (Aykroyd) looks at a Soviet ballet that was written by two people who collaborated… by mail. The ballet, entitled “Swan,” features some really terrible choreography and a scary image of Garrett Morris in a tutu. This is the one and only time Garnell joins in on the fun too and he performs as a mailman. Duvall was a rather small part of this sketch, but she has still been in almost everything tonight. Another hit for Leonard and his parade of poop. B+

13. Night of the Moonies (6:00)

Echoing the plot of Night of the Living Dead, Sun Myung Moon (Belushi) and his gang of moonies attempt to infiltrate a remote cabin where a number of deprogrammers (Aykroyd & Morris) attempt to convert one moonie (Duvall) back to normal. The whole thing is more clever than outright hilarious, but Aykroyd’s transformation into a moonie is the highlight and Duvall makes a convincing moonie as well. B+

14. Joan Armatrading sings “Down To Zero” (3:18)

Still in her Moonies makeup, Duvall introduces Armatrading for another number. This one sounds very different from her first and has a nice twang sound that comes through around the middle of the song. More soulful lyrics and more wonderful singing from our musical guest. A

15. Van Arguments (7:38)

A Miller piece to close the show? I’m down. As a couple (Duvall & Aykroyd) pile food items onto their trays, the argument starts to flow from the wife regarding her husband’s knack for caring more about his van than any other thing in his life, including his own spouse. All she really wants is the soundtrack for A Star is Born, but all Aykroyd can talk about is his van and his design ideas for it, thus confirming her accusations. It’s more than that though because it all stems from their trodden-down lives that she’s looking to change. B+

The goodnights are fairly short this week as the show was running long, so all Shelley has time for is to say that she really enjoyed it before the cast surrounds her with adoration.

Well that was a lot better than expected. While Duvall never really stretched or played any difficult roles, she was a capable host that was willing to roll with the punches despite a couple of below-average sketches where she basically had nothing much to do. Her most impressive showing was probably in the “Night of the Moonies” sketch or the performance during the opening “Video Vixens” number. Duvall is one of those hosts that comes by, does some good enough work, and is probably not invited back afterwards.

Joan Armatrading, on the other hand, was far from above average. She brought a certain powerhouse quality to her performances and much like the McGarrigle Sisters, Armatrading’s music was like poetry and was extremely bittersweet and touching. It seems like there was a tradition on the show where if the musical guest was not a major act, they really struggled to make a great impression on their first (and unfortunately, usually only) appearance on the program.

Overall, this was not the classic like the last couple of weeks brought forth for the show, but it was a solid episode with a masterful array of performances by Dan Aykroyd in particular, as he appeared in pretty much everything on this night.

Notes:

“Baba Wawa makes you feew so good!”

How did Aykroyd read the cue cards in that bug costume? He had oranges almost directly above his eyes.

Hey, Chevy Chase was in the audience!

I bet it wasn’t hard for Aykroyd to act so devastated about losing his power tools in the Night of the Moonies sketch. That guy is a total gearhead. In a good way, of course.

Host Rating: B

Musical Guest Rating: A

Show Rating: B/B+

Saturday Night Live: Emma Stone/Kings of Leon (10/23/10)

by Brendan Wahl

(Season 36, Episode 4)

Let me just start off by saying that I watched this episode last night but I don’t really remember too much of it so this is going to be my attempt at analyzing the show while I watch the tape from last night’s program. A first on Hot Off The Press!

Anyway… our host this week is the lovely future Mrs. Wahl, Emma Stone. Not just a fox and someone who’s super easy on the eyes, Emma is a talented thespian and has proven her acting credentials in films like Zombieland, Superbad, and ESPECIALLY Easy A. So it came as no shock that Emma would eventually be pegged to host the long-running comedy series that we all know and admire so much.

Joining Ms. Stone is Kings of Leon, a musical act based out of Tennessee that specializes in southern blues & rock. While I’m not wholly familiar with the act, their last appearance on the show was the highlight of an otherwise subpar episode featuring an awkward Rosario Dawson. I don’t have too much more to say…

Worst. Preamble. Ever.

