QUALITY: Ariana Grande proved a super likable host! Honestly, my expectations should have been higher thanks to her recent Fallon homers but it’s proof positive that Grande is one hell of a sketch performer with impression capabilities only short of Pharoah on this episode! Adam Driver may still be the best Host so far, of the season but overall Grande gave him a big run for his money. Especially with the disadvantage of her forgettable musical stylings (not terrible, just neither my kind of music nor anything exciting within her field) and his advantage of being Adam Driver, help make Grande the pleasant surprise of the season so far.

PROBLEMATIC: Are you listening to our podcast? If you aren't, then THAT is problematic! Join Brian Edwards of the SNL Fantasy League team The Team You Wish You Hadn’t Started A Conversation With At A Party! Enjoy our Deep Thoughts on SNL podcast! Subscribe, listen, enjoy! Deep Thoughts, when they can, also tweets during the show, so join in on twitter!

REPERTORY CAST

Cecily Strong, 62 points

Kate McKinnon, 57 points

Beck Bennett, 44 points

Bobby Moynihan, 42 points

Kenan Thompson, 40 points

Sasheer Zamata, 35 points

Jay Pharoah, 34 points

Vanessa Bayer, 25 points

Taran Killam, 25 points

Aidy Bryant, 20 points

Kyle Mooney, 5 points

FEATURED CAST

Leslie Jones, 12 points

Pete Davidson, 10 points

Jon Rudnitsky, 5 points

HOST

Ariana Grande, 75 points

Larry David, 30 points

HARTMAN GROUP

WAR HORSE CAN DANCE - Megan M.

Cecily Strong - 62

Bobby Moynihan - 42

Beck Bennett - 44

Ariana Grande - 75

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Be Alright

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 238

BILLION DOLLAR MURRAYS - Russel

Kate McKinnon - 57

Aidy Bryant - 20

Beck Bennett - 44

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Be Alright

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 136

MARK WAHLBERG ATE MARK WAHLBERG - Sarah R.

Cecily Strong - 62

Bobby Moynihan - 42

Vanessa Bayer - 25

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Be Alright & 2) Dangerous Woman

2 points - song

2 points - song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 133

THE IGNORANT SLUTS - Matt

Kenan Thompson - 40

Jay Pharoah - 34

Kyle Mooney - 5

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Be Alright

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 94

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

Kate McKinnon - 57

Leslie Jones - 12

Jon Rudnitsky - 5

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Be Alright

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 89

THE NOT READY FOR FIRST PLACE PLAYERS - Kevin M.

Taran Killam - 25

Jay Pharoah - 34

Vanessa Bayer - 25

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Focus & 2) Dangerous Woman

2 points - song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 86

DESOLATE ISLE - Rob M.

Taran Killam - 25

Aidy Bryant - 20

Leslie Jones - 12

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Focus & 2) Dangerous Woman

2 points - song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 59

THE FUTURE MRS. RANDY GOLDMAN - Leah

Kenan Thompson - 40

Kyle Mooney - 5

Jon Rudnitsky - 5

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 50

Well shoooot, with the advantage of the Host pick War Horse Can Dance has jumped into the Hartman Group lead to start off the final quarter of Season 41. And not even by a little bit, as they become the first team over 2000 in the group, with a 114 point lead on The Not Ready For First Place Players. Can The Not Ready For First Place Players or Desolate Isle catch up, or can even the likes of Mark Wahlberg Ate Mark Wahlberg make a late play for first place?! A lot is still in play!

PHIL HARTMAN TROPHY STANDINGS (after Episode 41x15)

