Category Archives: Analysis

2011/02/25 · 1:30 pm

‘SNL Backstage’: More Like ‘SNL Backstab’

There’s literally nothing we like more than Saturday Night Live retrospectives. Okay, well, maybe we like pizza, beer, the Muppets, 1986 Mets retrospectives and maps more. But really that’s about it. And it’s close. Which is why we were so extremely disappointed in last week’s “new” two-hour prime-time special SNL Backstage. We were eager for the broadcast all week, making sure to set our DVRs before heading out to Philadelphia for the weekend. We were far more excited about it than any regular episode of SNL all season, save for Jim Carrey’s return. And from those great expectations came a great letdown.

The show was billed as, or so it seemed to us, a look behind the scenes at SNL, which we thought meant going beyond the origin of sketches and past cast changes and instead delving further into the process of the show, bringing us stories and details not found in the previous behind the scenes specials (SNL in the 80s: Lost and Found, SNL in the 90s: Pop Culture Nation, SNL in the 00s: Time and Again). Indeed, judging from the promo, we were going to be treated to some new never heard before insights and, most intriguing to us, a glimpse at how they pull up a live show with so many set and costume changes. What we thought we’d be getting was a truly illuminating look under the hood of SNL, an expose on all its moving parts.

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But, basically, we were lied to.

More on the betrayal, and the only three minutes of truly new and interesting material.

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Filed under Analysis, Be careful what you wish for, Matt Christopher Books, Saturday Night Live, The Roaring 10s!

Tagged as 1986 Mets, A Year to Remember, Albert Brooks, beer, Jim Carrey, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Hamm, maps, Muppets, Penn and Teller, pizza, Saturday Night Live, SNL in the 00s: Time and Again, SNL in the 80s: Lost and Found, SNL in the 90s: Pop Culture Nation, VH1

2011/02/24 · 5:55 pm

‘Survivor: Redemption Island’: I’m Good Enough, I’m Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me (Director’s Cut)

We started this week’s episode of Survivor: Redemption Island with our first glimpse of, well, Redemption Island. After being voted at the first Tribal Council, Francesca arrived at her new home and quickly found a signpost describing life on the island, “Welcome to Redemption Island: No Smoking, No Yelling, No Swearing; Daily Menu: Breakfast – Rice; Lunch – Rice, Dinner – Rice.” Francesca can’t find a flint, so she’s worried about freezing during night, but really she’s just happy to be away from Former Federal Agent (?) Phillip.

Read on: Phillip remains an emotional, delusion wreck, but we get a glimpse of his primal side. Plus: Ralph defines dumb luck, carnival games return, and Boston Rob contemplates the chess board. Also, crabs!

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Filed under Analysis, Century 21 Reality, Good Humor, The Worst, Tribal Council

Tagged as Andrea, Boston Rob, Crab, duel, Former Federal Agent Phillip, Francesca, gallantrly, gauntlet, gorilla, Grant, gulag, immunity idol, inferno, International signal for choking, Jeff Probst, Krista, Kristina, Larry the Cable Guy, lion, Matt, Maya Angelou, Ometepe, Ralph, Redemption Island, ruins, Russell Hantz, Sandra Bullock, Stanley Cup Finals, Stephanie, Stuart Smalley, Survivor, Survivor of the fittest, Tom Westman, Zapatera

2011/02/17 · 7:33 pm

‘Survivor: Redemption Island’ Premiere: Amateur Hour (Director’s Cut)

This season we’ll be taking our ‘Survivor’ recapping talents to Gawker TV. However, we’re going to also offer expanded, “Director’s Cut” recaps on this blog. So here we go. Day One.

The challenge for Survivor: Redemption Island is going to be keeping us interested in anyone not named Boston Rob or Russell Hantz. Our fear going into the premiere was that the presence of these veterans would overshadow the new Survivors. However, for one episode at least, we got just enough Boston Rob and Russell while also introducing some intriguing new cast members. We’re not entirely convinced that there are any personalities that can match up to the two masterminds, but judging from an explosive, unbelievable, train wreck of a first Tribal Council, we’re in for a season of crackpots and fireworks.

But, before we get there: helicopters! And Probst just enjoying the feel of the cool Nicaragua air hitting his face.

Read on: Phillip announces he’s former federal agent (?), Kristina makes a move too early, Russell and Rob play it cool, and the most insane first Tribal Council ever. Plus, our first A-B-C phrase of the season…

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Filed under Analysis, Be careful what you wish for, Century 21 Reality, It's gross., Tribal Council

Tagged as Boston Rob, Director's Cut, dry mouth, Federal Agent?, Francesca, Jeff Probst, Kristina, Matt, Nicaragua, Ometepe, Phillip, premiere, Ralph, Redemption Island, Russell Hantz, Steel Wool, Survivor, the Fonz, The Matrix, Zapatera

2011/02/16 · 8:14 pm

Last Week on ‘Top Chef’: The Boorgerman

If you thought we couldn’t keep up our habit of recapping Top Chef just before the new episode premieres, then you were wrong. DEAD WRONG. So here we go! (note: our DVR ran out of space when recording this episode so we cannot provide our usual primary source materials. Sorry!)

