Minding the P’s and Q’s of the SNL40 Spectacular

QUALITY: That LIVE Deep Thoughts on SNL 40 show! Recorded after the #SNL40 primetime special, Brian Edwards, Matthew Smith, Rob Moden and Sarah Robert talk about the highlights of the special - in person, like real people!

PROBLEMATIC: I reeeally didn’t know what I was getting into with this, so aside from the shop keeping that I have already mentioned a couple weeks ago (no additional points for appearing with a former host/cast member tonight)… here are a couple of other things.

QUALITY: If someone introduces a montage of clips, it will be treated in the same way that a cast member introducing a host that is also a musical guest. 2 POINTS!

PROBELMATIC: And the precedent set by last season’s e-Meth sketch, a re-aired sketch doesn’t get anyone any points. Only new material, be it taped or otherwise. Those montages were amazing, buuuut...

QUALITY: The cold open was an excellent, if not exactly an SNL way, to start things off. Don't get me wrong, musical numbers are SNL's jam (especially this year, making Debby's stat all the more damning), and do NOT get me wrong, Jimmy is a homegrown boy, hell even Timberlake got as much of his current cred from SNL as he did from working with Timbaland. A 'History of Rap' recap of the front 40 is a TONIGHT SHOW (nee, Late Show) gag. Lorne-produced or not. Still, you can do worse then Fallon/Timberlake.

QUALITY: And you can't do much better then Steve Martin sharing the stage with Tom Hanks, and Alec Baldwin. Hell, Melissa McCarthy joining them was both surreal and welcome. Sooner or later not only will she be busting ghosts, but she'll be joining Barrymore and Bergan as a Five Timer.

PROBLEMATIC: Right about when Cyrus started joining the all-star line-up in the opening monologue was when'd the wheels started coming off. Either Lorne was a Baby Boomers skewed perspective on Cyrus's cultural impact, or he really really loves her. Okay, and after watching Cyrus covering “50 Ways…”, maybe he has a point. That was a QUALITY performance. Cyrus will be joining McCarthy in the Five Timers Club, get used to that idea right now. Cyrus joining every one in the opening monologue was just Lorne calling his shot.

PROBLEMATIC: I wanted to say more about the show, and then I read Bill Simmons write-up on the show over at Grantland. Whether you like Simmons or not, I won’t continue writing simply because I’ll just start trumpeting what he said over and over again. And no, this isn't me stumping for a position at Grantland. Not that I would be opposed...

PROBLEMATIC: Eddie Murphy's return.
QUALITY: That Primetime Special, tho!

Kenan Thompson, 28 points

• 5 points - sketch (Celebrity Jeopardy)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Bill Cosby)
• 5 points - sketch (The Californians)
• minus 2 points - breaking
• 5 points - sketch (Marty & Beyonce)
• 5 points - reoccurring (DeAndre Cole)
• 5 points - singing

Vanessa Bayer, 20 points

• 5 points - sketch (The Californians)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Rosie)
• 10 points - caused breaking x2

Cecily Strong, 20 points

• 5 points - sketch (The Californians)
• 5 points - sketch (Marty & Beyonce)
• 5 points - reoccurring (DeAndre Cole's back-up singer)
• 5 points - singing

Taran Killam, 20 points

• 5 points - sketch (Celebrity Jeopardy)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Christoph Waltz)
• 5 points - sketch (The Californians)
• 5 points - reoccurring 

Kate McKinnon, 10 points

• 5 points - sketch (Celebrity Jeopardy)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Justin Bieber)

Bobby Moynihan, 10 points

• 10 points - Weekend Update

Jay Pharoah, Did Not Perform

Sasheer Zamata, 10 points

• 5 points - sketch (Marty & Beyonce)
• 5 points - singing

Leslie Jones, 4 points

• 2 points - introduces clips
• 2 points - swearing ("laughing his ASS off")

Pete Davidson, 2 points

• 2 points - introduces clips

Kyle Mooney, Did Not Perform

Beck Bennett, Did Not Perform

• 5 points - sketch (The Californians)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Devon)
• 10 points - Weekend Update
• 5 points - reoccurring (Stefon Myers)
• 10 points - digital short (That's When You Break)
• 2 points - swearing ("f*ck you")
• 5 points - singing

Edward Norton, 30 points

• 10 points - Weekend Update
• 20 points - sneaker-upper (Stefon)

Jimmy Fallon, 28 points

• 15 points - cold open
• 5 points - singing/rapping
• 8 points - "LIVE FROM NEW YORK...!"

Justin Timberlake, 28 points

• 15 points - cold open
• 5 points - singing/rapping
• 8 points - "LIVE FROM NEW YORK...!"

