So here's a case of a host at one peak of his career, but likely better known today for a later peak. Best known today as the father in Everybody Loves Raymond, at the time he hosted, Peter Boyle was best known for his work in Young Frankenstein. This his only stint hosting SNL.
THE HOST
Boyle does fine, though it would have been nice to see him, and the cast as well, do more. This episode has an above average amount of musical performances, film shorts, and reruns from past episodes. You'd think coming back from a two week break would have rejuvenated the writers and cast, but it doesn't seem to be the case. The highlight of the night feels less like a written skit and more like something Belushi and Boyle were riffing on backstage that made it's way in front of the camera.
THE GOOD
The aforementioned Dueling Brandos, featuring the Brando impersonations of both Belushi and Boyle. It's great, and yet another strong showcase for Belushi.
We're introduced to two stoners played by Aykroyd and Newman, when Boyle visits them as their clueless neighbor. It's all very '70s drug humor, but it worked for me. Apparently these are recurring characters, but I don't recall them. Maybe these skits were edited out of the shortened reruns aired in the '80s, either for time or content.
A wrestling match between Bees and WASPS beats an old joke into the ground, but it's funny at least the first time you see it.
And, Gilda Radner has another cute segment just being herself, this time being harassed by Garrett Morris reading aloud a filthy valentine he's written for her.
THE BAD
I usually put them in the Meh category, but the reruns of commercial parodies really grate this episode, since there's so many and they're far from the best ones. Ambassador Training Institute? New Dad? The do-it-yourself price gun? Diet pills? Why are we still seeing these?
And while I don't want to be too critical of three preteen girls, what the heck is the deal with the Shapiro Sisters? They lip sync This Will Be by Natalie Cole. The audience seems to love it, but what's it doing on this show?
Gary Weis is starting to annoy, as well. His film on the Pledge of Allegiance, complete with a closing shot of Garrett Morris as Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, is heavy-handed and pretentious.
Did the audience really request a repeat of Weis' Homeward Bound film? Because I sure didn't.
THE MEH
The opener, with Chase playing a valet shot during the St Valentine's Day Massacre, is an odd choice.
Samurai Divorce Court shows that minus Buck Henry, the Samurai skits aren't nearly as good.
The one decent commercial of the night is Aykroyd as Ricardo Montalban in a parody of his infamous car commercial.
Weekend Update chugs along with more Emily Litella.
Aykroyd does what I think is his first Nixon impression on an interview show with Jane Curtin. He'll get bettter.
Boyle coming home to find his wife with a house full of men pretending to be human appliances is only so-so.
This week's home movie is literally a static shot of a home.
THE MUSIC
It's Al Jarreau. I don't think he does any of his better known hits here, but I'm not a fan, so who knows. Not my thing, so I find myself pretty ambivalent about him.
GRADE: C
I feel like I should rate it higher, because it's not terrible, but this episode is so pedestrian. About half of it feels like repeats or non-cast related stuff, so it inevitably feels like they're coasting.
RANDOM THOUGHTS
Apparently Boyle actually married, and remained married, to the woman he sings to in his monologue.
I'm finding myself already wanting change. Chase's Weekend Updates never blow me away like I'd expect, so I'm already eager to see how things shift when he's removed from the equation next season. The other cast members still don't get the spotlight enough, and we all know they can handle it.
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