Minding the P’s and Q’s of SNL

QUALITY: Enjoy our Deep Thoughts on SNL podcast! Subscribe, listen, enjoy! It's still on-going, we swear! And heck, join in if you feel so inclined, through twitter!

PROBLEMATIC: So I guess Taran isn’t playing Trump anymore, huh? Along with Larry David appearing out of nowhere (except maybe a nice lunch with Lorne) to play Bernie Sanders, the cast has gotten kind of short-shifted when it comes to putting their stamp on the truly interesting Presidential hopefuls, no?

PROBLEMATIC: The weather this week certainly gave Saturday Night Live a curveball to play with, with record snowfalls you’d think they would play with it on the fly! But other then a late in the afternoon promo from Leslie Jones (points!), and some call-outs on Weekend Update it was a semi-regular edition of the most concistent sketch comedy in the business.

QUALITY: Ronda Rousey as a Host wasn’t given a lot to do, other then a disturbing pre-taped sketch to show her punching skills on Vanessa Bayer’s mean girl, she played second fiddle or ensemble in the brunt of her screen time. As an athlete first and an entertainer second she had chops closer to Wayne Gretzsky then Peyton Manning, she was happy to be their but she wasn’t going to be starring in a comedy along-side Tina Fey any time soo—oh, wait.

QUALITY: The use of a strong Musical Guest AND actress, Selena Gomez, gave Rousey almost a secondary co-host for writers to fall back on at times. Also, after quieter episodes since the Tina Fey/Amy Poehler episode, almost the entire cast had an opportunity to do all kinds of sketch comedy. And with a cast this size, that’s a welcome change!

PROBLEMATIC: I have to wait TWO WEEKS for Larry David hosting an episode of Saturday Night Live?! Come on!

PROBLEMATIC: What was the thought process behind making the statutory rape sketch a reoccurring (though not in-continuity reoccurring, I guess)  sketch? Where they so happy with the wide-spread disappointment the first time? Does Pete Davidson have that much pull with the writing staff already, and they have no other spotlights for the kid?

Kenan Thompson, 57 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Screen Guild Awards)
• 7 points - Weekend Update
• 5 points - reoccurring (Willie)
• 5 points - sketch (Three's A Crime)
• 5 points - reoccurring
• 5 points - sketch (Super Crew)
• 5 points - sketch (Citizen's Forum)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Gary Lumas)
• 3 points - 10-to-1 sketch (Office Party)

Beck Bennett, 54 points

• 5 points - promos
• 10 points - monologue
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Screen Guild Awards)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Love Struck)
• 5 points - sketch (Three's A Crime)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Bill Arnold)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Penis Rap)
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 3 points - 10-to-1 sketch (Office Party)

Kate McKinnon, 54 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - reoccurring (Justin Beiber)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Love Struck)
• 5 points - sketch (Bland Man)
• 5 points - sketch (Three's A Crime)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Kathy Daily)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Penis Rap)
• 5 points - sketch (Citizen's Forum)
• 5 points - host hug

Aidy Bryant, 52 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - sketch (Bland Man)
• 5 points - sketch (Three's A Crime)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Paula Abbott)
• 5 points - sketch (Super Crew)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Penis Rap)
• 5 points - sketch (Citizen's Forum)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Jan Krang)

Cecily Strong, 50 points

• 5 points - promos
• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - sketch (Screen Guild Awards)
• 5 points - sketch (Bland Man)
• 5 points - sketch (Three's A Crime)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Janet Johnson-Luna)
• 5 points - sketch (Super Crew)
• 5 points - sketch (Citizen's Forum)
• 5 points - reoccurring

Taran Killam, 44 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Screen Guild Awards)
• 5 points - sketch (Bland Man)
• 5 points - sketch (Three's A Crime)
• 5 points - sketch (Super Crew)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Penis Rap)
• 5 points - singing/dancing

Bobby Moynihan, 44 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Screen Guild Awards)
• 7 points - Weekend Update
• 5 points - sketch (Three's A Crime)
• 5 points - sketch (Citizen's Forum)
• 5 points - reoccurring

Jay Pharoah, 44 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Screen Guild Awards)
• 5 points - multiple characters
• 5 points - sketch (Super Crew)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Penis Rap)
• 5 points - singing/dancing

Sasheer Zamata, 39 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Screen Guild Awards)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Love Struck)
• 5 points - sketch (Bland Man)
• 5 points - sketch (Super Crew)

Vanessa Bayer, 34 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Love Struck)
• 2 points - swearing ("bitches")
• 5 points - sketch (Bland Man)
• 5 points - sketch (Super Crew)

