The Delightful Quinta Brunson Hosts Another Clever Episode of 'SNL'

Cold Open — If you’re going to force James Austin Johnson’s very good Trump impression on us, at least make it worthwhile. Not so much this week, as it was just Trump rambling about some new absurd executive orders he’s signing (pardoning JK Rowling, banning Ghosts, the Belichick Law, making it OK for older men to date 24-year-olds, etc.). (Score: 5 out of 10)

Quinta Brunson Monologue — Last year when Brunson hosted I wrote that it was the cleverest episode of the season. She’s keeping it up here with a monologue song about being short, with cameos from Sabrina Carpenter (also short) and Dwyane Wade (short for basketball). Nicely done. (Score: 7.5 out of 10)

Will & Todd’s Radical Experience — “Will & Todd” is a parody of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, only here after they write their history paper and send the historical figures back, Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman refuse to return to their time for obvious reasons. See? Clever! (Score: 7 out of 10)

OnlySeniors — An old couple, played by Brunson and Kenan, found a way to earn a few bucks in their retirement, as they explain to their kids, graphically, that they are on Only Fans for Seniors. Ew. (Score: 6 out of 10)

Leadership Summit — It’s a conference to teach HR skills to very bad employees who are not picking up what the leaders are putting down. A couple of clever ideas, but not a great sketch overall. (Watch Here) (Score: 4.5 out of 10)

Ferry Altercation — They brought back one of the better sketches from Brunson’s last go around, where drivers (this time on a ferry) mime to each other from their cars in hilariously creative ways. Because it’s on a ferry, Colin Jost also makes an appearance. Gonna make this the Mat sketch of the week. (Score: 7.5 out of 10)

Forever 31 — An ad for Forever 31, clothes are for women in their 30s who wear a lot of neutral colors and baggy attire and go to bed at 10. Good stuff. I suspect this one will resonate with a lot of folks. (Score: 6.5 out of 10)

Two Bitches vs. a Gorilla — A take on the 100 men vs. a gorilla, only its two bitches who have a lot to say to this gorilla. Amusing, but not that amusing. (Watch Here) (Score: 5 out of 10)

Weekend Update — It’s probably the final stretch for Jost and Che, and they’re in fuck-it mode, for better or worse. The groans are at an all-time high. Michael Longfellow (my dark horse candidate to replace Jost) appears to talk about the RealID. Finally, Darlene and Duke — regulars at TGIFs — discuss the failures of chain restaurants (watch here). (Score: 6 out of 10)

Addicts Anonymous — A new member has joined an addicts anonymous meeting, but he’s clearly there to get the lowdown on where he can find some drugs. Decent sketch, but it is Kenan at his best. (Watch Here) (Score: 4.5 out of 10)

Jack Rabbit Tulane — Brunson plays a boxer from the 60s who is short in stature and fast, but also, very bad. He talks a lot of smack until he gets beat up so badly that he loses his mind. Again, more clever than funny, but clever it is. (Score: 5.5 out of 10)

Average Score: 5.86 — Another strong episode from Brunson, whose writing skills are clearly at work here as much as her performance skills. There’s a very good reason they brought her back for the second time in two years. Also, note: Benson Boone did not sing the song where he yells and still looks like a circus act in a bad indie film.