Welcome to a thrilling episode of SNL in Review – 50th Anniversary Season! Fans of Saturday Night Live are in for a **nostalgic treat**, as the show features both a legendary host and impressive musical acts.
**Jack Black’s Energizing Comeback**
After **two decades**, the comedic powerhouse, Jack Black, is back! First seen dazzling audiences in the early 2000s with iconic roles in films like Shallow Hal and School of Rock, Black’s return brings a wave of excitement. Now, he’s back in the spotlight, promoting the upcoming Minecraft movie and a reimagined Anaconda. This episode marks his fourth time at the helm, and is notable for also being the **first time back in nearly 20 years**.
**A Star-Studded Musical Line-Up**
But it’s not just Black who graces the stage! The musical guests for this episode are nothing short of spectacular. **Elton John**, the Rocketman himself, makes a grand return to Studio 8H, previously showcasing his talent as both host and musical guest back in 2011. He’s joined by the sensational Brandi Carlile, who previously lit up the stage in 2023.
**Episode Highlights: Cold Open to Final Thoughts**
**Cold Open**
Tonight’s cold open features a punchy rendition of President Trump announcing his new tariff plan, entitled his “MAGDA” vision – Make America Great Depression Again. The humor emerges as Trump is hilariously depicted by James Austin Johnson, while comedic chaos ensues with witty commentary about tariffs showcased through Cheesecake Factory menus. The **sharp wit** and social commentary set the tone for an energetic show!
**Jack Black’s Monologue**
Black kicks off his segment by jokingly exiting mid-monologue stating, “It’s too stressful!” But soon enough, he re-engages the audience by delivering an uproarious musical number, celebrating his iconic filmography and revisiting standout moments throughout the past two decades. Black displays **electric energy**, singing his way through the audience and even acknowledging long-time cast member Kenan Thompson, who remains a mainstay on SNL.
**Notable Sketches**
**”Indiana Jones” Sketch**
In a playful skit titled “Indiana Jones,” Black plays a contestant dressed precisely as the iconic adventurer. The humor comes alive as he hilariously struggles to find an original pun for his name, delivering an entertaining and light-hearted moment. It showcases Black’s genius for character work!
**”Flamin’ Hot Commercial”**
Transitioning to commercial territory, Chester Cheetah and Black hilariously promote extreme-flavored Preparation H, resulting in infectious laughter and brilliant nostalgia for classic advertisements. The clever interplay adds a layer of comedic gold.
**”One Uppers”**
A group of old friends gather while one-upping each other’s lives, and the sketch’s brilliance lies in its intricate setup. Yet, it struggles with payoff, leaving viewers yearning for a solid climax that never materializes. Nonetheless, Black’s charisma and the ensemble’s energy keep the laughter brewed.
**”The First Play”**
The absurdity peaks in this skit where ancient Greek actors must contend with a literalist audience that can’t grasp the concept of performative storytelling. Although the premise starts strong, the execution falters, resulting in a mediocre contribution to the show’s overall vibrance.
**”Goth Kid on Vacation”**
In this sketch, Black channels his inner emo rock star as he plays off local Jamaicans who poke fun at American goth tourists. The harmless banter humorously contrasts the two worlds, showcasing Black’s versatility as a performer.
**Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s Performances**
Elton John takes the stage, belting out “Little Richard’s Bible” with his timeless prowess, with Brandi Carlile harmonizing beautifully. Their chemistry not only reinforces their impressive vocal talents but also elicits a wave of nostalgia among the audience. Following this, their second performance of “Who Believes in Angels?” further cements their status as legendary performers.
**Weekend Update**
As always, Weekend Update remains a comedic staple, highlighting topical events with finesse. Colin Jost and Michael Che deliver eager banter while tackling political subjects, shedding light on timely issues with humor that resonates.
**Final Thoughts**
Jack Black’s return to SNL is nothing short of **a celebration of comedy**, nostalgia, and music. With an exuberant atmosphere and a star-studded line-up, this episode reaffirms why SNL continues to capture audiences’ hearts, becoming an ever-relevant cultural touchstone. Whether you’re reminiscing about classic sketches or reveling in fresh comedic bites, this episode is one for the books!
