Banana Scoop

Say what you will about it not being funny anymore or the skits are getting too political or that the cast members are annoying in general, but Saturday Night Live has a very creatively ambitious premise and objective.  Now I’m not too familiar with the age of Will Ferrall or Chris Farley, but I’ve seen enough of their most memorable skits to realize that SNL back then and now aren’t too different.  While the writers and cast members have changed, the idea is still the same by making fun of today’s top news and trying to make the audience laugh as much as possible.  And using celebrities makes things even better when you see them break cast types look like they’re generally having a good time [I thought Jon Hamm was a stick in the mud until I saw him cut loose on SNL, since then I think Jon Hamm is the sh*t for being drama and comedy capable.]   This little prelude has inspired me to write a ‘Why SNL is still worthwhile’ article sometime soon.  Anyways, let me get back to the topic at hand.  Below I’ve listed my 5 favorite current SNL members.  See if you agree.

1) Bill Hader

Most of my favorite ‘characters’ on SNL are played by Bill Hader.  These include: the very aged Herb Welch, the very gay Stefon, the very Italian Vinny Vedicci, and the third guy on Scared Straight.  The ‘third guy’ on Scared Straight always gets me because Kenan Thompson [who usually isn’t that funny] always tries to push Hader’s straight face limits and always tries to get him to laugh.  It usually works and it’s always in good humor when someone absolutely has to break character to laugh after being pushed too far.  Whoever Hader plays, I’m usually in a good mood to humor him.  More so than most others in the cast.  And furthermore, Hader’s got his foot in the door as my favorite by playing amazing supporting roles like in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Superbad

2) Kristen Wiig

Unlike Hader, who plays my favorite characters on SNL, Wiig is number 2 for a different reason.  Her sheer talent demonstrates she’s a force to be reckoned with in front of the camera.  A lot of her characters are very similar to each other and I don’t necessarily find all pf them funny, which includes: Gilly, who I can’t stand and Penelope/Judy Grimes, who are essentially the same person.  But while I don’t find them funny, I do respect the execution of these characters.  They require extreme determination and especially characters like Penelope/Judy Grimes, who literally speak at 1000 words a minute, are very easy to slip up and embarrass yourself with on live television, even if you’re reading from a prompter.  Wiig’s delivery doesn’t disappoint and you can’t help but respect her for it.  As for her other roles, most are memorable and my favorites include: the surprise lady and the target lady.  And let’s not even begin about how amazing she was in Bridesmaids.

3) Nasim Pedrad

Nasim Pedrad hasn’t had enough time to build a resume of memorable characters, nor has she established herself as a heavy weight on the show, but every once in a while, Nasim will say something that is just hilarious and makes the entire episode memorable.  She’s probably most memorable for her role as the translator for Hu Jintao talks or maybe her role as Bedelia, the parent loving adolescent.  Neither of these reoccurring roles are absolutely hilarious, but in thanks to Nasim, they’re delivered extremely well.

4) Andy Samberg

The man behind the famed SNL digital shorts, Samberg is likely included with his teammates: Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone.  There’s no denying the genius behind each digital short.  You might be wondering why he is so low on the list, especially including his other roles in TV and film [Hot Rod].  Truth be told, in anything that isn’t in the company of Kiv and Jorm, I feel is a point where Andy falls a little flat.  Almost in the same way Dane Cook falls flat, as they both yell a lot and relies on corny jokes.  I think Samberg should stick with Digital Shorts as Meyers stays with Weekend Updates, because they’re so suited to the tasks.

5) Jason Sudeikis

Another member who doesn’t actually carry a lot of weight in terms of the comedy.  I like Sudeikis mainly because while his SNL roles aren’t as memorable, he has enough decent credits in film and other tv shows that make him more likable than most.  He’s had some fairly decent roles, but more than often on SNL, he plays a sane person who sees past the crazy antics.  Nothing memorable or die hard funny, but I think I like Sudeikis more as a movie actor rather than his role on SNL.

Bonus: A close 5th was Bobby Moynihan, he more than often delivers when the spotlight is on him.  And of the newcomers, Taran Killam has the most potential to be a very hilarious member in the future.

Bonus+: 2 People I can’t stand:

Fred Armisan and Kenan Thompson. End of story.