SNL Season 43: Ryan Gosling

 

After what seemed like a lengthy layoff (due to a news filled summer), SNL finally returned for its season premiere with Ryan Gosling & Jay-Z. Onto the review.

The Chaos President (Cold Open): Alec Baldwin made his return as Trump. This cold open combined a lot of different elements, from Trump picking a fight with the mayor of San Juan over Hurricane Maria relief, to his reported feud with Jeff Sessions. Overall, this cold open felt a little flat, though Kate McKinnon is brilliant as Sessions. (6.8)

Monologue: Hey, did you know Ryan Gosling "saved jazz"?. That was the premise here, with Ryan even giving a little jazz tutorial on piano. At first, it seemed like he was going to run this premise in the ground, but he made it work. We even got a cameo from Emma Stone. (8.4)

Another Close Encounter: Right off the bat, they brought back this alien abduction sketch that hit it out of the park the first time around. While it didn't quite hit the same notes the second time around, there was still enough new material that it really, really worked. McKinnon just has that natural presence that can get anyone to break, especially Ryan as she was busy "fondling" him in a demonstration. (8.8)

Levi's Wokes (ad): (7.3)


The Fliplets: There isn't much to say about this HGTV show parody, just that wow can Ryan really get into his character. (6.6)


(Jay-Z): (8.6)

Weekend Update: Jost and Che came out firing in this opening Update. There was a lot of genuine frustration over Trump's Puerto Rico attacks, and Che had some of the more intense moments, calling Trump "a bitch" in response to his "nasty" comment, and on top of that, calling him a "cheap cracker".

Kate showed up as Angela Merkel, doing her usual thing. We also got Alex Moffat back as "The guy who bought a boat", with his cousin Ryan "The cousin who joined soho house". There's something here with this character, but I think Alex needs a few more appearances to really flesh it out. (8.0)

Henrietta & the Fugitive: (6.2)


Italian Restaurant: (6.4)


(Jay-Z): (8.5)


Papyrus (short): I always say that SNL is at its best when it gets super random, and that's what we got with this short. Some writer was genuinely irritated at Avatar's font. I almost wish this short was even longer so it could pack even more of a punch, but even as is it really landed. (8.9)

Dive Bar: (7.0)



All in all, a very solid and consistent season opener. Ryan Gosling makes for a really reliable host. Yes, he breaks often in sketches, but just there's something about him that makes it charming (unlike certain other former cast members....who host The Tonight Show) (7.63)




Ryan Gosling: 7.63