Steve Martin, 27 points

• 10 points - opening monologue
• 2 points - introduces clips
• 5 points - sketch (Marty & Beyonce)
• 5 points - reoccurring (King Tut)
• 5 points - singing/dancing

Will Ferrell, 25 points

• 5 points - sketch (Celebrity Jeopardy)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Alex Trebek)
• 5 points - sketch (Marty & Beyonce)
• 5 points - reoccurring (The Culps)
• 5 points - singing

Jason Sudeikis, 25 points

• 5 points - sketch (Marty & Beyonce)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Red Tracksuit Danc)
• 5 points - singing
• 5 points - ESPN Classic
• 5 points - reoccurring (Pete Twinkle)

Kristen Wiig, 23 points

• 5 points - sketch (The Californians)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Karina)
• minus 2 points - breaking
• 5 points - sketch (Marty & Beyonce)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Kat)
• 5 points - singing

Fred Armisen, 23 points

• 5 points - sketch (The Californians)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Stuart)
• minus 2 points - breaking
• 5 points - sketch (Marty & Beyonce)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Garth)
• 5 points - singing

Alec Baldwin, 22 points

• 10 points - opening monologue
• 5 points - sketch (Celebrity Jeopardy)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Tony Bennet)
• 2 points - introduces clip

Melissa McCarthy, 20 points

• 10 points - opening monologue
• 10 points - Weekend Update

Paul Simon, 20 points

• 10 points - opening monologue
• 5 points - singing
• 5 points - host (Lorne) hug

Chris Rock, 18 points

• 10 points - opening monologue
• 2 points - introduces Eddie Murphy
• 6 points - swearing ("bitch" x2, "shit")

Bill Murray, 17 points

• 5 points - sketch (Marty & Beyonce)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Nick Ocean)
• 5 points - singing
• 2 points - introduces those we've lost

Dan Akroyd, 15 points

• 5 points - sketch (Super Bass-o-Matic 2150)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Elwood Blues)
• 5 points - singing/dancing

Maya Rudolph, 15 points

• 5 points - sketch (Marty & Beyonce)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Beyonce)
• 5 points - dancing/singing

Amy Poehler, 12 points

• 10 points - Weekend Update
• 2 points - introduces clips

Tina Fey, 12 points

• 10 points - Weekend Update
• 2 points - introduces clip

Seth Myers, 12 points

• 10 points - Weekend Update
• 2 points - introduces Chevy Chase

Tom Hanks, 10 points

• 10 points - opening monologue

Jim Carrey, 10 points

• 5 points - sketch (Celebrity Jeopardy)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Matthew McConaughey)

Martin Short, 10 points

• 5 points - sketch (Marty & Beyonce)
• 5 points - dancing/singing

Bradley Cooper, 10 points

• 5 points - sketch (The Californians)
• 5 points - kissing

Kerry Washington, 5 points

• 5 points - sketch (The Californians)

Taylor Swift, 5 points

• 5 points - sketch (The Californians)

John Goodman, 5 points

• 5 points - sketch (Questions)

James Franco, 5 points

• 5 points - sketch (Questions)

Dakota Johnson, 5 points

• 5 points - sketch (Questions)

Louis C.K., 2 points

• 2 points - introduces clips

Zach Galfinakis, 2 points

• 2 points - introduces slips

REPERTORY LEAGUE

BILLION DOLLAR MURRAYS - Russel

Cecily Strong - 20

Kenan Thompson - 28

Leslie Jones - 4

Justin Timberlake - 28

Zach Galfinanakis - 2

Steve Martin - 27

Louis CK - 2

Fred Armisen - 23

2 points - Beyonce impression

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 136

THE IGNORANT SLUTS - Matt

Kate McKinnon - 10

Vanessa Bayer - 20

Beck Bennett - 0

Taylor Swift - 5

Jim Carrey - 10

Bill Hader - 42

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 87

ISOLATED ARCHIPELAGO - Rob

Taran Killam - 20

Kenan Thompson - 28

Pete Davidson - 2

Alec Baldwin - 22

Amy Poehler  - 12

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 84

NATALIE PORTMAN'S DRY CLEANING - Sarah R

Kate McKinnon - 10

Bobby Moynihan - 10

Kyle Mooney - 0

Will Ferrell - 25

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 45

KEYROCK, KHAN, & ASSOCIATES - Saad

Vanessa Bayer - 20

Aidy Bryant - 0

Kyle Mooney - 0

John Goodman - 5

2 points - Matthew McConaughey impression

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 27

FEATURED LEAGUE

THE NIGHT CRAWLERZ - Kevin K

Taran Killam - 20

Jay Pharoah - 0

Beck Bennett - 0

Fred Armisen - 23

Alec Baldwin - 22

Tom Hanks - 10

Martin Short - 10

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 85

DAMIAN AND THE FELINE SOCIOPATHS - Andrew

Kate McKinnon - 10

Vanessa Bayer - 20

Kenan Thompson - 28

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 58

SKANKY LITTLE PROSTITUTES - Mike

Aidy Bryant - 0

Cecily Strong - 20

Sasheer Zamata - 10

Dakota Johnson - 5

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 35

PARDO ME - Hannah

Taran Killam - 20

Aidy Bryant - 0

Kyle Mooney - 0

Seth Myers - 12

Zach Galifianakis - 2

2 points - Beyonce impression

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 34

DAN AKROYD RAGE - Mark

Kate McKinnon - 10

Bobby Moynihan - 10

Beck Bennett - 0

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 20

MARTHA STEWART'S HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: TOPLESS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - Robb