Kyle Mooney, 28 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - sketch (Super Crew)
• 5 points - sketch (Citizen's Forum)
• 5 points - reoccurring (MC Strategy)
• 3 points - 10-to-1 sketch (Office Party)

Leslie Jones, 58 points

• 5 points - blizzard promos
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Screen Guild Awards)
• 7 points - Weekend Update
• 5 points - as Herself
• 14 points - swearing (5x "ass", 2x "bitch")
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - sketch (Super Crew)
• 5 points - sketch (Citizen's Forum)
• 5 points - reoccurring

Pete Davidson, 37 points

• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Screen Guild Awards)
• 5 points - sketch (Three's A Crime)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Gavin Daily)
• 5 points - sketch (Super Crew)
• 5 points - dancing
• 5 points - sketch (Citizen's Forum)
• 5 points - reoccurring (Rick, the Young Man)

Jon Rudnitsky, 37 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - sketch (Screen Guild Awards)
• 7 points - pre-taped sketch (Love Struck)
• 5 points - sketch (Three's A Crime)
• 5 points - sketch (Super Crew)

Ronda Rousey, 77 points

• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - sketch (Screen Guild Awards)
• 10 points - pre-taped sketch (Love Struck)
• 5 points - sketch (Bland Man)
• 5 points - sketch (Three's A Crime)
• 5 points - sketch (Super Crew)
• 10 points - pre-taped sketch (Penis Rap)
• 5 points - sketch (Citizen's Forum)
• 5 points - sketch (Office Party)
• 2 points - embraces guest first
• 15 points - 5.0 rating or higher (5.0)

Tina Fey, 35 points

• 15 points - cold open
• 5 points - reoccurring (Sarah Palin)
• 15 points - "LIVE FROM NEW YORK...!"

Selena Gomez, 20 points

• 10 points - monologue
• 5 points - singing/dancing
• 5 points - sketch (Bland Man)

THE NOT READY FOR FIRST PLACE PLAYERS - Kevin M.

Taran Killam - 44

Jay Pharoah - 44

Vanessa Bayer - 34

Ronda Rousey - 57

Selena Gomez - 20

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Good For You & 2) Hands to Myself

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 214

WAR HORSE CAN DANCE - Megan M.

Cecily Strong - 50

Bobby Moynihan - 44

Beck Bennett - 54

Tina Fey - 35

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 183

BILLION DOLLAR MURRAYS - Russel

Kate McKinnon - 54

Aidy Bryant - 52

Beck Bennett - 54

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Same Old Love & 2) Hands To Myself

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 175

DESOLATE ISLE - Rob M.

Taran Killam - 44

Aidy Bryant - 52

Leslie Jones - 58

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Same Old Love & 2) Hands to Myself

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 169

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

Kate McKinnon - 54

Leslie Jones - 38

Jon Rudnitsky - 37

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Hands To Myself & 2) Good For You

2 points - song

2 points - song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 153

THE IGNORANT SLUTS - Matt

Kenan Thompson - 57

Jay Pharoah - 44

Kyle Mooney - 28

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Same Old Love & 2) Hands to Myself

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 144

MARK WAHLBERG ATE MARK WAHLBERG - Sarah R.

Cecily Strong - 50

Bobby Moynihan - 44

Vanessa Bayer - 34

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) We Don't Talk Anymore & 2) Same Old Love

2 points - song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 130

THE FUTURE MRS. RANDY GOLDMAN - Leah

Kenan Thompson - 57

Kyle Mooney - 28

Jon Rudnitsky - 37

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Hands to Myself & 2) Same Old Love

2 points - song

2 points - song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 126

PHIL HARTMAN TROPHY STANDINGS (after Episode 41x11)

1. Desolate Isle - 1496
2. The Not Ready for First Place Players - 1434
3. War Horse Can Dance - 1394
4. Billion Dollar Murrays - 1322
5. Mark Wahlberg Ate Mark Wahlberg – 1283
6. The Ignorant Sluts – 1206
7. The Team You Wish You Hadn’t Started A Conversation With At A Party - 1114
8. The Future Mrs. Randy Goldman – 1060

SKANKY LITTLE PROSTITUTES - Mike

Kate McKinnon - 54

Cecily Strong - 50

Jay Pharoah - 44

Pete Davidson - 37

Tina Fey - 35

Selena Gomez - 20

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Same Old Love & 2) Hands to Myself

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 255

THREE-LEGGED JEANS - Lori

Kenan Thompson - 57

Bobby Moynihan - 44

Leslie Jones - 58

Pete Davidson - 37

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Hands to Myself & 2) Me and the Rhythm

