November 16, 2024 – Charli XCX (S50 E7)

Cold Opening – Biden/Trump Meeting

President Biden (DAC) meets President-elect Trump (JAJ)

• I am a bit surprised we are getting another JAJ-as-Trump appearance, and, for the fifth episode in a row that is. While I know the show would parody the President-elect before and during his upcoming administration, I expected them to go light covering him till post-inauguration. Still, considering that I love JAJ’s Trump take, I’m not really mad.
• What I am mad about it, however, is Dana’s Biden still being a thing. Between this impression and Musk both being yanked away from him, add in his general invisibility this season, one gotta feel for poor Mikey.
• Ugh, the recreation of the famous “This is fine” panel is so groanworthy. Cringey.
• As expected, this is so far the typical by-the-numbers, tell-don’t-show cold open I was expecting, complete with a “star” turn of Dana vamping, mugging and widening his eyes while the wonderful JAJ sits next to him. Besides a few reliable lines from JAJ (loved his working from divorce line), this cold open is deathly so far.
• Ugh at the visual of Sarah as Matt Gaetz. I fucking hate how often the show is now casting her as male figures for a cheap laugh. It especially feels wrong considering the nice upswing in quality Sarah’s been having so far this season.
• Groan. We are still doing the rotating figures cold opens?? Now, with a random Alec playing RFK Jr? Is anyone creaming their pants for the days of frequent Alec Baldwin cameos?
• Alec is usually a solid impressionist, but I am not impressed by his impression – it sounds more like Alec doing Trumpwin instead of nailing RFK Jr.’s distinct voice.
• All-in-all, a cringey and bloated way to start an episode. Guess the surprising amount of good cold opens in a row before this was a fluke.

Rating: *1/2

Opening Montage

• Despite being credited in the opening montage, PDD didn’t have an aired short tonight.

Monologue

host talks career start & Brat; KYM cameo

• Charli is coming off likable and comfortable as expected in front of a live audience. Her talk about her start in show business is decent and funny – this monologue not going the whole “wholesome” route like some prior monologue makes it fine enough.
• The auto-tune part with Charli was oddly catchy. Guess it is her vocal style.
• Holy hell, a random Kyle Mooney! Him showing up during Charli’s various examples of Brat literally caught me by surprise. Nice to see him getting a big applause break from the audience.
• I see Kyle is as silly and charmingly funny as ever. It brings to me nice memories of his days as a cast member.

Rating: ***

Babymoon

couple (AND) & (CHF) get a surprise during babymoon

• I can clearly tell, from the start, this is a sequel to that Domingo sketch. I found that sketch harmless fun the first time, but it blowing up on TikTok really made it annoying for me. Also, knowing that Marcello was harassed by some fans to do Domingo outside of the show, makes me feel bad for him. (Hell, even on the subreddit, I have seen someone call him Domingo instead of Marcello, I kid you not.)
• Ashley was pretty funny at the start of this sketch. Strong Kristen Wiig vibes from her as a typical cheesy mom, especially how she stressed on the word “ham”.
• Charli looks eerily similar to Melissa Villaseñor in that wig and even during some of her facial expressions. She is also fitting well into this with the other girls, much like Ariana did in the original.
• This sketch is basically a carbon copy of the first, with the “new” approach of Domingo being the father of Chloe’s child. And, Hot To Go! isn’t as fun a song to use like Espresso was, as much as I enjoy Chappell Roan’s music.
• The background detail with Ashley’s WTF reactions is my biggest amusement from this sketch, besides the fun performances and decent energy.

Rating: **

Wicked Auditions

celebrities audition for the musical adaptation

• It’s been quite a while since they last did one of these screen test pretapes. The last I could think of was back during the S44 Christmas episode.
• I am not caring for these impressions so far, though I did like Charli as Adele; she’s a natural for her.
• That’s a TERRIBLE Sydney Sweeney from Chloe. Guess she wrote this short, as it features her doing multiple “impressions” of hers. Same with her mostly-lousy impressions during last season’s Britney auditions, which she also helped write.
• Ugh at the visual of Sarah as Bernie Sanders. Between this and the cold open, this episode isn’t using her in the best way.
• Chloe Fineman is certainly no Ana Gasteyer when it comes to Martha Stewart, or let’s face it: in impressions, character work, etc.
• This is boring me to death, though I did like the moment with Heidi, despite not being familiar at all with the celebrity she’s playing.
• Wow, how the fuck do you do an impressions pretape (with almost all sucking, BTW) without JAJ?! He would’ve elevated this tepid piece to a higher gear. (JAJ apparently played Brian Cox in this short’s dress version, which makes it the second time his impression was cut after last season’s cut desk piece. A shame.)

