Ep 22. Elliott Gould/Leon Redbone

The 22nd episode of the first season of Saturday Night Live is hosted by Elliott Gould, the American actor known for his performances in films like M*A*S*H, Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, and The Long Goodbye. The musical guest for the night is Leon Redbone, a singer-songwriter, and guitarist known for his unique voice and style that blends blues, jazz, and ragtime music.

The episode opens with a sketch titled "The Twilite Zone," a parody of the popular science fiction TV series The Twilight Zone. The sketch features Elliott Gould in the role of a traveler who finds himself in a bizarre situation where everyone around him speaks in an odd language. The sketch is a hilarious send-up of the show's trademark twist endings and showcases Gould's comedic talents.

In the next sketch titled "Consumer Probe," Dan Aykroyd plays a host of a consumer affairs show where he interviews Gould about a faulty product he has purchased. The sketch satirizes the consumerism of American society and the ineffectiveness of product recalls.

Another highlight of the episode is a sketch titled "The Wild and Crazy Guys," which features Steve Martin and Dan Aykroyd as two Czechoslovakian brothers who love to party and pick up American women. The sketch parodies the disco craze and the cultural differences between Eastern and Western Europe.

In one of the musical performances of the night, Leon Redbone sings "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone," a classic jazz song that highlights his unique voice and fingerpicking guitar style. Redbone's music is a perfect fit for the show's eclectic mix of comedy and music.

The episode also includes a parody of the popular mystery TV series Columbo, with Gould playing the titular detective. The sketch takes a comical approach to the show's formulaic structure and features Gould's signature deadpan delivery and knack for physical comedy.

In the weekend update segment, Chevy Chase delivers a series of news stories and jokes, including a commentary on President Jimmy Carter's energy conservation initiatives. The segment also includes a satirical news report on the fictional "inflation rebate" program, which promises to give Americans 50 cents for every dollar they spend.

Overall, the Elliott Gould/Leon Redbone episode of Saturday Night Live is a great example of the show's mix of social satire, sketch comedy, and musical performances. Gould's comedic timing and Redbone's musical talents are on full display, making this episode a classic of the show's first season.