RADNER GROUP

SKANKY LITTLE PROSTITUTES - Mike

Kate McKinnon - 57

Cecily Strong - 62

Jay Pharoah - 34

Pete Davidson - 10

Ariana Grande - 75

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Be Alright

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 253

THE DARK, CLENCHED HOLE OF EVIL - Robb

Taran Killam - 25

Bobby Moynihan - 42

Cecily Strong - 62

Sasheer Zamata - 35

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Be Alright

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 179

LIL BABY AIDY - Will

Aidy Bryant - 20

Taran Killam - 25

Beck Bennett - 44

Vanessa Bayer - 25

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Be Alright

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 129

MY DOLL'S NAME IS JENNY - Douglas

Kate McKinnon - 57

Kyle Mooney - 5

Jay Pharoah - 34

Leslie Jones - 12

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Focus

5 points - first song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 113

KEBERT XELA - Christopher

Kenan Thompson - 40

Aidy Bryant - 20

Beck Bennett - 44

Kyle Mooney - 5

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 109

THREE-LEGGED JEANS - Lori

Kenan Thompson - 40

Bobby Moynihan - 42

Leslie Jones - 12

Pete Davidson - 10

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Focus

5 points - first song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 109

With the Ariana Grande host points, and a strong night by at least half of their team, Skanky Little Prostitutes have taken a more commanding lead of the Radner Group then has been seen in recent episodes. Still, The Dark, Clenched Hole of Evil and Lil Baby Aidy are nearest by, in that race for the Gilded Radner, while My Doll's Name Is Jenny has Peter Dinklage hosting on April 2nd!

GILDED RADNER STANDINGS (after Episode 41x15)

MYERS GROUP

NOT A STRONG SWIMMER - Krissy

Cecily Strong - 62

Kenan Thompson - 40

Vanessa Bayer - 25

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Be Alright

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 142

DAN AKROYD RAGE - Mark

Kate McKinnon - 57

Bobby Moynihan - 42

Aidy Bryant - 20

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Be Alright

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 134

SPOOKY BEHAVIOR - Emily

Cecily Strong - 62

Beck Bennett - 44

Kyle Mooney - 5

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 111

ORGANIC WIFI - Andrew K.

Kate McKinnon - 57

Jay Pharoah - 34

Leslie Jones - 12

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Let Me Love You

5 points - first song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 108

SUCK IT TREBEK - Sarah C.

Taran Killam - 25

Kenan Thompson - 40

Aidy Bryant - 20

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Be Alright

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 100

THE VONDRUKES - Samantha B.

Bobby Moynihan - 42

Jay Pharoah - 34

Leslie Jones - 12

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 88

ANTHONY'S JOE PESCI SHOWMANSHIP - Anthony

Pete Davidson - 10

Vanessa Bayer - 25

Beck Bennett - 44

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 79

COLIN JOST'S GHOSTS - Colm

Taran Killam - 25

Kyle Mooney - 5

Jon Rudnitsky - 5

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Be Alright

5 points - first song

10 points - second song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 50

Organic Wifi still holds the lead that they have locked themselves into since the Christmas episode, only strengthening it with the Adam Driver hosted episode, but the story of second place and thus the big challenger for the Wayne's World Championship has only tightened! Only 21 points separate: Suck It Trebek, Dan Akroyd Rage, and Not A Strong Swimmer, respectively!

WAYNE’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (after Episode 41x15)

FARLEY GROUP

MURRY'D WITH CHILDREN - Johnny

Kate McKinnon - 57

Cecily Strong - 62

Beck Bennett - 44

Leslie Jones - 12

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 175

DRUNCLE - Mick

Kate McKinnon - 57

Kenan Thompson - 40

Bobby Moynihan - 42

Sasheer Zamata - 35

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 174

MISS SWAN'S LOWERED EXPECTATIONS - Patrick

Cecily Strong - 62

Kenan Thompson - 40

Vanessa Bayer - 25

Kyle Mooney -  5

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Problem

5 points - first song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 137

BILL BRASKY'S DRINKING BUDDIES - Saad

Taran Killam - 25

Aidy Bryant - 20

Jay Pharoah - 34

Sasheer Zamata - 35

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 114

EFFIE VILLALOPOLUS' PROFESSIONAL COMPLAINERS - David S.

Taran Killam - 25

Bobby Moynihan - 42

Vanessa Bayer - 25

Pete Davidson - 10

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Focus

5 points - first song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 107

THIS TEAM HAS EVERYTHING - Sarah S.

Beck Bennett - 44

Kyle Mooney - 5

Aidy Bryant - 20

Jay Pharoah - 34

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Focus & 2) Dangerous Woman

2 points - song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 105

With another strong episode versus the field, Murry'd With Children holds onto that number one spot! Of course strong nights from Cecily (pun not intended) and Beck help big, especially in making up for his low intake of Song Choice points! Miss Swan's Lowered Expectations and Effie Villalopolus' Professional Complainers are still a nearby two and three, with Druncle having fallen out of pace but only by a little!