Rating: *1/2

Thanksgiving Baking Championship 2024

Thanksgiving-themed cakes compete

• Wow, they are really phoning it in so far tonight, huh? Bringing back this sketch after several seasons? And, the last installment was before the Marcello/Devon/Michael group were even hired. Hell, they even brought Bonjour Hi from SEASON 46 in dress. Yikes.
• Interesting seeing Andrew in this “Glue” role, which you know Mikey would’ve played – where has he been tonight so far, by the way?
• The same old same old from this sketch, and despite a few solid lines from Charli and the usual good character work from Heidi, I am getting nothing from this unnecessary sequel.
• Not even the visual of that turkey is making me laugh, though Charli is really solid during this whole part. I loved her accent & demeanor in this sketch, as much of a lazy retread as it was.
• This episode is having a terrible start.

Rating: **

Here I Go

man (ANS) & woman (host) sing about their love for snitching

• Wait, I thought Andy and co. left the building after Kamala Harris lost the Election? Then again, knowing the nostalgia this season is going for and the mega pop star hosting tonight, another Digital Short with him feels fitting.
• A decent concept behind this musical short, and it certainly better than that crass Sushi Glory Hole from the Nate Bargatze episode earlier in the season.
• Odd blink-and-you’ll-miss-it utilization of Ashley and particularly JAJ.
• An OK reveal of Colin being taken by cops. It would’ve been funnier had Colin not been a constant punching bag for over a decade on the show.
• I am not usually as big a fan of The Lonely Island musical shorts compared to their absurdist ones (outside of a few exceptions for the former, of course), but this is fairly fun and has a catchy beat to it. Charli’s usage in this is her best so far tonight. She’s also clearly having fun, which shines through her portions in this.
• A good ending, even if it feels very Lonely Island-y.

Rating: ***

Banger Boyz

podcasters (AND), (MAH), (EMW) talk interviewing Trump pre-election

• Who is that doing the opening voiceover? It sounds like it could be JAJ.
• This is a good take on those bro podcasts, even when I am not a listener of theirs, this take is spot-on thus far. A good rapport and teamup between Andrew/Emil/Marcello.
• Charli is cracking me up as the podcast producer and is unsurprisingly nailing their usual cadence. I also really like the gag with the endless sponsors she’s constantly interrupting the guys with.
• Very solid work by the guys and Charli, especially how this is not only nailing how these bro-y podcasts function, but making fun of their worst elements, such as shilling for various brands. I also am really liking this pairing – making me hope to see this trio of guys together again in future sketches.
• Pube Whacker is a hilarious name for a fake brand.
• Loved the ending with Emil being made ambassador to Iran and him wondering if he should go or not. Solid acting by Emil, who’s continuing to impress me as this rookie season of his goes on.

Rating: ***1/2

Musical Performance – “360”

Weekend Update

Joe Exotic (BOY) talks Trump pardon pleas

Peanut’s widow (SAS) speaks of his death

• Some pretty ruthless opening jokes from Colin & Che, especially tearing into Matt Gaetz. I loved the Frankenstein/Dracula rape leading to his own creation – brutal-yet-deserved.
• Wait, that Tiger King guy is still relevant? Bowen playing him feels a given, as he looks just like a typical Bowen Yang character.
• Despite a fun performance from Bowen, I’m not into this piece much. These pop culture pieces from the show as of late do nothing for me. I am not hating it exactly but left underwhelmed by it.
• OK, Bowen got me. The whole tiger paw sequence with him cracked me up in spite of myself.
• It wasn’t necessary to repeat the aforementioned sequence, but it was cool how it ended the desk piece.
• Che’s men going extinct joke would’ve been a groaner to me in any other week (he did those so many times), but the buildup to it and delivery was worth it.
• Ugh (once again tonight), as we get the return of the cut desk piece Sarah did as Peanut’s widow, weeks after that story was relevant, per usual of SNL. And man, between this and other appearances tonight, it is a rough night for Sarah – regressing to her worst elements.
• Also, between Flaco’s Widow and now Peanut’s Widow, a certain cast member needs to come up with better desk pieces.
• The usual endearing back-and-forth between Sarah and Colin, but while this isn’t a bad piece per se, I’m not really into it. This is too “cute” for me and I’m not sure the usually-solid Sarah Sherman should do such pieces that aren’t using her better elements.