2 points - song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 198

KEBERT XELA - Christopher

Kenan Thompson - 57

Aidy Bryant - 52

Beck Bennett - 54

Kyle Mooney - 28

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 191

LIL BABY AIDY - Will

Aidy Bryant - 52

Taran Killam - 44

Beck Bennett - 54

Vanessa Bayer - 34

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Hands to Myself & 2) Sober

2 points - song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 186

MY DOLL'S NAME IS JENNY - Douglas

Kate McKinnon - 54

Kyle Mooney - 28

Jay Pharoah - 44

Leslie Jones - 58

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Hands to Myself & 2) Me and the Rhythm

2 points - song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 186

THE DARK, CLENCHED HOLE OF EVIL - Robb

Taran Killam - 44

Bobby Moynihan - 44

Cecily Strong - 50

Sasheer Zamata - 39

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Hands to Myself & 2) Same Old Love

2 points - song

2 points - song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 181

GILDED RADNER STANDINGS (after Episode 41x11)

1. Lil Baby Aidy - 1872
2. Skanky Little Prostitutes - 1837
3. The Dark, Clenched Hole of Evil - 1729
4. My Doll’s Name Is Jenny - 1622
5. Kebert Xela – 1503
6. Three-Legged Jeans – 1456

ORGANIC WIFI - Andrew K.

Kate McKinnon - 54

Jay Pharoah - 44

Leslie Jones - 58

Tina Fey - 35

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Same Old Love & 2) Hands to Myself

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 206

SUCK IT TREBEK - Sarah C.

Taran Killam - 44

Kenan Thompson - 57

Aidy Bryant - 52

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 153

DAN AKROYD RAGE - Mark

Kate McKinnon - 54

Bobby Moynihan - 44

Aidy Bryant - 52

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 150

THE VONDRUKES - Samantha B.

Bobby Moynihan - 44

Jay Pharoah - 44

Leslie Jones - 58

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 146

NOT A STRONG SWIMMER - Krissy

Cecily Strong - 50

Kenan Thompson - 57

Vanessa Bayer - 34

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Hands to Myself & 2) Revival

2 points - song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 143

ANTHONY'S JOE PESCI SHOWMANSHIP - Anthony

Pete Davidson - 37

Vanessa Bayer - 34

Beck Bennett - 54

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Good for You & 2) Hands to Myself

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 140

SPOOKY BEHAVIOR - Emily

Cecily Strong - 50

Beck Bennett - 54

Kyle Mooney - 28

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 132

COLIN JOST'S GHOSTS - Colm

Taran Killam - 44

Kyle Mooney - 28

Jon Rudnitsky - 37

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Same Old Love & 2) We Don't Talk Anymore

5 points - first song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 114

WAYNE’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (after Episode 41x11)

1. Organic Wifi - 1589
2. Suck It Trebek - 1405
3. Dan Akroyd Rage - 1363
4. Not A Strong Swimmer - 1315
5. The Vondrukes – 1161
6. Colin Jost’s Ghost – 1110
7. Spooky Behavior - 1094
8. Anthony’s Joe Pesci Showmanship – 1037

MURRY'D WITH CHILDREN - Johnny

Kate McKinnon - 54

Cecily Strong - 50

Beck Bennett - 54

Leslie Jones - 58

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 216

DRUNCLE - Mick

Kate McKinnon - 54

Kenan Thompson - 57

Bobby Moynihan - 44

Sasheer Zamata - 39

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 194

EFFIE VILLALOPOLUS' PROFESSIONAL COMPLAINERS - David S.

Taran Killam - 44

Bobby Moynihan - 44

Vanessa Bayer - 34

Pete Davidson - 37

Tina Fey - 35

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 194

BILL BRASKY'S DRINKING BUDDIES - Saad

Taran Killam - 44

Aidy Bryant  - 52

Jay Pharoah - 44

Sasheer Zamata - 39

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 179

THIS TEAM HAS EVERYTHING - Sarah S.

Beck Bennett - 54

Kyle Mooney - 28

Aidy Bryant - 52

Jay Pharoah - 44

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 178

MISS SWAN'S LOWERED EXPECTATIONS - Patrick

Cecily Strong - 50

Kenan Thompson - 57

Vanessa Bayer - 34

Kyle Mooney - 28

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 169

FARLEY GROUP STANDINGS (after Episode 41x11)

1. Effie Villalopolus’ Professional Complainers – 1770
2. Murry’d With Children - 1747
3. Miss Swan’s Lowered Expectations – 1698
4. Druncle – 1674
5. Bill Brasky’s Drinking Buddies – 1502
6. This Team Has Everything – 1386

HARRY CARAY'S BBQ MOON RIBS - Ian

Kenan Thompson - 57

Vanessa Bayer - 34

Aidy Bryant - 52

Pete Davidson - 37

Ronda Rousey - 57

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Heart Wants What It Wants & 2) Same Old Love

2 points - song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 239

THE NIGHT CRAWLERZ - Kevin K.