The Show:

1. Reid Rally (4:04)

In an attempt to overcome his Republican opponent Sharron Angle, Harry Reid (Brittain) has a rally and attempts to put distance between himself and President Obama (Armisen), who is somewhat unpopular in Nevada. After listing off things like double-crossing Obama “if that’s what’s best for Nevada,” his strategy seems to work against him as he reveals himself to be a double-crossing politician who can’t be trusted. B+

2. Monologue (4:06)

Emma points out all the movies she does where she ends up making out with a nerd and of course is interrupted by several of them in the audience, who make the same point. Their requests for make-out sessions are denied however, which in turn eventually sparks a similar one by her Superbad castmates Jonah Hill (Moynihan) and Michael Cera (a spot-on impression by Killam). Bill Hader’s powerpoint presentation is the highlight of this otherwise run-of-the-mill monologue. B-

3. Baby Spanx (1:06)

Feeling self-conscious about your fat baby? Now you can hide it with Baby Spanx, elastic shapewear that makes the baby look like a chiseled one. The way they satirize some parents here is pretty funny and once again, if you have Sudeikis in a spokesperson role, he usually sells it with vigour. B+

4. Dream Home Extreme (5:49)

In a rehash from Brian Williams/Feist from Year 33, one lucky lady (Stone) receives a new home and her reaction is slightly less than enthusiastic. Wiig’s spastic anxiety works wonderfully against Stone’s stoic demeanour as she stands idly by and watches her lose it. The footage of previous winners (Hader, Pedrad, & Pharaoh) was hilarious, particularly Hader’s reaction. The ending of this sketch was also funnier than the first time they did this sketch and it all adds up to a funny piece. A-

5. WXPD Channel 9 News (3:25)

Spoofing those news stories that seem to petrify parents with tales of teenage fads that are questionably accurate in the first place, this news channel features a reporter (Hader) asking an everyday teenager (Stone) about “souping” (drinking expired soup can contents to get high) and other ridiculous things much to her disbelief. “Trampolining” is probably the most ridiculous one and the quick switch from colour to black-and-white with the ominous music is dead-on. A+

6. Digital Short: Sign My Cast (2:10)

The traditional girl-with-a-cast (Stone) at a high school gets people to sign it of course but keeps slipping in the dreaded grape jelly (Samberg) and gets in increasingly worse shape. This sounds absolutely ridiculous but her singing was pretty funny as were the lyrics along with the very dark ending. Another classic digital short for sure. A+

7. The View (4:10)

Haven’t seen this one in a while. Continuing with the trend of “Hot Topics,” the gang welcome Lindsay Lohan (Stone) taking a break from rehab to discuss reasons why she can’t go to jail. The chemistry between the four castmembers doing their impressions is great as usual and Stone’s performance as LiLo is infectious fun. Also, they smartly kept this sketch short and it allowed the jokes to hit at a rapid-fire pace and deliver for the most part. This show is on a roll. B+

8. Wrangler Open Fly Jeans (1:08)

Spoofing that d*ck picture that Brett Favre (Sudeikis) sent to some cheerleader, the retired-not retired-retired football player plays spokesman to the new open fly jeans. I dislike Favre for being a douchebag and the recent picture-messaging incident just proved my point, so this was like icing on the cake. A

9. Kings of Leon sing “Radioactive” (3:23)

Taking a rock-blues approach as usual, KOL delivers a number that is pleasant to listen to vocally and with some great instrumental sections. This band has proved they can deliver in a live setting before so this should come as no surprise that their first song is a success. B+

10. Weekend Update with Seth Meyers (14:39)

Seth’s rant against Virginia Thomas and her delayed reaction to ask for an apology from Anita Hill for claiming that Clarence Thomas sexually assaulted her was due. That rant was particularly funny but “The More You Know” graphic at the end really sold it. A dig at KFC and a rise in stink bug populations was also quite funny. Joining in as guests on Update this week are Jimmy McMillan (Thompson), the representative for The Rent Is Too Damn High party (this is legitimate) responding to accusations that he himself hasn’t paid rent since the 1980s for his apartment, staff writer John Mulaney commenting on things that he loves in another hilarious commentary from the man (why isn’t he a castmember yet?), and city correspondent Stefon (Hader) comes by to talk about the hot spots around town but of course has a hard time getting through it without laughing (I don’t blame him). A pretty lengthy edition of Update this week but of course, another great one. A+

11. Les Jeunes de Paris (3:20)

In a take of stereotypical french programming, one man (Killam) attempts to seduce a young lady (Stone) at a cafe with some dancing and of course, a dance-off ensues. Soon enough, their friends (Elliott, Moynihan, Brittain, & Pedrad) join in on it as well. I don’t even know what this sketch was realy trying to be but by God, it’s another absurdly entertaining sketch that this season seems to excel in thus far. A

12. My Brother Knows Everything (3:58)

Recorded live from her older brother’s (Samberg) bedroom, Morgan (Pedrad) praises her bro with her best friend Meredith (Stone), who is also super-attracted to him. The various segments within the show are pretty hilarious especially using her brother’s weirded-out facial expressions as a rating system. This is another fun character from Pedrad and Stone provides lots of funny moments as well. B+

