The Saturday Night Live episode with Dakota Johnson as the host and Justin Timberlake as the musical guest was marked by a mix of strengths and weaknesses. While Johnson’s performance ultimately stood out despite a shaky start, the overall episode was perceived as somewhat lacking in terms of the performance aspect but compensated with an abundance of guest stars. The review specifically emphasizes Johnson’s challenges in grasping the rhythms of the sketches, noting instances where she broke character.
The episode featured a diverse array of sketches, incorporating guest appearances from Jimmy Fallon, Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, and Dave Chappelle. Notably, Fallon and Timberlake made unexpected returns, reviving the popular “Barry Gibb Talk Show” sketch. The cold open humorously parodied CBS’s NFL playoff coverage, while the monologue included a prescient photo from an SNL 40th-anniversary event.
The article delves into Timberlake’s impactful presence and Fallon’s notable involvement in various segments, particularly highlighting their roles in the “Barry Gibb Talk Show” sketch. Timberlake’s musical performances are discussed in detail, shedding light on the specific sketches, including one portraying a family facing ordering troubles at a restaurant and a pre-taped sketch centered around old VHS tapes. Bowen Yang’s segment on Oscar categories and his comedic take on award shows also receives attention and praise.
To summarize, the episode exhibited both positive and negative aspects, showcasing Johnson’s resilience, notable guest appearances, and a diverse range of sketches. Specific sketches, such as the one featuring Sarah Sherman as a server who refuses to write down orders, are highlighted. However, the review also touches upon the perception of certain sketches as random and repetitive, providing a comprehensive overview of the episode’s key moments, sketches, and performances.