The Best and Worst of Last Night’s ‘SNL’ with Melissa McCarthy

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Three-time host Melissa McCarthy joined the SNL crew for Seth Meyers’ last episode. Meyers has been part of the Studio 8H family since 2001 and has been a head writer for the series since 2006. The soon-to-be Late Night host wrote most of those Tina Fey/Sarah Palin bits you love. His presence as co-anchor for “Weekend Update” has helped the audience fully appreciate the carousel of characters that joined him at the desk — even the stinkers. McCarthy has the energy and comedic chops to make this an episode to remember. See how she performed after the jump.

The Best

“Melissa McCarthy Monologue”

Wire fu meets Mortal Kombat meets Chris Farley-style physical comedy in this monologue that focuses on a feud between McCarthy and Bobby Moynihan.

“Valentine’s Day Commercial”

We’ve all purchased “some dumb little thing from CVS” (or some drug store) for ourselves or someone else. G-rated sex dice is the big winner here with Taran Killam’s creepy tickle fingers and an exasperated Sasheer Zamata. Aidy Bryant’s disappointed insignificant other is a close second: “You have hurt me today.”

“Women’s Group”

This women’s group just wants to show off their vision boards and talk feelings, but McCarthy’s character has joined the quaint gathering to discuss how she plans on avenging the death of her father. The character is someone we’d probably enjoy in a McCarthy movie. Her calm delivery while discussing murder and mayhem is good stuff.

“Guess That Phrase”

There are some quietly weird things happening in this sketch — like Vanessa Bayer’s contestant who seems to despise her daughter and teaches dogs how to dance. Now that’s dark. We find out the secret meaning of “pass the mash,” and McCarthy’s character (who lives at the UCLA medical center) is truly bizarre. Note: please stop relying on the game show sketches, SNL writers. It’s lazy.

“28 Reasons”

Kyle Mooney is perfect for late-episode digital weirdness, but Jay Pharaoh needs more recognition for keeping the momentum of the show going with his mid-episode digital zaniness. He delivers a rap with Sasheer Zamata and Kenan Thompson about Black History Month with a clever punch line.

“Weekend Update: Seth’s Farewell”

This “Weekend Udpate” has everything: Stefon hissing at Cecily Strong, Andy Samberg singing Boyz II Men, Fred Armisen being Fred Armisen, a sweet farewell from Seth, and Amy Poehler. Full stop.

“Girlfriend’s Talk Show”

Aidy Bryant’s Morgan and Cecily Strong’s Kyra are back! This week Morgan got to choose the guest on “Girlfriend’s Talk Show,” and it’s divorced friend Donna. Morgan instantly regrets her decision when Donna chats about her sex life with new Hawaiian boyfriend, Pua: “I liked you so much better when you were broken and sad.” At least we’re reassured that Morgan has a poster of Anderson Cooper to help her get through those lonely nights (and days).

“Super Champions”

Kyle Mooney hits the streets for an improv session with passersby. The Super Bowl protestor who loves porn is too perfect. SNL got lucky with this one.

The Worst

“Halftime Spectacular Cold Open”

Bruno Mars and The Red Hot Chili Peppers are set to take the stage for the Super Bowl, but in the land of SNL, Broadway’s brightest has taken over. I like the trend SNL seems to be starting with the host joining the cast for the cold open, but this one feels like a lame (lamer) repeat of last week’s so-so sketch that also focused on sports. However, Jay Pharoah’s delighted, musical-loving Michael Strahan is a gem.

“Delaware One”

McCarthy’s insane sports manager turned unhinged congresswoman (à la Rob Ford), Sheila Kelly, was funnier the first time she appeared on the show. We didn’t get as many memorable one-liners from the deranged Kelly this time around.

“Art Exhibit”

Hey, Brooks Wheelan. It’s been a while. Other than “Frida Kahlo will jack you up” (so true), this one is a complete mess.

“Summer in a Day”

Boy, SNL is really milking McCarthy’s rude, crude, and totally oblivious simpleton character. She’s adept at playing these roles, but I would have loved to see something different (especially for a goodbye Seth episode). Here we have another version of McCarthy’s slobby dimwit, this time sucking down chicken wings while Moynihan’s narrator quietly longs for her from the other side of a park bench.