Jokes were shared, tears shed, white wine toasted and egos boosted. But most miraculous of all is that Sunday night during the three-hour broadcast celebrating 40 years of “Saturday Night Live,” the show rose from ?the dead.
It’s the way you wish award shows were actually like, where everyone is celebrated, remembered and goes home a winner. Comedians were honored in their own way, but there was no lack of musicians or actors.
During award season, there’s no doubt everyone in Hollywood needed a few laughs. To say there were highlights during the show would imply there were unexciting moments, and there simply weren't.
Melissa McCarthy’s spot-on performance of Chris Farley’s skit as Matt Foley, the motivational speaker, brought laughs and a tug at the heart, as homage does.
Eddie Murphy received an overdue standing ovation after a rising speech about his comedic performance on the show by Chris Rock.
And my favorite skit, Celebrity Jeopardy, made a resurface with Will Ferrell as Alex Trebek and Darrell Hammond as his old ?nemesis, Sean Connery. The 40th anniversary roused memories from our achy hearts, but it also gives hope to the future.
It’s no secret that the show’s had its dips in the past, but something always seems to bring back the old razzle-dazzle.
Calling myself an SNL devotee would be an ?understatement.
I own “The Blues Brothers” soundtrack on vinyl.
My favorite YouTube video of 2008 was the Sarah Palin rap with Amy Poehler.
I spent a good portion of high school singing Andy Sandberg’s half of “Mother Lover” as a duet with my friend, a Justin Timberlake groupie. But as of late, I’m sorry to say I have not lived up to my namesake.
Honestly, I’ve haven’t been able bring myself to watch the show religiously since Bill Hader left.
The only cast members who can make me laugh are Bobby Moynihan and Kenan Thompson, but none of them ever gave me gut-clenching chuckles like Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig or Andy Sandberg.
I occasionally catch highlights of the show on YouTube, like digital shorts mocking Matthew McConaughey or Justin Bieber.
But these digital shorts are prerecorded and don’t fully capture the aura of a live comedy show, which is the main point of said ?production.
Hopefully Sunday’s performance reminded the current cast how it’s done. An audience shouldn’t have to sit through dry sketch after sketch to find the only diamond in the rough. This approach makes it that much easier to rely on Internet ?replays.
With courage from this beautiful reunion cast, I hope others who have lost interest will return to the Saturday night pastime.
Yes, there will be some nights when you’re too deep in the bar or having the time of your life with friends to watch a silly TV show.
But there’s something magical about being able to settle in late at night and watch the same show that made your parents laugh when they were in college.
Here’s to the next 40, Lorne Michaels.
maehogan@indiana.edu
