Scarlett Johansson made television history during the season finale of Saturday Night Live. With that success, she became the first woman to have hosted on the legendary show the Tonight Show! We rang in this milestone with a rowdy, rip-roaring raucous and rollicking funny episode. It was the season finale of SNL’s historic 50th season, broadcasted on Saturday night. The episode overflowed with comedic talent—from sketches to guest cameos. It also featured some extremely moving remembrances that found the pulse of the show, just right.
The finale started off with a cold open featuring James Austin Johnson as President Donald Trump. He treated the gathering to a steady stream of pointed critical commentary laced with sardonic humor. About everything from airline peanuts to Newark Airport, he had a keen sense of the ridiculous. Here are Johnson’s most eye-opening comments on Trump. He bravely said, “Take me back to Allah’s country,” yet described that, “Look at our planes, the radar is out, the screen is empty – Newark! This hilarious opening number really set the tone for a night of fun and revelry, not to mention nostalgia.
In an effort to boost her co-stars’ moods, Johansson planned for everyone to go on an imaginary beach vacation—complete with mimosas—during the episode. Her tongue in cheek efforts to keep her mood deflating co-anchors happy included springing for their first class air fare. Their attempts at speaking Spanish resulted in an amusing disaster: “Asparagus, nothing and your ankle!” This playful exchange perfectly captured the series’ ability to balance comedy with those everyday moments we can all relate to.
Visitors include media innovators and storytellers Colin Jost and Michael Che. Visit also includes Colin Jost and Michael Che’s annual joke swap. The two comedy legends jabbed at each other back and forth, putting their legendary improv talents on full display. This unscripted interplay brought spontaneous laughs to the enthralled audience. Their palpable chemistry has proven to be the best part of each Weekend Update segment.
The finale did not shy away from addressing current day events, like Sean “Diddy” Combs’s current trial. While the show brought attention to the legal case, it took no direct connects to SNL. Even better, it added in a nod to the ensuing dance scene that parodied the Macarena from an Austin Powers movie.
In a surprise appearance, Mike Myers returned to SNL for one last time this season, delighting fans who have long appreciated his contributions to the show. His presence served as a reminder of the many stars who have graced the SNL stage over its lengthy history.
Johansson expressed her only regret regarding her career while on stage: “That The Avengers didn’t make more money at the box office.” That honest, intimate moment struck a chord with viewers as she took a sober look at her game-changing role in the history-making Marvel Cinematic Universe.
One cast member, Sarah Sherman, recently made headlines with her announcement that she wouldn’t be coming back next year. Her departure became an emotional sendoff, stunning her and all present. Her departure reminded us all of the ever-changing cast and crew dynamic that has marked SNL throughout its decades-long run.
And as the evening drew to an expected celebratory close, the wonderful curtain call was a mighty and appropriate triumphant close. Colin Jost then gave his wife a bouquet of flowers and gave her a romantic kiss. Johansson took this opportunity to pay tribute to Lorne Michaels, who has been an integral part of SNL’s success since its inception. The uncertainty surrounding Michaels’ future at the helm of SNL became a poignant topic as fans pondered the show’s direction moving forward.
In her first Weekend Update appearance, Ego Nwodim took a side-splitting shot at Newark Airport that would have made Jerry Carakappa proud! He joked, “You guys took peanuts off the plane ‘cause everybody want an allergy – if you don’t take a Benadryl and sit yo’ gay ass down! This satirical attack strongly crystallized the SNL aesthetic of spinning world interests into societal comedy.
Musical guest Bad Bunny nearly blew the roof off the place with two RIOT-inducing performances as the show closed. His stunning performances always offered radical new contexts. They brought in a graffiti-splattered women’s bathroom and a bustling construction zone, and we got tons of beautiful color around the musical numbers on the show.
In a fitting close to its 50th season, SNL concluded with a whimsical sketch set at a Victorian lady’s luncheon. Johansson was joined by the entire cast, including Sherman, creating a sense of unity among those who have contributed to the show’s legacy.