FARLEY GROUP STANDINGS (after Episode 41x15)

BELUSHI GROUP

COLOMBIAN DECAFFEINATED COFFEE CRYSTALS - Dylan

Kate McKinnon - 57

Beck Bennett - 44

Cecily Strong - 62

Pete Davidson - 10

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 173

THE NIGHT CRAWLERZ - Kevin K.

Taran Killam - 25

Cecily Strong - 62

Kenan Thompson - 40

Jay Pharoah - 34

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Focus

5 points - first song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 166

TOTAL BASTARD AIRLINES - Andrew R.

Kate McKinnon - 57

Bobby Moynihan - 42

Kyle Mooney - 5

Sasheer Zamata - 35

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 139

CRISIS OF CONFORMITY - David W.

Bobby Moynihan - 42

Jay Pharoah - 34

Kyle Mooney - 5

Vanessa Bayer - 25

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 106

NUNI AND THE HAIR CHAIR - Megan R.M.

Aidy Bryant - 20

Taran Killam - 25

Leslie Jones - 12

Beck Bennett - 44

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Be Alright & 2) Dangerous Woman

2 points - song

2 points - song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 105

HARRY CARAY'S BBQ MOON RIBS - Ian

Kenan Thompson - 40

Vanessa Bayer - 25

Aidy Bryant - 20

Pete Davidson - 10

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Be Alright & 2) Dangerous Woman

2 points - song

2 points - song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 99

For the first time this season (which sounds odd, thanks to their current second-place Group standing), Colombian Decaffeinated Coffee Crystals take the top spot in episode points, with a seven point margin over Belushi Group leader The Night Crawlerz! Thanks to a strong performance across the board this season, The Night Crawlerz are our odds on favorite to win our league-wide award that debuts this episode, but the rest of the Group could still prove spoilers to The Night Crawlerz if they can collectively keep topping these episodes!

BELUSHI GROUP STANDINGS (after Episode 41x15)

POEHLER GROUP

LAZY SUNFEYS - Meg

Kenan Thompson - 40

Cecily Strong - 62

Beck Bennett - 44

Kyle Mooney - 5

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Be Alright & 2) Dangerous Woman

2 points - song

2 points - song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 155

INTERNATIONAL NASTY GIRL$ - Abby

Kate McKinnon - 57

Vanessa Bayer - 25

Aidy Bryant - 20

Sasheer Zamata - 35

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Focus

5 points - first song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 142

HEATHER FROM WORK - Lauren

Cecily Strong - 62

Taran Killam - 25

Beck Bennett - 44

Kyle Mooney - 5

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Focus

5 points - first song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 141

THE WEEKENDERS - Justin

Kenan Thompson - 40

Bobby Moynihan - 42

Vanessa Bayer - 25

Jay Pharoah - 34

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - NO SONGS CHOSEN

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 141

BOYFRIENDS TALK SHOW - Andrew E.

Jay Pharoah - 34

Bobby Moynihan - 42

Aidy Bryant - 20

Leslie Jones - 12

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Dangerous Woman & 2) Focus

5 points - first song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 113

HADERS TO THE LEFT - Samantha L.

Kate McKinnon - 57

Taran Killam - 25

Pete Davidson - 10

Leslie Jones - 12

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Focus & 2) Dangerous Woman

2 points - song

EPISODE FIFTEEN TOTAL 106

Haders to the Left are holding onto their lead, but the entirety of the group, save more maybe Boyfriends Talk Show, still have a shot at the win by seasons end! It's an impressive amount of parity for the Poehler Group! Only 185 points lay between first from fifth, points that could easily be made up by a strong run from respective cast and/or a correct Host pick or two!

POEHLER GROUP STANDINGS (after Episode 41x15)

And now...

The THIRD and for the time being FINAL Saturday Night Live Fantasy League-WIDE Awards! It’s something a little different, an additional tip of the hat to the best team week in and week out, within their Groups and AGAINST their Group… while also being our tip of the hat to the man that saved SNL after the Not Ready For Primetime Players had vacated the studio!

Eddie Murphy Award for Leader of the Pack

Standings (after Episode 41x15)

Named after the comedian who out-paced his fellow cast members by such a large margin that he still stands as the only cast member to host while part of the cast. To the team that has attained episode high-score in their group the most amount of times. Tiebreaker is the combined points in which they won over the closest team per highest-score episode.

