Minding the P’s and Q’s of SNL

PROBLEMATIC: If you haven’t updated your iTunes subscription to enjoy 100% of our Deep Thoughts on SNL podcast, you really should. Yes, like every other major player in the podcast game, we wanted to give each of our podcasts a home of its own. So subscribe, listen, enjoy!

QUALITY: It’s good to have a reminder that Saturday Night Live is a LIVE show, on late at night, with a truly up to date reaction to Wisconsin sinking Kentucky’s undefeated season in the Final Four.

PROBLEMATIC: Taran Killam and Bobby Moynihan are obviously best friends (Taran interview with special appearance by Bobby), and uber-geeks… how have we had them around for as long as we have and NOT seen a ton of that?!

QUALITY: Best opening monologue in the SNL Fantasy League era (this season and the last)? Yeah, I would say so.

QUALITY: I’ve heard that the only problem people had with the Church of Neurotology Music Video is that it wasn’t directly about Scientology (though would miss out on that one excellent joke), and that SNL went for the throat! But remember, distance is necessary for comedy. If you’ve seen “Going Clear” (and you should), everything that was mentioned in the ‘updates’ of the music video, it more or less happened, so the distance is necessary to not make this horrifying as opposed to funny. And it was sooo well done. Right down to the VHS grain, and production values. Beautiful.

PROBLEMATIC: Norman Reedus makes an appearance, but also proves why he likely wouldn’t be a great full-show Host!

QUALITY: Michael Keaton is my favorite Host so far this season, without a doubt. Even the sketches that didn’t hit (CEO Lunch & Smart House) still had something about them that made them worth a look (the bleeding & the strange delivery of all involved). Keaton’s off-kilter delivery reminds you just how strange he is and how fun he is to watch. He would have been the perfect SNL cast member.

REPERTORY CAST

Taran Killam, 61 points

• 7 points - cold open
• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - plays multiple characters in sketch
• 5 points - crying
• 5 points - sketch (Grandmother Call Line)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Church Of Neurotology Music Video)
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 7 points - Weekend Update
• 5 points - reoccurring (Jebidiah Atkinson)

Cecily Strong, 59 points

• 5 points - promos
• 7 points - cold open
• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - sketch (CNN Newsroom)
• 5 points - sketch (Grandmother Call Line)
• 5 points - sketch (CEO Lunch)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Church Of Neurotology Music Video)
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - sketch (Smart House)

Kenan Thompson, 58 points

• 7 points - cold open
• 5 points - reoccurring (Charles Barkley)
• 4 points - "LIVE FROM NEW YORK...!"
• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - sketch (CNN Newsroom)
• 5 points - dancing
• 5 points - sketch (CEO Lunch)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Church Of Neurotology Music Video)
• 5 points - singing/dancing

Bobby Moynihan, 54 points

• 7 points - cold open
• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - plays multiple characters in sketch
• 5 points - crying
• 5 points - sketch (CNN Newsroom)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Prom Bet)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Church Of Neurotology Music Video)
• 3 points - post-songs sketch (An Easter Message)

Kate McKinnon, 47 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Prom Bet)
• 5 points - sketch (Grandmother Call Line)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Church Of Neurotology Music Video)
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - sketch (Smart House)
• 3 points - post-songs sketch (An Easter Message)

Jay Pharoah, 41 points

• 7 points - cold open
• 5 points - reoccurring (Kenny Smith)
• 4 points - "LIVE FROM NEW YORK...!"
• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - plays multiple characters in sketch
• 5 points - sketch (CNN Newsroom)

Aidy Bryant, 29 points

• 5 points - sketch (CNN Newsroom)
• 5 points - dancing
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Prom Bet)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Church Of Neurotology Music Video)
• 5 points - singing/dancing

Vanessa Bayer, 24 points

• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Prom Bet)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Church Of Neurotology Music Video)
• 5 points - sketch (Smart House)
• 5 points - host hug

FEATURED CAST

Pete Davidson, 53 points

• 7 points - cold open
• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Prom Bet)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Church Of Neurotology Music Video)
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 7 points - Weekend Update
• 5 points - as Himself