13. “Sex” Ed Vincent’s Sex Symposium (2:34)

Bringing a character over from iO Chicago, Brittain excels as odd sex ed teacher Ed Vincent describing sexual acts. His descriptions are quite funny because his character is quite understated. I don’t even know how I can fully explain why I enjoyed this so much but it had a lot to do with Paul Brittain’s performance and the whole premise of this commercial piece. A+

14. Kings of Leon sing “Pyro” (4:02)

Another tune from KOL; another success. Though not quite as good as the first, this was another enjoyable tune that had a bit more of a slower pace. B+

15. Googie Rene’s Partially Damaged Halloween Costume Discount Basement (3:01)

It’s the second appearance of Googie Rene (Thompson). This time, Emma Stone plays sexy assistant to the crazed shopowner and his weird method of swearing without completing the words. Everything worked here from Thompson’s crazed manner of speaking, the aforementioned incomplete cursing, and the strange complaints from his customers. A

Emma looks elated to have been on the show this week and thanks everyone before the show cuts prior to credits starting up.

I heard some people worry that Emma Stone might be another Ellen Page-like host (great actress/nervous and bumbling host) but she excelled this week with a fun performance throughout the entire episode and never faltered or even broke character once. She was a delight to look at as well and when you have the talent and the looks combined, big things are in the future. Emma has a big career ahead of her, I do believe.

Kings of Leon rocked the house again with a pair of good performances. They weren’t anything outstanding like Kanye or anything, but they provided plenty of entertainment value for the night.

The cast was generally given a lot to do tonight especially Paul and Taran out of the featured players. Brittain in particular excelled with the debut of his new character Ed Vincent in a hilarious piece and also did really well playing Harry Reid in the cold open. Taran on the other hand showed off some talent of his own as well with a killer Michael Cera impression during the monologue and also rocked the house with some fancy dancing in that ridiculously awesome french sketch. All in all, we got a superb episode this week for sure and definitely the best one so far this season. Yes, I am giving this one full marks.

Notes:

If Emma had my last name and kept hers, her name would be Emma Stone-Wahl. It’s meant to be.

In that Dream Home Extreme sketch, I loved that the bag of chips Emma was eating out of just simply said “Potato Chips.” Also loved the little dig at Two and a Half Men.

Teens are taking turns hiding Osama Bin Laden so they can give him oral sex in exchange for lip gloss? I knew something was up.

Gotta agree with Stu about the NPR story. So true.

Stefon’s segment had so many great lines. “Look over there! Is that Mick Jagger? No, it’s just a fat kid on a Slip’n Slide.”

My God, the Emma Stone bumpers were HOTTTTT.

I seriously went back and re-watched that Paris sketch like five times. Looooved it. Also, it made me realize how tiny Paul Brittain is. He is quickly becoming my favourite newbie.

Host Rating: A

Musical Guest Rating: B+

Show Rating: A+

SNL Retro: Eric Idle/Alan Price, Neil Innes (4/23/77)

by Brendan Wahl

(Season 2, Episode 20)

Hosts that are invited back usually means at least two things: A) They were a lot of fun the last time they were there and got along great with the cast & crew and B) They provided for some great laughs and captained a good episode. It should come as no surprise then that Monty Python alum Eric Idle was invited back to the stage for some more laughs at the expense of no one. Idle’s first appearance was a fantastic episode filled with memorable sketches and a wonderful moment where John Belushi mimed Joe Cocker side-by-side with the man himself. Not to mention that Idle was a perfect fit for the madcap goings-on by the Not Ready For Primetime Players and found himself almost becoming an honourary castmember that night (incidentally, Sid Caesar would be awarded a trophy that actually SAID he was an honourary castmember in Year 8).

Joining the Pythoner would be someone else who is pretty familiar with the British troupe. While Neil Innes was best known as playing a member of the Rutles, he was also well-established as having helped the Python crew write quite a few of their songs and sketches during the Flying Circus television show. It doesn’t happen so much anymore, but this is clearly a case of the musical guest being chosen based on which celebrity is running the show as the host. Along with Innes, the main musical guest is Alan Price. 

Price, another British musician, was best known for playing the organ for The Animals, who were responsible for hits like House of the Rising Sun. Price would also have some success with a solo career with songs like “I Put a Spell On You,” “Don’t Stop the Carnival,” and a few others. By this point in time, he wasn’t doing a whole heck of a lot though as most of his fame centered in the 1960s.

Will this all equate to another home-run episode from Idle?

Time to investigate!