    1. The Night Crawlerz (w/ 7 episodes)

    1. Lil Baby Aidy (w/ 7 episodes)

    3. The Not Ready For First Place Players (w/ 5 episodes)

    3. Murry’d With Children (w/ 5 episodes)

    5. Organic Wifi (w/ 4 episodes)

    5. International Nasty Girl$ (w/ 4 episodes)

Now let’s check back in to that choice Host award!

Baldwin & Martin Award for Most with the Host

Standings (after Episode 41x15)

Named after the two men that have hosted Saturday Night Live more often any other other, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin! To the team with the most combined points from Prospective Hosts drafted. Tiebreakers are total number of hosts, number of episode with host points, number of guest hosts, in that order.

    1. Organic Wifi - 327

    2. Skanky Little Prostitutes - 308

    3. War Horse Can Dance - 241

    4. The Vondrukes – 211

    5. Desolate Isle – 188

    6. The Night Crawlerz - 181

    7. Lil Baby Aidy - 173

    8. Effie Villalopolus' Professional Complainers - 153

    9. Lazy Sunfeys - 151

    10. Total Bastard Airlines – 149

And finally let's catch-up with our other League-wide Award, once more, for most Song Choice points!

G.E. Smith Award for Musical Guest Excellence

Standings (after Episode 41x15)

Named after Saturday Night Live’s legendary former Musical Director. To the team that has gained the most song choice points by seasons end. Tiebreakers are most second songs, most first songs, and overall correct song choices, in that order.

    1. The Ignorant Sluts - 140

    2. Billion Dollar Murrays - 120

    3. Organic Wifi - 110

    3. Skanky Little Prostitutes - 110

    5. War Horse Can Dance - 108

    6. Not A Strong Swimmer – 99

    7. The Team You Wish You Hadn’t Started A Conversation With At The Party – 98

    8. The Night Crawlerz - 93

    9. Boyfriends Talk Show - 92

    10. Heather From Work – 90

    10. Desolate isle – 90

It’s been one heck of a fun season, for our third go-around on Saturday Night Live Fantasy League! As the League grew, we worried that it would become too big to keep people interested but I’m proud to see that the interest has not waned and has instead spread across the country! With the end of Season 41 just a few months away don’t forget to tell your friends about the Fantasy League and of course, keep up the good fun! From episode one of Season 39 it’s been a evolving game, so any and all suggestions are of course welcome to improve and add to this Fantasy League, please do post!

Peter Dinklage is hosting April 2^nd, your commissioners birthday of all days, and after being drafted by SOMEONE in each of our three seasons the dream has come true! Congrats to My Doll’s Name Is Jenny for rockin’ that Dinklage Host Pick! It will no doubt boost that team’s chance for both the Gilded Radner and the Balwin/Martin Award for Most with the Host!

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!

Minding the P’s and Q’s of SNL

QUALITY: It’s the start of the season sure, but I’d also like to think that Lil’ Baby Aidy was getting her due love for being awesome. AND she gets the seasons first “LIVE FROM NEW YORK…” BOOM!

QUALITY: An excellent opening taking on the recent troubles within the NFL, with the highlights being Goodell’s poster about the NFL fighting four indvidual women. Also, Shannon Sharpe’s ever growing bow-tie. What can I say, sometime the easiest jokes are the best. And I’m a sucker for a bow-tie joke.

QUALITY: #SNL40! Epic new opening credits, I do love the massive SNL looming over Manhattan, it’s a great look for the show.

PROBLEMATIC: Maybe it’s a matter of sound mixing, but Hammond sounds a little lost in the smooth sounds of Studio 8H’s band.

QUALITY: A few notes on the new credit sequence: Aidy Bryant enjoys wine and makes a hell of a dinner guest, naturally. Taran Killam would rather play arcade games in a suit, with Pete Davidson, then party on a Manhattan rooftop thank you very much  (more on that later). Kate McKinnon may in fact be the lead singer in The Mary Janes. Jay Pharoah is a rock star. Cecily Strong is Strong, oh and also goes to fancy parties with her dog which is awesome. Kenan Thompson has a posse.  Colin Jost… is a firefighter? Kyle Mooney skateboards. Oh, and Sasheer Zamata goes to cooler bars then you!

