Something of a historic moment here, as Bergen turned out to be a popular host, and came back multiple times in the first two seasons (and a couple times more in the '80s). If you grew up, like I did, thinking of her as "Murphy Brown", you may wonder if she can be loose enough to handle the more free-spirited comedy of early SNL. So, how does she do?
THE HOST
Bergen does fine, as professional as you'd expect, and although a little stiff, for the most part, it gives the case something to bounce off of. I always felt she had strong chemistry with Chevy Chase, though that pops up more in her next appearance. She delivers an opening monologue that for once makes good use of the Bees, with Chase trying to swat Belushi in full bee costume as he stands behind Bergen.
THE GOOD
Chase unveils his Gerald Ford impersonation. It's one of the highlights of the first season, and yet another reason why he broke out from the rest of the cast as a stand-out.
There's a great Jaws parody, introducing the Land Shark. I think this is the first film parody we've seen so far.
Weekend Update features Garrett Morris once again, and Jane Curtin also turns up to be mocked by Chase as she recites an editorial.
Not sure why, but Candice Bergen's Chanel commercial is one of the earliest bits I remember. They must have rerun it a lot, and I still find it amusing.
Bergen and Radner have a cute segment in which Radner discusses her insecurities working alongside someone as beautiful as Bergen. It's a little uncomfortable to watch if you're aware that Radner was genuinely struggling with an eating disorder at the time, and Bergen gets a little overly serious and political (something she has a tendency to do more in later shows, as well) but it's a nice moment and a change of pace from many of the bland skits that clutter this episode.
Transamerican Airlines - I could just as easily put thin in Meh, or even Bad - Michael O'Donoghue, while a talented writer, sometimes gets more dark than clever for me, especially when he performs. But, it's brief and funny, so I'll place it here.
The highlight for me, though, is Albert Brooks' film, a fake promo reel for NBC's new season. They're all good, but "Black Vet" cracks me up every time, especially the randomness of that clip featuring the lead angrily warning a young boy to "Stay away from the sheep!"
THE BAD
The Muppets, as always.
We also get the first "Pong" skit from Franken and Davis. I never cared for these, and they've always felt like nothing more than time fillers to me.
THE MEH
Much of this episode left me cold. None of the skits were really terrible, but there are plenty - Aykroyd as a disorganized CIA agent looking for Garrett Morris' criminal record, several talk show skits, and one involving Bergen playing pranks on a world leader as she interviews him - that aren't very memorable. Then there are the commercial parodies - the ambassador training school one that will pop up multiple times throughout the first couple seasons, a long-distance ad that involves a son dressing in his mother's clothes, and an odd one featuring Chevy Chase and his girlfriend that defiantly announces that they were able to enjoy each other without any commercial products - so, basically, an un-commercial. They're okay, but not classics.
Andy Kaufman - he does impressions this time, and plays bongo drums. It's not his most memorable appearance on the show.
THE MUSIC
It's Esther Phillips, who's done some great work (I know her from her version of "Release Me"), but here she's performing her hit, disco version of "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes" and another song I'm unfamiliar with. More a case of catching a strong artist after their peak than anything bad.
GRADE: B-
The Jaws skit and Bergen's obvious joy over being there elevate this, but if not for that, I could have easily given it a C.
RANDOM THOUGHTS
Apparently, this is the first time the cast assembles on stage with the host to say goodnight.
I've always been curious about what viewers made of Michael O'Donoghue. He just gives off a creepy vibe, and it's easy to see why he was quickly relegated to mostly behind the scenes work. He's funny, but he really doesn't blend well with the rest of the cast.
There's just something overly earnest and serious about Candice Bergen. It's a lot more evident in the next two shows she hosts, but I often find her episodes both funny and cloying. I even agree with most of her politics, but she still find awkward ways to shoehorn them in. I think sometimes she forgets she's on a comedy show, but on the other hand, it's still up in the air at this point as to what SNL is.
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