Sasheer Zamata, 44 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - sketch (CNN Newsroom)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Prom Bet)
• 5 points - sketch (Grandmother Call Line)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Church Of Neurotology Music Video)
• 5 points - singing/dancing

Beck Bennett, 36 points

• 7 points - cold open
• 4 points - "LIVE FROM NEW YORK...!"
• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - sketch (CEO Lunch)
• 5 points - sketch (Smart House)

Kyle Mooney, 29 points

• 7 points - cold open
• 5 points - sketch (Grandmother Call Line)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Church Of Neurotology Music Video)
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - sketch (Smart House)

Leslie Jones, 10 points

• 5 points - sketch (Grandmother Call Line)
• 5 points - sketch (CEO Lunch)

HOST

Michael Keaton, 47 points

• 5 points - plays multiple characters in sketch
• 5 points - sketch (CNN Newsroom)
• 5 points - dancing
• 10 points - pre-taped sketch (Prom Bet)
• 5 points - sketch (Grandmother Call Line)
• 5 points - sketch (CEO Lunch)
• 5 points - sketch (Smart House)
• 5 points - sketch (An Easter Message)
• 2 points - embraces guest first

Norman Reedus, 10 points

• 10 points - Weekend Update

REPERTORY LEAGUE

PARDO GROUP

BILLION DOLLAR MURRAYS - Russel

Cecily Strong - 59

Kenan Thompson - 58

Leslie Jones - 10

Michael Keaton - 47

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) Tonight I'm Getting Over You

5 points - first song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 179

ISOLATED ARCHIPELAGO - Rob

Taran Killam - 61

Kenan Thompson - 58

Pete Davidson - 53

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) Call Me Maybe

5 points - first song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 177

THE TEAM YOU WISH YOU HADN'T STARTED A CONVERSATION WITH AT A PARTY - Brian

Jay Pharoah - 41

Bobby Moynihan - 54

Pete Davidson - 53

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) This Kiss

5 points - first song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 153

THE NOT READY FOR FIRST PLACE PLAYERS - Kevin M

Jay Pharoah - 41

Cecily Strong - 59

Beck Bennett - 36

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) All That

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 151

THE FUTURE MRS. RANDY GOLDMAN - Leah

Taran Killam - 61

Sasheer Zamata - 44

Aidy Bryant - 29

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: No songs chosen.

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 134

NATALIE PORTMAN'S DRY CLEANING - Sarah R

Kate McKinnon - 47

Bobby Moynihan - 54

Kyle Mooney - 29

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) Tonight I'm Getting Over You & 2) I Really Like You

2 points - song chosen

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 132

THE IGNORANT SLUTS - Matt

Kate McKinnon - 47

Vanessa Bayer - 24

Beck Bennett - 36

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) All That

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 122

KEYROCK, KHAN, & ASSOCIATES - Saad

Vanessa Bayer - 24

Aidy Bryant - 29

Kyle Mooney - 29

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: No songs chosen.

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 82

FEATURED LEAGUE

MCKAY GROUP

FALLON IN LOVE - Johnny

Kenan Thompson - 58

Bobby Moynihan - 54

Pete Davidson - 53

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Really Like You & 2) Call Me Maybe

5 points - first song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 170

THE NIGHT CRAWLERZ - Kevin K

Taran Killam - 61

Jay Pharoah - 41

Beck Bennett - 36

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) All That

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 153

SKANKY LITTLE PROSTITUTES - Mike

Aidy Bryant - 29

Cecily Strong - 59

Sasheer Zamata - 44

Norman Reedus - 10

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) Call Me Maybe

5 points - first song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 147

DAN AKROYD RAGE - Mark

Kate McKinnon - 47

Bobby Moynihan - 54

Beck Bennett - 36

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) Take A Picture

5 points - first song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 142

DAMIAN AND THE FELINE SOCIOPATHS - Andrew

Kate McKinnon - 47

Vanessa Bayer - 24

Kenan Thompson - 58

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) Call Me Maybe

5 points - first song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 134

THE VONDRUKES - Samantha

Jay Pharoah - 41

Leslie Jones - 10

Cecily Strong - 59

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) All That

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 125

PARDO ME - Hannah

Taran Killam - 61

Aidy Bryant - 29

Kyle Mooney - 29

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Really Like You & 2) Call Me Maybe