PROBLEMATIC: Seeing the GE signage reminds me of Jack Donehey, and then makes me sad that we haven’t had any new 30 Rock in two years.

QUALITY: Dear god, I think Chris Pratt is made out of charisma. If you doubted how likable he was (seriously though after Parks & Rec or Guardians of the Galaxy? Really?!), his ability to mess up during the opening monologue to perfectly comedic effect? America’s Sweetheart everyone! And yes, otherwise I charming love letter to the history of SNL! And the road of nostalgic love, hopefully begins here!

QUALITY: “… rollercoaster in my penis” is a hell of a way to start the season. The great thing about the season premiere is that you get your pick of the jokes from the last few months, not only NFL sketches but DJ Snake and Lil’ Jon’s cult favorite and the insane imagery that comes with it.

PROBLEMATIC: With what we saw in THAT music video, there should have been something… more, within this pre-taped commercial parody… no?

PROBLEMATIC: Less love for Derek Jeter, more love for SNL’s past, if you aren’t going to give us an awesome collection of pictures of the host.

QUALITY: The “Alive Toy” sketch wasn’t perfect by a long shot, but what it DID give us…

QUALITY: I’m just going to put this under QUALITY… but, did Terran Killam’s junk just become a Featured cast member?

PROBLEMATIC: Though the performances from McKinnon, Strong, and Pratt may have been on cue… Animal Hospital is such a mean and ugly concept, it’s hard for the sketch to be all that funny.

QUALITY: And how do you make up for THAT? Well with the viral hit sketch of the episode! MARVEL CAN’T FAIL!

QUALITY: Everyone is already talking about it, but WOW… THE WINTER PAM! Yes.

PROBLEMATIC: Mark Grande under the level of interest that I had with One Direction or Lady Gaga, and the kitten ears for pop music’s demon hunter don’t help me take any higher interest.

PROBLEMATIC: Never is the colder, more ‘pro’ color pallet and design slate more apparent this season then with the Weekend Update set and credit sequence.

PROBLEMATIC: I know it’s a live show, but what’s with the dropped audio mix on Che’s INTRODUCTION! Come on guys! And yes, in case you missed it, we didn’t draft and aren’t putting aside points on Featured Players Jost or Che, since Weekend Update is the only haunt they’ll be hanging out in.

PROBLEMATIC: With a shaky start to their first Update together, even Jost knows your applause on the U2 album joke is a bit TOO polite.

QUALITY: The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started A Conversation With At A Party! Cecily Strong is so much more at home, at the other end of that Weekend Update interview! It’s good to see her back to being outrageously incomprehensible.

PROBLEMATIC: Oh no, Mike O’Brien died at Burning Man?! Why didn’t anyone tell me!

QUALITY: Speaking of the PEOPLE YOU THOUGHT YOU HAD LOST! Leslie Jones! Whose absence from the writer’s page was speaking too soon, and whose appearance in Chris Rock’s Top Five is something to look forward to. Along with the rest of Top Five.

QUALITY: Leslie Jones is SO fun to watch she just made Colin Jost fun to watch. Scaring him and seducing him all at the same time.

QUALITY: Resident Young Person is the perfect introduction for Pete Davidson who, in case you forgot, is younger then EVERYONE. “I didn’t need to go down on a guy, my mom was already doing that.” Could this guy be the next great SNL stand-up? It’s SNL40, so I’m feeling nostalgic for the 90’s. KEEP IT UP PETE!

QUALITY: Jokes about NBA Draft suits are riiight in my wheelhouse, thank you Che!

PROBLEMATIC: I get the reason for involving Kenan, but they really should have checked to see if he could sing first. Because… yeeeesh.

QUALITY: Daaaamn, if the premiere says anything about the rest of the season then Aidy Bryant is going to be an ACE. This “Legends” sketch was a simple concept taken to an outrageous level almost immediately, while getting diminishing returns, and it was made possible with performances by Bryant and Pratt. Oh, and it’s fun to see Pratt get some dap from Lorne before the commercial break.

QUALITY: “Did you just say ‘Plow like your panties like you’re running on diesel’, what does that even mean?”

PROBLEMATIC: Points for the follow through, but it’s the digital short wasn’t my brand of comedy, which also made it feel overly long.

QUALITY: Che is in a sketch! Also there’s something incredibly funny about Pete Davidson in a doo-rag.

