The latest episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL), airing post-Halloween, showcases a politically charged debate forum. Set in New York City, the episode features leading candidates vying for the mayoral position ahead of the upcoming election. Host Miles Teller portrays former Governor Andrew Cuomo, while comedian Ramy Youssef plays frontrunner Zohran Mamdani. Additionally, Shane Gillis takes on the role of Republican contender Curtis Sliwa.
Miles Teller and Ramy Youssef Shine on SNL
The political debate begins with Cuomo humorously noting the inevitable hate mayors receive after election. Mamdani promises free services to mitigate the rising cost of living, even admitting the difficulty of fulfilling these promises. Sliwa, injecting his usual absurdity, recounts bizarre experiences with mob families and various gangs.
Unexpected Endorsements and Interruptions
During the debate, outgoing mayor Eric Adams, played by Kam Patterson, surprisingly endorses Mamdani, potentially costing him votes. Just as closing statements are set to begin, former President Donald Trump, portrayed by James Austin Johnson, makes an interruption. Trump delivers a comical monologue featuring his neurotic persona and compares himself to The Phantom of the Opera, adding a musical number to the chaos.
Game Show Shenanigans and Comedy Sketches
The episode transitions into a game show segment titled “What Did I Do Last Night?” Three hungover contestants, adorned in Halloween costumes, compete for a bizarre prize. As they struggle to recall their wild night, the segment delivers laughs but could have been even wilder.
Teller later portrays both characters from the popular show “Property Brothers,” tackling the challenge of renovating the East Wing of the White House. They face obstacles such as Trump’s lavish tastes and the effects of government shutdowns.
- Sketch Highlights:
- Hockey players struggle with promotional scripts that lead to comedic misunderstandings.
- A Netflix spoof “Gone Without a Trace” satirizes husbands forgetting their wives’ business trips.
- A chaotic newsroom segment showcases clumsy staff struggling with technical difficulties.
Weekend Update and Musical Performances
Musician Brandi Carlile performs a powerful protest song addressing church-state separation. During Weekend Update, Colin Jost and guest Bowen Yang humorously navigate topics including the antics of former Congressman George Santos.
While the episode does feature a variety of sketches, some performances tend to lag. Teller effectively balances seriousness with humor, though there are concerns about the show’s overreliance on Johnson’s Trump impersonation.
Final Thoughts
This SNL episode demonstrates strong performances, particularly from Miles Teller and Ramy Youssef. However, there remains room for improvement in utilizing the show’s new cast members effectively. Overall, the blend of political commentary and comedy enriches the viewing experience at El-Balad.
