Saturday Night Live is about to close out its 39th season next weekend with SNL alum Andy Samberg, but before that, Academy Award winner and A Million Ways To Die In The West star Charlize Theron took to the stage at 30 Rock for the first time in fourteen years.
After a cold open featuring Michelle Obama (Sasheer Zamata) and Hillary Clinton (Kate McKinnon) playing frenemies and discussing Mother’s Day, Theron’s monologue let the audience in on a little secret: she can’t sing, so she and the cast naturally sang a song about it.
Theron disappeared into her characters for the rest of the show, most delightfully as “Kat” in “Pet Rescue Commercial” with Kate McKinnon and the “Tourists” sketch.
Bobby Moynihan had noticeably more screen time this week than he had in the last few episodes, and trotted out his crowd favorite Drunk Uncle character to talk about graduation season on Weekend Update. Barbara Walters also made an appearance with Update anchors Cecily Strong and Colin Jost.
Another highlight was the wonderfully weird “Bikini Beach Party” sketch, featuring most of the female cast members, Taran Killam, and a couple of beached whales.
The Black Keys were the musical guest this week, playing “Fever” and “Bullet In The Brain.”
Overall, it was a strong episode, and Theron appeared to be having a lot of fun. I always enjoy the show, even when the material is admittedly not the best, and I like how the tone of this season hasn’t been afraid to get a little weird. Theron, for her part, seemed game and it would appear that when the hosts are up for it, the episodes are stronger.
Andy Samberg hosts the Saturday Night Live season finale next weekend on May 17 with musical guest St. Vincent.
Worst episode of the season. Absolutely terrible.