PROBLEMATIC: I’m beginning to think that Kyle Mooney only has one gear. Hmmm.

QUALITY: Though I’ve called the overall new design cold, I am enjoying the callbacks to eras past in the intersticeals.

QUALITY: NFL on CBS was very well played, but Key and Peele DID do it better.

PROBLEMATIC: The problem with Grande’s performances are how forgettable they’ll be, especially with this being the season premiere. I mean, it’s excellent to see Toronto’s Own The Weeknd singing a duet on SNL, buuuut…

QUALITY: Well ending he show with distractingly sexual puzzle video games certainly works!

QUALITY: Pete Davidson with the host hug! One, he’s looks even taller next too resident ‘in-sketch kid’ Mooney, and two, how cool is the SNL cast? They seemed SO PROUD of him! D'aaaaaw.

REPARTORY CAST

Aidy Bryant, 79 points

Taran Killam, 52 points

Cecily Strong, 49 points

Bobby Moynihan, 40 points

Kenan Thompson, 37 points

Jay Pharoah, 34 points

Vanessa Bayer, 30 points

Kate McKinnon, 25 points

FEATURED CAST

Kyle Mooney, 44 points

Beck Bennett, 41 points

Pete Davidson, 30 points

Sasheer Zamata, 13 points

HOST

Chris Pratt, 111 points

REPERTORY LEAGUE

PARDO GROUP

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

Jay Pharoah - 34

Bobby Moynihan - 40

Pete Davidson - 30

Chris Pratt - 111

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Love Me Harder & 2) Break Free

2 points - Song

2 points - Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 219

KEYROCK, KHAN, & ASSOCIATES - Saad

Vanessa Bayer - 30

Aidy Bryant - 79

Kyle Mooney - 44

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Break Free & 2) Be My Baby

5 points - First Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 158

THE FUTURE MRS. RANDY GOLDMAN - Leah

Taran Killam - 52

Sasheer Zamata - 13

Aidy Bryant - 79

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Problem & 2) Break Free

2 points - Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 146

THE NOT READY FOR FIRST PLACE PLAYERS - Kevin M

Jay Pharoah - 34

Cecily Strong - 49

Beck Bennett - 41

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Break Free & 2) Love Me Harder

5 points - First Song

10 points - Second Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 139

ISOLATED ARCHIPELAGO - Rob

Taran Killam - 52

Kenan Thompson - 37

Pete Davidson - 30

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Problem & 2) Break Free

2 points - Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 121

THE IGNORANT SLUTS - Matt

Kate McKinnon - 25

Vanessa Bayer - 30

Beck Bennett - 41

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Break Free & 2) Love Me Harder

5 points - First Song

10 points - Second Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 111

NATALIE PORTMAN'S DIRTY LAUNDRY - Sarah R

Kate McKinnon - 25

Bobby Moynihan - 40

Kyle Mooney - 44

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Problem & 2) Break Free

2 points - Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 111

BILLION DOLLAR MURRAYS - Russel

Cecily Strong - 49

Kenan Thompson - 37

Sasheer Zamata - 13

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Problem & 2) Break Free

2 points - Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 101

FEATURED LEAGUE

MCKAY GROUP

THE VONDRUKES - Samantha

Jay Pharoah - 34

Sasheer Zamata - 13

Cecily Strong - 49

Chris Pratt - 111

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Break Free & 2) Problem

5 points - First Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 212

PARDO ME - Hannah

Taran Killam - 52

Aidy Bryant - 79

Kyle Mooney - 44

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Problem & 2) Break Free

2 points - Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 177

SKANKY LITTLE PROSTITUTES - Mike

Aidy Bryant - 79

Cecily Strong - 49

Sasheer Zamata - 13

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Break Free & 2) Love Me Harder

5 points - First Song

10 points - Second Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 156

THE NIGHT CRAWLERZ - Kevin K

Taran Killam - 52

Jay Pharoah - 34

Beck Bennett - 41

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Problem & 2) Break Free

2 points - Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 129

FALLON IN LOVE - Johnny

Kenan Thompson - 37

Bobby Moynihan - 40

Pete Davidson - 30

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Break Free & 2) Love Me Harder

5 points - First Song

10 points - Second Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 122

DAN AKROYD RAGE - Mark

Kate McKinnon - 25

Bobby Moynihan - 40

Beck Bennett - 41

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Love Me Harder & 2) Break Free

