January 16, 2016 – Adam Driver / Chris Stapleton (S41 E10)

Cold Opening - Republican Debate Great to see Beck’s very funny Jeb Bush back, also Darrell’s Trump is here. Taran’s Cruz is back. I still don’t think that Taran nailed the voice, but the mannerisms are spot-on. Hoo boy, the debut of Kate’s Lindsey Graham. The version here is nothing like her now more well-known …

December 19, 2015 – Tina Fey and Amy Poehler / Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (S41 E9)

Cold Opening - Republican Presidential Debate Ugh, stop making Jon Rudnitsky happen SNL, his so-called impression of Wolf Blitzer sounds almost NOTHING like him; it’s just a non-effeminate version of his Anderson Cooper. Darrell Hammond has now replaced Taran as SNL’s Trump impersonator for the primary season and would remain so till the season ends. …

December 12, 2015 – Chris Hemsworth / Chance the Rapper (S41 E8)

Cold Opening - Presidential Address WILL FERRELL!!! Back as Dubya! You could hear a loud gasp from a female audience member as she recognizes Will. Pretty long & well-deserved applause break for the SNL legend as he’s revealed to the audience. I recall reading that Will’s surprise cameo was pretty much last minute, and IIRC, …

November 14, 2015 – Elizabeth Banks / Disclosure (S41 E5) 

Cold Opening - We Stand with Paris A short and sweet message, yet filled with support to the people of Paris against terror. Man, these SNL episodes really stand as moments in time, through happiness and through tragedies. A nice touch with Cecily repeating the message in French after saying it originally in English. I …

November 7, 2015 – Donald Trump / Sia (S41 E4) 

Cold Opening - Democratic Candidates Forum A good Rachel Maddow impression from Cecily. A solid laugh from the very brief, pointless interview with Taran’s Martin O’Malley. Always good to see Kate’s Hillary back. As usual, Kate’s coming off solid and very likable in her portrayal of Clinton, and has tons of solid lines, elevated even …

October 17, 2015 – Tracy Morgan / Demi Lovato (S41 E3) 

Democratic Presidential Debate Oh no, the debut of Jon’s notorious Anderson Cooper impression, with him playing Cooper in a stereotypically gay manner. And what makes this whole impression worse is the resurface of a whole bunch of homophobic tweets by Jon after it was announced that he has been cast in this season. AND that …