Predict My Future Quiz: SNL Debate Will Bring More of the Same

Call me what you like, but when it comes to the cultural phenomenon that we refer to as Saturday Night Live, I just don't get it. Am I the only one who thinks this show is too terrible for words? I won't deny that on a rare occasion they manage to squeeze out a great joke like a kidney stone, but it doesn't happen that often. By the way, I did say joke. They almost never deliver an entire sketch that rocks. Most of the time they go way too long. Most of the sketches would be just fine if they were trimmed to two minutes or less.

The mock VP debate that they spoofed the other night was no exception. It was predictable and let us be honest the jokes were cheap. It is always the same character assassination type stuff without any meat behind it. I watch every once and a while just hoping that things will turn around. I used to love the show. SNL without debate, groomed some of the greatest comedic talent we have ever been fortunate enough to share. The last couple generations of cast members just don't cut it. If Tina Fey taught a course entitled Design My Own Engagement Ring, I'd expect to see pipe cleaners and stale macaroni. Not that I wouldn't be grateful for someone offering to teach me how to design my own engagement ring, I would just rather someone who really knew what they were doing had it ready and waiting for me.

What I'm trying to say is what happened to the days of Chevy Chase, John Belushi and Bill Murray? Is it so difficult to see what these guys did back in the heyday of the show and then try and be just as funny? I'm not saying they could ever duplicate this kind of talent all together in one place at the same time, just try and be funny. After all, they've done it before. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, David Spade, Adam Sandler, Gilda Radner, Julia Sweeney, Chris Farley and many more have all been very funny on the show at different times throughout history. Why is it so difficult to find really funny people to be on this show? I keep expecting to see one of the current cast members in an interview ask "Can I apply for a job online with Target?" Yes Mr. Myers you can and I think you'll see Tracy Morgan there as well.

I knew after I watched the VP debate with Palin and Biden on Thursday it was going to make the show this weekend. SNL couldn't possible pass up on the chance for cheap laughs. After all, they don't seem able to write a joke anymore. To be honest, I think Sarah Palin is hysterical on her own. She is way funnier than Tina Fey. It would appear that SNL could take a page out of John Stewart's book on that one. Sometimes the sound bite is all you need. I'm sure John Stewart is not the only one. In fact I'm sure if they looked hard enough they could find a whole famous people list, loaded with brilliant comedic performers from past and present ready and willing to show them how it is done.

Instead, the show pounds everything into the ground. It's like watching a Biggie Smalls Autopsy, it's been dead for a long time but people just keep wanting to know how it happened. I don't fault Lorne Michaels. He masterminded the entire project. He pushed it through when the CBC up in Canada told him it would never work. For taking it as far as he has, I applaud him. When he left the show for a short while it really started to fall to pieces and he managed to pick it back up again on his return. Maybe it has just gotten away from him. Maybe somebody else high up in production is just out of touch. Whatever it is, I hope they figure it out and show the world once again why it was once the funniest thing ever made. Otherwise, say it with me Ms. Fey, "Can I apply for a job online with Target?"