Strong return by SNL last night after two weeks off, with a surprisingly strong host in the unselfconscious and rather adorable Taylor Swift. Swift had a heavier load to carry in this ep than most hosts, since she was the musical guest as well, but you could barely tell (I only noticed the cue-card eye-wander in one sketch) and the writers used her well. Great ensemble show, too — tonight was one of those nights when SNL felt like a team and not like a showcase for a few stars. Some great hair & makeup work (Twilight, Kate Gosselin) but some weak stuff too (Barbara Walters, Joe Trippi). You’re not supposed to notice the discrepancy — just as you’re not supposed to notice that Shep Smith is being lampooned for something he doesn’t do. Glenn Beck on the other hand? So is. Extra points for getting a health care vote joke in “Weekend Update,” too — the bill passed at 11:15 pm and they went to air at 11:30 pm.
Missed the show? No clue what
we’re talking about? No worries — get caught up below, we’ve got all the sketches for you.
>>>NEXT: Fox News Election Coverage, Taylor Swift’s Monologue, and Kate Gosselin