For the Quickfire challenge they made fondue! Just like a party my parents might have! But Carla was struggling and lamented the fact that there was never any time.

Time to sample the dishes! Padma seemed to particularly enjoy Tiffany’s entry.

Read on: Product placement, Fabio struggles with basic English words, Dale steals from our personal recipe book, Carla gets more and more unbearable, and Jimmy Fallon, Steve Higgins and A.D. Miles are adorable.

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Filed under Analysis, Bert-n-Ernie, Century 21 Reality, Freak Out Control, Intersection of the venn diagram of things that I love, Local Flavor, Mancrush, Talkies, The Sixth Taste, Top Scallop

Tagged as A.D. Miles, Antonia, burger, Carl's Jr, Carla, chicken pot pie, Cookie Monster, Dale, El Farolito Taqueria, Fabio, Fondue, Hardee's, Jimmy Fallon, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, lengua, Million Dollar Listing, Momofuku ramen, Padma Lakshmi, pretzel roll, Professor Ricky Blaise, Sesame Street, Steve Higgins, Target, Tiffany, Top Chef

2011/02/15 · 2:46 pm

Russell Brand on ‘SNL’: Very British

Well, we had little hope that the SNL would rebound from its disillusioning Dana Carvey episode last week. For some reason, lately we’ve been giving the show the reverse of the benefit of the doubt, the doubt of the benefit if you will. And when we casually started the episode late Saturday night, it seemed that our prognostications would be proven valid, that we were in for another ho-hum effort with a perfectly fine but completely ordinary host. But, while Russell Brand would prove to possibly be the weakest part of the show, the episode turned around on the basis of two sketches, two pieces that will no doubt sit atop our best of the season list.

Coming up: What sketch did we watch four times? And we hand out the season MVP award early.

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Filed under Across the pond, Analysis, Good Humor, Saturday Night Live, The State

Tagged as A Spot of Tea, Bill Hader, British, Carl, Dana Carvey, Don' You Go Rounin' Roun to Re Ro, George Washington, Jason Sudeikis, Katy Perry, Kristen Wiig, Miley Cyrus, Miley Cyrus Show, Nasim Pedrad, Royal Taster, Russell Brand, Selena Gomez, Service with a Smile, SNL, Stefon, The State, Vanessa Bayer

2011/02/08 · 2:25 pm

Was That Special? Dana Carvey Returns to ‘SNL’ And Our Childhood Officially Ends

We’re going to warn you right off the bat that this is probably going to be the most subjective SNL recap we’ve yet written. So if you like your SNL analysis free of emotional attachment, well, then you should look somewhere else (we’re sure the web might offer one, maybe two, other options), because, unfortunately, as we watched this last SNL, hosted by legendary cast member Dana Carvey, our reaction was intrinsically bound up in how we’ve watched this show since childhood, and how the this particular episode made us reexamine and reassess our feelings about the show, Dana Carvey and his SNL era. So, at the extreme risk of being self-indulgent, here we go.

Read on: We mourn our youth and ask the question: who is Dana Carvey?

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Filed under Analysis, Be careful what you wish for, Crucial Taunt, Flashback!, Nostalgia Corner, Reeeeeege, Saturday Night Live, The Bieb

Tagged as 86-93, Alan Alda, Back to the Future, Bill Hader, Bobby Moynihan, Bon Jovi, childhood, Church Chat, Church Lady, Critics' Choice, Dana Carvey, DeLorean, Dennis Miller, Don Draper, Edie Brickell, Fred Armisen, Hans, Ice-T, James Franco, Jan Hooks, Jason Sudeikis, Jon Lovitz, Justin Bieber, Kevin Nealon, Larry Sanders Show, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Linkin Park, mad men, Mickey Rooney, Mike Myers, Nora Dunn, Phil Hartman, Regis Philbin, Robin Williams, Ross Perot, Seth Meyers, SNL, Snooki, Squatting Monkeys Tell No Lies, Taran Killam, The Carousel, Tracy Chapman, Wayne's World, Women of SNL, youth

2011/01/31 · 4:47 pm

It Certainly Does Zuck: Jesse Eisenberg Meets His Maker On ‘SNL’