Taran Killam - 20

Vanessa Bayer - 20

Sasheer Zamata - 10

Jim Carrey - 10

Kristin Wiig - 23

Kerry Washington - 5

2 points - Christoph Waltz impression

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 90

SANTA'S MY BOYFRIEND - Megan

Taran Killam - 20

Cecily Strong - 20

Aidy Bryant - 0

Taylor Swift - 5

Amy Poehler - 12

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 57

THE LAND SHARKS - Jason

Kate McKinnon - 10

Kyle Mooney - 0

Aidy Bryant - 0

Justin Timberlake - 28

Jame Franco - 5

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 43

MY DOLL'S NAME IS JENNY - Doug

Vanessa Bayer - 20

Bobby Moynihan - 10

Kyle Mooney - 0

40th SEASON SPECIAL EPISODE TOTAL 30

PHIL HARTMAN TROPHY STANDINGS (after Episode 40xSNL40)

1. The Ignorant Sluts - 1, 691
2. Isolated Archipelago - 1, 670
3. The Future Mrs. Randy Goldman - 1, 667
4. Natalie Portman's Dry Cleaning - 1, 642
5. Billion Dollar Murrays - 1, 634
6. The Team You Wish You Hadn't Started A Conversation With At A Party - 1, 577
7. The Not Ready For First Place Players - 1, 504
8. Keyrock, Khan, & Associates - 1, 320

FEATURED LEAGUE STANDINGS

1. Three Legged Jeans - 1, 818
2. Santa's My Boyfriend - 1, 726
3. The Night Crawlerz - 1, 685
4. Martha Stewat's Home for the Holidays: Topless Christmas Special - 1, 615
5. Damian and the Feline Sociopaths - 1, 609
6. Fallon In Love - 1, 607
7. Dan Akroyd Rage - 1, 600
8. Pardo Me - 1, 581
9. The Land Sharks - 1, 560
10. The Vondrukes - 1, 517
11. Suck It Trebek - 1, 465
12. Skanky Little Prostitutes - 1, 411
13. My Doll's Name is Jenny - 1, 400

That SHOW, you guys!

Of course it was going to be unpredictable, and with the caveats decided so as to keep points from exploding into a million different directions it may not have been a high scoring night exactly (well, save for that one team), but that didn’t keep the standings from once again flipping on their heads!

First off, Three Legged Jeans CONTINUES to run away with the Featured League Standings. And yes, we’re currently tossing around some ideas for the Featured winner's trophy. The SNL40 spectacular certainly reminded us of a few excellent possibilities, and made our minds up about others. Also in the Featured League, however, Fallon In Love jumped into the top half of the standings!

Then there’s the matter of The Ignorant Sluts retaking the lead in the Chase for the Phil Hartman Trophy, with a big boost from Bill Hader during the special! Last year’s winner will not go quietly in relinquishing the three-level trophy from his mantle! The Isolated Archipelago took that runner-up spot for the first time this season. Also making a big move into fifth were the Billion Dollar Murrays, thanks to FIVE host appearances (plus one impression) and points from every cast member, as the Repertory League field continues to tighten!

Yes, we’re still alive after breaking down the points on that monster of a special, truly the most entertaining Oscar-sized celebration that you’ll see this year! We’ll see you again in TWO WEEKS time on the last day of February for the Dakota Johnson hosted episode of Saturday Night Live! Shout out to the Skanky Little Prostitutes for having the foresight to pick the Fifty Shades of Grey star in our Perspective Draft!

I take back what I said about Blake Shelton's relevancy, but only because I want to anger TWO fan bases.

Stay in the conversation! Trivia Club would LOVE to hear feedback on the Saturday Night Live Fantasy League and how we could even improve on it all! Comment in the blog's comment section, on Trivia Club's facebook page or in our twitter feed! LISTEN TO THE PODCAST! Subscribe to us on iTUNES! Do the same on YouTube! Seriously, the more you like us the better we are at this.

Russel Harder hosts Trivia Club at Cardinal Rule (5 Roncesvalles Ave) every WEDNESDAY, at Hitch (1216 Queen St East) every other MONDAY, and at Lou Dawg's Ryerson (76 Gerrard St E) every TUESDAY!