The Show:

1. Irish Interrogation (1:57)

As the last straw during the interrogation of an Irish terrorist (Murray), a British military man (Idle) threatens to turn his potatoes into french fries. Murray looks like he is about to break character for the entire sketch but that doesn’t take away from this amusing little cold open. It’s one of the rare instances (well, at least now) of an opening sketch that is not political in the least. The way they got to the opening line was pretty clever too. B+

2. Monologue (4:55)

Instead of the traditional monologue, Eric comes out to introduce Queen Elizabeth (impressionist Jeanette Charles, who also played the queen in The Naked Gun) and the Save Great Britain telethon because they are lacking in funds and seek the necessary reparations. His reasoning? The American people using a language that the British invented and not having to pay any royalties in regards to doing so. Idle also introduces the ‘Kick a Canadian’ contest involving a volunteer constable (Aykroyd), who is kicked by her majesty in the grand opening. This monologue was sheer brilliance. A+

3. American Dope Growers Union (1:15)

Supporting the poor American drug dealer who has to compete with Mexican smugglers, several spokespeople (Curtin, Morris, Murray, Newman, & Radner) sing about looking for the union label when buying your cannabis. This was clearly a parody of something, but regardess it was a funny, quick commercial piece. A

4. The Nixon Interviews (8:59)

Spoofing the infamous Frost/Nixon interview where the former president revealed some intriguing details, this sketch features some brilliant interplay between Idle as Frost and Aykroyd as Nixon. Tricky Dick is portrayed as that of a detailed storyteller of the mundane including some riveting tales of breakfast and Papa Nixon shaving his face in 1921. There is so much brilliant material in this sketch that it’s impossible to go over it all. To say the least, the performances by both our host and Danny are fantastic and there are a couple of amusing side performances like Gilda as Julie Nixon and Curtin as his disillusioned wife, Pat. When the subject of Watergate comes up, there is a huge revelation explained by Nixon but of course they lose the sound and nothing is revealed to the American public. This is an absolute classic sketch. A+

5. Alan Price sings “Poor People” (1:45)

After a quick update on the Save Britain telethon, it’s time for Alan Price. It’s a pretty good little tune that is fast-paced and enjoyable. I don’t really have too much to say about this performance really other than to say that Price is a welcome addition to the show thus far and this song is very, very short. B+

6. Film: Body Language (2:26)

The best film that Gary Weis has ever done. To be fair, Eric Idle can be credited with being half the reason this rules. In this piece, the art of body language is discussed with ridiculous, exaggerated examples from Idle himself, Innes, as well as Garrett, Billy, Laraine, and Gilda. My favourite has to be Eric’s explanation of a prostitute’s body language (“I am available for sophisticated sexual activity at a reasonable rate to be determined by mutual free exchange open-market bargaining”), but this is yet another classic piece. A+

7. Weekend Update with Jane Curtin (Part I) (Total: 7:24)

After announcing Update’s win for a Pullitzer Prize in journalism, Curtin announces a story so ridiculously false to completely off-set it. Another funny piece for Jane is a story regarding Roots author Alex Haley being accused of plaigarism, which happened to interrupt his writing of his next classic work of literature, Moby Dick. Commenting on the ruling that declared that the spanking of children in school is constitutional, Bill Murray goes from funny to creepy and back to funny in a hilarious commentary. Murray reverts back to traumatic childhood memories while getting unreasonably excited over the spanking of little girls.

8. Oxxon (1:14)

Spoofing Exxon of course, an announcer (Don Pardo) comments on how expensive the commercial was to make and that it can be used as a reason as to why gas prices are so expensive. Pretty clever little parody actually. A-

9. Weekend Update (Part II)

Emily Litella (Radner) stops by to do a commentary on “air solution,” but can’t contain herself due to her joke being one of the worst ones ever. When sharing her preoccupation with the man in her life, Jane learns that her love is Tom Snyder of the Tomorrow show. Litella then butchers “I Will Follow Him” and is interrupted by Jane of course, but without the little added snide remarks by our newscaster at the end. Another really solid edition of Update this week; even Litella was bearable. A-

10. Heavy Wit Championship (6:12)

Introducing a boxing match of a different sort! Aykroyd plays ring announcer to a battle of comedic timing between British funnyman Ray Grimley (Idle) and the Undisputed Champion Mohammed Stallion (Belushi). Instead of punching each other, they trade barbs to see which one will crack. Aykroyd and Murray then play announcers and call the thing just like the typical boxing contest along with strategy and a blow-by-blow analysis. It’s a fun sketch with some amusing moments, but overall it kind of falls short. C+