Rating: ***1/2 (mainly for the jokes)

Acting Teacher

acting teacher (MAH) deploys unorthodox methods

• Lots of Marcello so far tonight, considering how he barely did anything this season. Also, Andrew is having a huge night, being especially utilized in tons of Mikey Day-esque roles, keeping up the great season he’s been having in general.
• This is Jane Wickline’s first appearance of the night, unless I am forgetting something. Not surprised, considering the lifeless, lethargic delivery and presence she has in sketches. While her fellow rookies seem to be thriving in tonight’s episode (especially Ashley).
• I am not even going to compare this sketch to the classic ones done by Phil Hartman in his hosting stints.
• Marcello continues to have a solid season, as he is cracking me the hell up with his dead-on imitation of pretentious acting teachers. And, while he is no Phil (then again, outside of JAJ [where has he been tonight?!], none come close matching the Glue’s qualities), he is doing a solid work and leading the sketch effortlessly.
• This is a good showcase for more of the underused/newer players of the cast, as they seem to be having fun moments acting out scenes. Even Jane, who I am not too hot on so far, is forming a good duo with Devon.
• A fun sketch so far, even when it is not as strong as Marcello’s typical output from his strong first season and a half, I am still enjoying it, and it is thankfully continuing a solid, consistent season for him.
• Oh, I loved the eating/sleeping part with Marcello & Charli. Some fun chemistry between them.
• Could’ve done it without that twist ending (especially Chloe’s typical lame dramatic delivery), but it was harmless enough.
• Nice to see three solid segments in a row, considering how the pre-Update half was mainly.

Rating: ***1/2

Musical Performance – “Sympathy is a Knife”

It Girl Thanksgiving Special

Thanksgiving gets a chic twist

• Man, is half of this episode written by Fowlie/O’Sullivan?!
• Lots of Chloe tonight after being shut out of last week’s episode. I guess it is her “turn” this week, which I assume why JAJ was barely in this episode, sadly. Then again, seeing the quality of the night…. not sure I want him dragged into it.
• I will say Charli is doing a decent take on Victoria Beckham.
• Typical annoying camp from this era (bringing back unwanted S29-30 vibes), by those James Anderson wannabes in the writing staff, though I did like the visual of Ashley (big night for her) and Jane as the Olsen twins.
• That recurring pose “gag” is really unfunny and feels like the typical baffling gags in Anderlette sketches.
• This sketch needed other than Bowen and Chloe to anchor it. Their energy isn’t the right balance to the overt campiness. Guess having the show’s two most chronically online cast members anchoring such a sketch makes sense to Fowlie/O’Sullivan.
• I am so bored during this sketch, though the whole part with Heidi-as-Cher was pretty funny. Yet another bad sketch where she is the best thing about it tonight. Her singing while cooking is priceless.
• Funny turn with Jane falling down and Ashley struggling without her.
• Holy hell, this is Kenan’s only appearance of the night. Between him & JAJ being so invisible (guess it had to happen with JAJ, considering he’s had several strong nights in a row), the episode’s hollow feeling is even more apparent without them doing heavy utility work.
• OK, the bit with the strut over the table was decent, helped again by Heidi’s very fun physicality. Man, if Heidi is leaving after this season, then she is leaving after a great final season – hoping her solid streak continues.
• The shitass ending with everybody dancing to a “campy” number is a dead giveaway Fowlie/O’Sullivan wrote this.
• A mostly awful sketch, bolstered by very few good visuals.

Rating: *1/2

Shrek: The Musical

hooking up with Shrek: The Musical actor raises tension between friends

• A big laugh from Charli coming out having green color all over her mouth. It reminds me of the memorable visual of Aidy Bryant in the classic A Girl’s Halloween short from season 42.
• At this rate into the night, Mikey Day is officially shut out of the episode. Stunning to see such a reliable & underappreciated utility player getting this treatment. Between his impressions being yanked away from him, and now this, I really feel for Mikey tonight.
• A good buildup to this sketch with some solid lines, especially the green train one by Ego. This could’ve gone the very cheap route, but the performances, lines and pacing are making it work for me.
• Good appearance from Michael, and his three sliced onions line was not only great, but a very Michael Longfellow-y one. He’s been having a good year so far compared to the last, and this role is using his oddball qualities ideally.
• An actual sweet turn with Emil hooking up with Michael.

Rating: ***1/2

Cut For Time: Please Don’t Destroy – Mean Cute

host has meet cute with Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy

• Showing how much they’ve fallen in importance this season, PDD is just now getting their second short of the season (and a CFT to boot). I never disliked these guys as some do, but seeing this season’s upswing in quality with shorts so far (particularly the prior two episodes), it does make them come off outdated.
• A solid “meet cute” twist with this short, which at least shows how the three guys actively are trying new things instead of using old, familiar staples.
• Charli is so damn solid in this short and pulling it off effortlessly. It makes me wish it got on the air instead of that shitass Thanksgiving camp thing – one of her best (non-musical) performances of the night.
• With this lighting, Ben is coming off even cuter than usual, which is saying something.
• The whole Hocus Pocus gag is solid.
• An overall solid, refreshing short. Shame this one didn’t air.