This past weekend’s SNL could have been the funniest of the season and it probably wouldn’t have mattered. That it wasn’t the funniest of the season also will not matter years from now. No, what this episode is being talked about for, the reason that it will ultimately be remembered, is that it featured the first public meeting between Jesse Eisenberg and the social network magnate he portrayed to the tune of a Best Oscar nomination. It was a worlds colliding, fabric of the universe fraying, I’m seeing double (four Zuckerbergs!), moment (although Andy Samberg’s presence as a tertiary Zuckerberg carried much less weight and meta-significance). It was awkward, sure, but that was by design, as the two ‘bergs, Eisen and Zucker, seemed rather comfortable with each other, indeed, giving the sense that they may, in fact, be bros. The tone was less confrontational and more self-congratulatory, as if Eisenberg and Zuckerberg had successfully pulled the wool over our eyes, that the real Zuckerberg is not an unnaturally focused, perennially scowling, monotone misanthrope, but a laid back, dorky, goofball visionary, and that perhaps Zuckerberg was in the on the joke the whole time. Now, that’s not the case, but if there’s any sense of animosity between the two ‘bergs, then Zuckerberg is a far greater actor than anyone is giving him credit for (and by all accounts he’s a terrible, terrible actor).

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But, more importantly, what does this mean for SNL? And for Mark Zuckerberg? And WAS anything funny?

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Filed under Analysis, Interweb, Saturday Night Live, TV Killed the Music Video Star

Tagged as Andy Samberg, Barbara Streisand, Bill Hader, Bride of Blackenstein, Cookie Monster, Dana Carvey, Don't Forget the Lyrics, Fred Armisen, Hosni Mubarak, Jason Sudeikis, Jessie Eisenberg, Kenan Thompson, Lonely Island, Mark McGrath, Mark Whalberg, Mark Zuckberg, Mr. Wizard, MTV, Nasim Pedrad, Paul McCartney, Rudy Guliani, Skins, SNL, Social Network, Tyler Perry, VH1

2011/01/26 · 12:17 pm

You Don’t Know What You Got ‘Til It’s Gone: Quick Thoughts On Last Week’s NBC Thursday Comedies

That’s how we felt about The Office. As much as we’ve harangued the show this year for underusing or misusing Jim, rendering him no more than the Greek chorus, it turns out that we really need him. Absent for the entire episode, save the cold open, we kept waiting for the camera to cut to him, to confirm the absurdity of the situation. But he wasn’t there (Jon Krasinksi off shooting a movie, we assume), and without Jim to ground Michael’s insanity it was a runaway train. Now, they could still cut back on some of the Jim reaction shots, but as long as Michael is around, we’ll need that balance.

Speaking of Michael, we’ll wonder if we’ll feel the same way when he’s gone. Because, right now, we’re eager for him to get moving out of Dunder Mifflin. The act has finally grown tiresome, and it often suffocates the other characters and the show. We’re sure we’ll miss him, but that doesn’t mean we’ll want him back. However, Kudos to Mindy Kaling and Craig Robinson for continuing your MVP seasons.

Parks and Recreation, welcome home! Thank goodness you gave us that season two recap to get us back up to speed (we could have used that for The Office and 30 Rock as well, frankly), and it seems like you haven’t missed a beat. We think it got a little too broad at times (Andy with April’s new boyfriend, for example), and the overuse of things like the “Ron Swanson Pyramid of Greatness” worry us, but it’s definitely picking up where it left off, as the second best show of the night.

Which brings us to Community. Oh how we missed you! And you were only gone for six weeks. Don’t stay away that long ever again! You guys came back from the Christmas break without any rust, setting up what we can only assume will be an even better second half of season two. Looking forward to it. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Oh, and Outsourced was awesome (jk! jk!).

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Filed under Analysis, Dunder Mifflin, this is Pam, Good Humor, Greendale Human, Must See TV, We'll Get It In Post

Tagged as 30 Rock, community, Craig Robinson, Darryl, Jim Halpert, Jon Kras, Kelly Kapoor, Michael Scott, Mindy Kaling, Outsourced, Parks and Recreation, Swanson Pyramid of Greatness, The Office

2011/01/20 · 6:15 pm

Flashback: Another Look at Another Look at ‘Parks and Recreation’

With Parks and Recreation making its long, long-awaited return tonight, we thought it would be appropriate to take a look back at a post we wrote in September of 2009, just before the show returned for its sophomore season. Right now, in January of 2011, Parks and Recreation is widely recognized as one of the best, if not the best, comedies on television (which is why it was so excruciating when the series was pushed until mid-season to make room for the abominable Outsourced), but just about 17 months ago when it was coming off a lackluster, somewhat disappointing first season the story was much different. It’s developed into one of the most reliable, warmest, funniest shows on network TV or any other channel, and boasts perhaps the deepest ensemble cast, but back before its second season the jury was still out, and it was a show very much still finding its footing. But Jumped the Snark went ahead and asserted the potential of the show, watching the first season and finding much room for improvement but also much room for greatness. And we think its fair to say that both this blog and Parks and Recreation were vindicated.

