By Dustin Rowles | TV | April 2, 2023 |
By Dustin Rowles | TV | April 2, 2023 |
Cold Open — It was obligatory, but they trot out James Austin Johnson to do his very good Trump impression, and he’s got an album, “Now That’s What I Call a Legal Defense Fund,” where he sings very bad covers to raise money. “Hard to Handle,” “Islands in the Streams,” “Ironic,” and “Because I Got High,” among others. I understand why this cold open is necessary, but it doesn’t make it any more pleasant to endure. (Watch Here) (Score: 4 out of 10)
Quinta Brunson Monologue — So good to see Quinta, who created, writes, and acts in Abbott Elementary, but man: How does she have the time? It’s a good monologue, and Barack Obama makes a brief appearance that might leave you a little misty. She also does a great job distinguishing herself from her character while reminding everyone how important teachers are. She’s the best. (Score: 7 out of 10)
Cocaine Dealers — A group of dealers offer cocaine that “is so white it …” It’s just 5 minutes of “You’re so white” jokes, and it’s glorious. I would’ve loved to have been in the writers’ room for this one. Like, “This cocaine is so white it’s from Maine and its name is Mat spelled with one T!” (Score: 7.5 out of 10)
I was a Bridesmaid Promo — It’s a documentary about a cult, and the cult is being a bridesmaid. Humiliating, terrifying rituals. Horrifying. (Score: 7.5 out of 10)
Couple Goals — A Newlyweds type game where the couples have to match answers. One couple gives intensely detailed answers expressing a specific fear, while the other couple is angry and passive-aggressive. Like the other sketches, it’s a really well-written one. Quinta clearly has had an influence. (Score: 6 out of 10)
Traffic Jam — Two drivers mime insults to each other while they’re stuck in traffic. Another brilliantly written sketch — this may be the most clever episode of the season. (Score: 7.5 out of 10)
Weekend Update — There’s a really good, character-breaking moment between Che and Jost that colors all of “Update” and it is fantastic. Che basically pulls an “Update” April Fool’s prank on Jost, and he never really recovers. Michaelangelo’s David also provides commentary on the school parents who objected to their kids seeing David’s penis (watch here) and Marcello Hernandez helps folks celebrate Short Kings (and makes fun of Jost). (Score: 7 out of 10)
Baby Delivery — There’s a lot going on in this sketch, about a doctor who didn’t remember the midwife, Barry. Unfortunately, none of it is good. (Watch Here) (Score: 2.5 out of 10)
The Penis Brothers — Sarah Sherman and Quinta Brunson play gross, male salesmen who make a lot of cracks about Chloe Fineman’s boobs. Weird AF. Almost works, but not quite. (Watch Here) (Score: 5 out of 10)
Please Don’t Destroy — Here, they play obnoxious white YouTube stars who go to a Jamaican restaurant, harass the patrons, and demand to have chicken without spices. Then they go to a bodega. It does not go well. Not the best Please Don’t Destroy. Also, not the worst. (Score: 6 out of 10)