Rating: ***1/2

Cut For Time: Cayden

parents (JAJ) & (HEG) are suspicious about their son

• I imagine this sketch getting cut is the big reason why JAJ was barely in this episode, as Heidi, on the other hand, has been intentionally phased-out from a lot of the show.
• Good to see a JAJ/Heidi collaboration. The last time I can remember both of them working together in lead roles was in the excellent Dream Home Cousins short from season 47- JAJ’s very first season. It’s amazing in hindsight how much his stature and importance to the show grew since then.
• Yet another sketch that has Andrew in a Mikey-esque role, complete with Ashley playing his wife. Not surprised with the latter, as she seems to already fit into the show, quicker than recent newer hires did, but still stunned Mikey wasn’t in this nor the aired episode.
• I say it all the time, but JAJ is coming off very Phil Hartman-esque in this. How he talks about his son putting his hands all over his neck, with how he moves & delivers his lines is exactly how Phil used to deliver some of his lines playing dads/authority figures/etc. (you know that tone of Phil’s I’m speaking of).
• I am enjoying all the absurd mentions of JAJ & Heidi’s som Cayden. And, as expected, both are forming such a solid duo like in the aforementioned short. Makes one puzzled how they were barely paired together over these past four seasons – the two best current cast members all-around, in my opinion.
• I love the whole part with Heidi going upstairs and yelling at Cayden – her whole explanation of him showing her a painting of a woman crying (because she didn’t have rights) was very funny. Great delivery from Heidi. JAJ just sitting pouring wine, like business as usual is priceless.
• Good ending.
• An overall solid little sketch. Between this and the also-solid PDD, it makes you wonder how much better the aired episode would’ve been with these replacing some of the retreads.

Rating: ***1/2

Cut For Time: Bonjour-Hi

French-Canadian show is oblivious

• Wow, three cut for time pieces posted from a single episode? And this one several days after usual? Interesting.
• Not caring at all for Bowen & Chloe in this. They’re fine in their performances, but I guess due to never really being crazy about them as some were/are (especially Bowen), and a lot of this sketch seems like the usual “funny foreigner” routine Marcello seems to be courting often. I remember liking the first sketch, but now that I think of it, I might have overrated it.
• Man, Mikey is plain out-of-place in this sketch. Not even his straight man routine is doing it for me. And while the audience is reacting to him better this time around, compared to how sick and tired they seemed of him in past episodes this season, he just looks dead in the eyes in this compared to the first installment. I am sure Mikey will have a bone thrown his way once or twice soon, as besides the Keaton show, he is barely even in this season, but this is a sad, SAD way for a solid and reliable cast member to go out on.
• Like a lot of sketches this season and the back half of the last one, I just have nothing much to say of the actual content – just completely making me checked-out and left scratching my head. I’ll say, at least, Charli is coming off solid and endearing in this part – fitting it more than Issa Rae did in the past one.

Rating: **1/2

Goodnights

• A very random Punkie! Sweet to see her all smiles and laughing. Glad she seems to be her usual lovable self, even after leaving the show.

Segments Ranked From Best to Worst

Banger Boyz

CFT: Cayden

Shrek: The Musical

Acting Teacher

Weekend Update

CFT: PDD – Mean Cute

Here I Go

Monologue

CFT: Bonjour-Hi

Babymoon

Thanksgiving Baking Championship 2024

Biden/Trump Meeting

It Girl Thanksgiving Special

Wicked Auditions

Final Thoughts:

• A pretty weak episode as a whole – making this season 4-for-7 in terms of episodes flopping with me. A few good highlights (none of which topped a ***1/2 rating, by the way, continuing a disappointing trend with this season), including a solid Update (excluding the pieces), but I was left bored out of my mind throughout most of the night. And I could’ve done it without too much Fowlie/O’Sullivan for tonight. Charli XCX herself was solid, but was often underused and put into familiar pieces and/or rehashes.
• This episode was hurt a lot by it not having strong utility work. Chloe & Bowen can be fun at times, but overstuffing an episode with them while utility stars Kenan, JAJ and Heidi get scraps? Weird choice and made the night feel very exhausting and dull. Ashley seems to be quietly rising as a solid Ana Gasteyer-esque utility player, so I hope that continues at the least. Andrew & Marcello had a strong night and played a big role in most of its better moments, so they deserve credit.

My Favorite Moments of the Episode, Represented with Screencaps:

Up Next:

• Paul Mescal / Shaboozey. SNL is back December 7th.

My full set of screencaps from this episode is here