SNL -- Saturday Night Live -- Will Ferrell and Musical Guest Green Day -- 5/16/09 -- Sketch by Sketch Review

Dick Cheney (played by Darrell Hammond) is prepping for Meet the Press when George W. Bush (played by Will Ferrell) comes by to try to curb his media appearances. Bush chides Cheney for being incognito for 8 years while Bush looked bad and now coming out after Bush is done. Bush informs us that Cheney had secrets, like being dead for 3 days and the other face shootings. We also learn that Bush isn't scared of him any more because of all the Dr. Phil he's been watching. Funny bit.

Funny line from Bush to Cheney: "I needed the kind of VP that did dumb stuff to make me look smarter."

Will Ferrell Monologue -- 7

Ferrell gives a self important (purposely) monologue about his acting prowess on the stage. It's amusing but not in a haha sort of way. Where in the hell are Will's eyes? They seem to have disappeared into his head.

Wade Blasingame -- Dog Attorney -- 8

This is a repeat of an old SNL commercial about an attorney who sues dogs for doing annoying dog things like humping your leg and pooping in your lawn. To illustrate he has his partner doing the same things and asks, "would you let a person do this to you?" Amusing, but why are they airing something from seasons prior?

Lawrence Welk -- 8

Another appearance of Lawrence Welk and the singing sister act with an odd, grotesque sister with withered hands played by Kristin Wiig. Watching Will Ferrell react to Wiig is quite funny, unfortunately, Wiig's character is another variation of her stock "annoying character with funny voice". Still, I laughed in spite of myself.

Celebrity Jeopardy -- 9

The arrogant, angry Alex Trebek was always one of my favorite Will Ferrell characters, and now he's back with Kristen Wiig's Kathy Lee Gifford, Tom Hanks, played by Tom Hanks as an idiot who doesn't even know he was in a movie called Cast Away, and Darrell Hammond playing his old nemesis Sean Connery. Categories are ultra simple, including "Current Black Presidents". Sean Connery makes some really disturbing jokes about Alex's mother, Hanks gets his hand stuck in a pickle jar and caught in a dry cleaning bag, and Kathie Lee gets drunk. Then, Norm MacDonald shows up as Burt Reynolds to answer a question. Hanks breaks his display with his forehead during final jeopardy, and Connery gets his final revenge with a dirty picture for Trebek. Very random, but very funny.

NBA on TNT - 6

This is a spoof of those annoying pop in advertisements on television shows where a character pops up with a show's title and does something silly. The show is "Mark" with Will Ferrell as a bumbling Dad. Bill Hader plays an anchor who is increasingly annoyed by his need to shill for the show while Keenan, playing Charles Barkley is quite intriqued by the show. Could have been funnier if they'd have gone over the top. A good premise, though.

Green Day -- Know Your Enemy -- 6

A somewhat catchy song, but it seems like it should be played just a bit faster, and the repetition of the lyrics is offputting. Guitar riff is catchier than the lyrics. Is it just me or are they faking the song?

Weekend Update -- 5

Amy Poehler returns for this season finale, looking better than she has in years. They do a "Really?" segment for Arizona State refusing to give Barack Obama an honorary degree. Will Ferrell shows up playing Harry Caray, who starts to ask about the Predator monster playing baseball. Sadly, the jokes aren't very funny this week either, and the Harry Caray performance is only fitfully funny.

Funny lines: (In reference to the first astronaut to Twitter from space) "So in 40 years we've gone from 'One giant leap for mankind' to 'Launch was awesome!'"

Funeral Remembrances -- 6

While trying to wrap up a memorial service, people keep interrupting. This is like the wedding sketch during the Hugh Laurie episode as person after person comes up to give their thoughts on the deceased. Mya Rudolph even shows up to sing a ridiculous version of Amazing Grace. Slightly amusing, but runs on too long.

Green Day -- 21 Guns -- 8

A good Green Day ballad.

Goodnight Saigon -- 10

Will Ferrell is in a group of businessmen talking about vacations. When one mentions Will went to Vietnam, Will freaks out and starts singing Goodnight Saigon as more and more people join in to play instruments. By my count, the entire cast, plus Tom Hanks, Paul Rudd, Anne Hathaway, Mya Rudolph, Green Day, Artie Lange, and Norm MacDonald wind up on stage.

Overall -- 9

This episode blew by as fast as any in recent memory with no real clunkers. Ferrell was amusing as always, and the cast and writers seem to have had a good time this week. It was odd to see so many guests this week. You have to wonder who was responsible for brining back so many old SNL cast members as well as some very high profile cameos. With the goodnights, Will gave Darrell Hammond a special shoutout and hug. Does this mean he's leaving the show? Let's hope not. A great end to a hit or miss season. One last question. Where was Tina Fey?