In that post we outlined three areas where Parks and Rec most needed to progress to reach the quality of a show like The Office, its spiritual forefather (and not only has Parks and Rec equaled its progenitor, it’s now surpassed it. The student has become the teacher). Let’s take a look at those recommendations and how Parks and Rec took them into consideration.

See what we got right and they got wrong. Plus, our advice for Season 3!

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Filed under Analysis, Best Show You're Not Watching, Flashback!, Good Humor, Greendale Human, Lists, Must See TV, Mustachio'd

Tagged as 30 Rock, Adam Scott, Amy Poehler, Andy, Ann, Annie, Aubrey Plaza, Aziz Ansari, Boy Meets World, Chris Pratt, community, Jack Donaghy, Jean-Ralphio, Jeff, Leslie Knope, Liz Lemon, Mark Brendanawicz, NBC, Nick Offerman, Outsourced, Parks and Recreation, Paul Schneider, Pawnee, Rashida Jones, Rob Lowe, Ron Swanson, Tom Haverford

2011/01/19 · 5:29 pm

‘SNL’ With Host Cee-Lo, Musical Guest Gwyneth Paltrow and a Very Special Episode of ‘Pee Wee’s-Playhouse’

A little late this week so let’s get right to it:

We get it Gwyneth, you can sing! You already proved it with Country Strong, your appearance on Glee and your CMA performance (and with Huey Lewis in Duets ten years ago). But you had to show us again in your monologue, as Taylor Swift in this My Super Sweet Bar Mitzvah sketch, and by joining meandering songsmiths Kat and Garth on “Weekend Update.’ Listen, Gwyneth, WE GET IT. It’s a wonder they didn’t hold off the “Worst of Soul Train“ sketch another week so Paltrow could play some kind of disco queen. But they probably thought that would be overkill.

Also, Cee-Lo, we get it. You’re a big deal right now. Gwyneth Paltrow covered your hit song, and hugs you and treats you like her best friend. But we don’t need to see the you also singing during the monologue and in the Bar Mitzvah sketch and also appearing in the “Record Label Meeting” sketch that was just a device to introduce your musical performance. What’s that we said about overkill? We mean, c’mon, it’s not like the guy is Paul McCartney. And, sure, we admit, “F*** You” is one of those songs we heard about ad nauseam before we ever actually heard it (much like “Umbrella”), because the only radio we listen to is sports talk and NPR. But it is good, at the very least, it’s dangerously infectious. However, isn’t “F*** You” just like “Hey Ya,” but not as good. Seven years later we still think the former is a great song, not sure if the latter will fare so well in 2018. Will it be a classic or a novelty? Only time will tell if it stands the test of time. But, until then, we could have done with at least one less Cee-Lo appearance.

Read on: Pee-wee plays with fire, Bill Hader gets political, and a hidden meaning to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sketch

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Filed under Analysis, Good Humor, Impatience, Saturday Night Live

Tagged as Alfonso Ribeiro, Anderson Cooper, Bar Mitzvah, Bill Hader, Bloomberg, Cee Lo, Chairy, Country Strong, David Paterson, Duets, Eliot Spitzer, F*** You, Fox News, Fred Armisen, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Glee, Globe Theatre, Greta Van Susteren, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hey Ya, Huey Lewis, Intervention, James Carville, Jason Sukeikis, Jay Pharoah, Jeff Van Gundy, Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, Kat and Garth, Kenan Thompson, Kristen Wiig, Nicki Minaj, Paul McCartney, Pee-wee Herman, Shakespeare, Silver Spoons, SNL, Taylor Swift, We get it, Will Smith

Category Archives: Analysis

‘SNL Backstage’: More Like ‘SNL Backstab’

‘Survivor: Redemption Island’: I’m Good Enough, I’m Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me (Director’s Cut)

‘Survivor: Redemption Island’ Premiere: Amateur Hour (Director’s Cut)

Russell Brand on ‘SNL’: Very British

Was That Special? Dana Carvey Returns to ‘SNL’ And Our Childhood Officially Ends

You Don’t Know What You Got ‘Til It’s Gone: Quick Thoughts On Last Week’s NBC Thursday Comedies

Flashback: Another Look at Another Look at ‘Parks and Recreation’

‘SNL’ With Host Cee-Lo, Musical Guest Gwyneth Paltrow and a Very Special Episode of ‘Pee Wee’s-Playhouse’

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