The recent episode of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) held at the iconic Studio 8H in New York City marked a significant moment in light of the recent presidential election’s outcome. With the cast addressing the audience in a light-hearted yet poignant manner, they humorously pleaded with President-elect Donald Trump, asserting that they should not be classified as “political enemies.” This approach showcased the ensemble’s ability to blend humor with commentary on current political climates, especially in the aftermath of an election that left many viewers feeling apprehensive and uncertain.
The opening skit started with a solemn tone as cast member Ego Nwodim candidly described the election results as “shocking, and even horrifying.” The melancholy of the moment resonated with many viewers who had witnessed the divisive nature of the election campaign. Host Kenan Thompson elaborated on the prevailing sentiments by describing Trump as someone who has “called for vengeance against his political enemies.” Nwodim echoed this concern, drawing attention to the perceived vulnerability of those who dared to voice dissent against the incoming administration. The emotional weight of the skit was palpable, effectively bridging comedy and serious political discourse.
As the skit progressed, the tone shifted dramatically. Thompson deftly transitioned the audience into a more jovial mood, proclaiming, “And that is why we at ‘SNL’ would like to say to Donald Trump, we … have been with you all along!” This marked a pivotal change in the narrative, as the cast collectively feigned loyalty to the president, humorously asserting that they supported him throughout the election campaign. Bowen Yang supported this jest by declaring, “We have never wavered in our support of you!” while Heidi Gardner contributed her own comedic spin by stating that she allegedly voted for him “fifty times” in swing state Pennsylvania, highlighting the absurdity of political sentiment during a particularly charged election season.
As the skit unfolded, Thompson emphasized that if Trump maintained a record of his adversaries, “we should not be on that list,” a statement that encapsulated the exaggerated tryst between comedy and the reality of political fallout. As per SNL’s tradition, they infused political satire into their performance, which is often a hallmark that endears them to audiences, especially in times of political upheaval.
The episode introduced a fresh take on James Austin Johnson’s impersonation of Trump, a welcome innovation in a series also renowned for its astute political caricatures. Johnson took the stage embodying a new version of “hot jacked Trump,” showcasing a muscular physique accompanied by a distinctive red headband. Delivering his lines while flexing, he quipped, “They finally got the body right,” professing a newfound admiration for Trump as “frankly my hero.” Such a tongue-in-cheek approach underscored SNL’s commitment to navigating political satire with creativity and humor.
Adding to the evening’s festivities, former SNL star Dana Carvey made a surprise appearance, although he chose to not portray President Joe Biden. Instead, he opted to bring his comedic talents to life as tech mogul Elon Musk, once again showcasing the versatility and depth of SNL’s talent pool.
In a fitting conclusion to the episode, comedian Bill Burr hosted and musical artist Mk.gee graced the stage, ensuring that the evening’s entertainment was both varied and spirited. “Saturday Night Live” continues to be a staple in American cultural commentary, airing every Saturday night on NBC at 11:30 p.m. EDT/8:30 p.m. PDT, and it remains a platform where political narratives can be explored through humor, thereby reflecting the ritual landscape of American politics.