5 points - first song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 124

FEY GROUP

THREE LEGGED JEANS - Lori

Kate McKinnon - 47

Bobby Moynihan - 54

Kenan Thompson - 58

Michael Keaton - 47

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) Call Me Maybe

5 points - first song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 211

SANTA'S MY BOYFRIEND - Megan

Taran Killam - 61

Cecily Strong - 59

Aidy Bryant - 29

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) Carly Rae just cries on stage for 3 minutes

5 points - first song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 154

SUCK IT TREBEK - Sarah C

Jay Pharoah - 41

Cecily Strong - 59

Beck Bennett - 36

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) All That

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 151

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

Taran Killam - 61

Vanessa Bayer - 24

Sasheer Zamata - 44

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) All That

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 144

MY DOLL'S NAME IS JENNY - Doug

Vanessa Bayer - 24

Bobby Moynihan - 54

Kyle Mooney - 29

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: 1) I Really Like You & 2) Call Me Maybe

5 points - first song

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 112

THE LAND SHARKS - Jason

Kate McKinnon - 47

Kyle Mooney - 29

Aidy Bryant - 29

MUSICAL GUEST - Carly Rae Jepsen - SONGS: No songs chosen.

EPISODE SEVENTEEN TOTAL 105

PHIL HARTMAN TROPHY STANDINGS (after Episode 40x17)

1. Natalie Portman's Dry Cleaning - 2, 177
2. The Ignorant Sluts - 2, 150
3. Billion Dollar Murrays - 2, 099
4. Isolated Archipelago - 2, 089
5. The Future Mrs. Randy Goldman - 2, 077
6. The Team You Wish You Hadn't Started A Conversation With At A Party - 1, 980
7. The Not Ready For First Place Players - 1, 950
8. Keyrock, Khan, & Associates - 1, 631

FEATURED LEAGUE STANDINGS for the GILDED RADNER

1. Three Legged Jeans - 2, 397
2. Santa's My Boyfriend - 2, 176
3. Dan Akroyd Rage - 2, 135
4. The Night Crawlerz - 2, 101
5. Damian and the Feline Sociopaths - 2, 081
6. Martha Stewat's Home for the Holidays: Topless Christmas Special - 2, 041
7. The Land Sharks - 2, 024
8. Fallon In Love - 1, 998
9. Pardo Me - 1, 994
10. Skanky Little Prostitutes - 1, 935
11. Suck It Trebek - 1, 9112
12. The Vondrukes - 1, 911
13. My Doll's Name is Jenny - 1, 804

Natalie Portman’s Dry Cleaning holds onto the top spot in the Chase for the Phil Hartman Trophy, while the top five in the Rep League shifts after an episode that saw points evenly spread across multiple cast members. It was the Michael Keaton pick that saw the Billion Dollar Murrays gain the third spot, barely holding back a resurgent Isolated Archipelago, as well as Three Legged Jeans open up an even wider lead on the rest of the Featured League.

Point of interest, actually, is the point differential between Three Leggend Jeans and the runner-up (so far) for the Gilded Radner is comparable to the point differential between first and sixth in the Reparatory League. With four episodes remaining, who knows what could come from the Season 40 finale and it’s impact on either race! Suffice to say, this second season of SNL Fantasy League has been a real success and that’s all thanks to you the readers, competitors, and pod cast listeners!

Next week see’s the first hosting gig for Taijari P. Henson on April 11^th, with musical guest Mumford & Sons. Mumford & Sons, interestingly enough, are now closer to Imagine Dragons then to Of Monsters & Men in their song stylings… so it will no doubt be an interesting episode. The cast really has been invigorated by the Season 40 fifteen-hour Spectacular though, so I very much look forward to Henson’s hosting gig!

We’re in the home stretch!

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