'SNL' Cold Open: Mulaney And Harris

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Post on Nov 03, 2024

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"SNL" Cold Open: Mulaney and Harris - A Hilarious Take on the State of the Union

The "Saturday Night Live" cold open is a beloved tradition, often setting the tone for the evening and providing biting commentary on current events. In a recent episode, the show delivered a comedic gem with a sketch featuring John Mulaney and Kamala Harris in a parody of the State of the Union address.

A Familiar Setting, Unfamiliar Characters

The scene opened with a familiar sight: President Biden (played by James Austin Johnson) addressing the nation from the House chamber. However, the typical political drama was quickly replaced with a surprising twist. Biden, mid-speech, abruptly announced that he had a "special guest" joining him: Vice President Kamala Harris (played by Chloe Fineman).

Fineman, known for her uncanny impressions, captured Harris' signature style and cadence perfectly. She walked onto the stage with her signature confidence, showcasing her trademark "I'm about to drop some knowledge" demeanor. But the joke was in the execution. Harris, instead of discussing policy or current events, launched into a rambling, incoherent rant about a wide array of topics, seemingly disconnected from any real-world issues.

Mulaney Enters the Fray

The sketch took an even funnier turn with the entrance of John Mulaney (playing himself). As a known stand-up comedian and writer, Mulaney's comedic timing was impeccable. He appeared seemingly out of nowhere, claiming to be a "friend" of the Vice President and offering to "help" her with her speech.

The dynamic between Mulaney and Fineman as Harris was absolutely golden. They bounced off each other with a natural comedic synergy. Mulaney, with his deadpan delivery, provided the perfect foil to Fineman's over-the-top performance.

A Spot-On Parody of Political Discourse

The sketch was a brilliant parody of the current political landscape. The writers cleverly exploited the public perception of Harris, her tendency to speak in abstract terms, and the sometimes-overwhelming presence of jargon in political discourse.

By having Harris deliver a nonsensical speech, the sketch subtly critiqued the disconnect between politicians and the public. The humor, while lighthearted, served as a reminder of the importance of clear and concise communication, especially in a political context.

A Successful Cold Open

The "SNL" cold open featuring Mulaney and Harris was a resounding success. It generated laughs, offered incisive social commentary, and reminded viewers of the show's ability to consistently deliver timely and relevant humor. With its sharp writing, talented cast, and timely subject matter, the sketch proved that "Saturday Night Live" remains a vital force in American pop culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Timely: The sketch was relevant to current events, focusing on the recent State of the Union address and the public perception of Kamala Harris.
• Talented Cast: The performances by Fineman, Johnson, and Mulaney were spot-on, capturing the essence of their characters and adding to the comedic impact.
• Clever Writing: The sketch's humor was derived from the writers' ability to accurately satirize the political landscape and utilize the comedic talents of the cast.
• Strong Opening: The sketch set a high bar for the rest of the episode, showcasing the show's ability to provide sharp, topical humor.

This cold open was a clear reminder of why "SNL" continues to be a beloved cultural institution. It was funny, engaging, and cleverly highlighted the absurdities of modern politics, making it a truly memorable moment in the show's long and storied history.