Harry Styles Pulls Double Duty in Entertaining SNL Episode
In a refreshing change of pace, Saturday Night Live opened without its usual political press conference sketch this week. Instead, the show kicked off with a middle-class family en route to visit their grandmother. A stop at a gas station leads to a humorous yet pointed commentary on soaring fuel prices, attributed to "The Epstein Files." Donald Trump, portrayed by James Austin Johnson, explains the situation with his signature chaotic energy, linking it to market downturns in terms relatable to Harry Styles fans.
Political Satire and Celebrity Cameos
Johnson's Trump character humorously critiques the cast before introducing secretary of war Pete Hegseth, played by Colin Jost, who stumbles out in a drunken state. Hegseth defends America's war efforts against Iran, blaming media distortion for making him appear foolish. This segment highlights Jost's unexpected talent for political caricature during the Trump era, standing out alongside Johnson's portrayal.
Harry Styles, serving as both host and musical guest, brings his charm to the stage. He jokes about his music being misinterpreted, his fashion choices sparking queerbaiting accusations, and the perks of a mundane public life compared to scandals like Prince Andrew's. Styles even engages in some playful queerbaiting by kissing Ben Marshall, showcasing his natural, if not deadpan, comedic timing.
Sketch Highlights and Impressions
In the first sketch, Styles plays a prosecuting attorney against Sebastian Maniscalco, impersonated by Marcello Hernández. Hernández nails the stand-up comedian's style, but Styles surprises with his own energetic impression of Maniscalco. Another sketch, MAHAspital, parodies medical dramas with a rightwing twist, featuring RFK Jr, played by Johnson, in a shirtless cameo with a dead bear. While Johnson's impression is decent, it doesn't top his best work.
Sparkle of the Sea introduces a German cruise line with over-the-top accents, where Styles and Chloe Fineman present various acts, including a Eurotrash band covering Watermelon Sugar. However, only Kenan Thompson's French Def Jam comedian earns laughs in this overly long segment. At a Best Buy meeting, Mr Pooty, played by Thompson, blames his inappropriate behavior on Styles's character's "bisexual magnetism," relying on silly accents that feel repetitive.
Weekend Update and Musical Performances
Ryan Gosling returns to introduce Styles for his first musical performance, adding star power to the episode. On Weekend Update, Colin Jost discusses the Oscars with Tucker Carlson, portrayed by Jeremy Culhane, who mocks liberal films. Culhane's vocal impression is accurate, but the sketch feels outdated, missing Carlson's recent controversial shifts in politics. Jost then welcomes emojis Aerial Tramway and Red Heart, played by Mikey Day and Hernández, for a humorous take on Apple's new emojis, with Day stealing the show.
Styles later appears as a White Castle drive-thru employee, awkwardly approached by two dorky classmates, played by Jane Wickline and Veronika Slowikowska. Their bizarre attempts to ask him to a dance provide endearing but circular humor. Paul Simon makes a surprise cameo to introduce Styles's second musical performance, followed by a catchy St Paddy's Day music video where Styles and friends join Irish step dancers.
Fashion and Final Thoughts
In Harry for Him, Styles collaborates with Target to make his gender-fluid fashion accessible, but the sketches humorously show how his bold looks don't translate to everyday men. Styles appears more relaxed here, adding to the episode's charm. Overall, this episode marks a solid performance by Styles and a positive trend for SNL, building on last week's success. With a mix of political satire, celebrity cameos, and musical acts, it offers a thoroughly enjoyable watch, leaving fans hopeful for more when the show returns in three weeks.
