As the 2024 presidential race gains momentum, “Saturday Night Live” (S.N.L.) returns to its comedic roots, putting the spotlight on former President Donald J. Trump. The latest episode, hosted by Jacob Elordi with musical guest Reneé Rapp, opened with a sketch featuring James Austin Johnson reprising his role as the show’s resident Trump impersonator. The satirical skit mocked Trump’s recent remarks outside a Lower Manhattan courtroom, where he faces defamation accusations from writer E. Jean Carroll.
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Trump’s Legal Saga Revealed
Chloe Fineman, portraying Alina Habba, Trump’s lawyer, introduced Johnson as Trump, setting the stage for a comedic take on Trump’s legal representation. The sketch humorously portrayed Trump criticizing his legal team, labeling them as possibly the worst he has ever had. The fictional Trump expressed disbelief at the team’s competence, highlighting the challenges he faces in his ongoing legal battles.
Iowa Caucuses Victory and Rival Jabs
Johnson’s Trump celebrated a first-place finish in the Iowa caucuses, using the opportunity to take humorous jabs at potential rivals such as Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy. The skit showcased S.N.L.’s signature political satire, providing a lighthearted take on the competitive landscape of the 2024 presidential race.
Contrast with President Biden
The sketch didn’t shy away from contrasting Trump with President Biden, injecting humor into the differences between the two figures. Johnson’s Trump playfully highlighted the perceived quirks of both candidates, adding a comedic touch to the satirical portrayal of the political dynamics.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s Trump predicted an eventful 2024, humorously suggesting potential outcomes such as going to jail, becoming president again, or even participating in the Purge. The sketch showcased S.N.L.’s knack for finding humor in dark and unpredictable scenarios, a trademark of the show’s satirical approach.
S.N.L. ‘sCelebrity Lip Reading Comedy Sketch
In a separate comedy sketch, hosted by Elordi and Bowen Yang, S.N.L. tackled the viral trend of celebrities engaging in inaudible conversations at awards shows. The sketch featured professional lip readers attempting to interpret conversations between Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, and Jennifer Lawrence. The comedic duo hilariously misinterpreted the conversations, adding a humorous twist to the celebrity worship theme.
Alaska Airlines Commercial Spoof
The episode included a fake commercial for Alaska Airlines, injecting humor into a fictional scenario where a door plug blew out shortly after takeoff. Despite the potentially serious situation, S.N.L. found a positive spin, revealing the airline’s (fake) new slogan: “You didn’t die, and you got a cool story.” The satirical ad poked fun at the airline’s recent incidents, embracing a humorous perspective on challenging situations.
Colin Jost and Michael Che continued their comedic commentary on the 2024 presidential election during the Weekend Update segment. Jost humorously reflected on the confusion surrounding the current year, drawing parallels between President Biden’s and Trump’s moments of mixed-up statements. Che added a comedic touch by highlighting Ron DeSantis beating Nikki Haley for second place in the Iowa caucuses, accompanied by a humorous visual of DeSantis smiling awkwardly.
Tim Scott Endorsement Impersonation
Devon Walker delivered an impersonation of Senator Tim Scott, justifying his endorsement of Trump. Walker injected humor into the portrayal, poking fun at Scott’s voice and employing satire to address sensitive topics like race and endorsements. The segment showcased S.N.L.’s ability to tackle political themes with a comedic touch.
“S.N.L.” returned with a mix of political satire, celebrity humor, and commercial spoofs, reinforcing its reputation as a comedic powerhouse. The episode’s focus on Trump in the 2024 political landscape provided viewers with a humorous take on the ongoing political dynamics, showcasing the show’s ability to navigate the complexities of current events with laughter.