Taran Killam - 44

Cecily Strong - 50

Kenan Thompson - 57

Jay Pharoah - 44

Tina Fey - 35

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Hands to Myself & 2) Same Old Love

2 points - song

2 points - song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 234

NUNI AND THE HAIR CHAIR - Megan R.M.

Aidy Bryant - 52

Taran Killam - 44

Leslie Jones - 58

Beck Bennett - 54

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Same Old Love/Good for You & 2) Hands to Myself

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 223

COLOMBIAN DECAFFEINATED COFFEE CRYSTALS - Dylan

Kate McKinnon - 54

Beck Bennett - 54

Cecily Strong - 50

Pete Davidson - 37

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 195

TOTAL BASTARD AIRLINES - Andrew R.

Kate McKinnon - 54

Bobby Moynihan - 44

Kyle Mooney - 28

Sasheer Zamata - 39

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 165

CRISIS OF CONFORMITY - David W.

Bobby Moynihan - 44

Jay Pharoah - 44

Kyle Mooney - 28

Vanessa Bayer - 34

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 150

BELUSHI GROUP STANDINGS (after Episode 41x11)

1. The Night Crawlerz - 2051
2. Nuni and the Hair Chair - 1731
3. Columbian Decaffeinated Coffee Crystals - 1666
4. Total Bastard Airlines - 1562
5. Harry Cary’s BBQ Moon Ribs – 1490
6. Crisis of Conformity - 1400

LAZY SUNFEYS - Meg

Kenan Thompson - 57

Cecily Strong - 50

Beck Bennett - 54

Kyle Mooney - 28

Tina Fey - 35

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Same Old Love/Good For You & 2) Hands to Myself

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 239

HADERS TO THE LEFT - Samantha L.

Kate McKinnon - 54

Taran Killam - 44

Pete Davidson - 37

Leslie Jones - 58

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) The Heart Want What It Wants & 2) Hands to Myself

10 points - second song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 203

BOYFRIENDS TALK SHOW - Andrew E.

Jay Pharoah - 44

Bobby Moynihan - 44

Aidy Bryant - 52

Leslie Jones - 58

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 198

INTERNATIONAL NASTY GIRL$ - Abby

Kate McKinnon - 54

Vanessa Bayer - 34

Aidy Bryant - 52

Sasheer Zamata - 39

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Same Old Love & 2) Hands to Myself

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 194

HEATHER FROM WORK - Lauren

Cecily Strong - 50

Taran Killam - 44

Beck Bennett - 54

Kyle Mooney - 28

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - SONGS: 1) Same Old Love & 2) Hands to Myself

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 191

THE WEEKENDERS - Justin

Kenan Thompson - 57

Bobby Moynihan - 44

Vanessa Bayer - 34

Jay Pharoah - 44

MUSICAL GUEST - Selena Gomez - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE ELEVEN TOTAL 179

POEHLER GROUP STANDINGS (after Episode 41x11)

1. Haders to the Left – 1826
2. Heather From Work - 1734
3. Lazy Sunfeys - 1715
4. The Weekenders - 1659
5. International Nasty Girl$ - 1622
6. Boyfriends Talk Show – 1493

Barebones numbers, the cast AVERAGED 45.14 points each between themselves, this episode. To put that into perspective, they averaged 19.5 when Amy Poehler and Tina Fey hosted. That’s the difference you get when the cast is pulling the comedy weight to support a “weaker” comedian, as opposed to playing the supporting cast to alumni! Of course, with those kinds of numbers across the board, we saw a LOT of big scores this week, with at least one team per Group crossing the bi-centennial point mark, but not a lot of changes in the overall standings!

In TWO WEEKS, on February 6^th, Season 41 regular Larry David will be officially hosting Saturday Night Live for the first time! Arguably the funniest person to ever be associated with the Seinfeld sitcom (no small feat) it’s amazing to see him hosting, and he’ll be joined by Musical Guests, The 1975! Which would have been a great segway about 1975 being the last time Larry David was working in the building… but hey, he’s proved a spot-on Bernie Sanders this season!

He knows you're excited... and won't pretend to be excited as well.

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! 

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