2 points - Song

2 points - Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 110

DAMIAN AND THE FELINE SOCIOPATHS - Andrew

Kate McKinnon - 25

Vanessa Bayer - 30

Kenan Thompson - 37

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Break Free & 2) Problem

5 points - First Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 97

FEY GROUP

SANTA'S MY BOYFRIEND - Megan

Taran Killam - 52

Cecily Strong - 49

Aidy Bryant - 79

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Break Free & 2) Love Me Harder

5 points - First Song

10 points - Second Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 195

THE LAND SHARKS - Jason

Kate McKinnon - 25

Kyle Mooney - 44

Aidy Bryant - 79

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Problem & 2) Break Free

2 points - Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 150

SUCK IT TREBEK - Sarah C

Jay Pharoah - 34

Cecily Strong - 49

Beck Bennett - 41

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Break Free & 2) Problem

5 points - First Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 129

MY DOLL'S NAME IS JENNY - Doug

Vanessa Bayer - 30

Bobby Moynihan - 40

Kyle Mooney - 44

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Problems & 2) Love Me Harder

10 points - Second Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 124

THREE LEGGED JEANS - Lori

Kate McKinnon - 25

Bobby Moynihan - 40

Kenan Thompson - 37

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Break Free & 2) Problem

5 points - First Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 107

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

Taran Killam - 52

Vanessa Bayer - 30

Sasheer Zamata - 13

MUSICAL GUEST - Ariana Grande - SONGS: 1) Break Free & 2) Best Mistake

5 points - First Song

EPISODE ONE TOTAL 100

PHIL HARTMAN TROPHY STANDINGS (after Episode 40x01)

FEATURED LEAGUE STANDINGS

1. The Vondrukes - 212
2. Santa's My Boyfriend - 195
3. Pardo Me - 177
4. Skanky Little Prostitutes - 156
5. The Land Sharks -150
6. The Night Crawlerz - 129
7. Suck It Trebek - 129
8. My Doll's Name is Jenny - 124
9. Fallon In Love - 122
10. Dan Akroyd Rage - 110
11. Three Legged Jeans - 107
12. Martha Stewat's Home for the Holidays: Topless Christmas Special - 100
13. Damian and the Feline Sociopaths - 97

A wild congratulations to The Team You Wish…, who have found themselves atop the leader board for the Phil Hartman to start the season, for the second season in a row. They finished third last year, so let’s see if they can’t improve on that standing THIS year! Both The Team You Wish… and The Vondrukes were powered by Chris Pratt, who proved very capable as host. This time next year, once the world has enjoyed Jurassic World, don’t be surprised to see MORE Pratt as host!

It was AIDY BRYANT who proved to be MVP of the premiere episode, proving more then game alongside Chris Pratt and trending on twitter as (nobody guessed it) Winter Pam! It looks like after two years as a strong utility player, the premiere may have been her introduction as a star on the show. Much to the excitement of the four teams that drafted her. Kate McKinnon had an uncharacteristically quiet episode, though much like the second episode of last season, we shouldn’t expect that to be the case for long.

In fact, I know Bayer has been responsible for Hilary Clinton in the past but with Clinton getting more presidential primary jokes then Obama did appearances as “Ladies and Gentlemen, the President…”, I wonder if McKinnon isn’t the best choice for Hilary in the long run. Oh, and those who cast the President and First Lady in Jay and Sasheer must be sweating a bit, after this first episode! Don't worry though, the road to Saturday Night Live Fantasy League glory is long and hilarious!

And NEXT WEEK is the return of Sarah Silverman to Saturday Night Live! I know of all the former cast members we expected to have a homecoming to 30 Rock, Silverman wasn't exactly near the top of the list. Of all the announced or heavily rumored hosts so far, she's the only we weren't able to predict so far... but hey, I am looking very much forward to Sarah Silverman hosting SNL!

And will a return to the Weekend Update desk be in order?

Russel Harder hosts Trivia Club at Cardinal Rule (5 Roncesvalles Ave) every WEDNESDAY, at Hitch (1216 Queen St East) every SECOND and FOURTH MONDAY of the month, Handlebar (159 Augusta Ave) on the FIRST TUESDAY of every month, and Lou Dawg's (76 Gerrard St E) on every other TUESDAY!