11. “Ron Nasty” (Neil Innes) sings “Cheese and Onions” (1:21)

As the number to save Britain flashes on the screen, Innes sings a funny ditty as his John Lennon-like personality from the Rutles. This isn’t a laugh-out-loud song but it is quite fun to listen to in all of its homage glory to the Beatles. B

12. The Battle of Britain (8:17)

Due to budget cutbacks and to illustrate the fact that the British still need financial help, the Battle of Britain is a series created on a $900 budget that features most of its “action” through a letter read by a possible war-time widow (Radner) from her beau, Rodney (Aykroyd). The constant flashbacks to Rodney and his wife in happier times started out amusing but became quite hilarious when additional characters are added only making the entire situation even more ridiculous. Idle has a fairly small role in this bit actually, playing one of Rodney’s airmen along with Billy. Absurd gold. A

13. Neil Innes sings “Shangri-La” (3:18)

Sporting a glittery suit and some big, fake ears, Innes sings a fun bouncy tune named after the perfect society known as Shangri-La. During this performance, there’s lots of colourful background images like some odd cardboard cutouts and some back-up singers in bright costumes. Very inventive. A

14. Plain Talk (1:47)

This one takes the cake for the absurd. Eric hosts a talk show where he and his guest (Aykroyd) simply carry on the tone of a normal conversation using words that absolutely don’t fit in at all. It’s quite a marvel to watch both performers run through this sketch without faltering once despite saying all this nonsense at a machine gun-pace. A+

15. Trans Eastern Airlines (3:53)

Sherry Norwalk (Newman) has no problem doing anything for the passengers in first class due to their tendency to threaten her with a gun before making their requests. This sketch works for reasons unknown as it essentially consists of people pointing guns in a valley girl’s face and making simple requests. It also may be because all of their requests are common complaints one would make on an airline and its fun to see the passengers finally get the upper hand. What also works is that Newman sells this life-threatening act as a pretty harmless thing. A-

16. Alan Price sings “In Times Like These” (2:35)

A much different song from his previous one, this is more akin to Innes’ second song. It’s catchy, bouncy and has an infectious spirit that makes it very enjoyable. Also, the lyrics are quite good and it doesn’t hurt that Price has a good voice on him as well. A

17. Save Great Britain Telethon (1:17)

Unfortunately, the telethon has actually LOST twenty dollars so Bill Murray makes a last-ditch effort to save Britain by chugging a bottle of grape juice. Murray makes it about halfway through before giving up and Idle chases him off in anger. B+

All of a sudden, the phones are ringing off the hook when the show comes back for the goodnights as the queen herself has been sold… to Exxon. I love the fact that the total includes John Belushi’s vest. Idle then comically fumbles the announcement for Daylight Savings Time before the cast joins him onstage for the traditional goodnight waves and hugs.

Eric Idle came back in full force! After a superb first showing, Idle delivered again this time with a superb performance as host, particularly in bits like “The Nixon Interviews” and “Plain Talk.” Idle is a perfect mesh for the cast and also doesn’t mind serving a sketch while not always having to be the center of attention as could be seen in the brilliant “Battle of Britain” piece. Idle’s Monty Python sensibilities also help when it comes to Dan Aykroyd in particular as those two seem to have the best chemistry together throughout this entire episode.

As for Eric’s guests, Price and Innes, both men were constantly entertaining during their appearances. While Innes extended his appearances to a couple of roles in the fantastic Gary Weis film (!), Alan Price was limited to his musical performances. While “Poor People” was good, his second song was even better and had a much more enjoyable and rollicking tune. Neil Innes was in the same boat. While his performance as Ron Nasty was certainly not a throwaway, “Shangri-La” was loaded with lots of entertaining stage direction, lyrics, costumes, and some good singing on the Brit’s part.

The cast was more than game for this week, but Dan Aykroyd shined in particular here mostly starring opposite Eric Idle. He more than dominated the episode but even so, this time it appears the other castmembers got quite a bit of screentime for the most part.

Notes:

Runners are rare in most episodes of Saturday Night Live, but the “Save Great Britain” pieces are the cream of the crop.

The apple doesn’t fall too far from the Monty Python tree. Michael Palin would later prove to be well-suited for the show as well.

The Frost/Nixon sketch isn’t just a great sketch. It may be one of the best ever on the show. I know that’s a pretty bold statement, but I stand by it.

Unfortunately, I don’t see Shelley Duvall continuing this winning streak of episodes into next week, but I’ve been surprised before.

Host Rating: A

Musical Guest Rating – Alan Price: A-

Musical Guest Rating – Neil Innes – A

Show Rating: A