What a night it was on Saturday Night Live when Bad Bunny stepped into the role of host. The Puerto Rican rapper and singer, who has taken the music world by storm, proved that he's not just a musical sensation but also a charismatic entertainer. With a lineup of unexpected cameos and sketches that transcended language barriers, Bad Bunny's episode was a delightful surprise.
The evening began with a cold open, a satirical take on the House of Representatives' search for leadership. Mikey Day portrayed Jim Jordan, capturing the intensity and mannerisms of the real-life politician. However, the sketch truly came to life when Bowen Yang's George Santos entered the scene, carrying a mysterious swaddled baby. The unexpected appearance of Chloe Fineman as Lauren Boebert added a hilarious twist to the sketch, as she phoned in from a theater performing Aladdin. The absurdity of the situation reached its peak when a hand entered the screen in search of, well, a "boobie." The sketch was a rollercoaster of humor, but it was a promising start to the night.
Then, James Austin Johnson entered the stage as Donald Trump. However, unlike previous impersonations, the audience didn't greet him with applause. It's clear that the man himself, not Johnson, is an energy drain, and perhaps it's time to move on from this character. The audience could use a break from the constant spectacle that Trump represents.
Bad Bunny's monologue was a glimpse into his relaxed charisma. The rapper addressed the elephant in the room, acknowledging that English isn't his first language but confidently asserting, "I do whatever I want." Pedro Pascal, sporting an electric blue blazer sans shirt, made a surprise appearance to help Bad Bunny with his English. Their dynamic was entertaining, and Pascal's suggestion that Bad Bunny incorporate self-deprecating humor was met with a charmingly confused response. Bad Bunny's comedic timing shone through, indicating that he has the potential for a future in comedy.
One of the standout aspects of the episode was the extensive use of Spanish without subtitles. The language barrier didn't hinder the sketches but added to their charm. From 16th-century explorers trying to impress the King of Spain with their New World discoveries to a telenovela shoot involving feuding brothers, the humor transcended linguistic boundaries. Marcello Hernandez introduced his gringo girlfriend to his disapproving Mama and Tia, played by Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny, creating a hilarious dynamic that worked regardless of the language.
Bad Bunny effortlessly transitioned from rapping on stage, adorned in leather and diamonds, to donning a nun's habit in the next sketch. The Sister Act-inspired scene, featuring Molly Kearney's Mother Superior and a mischievous Bad Bunny, was a delightful surprise. The other nuns giggled and gasped over the presence of this "sexual king" lurking in their midst. Then, out of nowhere, Mick Jagger made a grand entrance, maintaining his iconic swagger even in a nun's habit. The sketch took a cheeky turn as Jagger confessed to being the one who "corrupted" the nuns with his charisma and, well, his "hips." It was a night of unexpected twists and turns.
Amid the laughter and entertainment, there were a couple of moments that left a bittersweet taste. Some of the jokes in the episode, particularly those related to Jada Pinkett Smith, felt unnecessarily mean-spirited. From Bowen Yang's quip about Jada's relationship to Ego Nwodim's parody of her during Weekend Update, the humor bordered on excessive. Jada Pinkett Smith's prominence in the media might be tiresome, but it's important to remember that public figures are more than just clickbait headlines. It's a reminder that sometimes we're too quick to judge without understanding the full context.
The evening's best joke came as a pleasant surprise. Michael Che announced, "This week, the WNBA finals were won by the New York Liberty," and the crowd erupted in cheers. However, he quickly added, "I'm kidding. Vegas beat 'em in four, you phonies." It was a playful moment that highlighted the importance of celebrating and supporting women's sports. Perhaps in the future, we'll see WNBA stars like A'ja Wilson make cameo appearances, further bridging the gap between sports and entertainment.
In conclusion, Bad Bunny's appearance on Saturday Night Live was a delightful blend of humor, surprise cameos, and sketches that transcended language barriers. His charismatic presence, both in his monologue and various roles, showcased his versatility as an entertainer. The use of Spanish in the sketches added a unique flavor to the show, proving that humor knows no language boundaries. While some jokes may have crossed the line, the evening was a reminder that comedy can bring people together and create unexpected moments of joy. Who would have thought that Mick Jagger in a nun's habit would be on the menu? As for the future, we can only wonder what surprises SNL has in store for its next episode. Will it be Beyoncé, Tilda Swinton, and Roger Federer making unexpected appearances? Only time will tell.
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