Tuesday, September 13, 2005
The Sinkable SNL
NBC's long-running late-night comedy-sketch program "Saturday Night Live" recently issued another in its Best of series, this one featuring the Best of Tom Hanks.
Two things:
- Tom Hanks worked with a lot of funny individuals on those episodes (at least seven appearances); and
- "Saturday Night Live" was never funny.
Jon Lovitz was funny. I would almost watch Todd Solondz's Happiness again just for the opening scene with Lovitz on a date. Kevin Nealon was tall and necessary. Mike Murphy had a series of worsening haircuts. Adam Sandler was a bit player (sometimes when I sing to myself in the car, and realize that I'm annoying even that audience of one, I remind me of him). Victoria Gilbert seemed very blonde. Phil [name] could carry a scene. Will Farrell could carry a scene. Conan O'Brien lands a bit part as a doorman to the Five Timers Club. Chris Rock! Steve Martin! Elliot Gould!? A five-time host?
But Hanks' appearances cover several years and casts. Funny people. Unfunny skits. And almost every one staggers on at least half as long again as it should have, so that the awkwardness is almost funny were it not so awkward.
People (Lorne Michaels!) herald the early years, but looking back, where are the laughs? Outrageous actors and commedians. But what percentage of skits are unwatchable in part? As a whole? Most.
It's an argument more or less moot, one would think. But occasionally someone comes to work Monday morning (or worse, having TiVo'd, any morning) claiming that they watched SNL and it was great or bad or good, and then out come the arguments about when it actually was good.
It was good when you were 12. Whatever era that was. And then you grew up and it was boring unless you've a mind to reiterate catch phrases that you hear on tv and the radio.
So sure, watching Tom Hanks air "unseen" footage from Big, in which he stays in school and knocks kids around is funny. When you're 12. And "Mr. Short-term Memory" is hilarious in the same way.
For what it's worth. Footnote: Oh, and here's looking at the new network fall schedule. 30+ new shows! Who will be the first to fall?
