“SNL” plays to its strengths with Ariana Grande and Stevie Nicks

After having a climax last week, “Saturday Night Live”Last night's 50th anniversary season premiered with host Ariana Grande and musical guest Stevie Nicks. The last time Nicks performed SNL was during season 9, over 40 years ago. However, Grande has hosted more recently. She first appeared as a musical guest on the Season 40 premiere with host Chris Pratt and later hosted an episode in Season 41. She also returned as a musical guest for Season 49.

However, this week's episode marks the first time that Grande did not appear as a musical guest. But that didn't stop her from singing. In this episode she only acted as a presenter; She sang in four of the seven skits in which she appeared, as well as her monologue. It only feels right to showcase Grande's talents. She has also proven this in the past SNL Performances show that she is a great impressionist. Of the seven skits in which she appeared, only two do not feature her as a singer or singer.

Overall, this week felt like a return to form SNLfor better or worse. While there were some solid jokes and sketches, it lacked some of the viral standout moments or big twists of the first two episodes of the season. There were some nice moments. It's hard to hate Stevie Nicks at any age when she performs “Edge of Seventeen,” and Grande's singing, impressions, and hosting effort make her a joy to watch.

Opened cold

SNL has become synonymous with star-studded, political cold starts, and this week was no different. SNL relied on the well-known conceit of an episode of Celebrity Family Feud for this cold open, but with a twist: This time it's Kamala Harris and Donald Trump and their “families.” Family feud is such a fallback for SNL The last time Grande hosted, things were different Celebrity Family Feud sketch.

The cold opening had some very funny jokes, like Melania not being there or Kenan Thompson as Steve Harvey saying “Damn, America” ​​to Doug Emhoff (Andy Samberg) because he answered a question with a bad answer. However, what makes this sketch as a whole is the absolutely perfect impressions of most of the actors.

monologue

Grande also sang for and sang again for her monologue in 2016. Although she acts like she doesn't, it only makes sense that she does. The song is fun and she is a great singer. She also does some of her vocal impressions here, which are always impressive. She plays to her strengths, although it would have been nice if she had taken a little more risks here or elsewhere in the episode.

There are also some fun visual gags here, such as Bowen Yang dressed as Glinda for one cut Evil sketch. Apparently there was never a sketch. However, it's a bit of a shame. Grande and Yang have great chemistry and only have one skit together in this episode.

Bridesmaid speech

“Bridesmaid Speech” is another familiar SNL premise. However, this one adds a Sabrina Carpenter's “Me Espresso” parody. The most impressive thing about the sketch is the intentionally bad singing. All of the players do an excellent job of capturing the off-key, almost conversational singing that often accompanies the bridesmaids' performances. Even Grande sings badly, which is kind of fascinating.

My best friend's house

While most fans will probably see the twist coming (or at least that there's a dark twist), Dan Bulla's short “My Best Friend's House” is perhaps the most “open” sketch of the night. It's fun and having a pre-recorded music sketch is a no-brainer SNL Classic for good reason. Some of the scene setup and final moments really help elevate this film.

Charades with mom

Yang and Grande star in this skit about a controversial mother who meets her son's boyfriend. Moments in this sketch feel like a first draft; However, Yang and Grande sell it and their chemistry really shines through.

Celine Dion sports promo

Before seeing this skit, this writer did not know that Celine Dion recently did a promo for the NFL. This context may have made this sketch feel more current or rooted in reality. The skit features Dion (played by Grande) doing a promo for the UFC, and it's really driven by Grande's Dion impression (which is phenomenal in both singing and mannerisms).

Weekend update

After a joke about abortion and the audience's reaction to it, Colin Jost quips, “We're really finding the line,” which could be the tagline for this week's Weekend Update. Jost and Michael Che deliver a rape joke, a gay joke and even one about atomic bomb survivors. However, the funniest lines that are delivered are usually just spontaneous jokes. Che keeps repeating to Jost that “it’s the 90s,” which is funnier than any of her other jokes. While there's no indication that they're “finding the limit” ten years after hosting the segment, their chemistry makes it clear that they've been doing this for a long time.

Ego Nwodim shines as an overworked Amazon employee, and Sarah Sherman and James Austin Johnson also appear as childish versions of Joel and Liam Gallagher from Oasis.

Castrati

This feels like a classic SNL Sketch primarily aided by the inclusion of Maya Rudolph and Andy Samberg. Even though the film doesn't really know how to end and may seem a bit too dark for some viewers, Grande's face in this skit is definitely worth seeing. It doesn't hurt that impressive vocals from Grande can be heard here again.

Maybelline

This sketch is a bit messy. At times it feels a bit like product placement, as it's not clear why it's embedded in a Maybelline ad. It also takes a little longer and there are a few moments where players take a break. However, there is also something charming about it. The skit features multiple versions of Jennifer Coolidge preparing for a date in the mirror.

Honestly, mirror work is the most fun. While many can embody Coolidge, it's sometimes difficult to emphasize the humor because she's so funny. However, Grande and Chloe Fineman do a good job. Unfortunately, Dana Carvey joins him as the third Coolidge, and his impression doesn't come close to hers, which is a shame for a sketch so reliant on imitations.

Hotel detective

It's probably best to go into Hotel Detective blind. This sketch is so much fun. It really plays with form. It's one of only two skits in which Grande doesn't sing or impersonate anyone, but she really shines. The twist is meta and awesome. This sketch feels like a classic SNL bit and a fresh perspective.

Saturday evening Live returns on October 19th with host Michael Keaton and musical guest Billie Eilish.