We’re in the final stretch of SNL’s big 40th season with a trio of hosts who are probably feeling the pressure. Scarlett Johansson kicks things off, followed by Reese Witherspoon and Louis C.K. on May 9 and 16, respectively. This isn’t Johansson’s first time on the Studio 8H stage, but it’s been a while — and now she’s a mom with, perhaps, a new perspective. We get a hint of that in her opening monologue, but it’s her Black Widow side that gets the biggest laugh of the night. Marvel at how it all went down last night (sorry), below.
The Best
“Right Side of the Bed With Scarlett Johansson”
Too many gay jokes and not enough of Scarlett Johansson’s Jersey girl (basically reprising her role opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Don Jon), but I’ll take it.
“Black Widow Trailer”
Naturally, Marvel gets the funniest sketch of the evening with this romantic-comedy twist on Johansson’s Black Widow character. She’s coping with life in the big city. Her gay BFF is Thor (Taran Killam in the worst wig ever), while her love interest (with a robotic penis) is Ultron. Fingers crossed some Marvel rep doesn’t see this and attempt to fix the superhero genre’s gender problem by copying SNL‘s model.
“Girlfriends Talk Show With Scarlett Johansson”
This “Girlfriends” sketch lacked some oomph, but stick around for Aidy Bryant’s Morgan calling Johansson’s character a “basic B.”
“Weekend Update”
The appearance of Kate McKinnon’s Ruth Bader Ginsburg should please you, while Bobby Moynihan and Vanessa Bayer play the “hottest couple in Westeros” from Game of Thrones. Jay Pharoah and Kenan Thompson as Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley talk the NBA playoffs. We get a few words on the Baltimore riots and Bruce Jenner, but ultimately there’s not a lot of inventiveness happening here.
“Blazer”
An ’80s-inspired parody about police brutality that keeps the message short and to the point.
“Virgin Flight”
Vanessa Bayer and Johansson are “bionic flight attendants,” but there seems to be a glitch in the system.
The Worst
“Mayweather-Pacquiao Cold Open”
SNL airs a sketchy version of the Mayweather/Pacquiao boxing match, but offers no real social commentary to speak of.
“Scarlett Johansson Monologue”
Johansson sings Donna Summer’s “Love to Love You Baby” to put her daughter to sleep, going right to the sexy for a cheap laugh.
“Orioles”
“Baltimore has been on fire this week!” Blerg.
“Dino Bones”
Taran Killam’s museum hair flips are the best thing this sketch has going for it.
“Jingle Writers”
If SNL called this one “Lesbian Witches from the Oregon Trail” it could have been a Portlandia sketch. The “coke for breakfast and ass for dinner” line is something, though.
Musical Guest: Wiz Khalifa