Ep 23. Louise Lasser/Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Saturday Night Live (SNL), the iconic American late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show, has the distinction of being one of the longest-running network programs in American television history. Season 1, episode 23, featuring host Louise Lasser alongside the musical guest Preservation Hall Jazz Band, continued the groundbreaking tradition of blending cutting-edge humor with live musical performances. This episode follows the established SNL format, showcasing the comedic prowess and versatility of its cast, guest host, and the rich musical heritage brought by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Louise Lasser, known for her role as the titular character in the television series "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," brought a unique presence to the SNL stage during this episode. Her acting ability, characterized by a blend of deadpan delivery and neurotic charm, made her a fitting match for the show's satirical style. Viewers would find Lasser's comedic chops on full display, as she seamlessly navigated through an assortment of roles in various sketches.

As SNL episodes are typically a mix of political satire, cultural commentary, and character-driven humor, audiences were treated to a variety of sketches. The episode would likely open with a cold open sketch, a hallmark of the show that sets the comedic tone and is often - but not always - political in nature. Following that, Lasser would deliver a monologue, which in the show's tradition, might involve interacting with the cast, referencing her career, or addressing the live audience with a humorous anecdote or self-deprecating joke.

Throughout the episode, Louise Lasser would participate in several skits, embodying different characters, enabling her to show off her range as an actress. The humor in these sketches could range from slapstick to highbrow, reflecting the diversity of the show's comedic voice. Some might lampoon television tropes, take jabs at societal quirks, or parody current events, while others could dive into the absurd, all while providing a platform for Lasser to connect with the audience.

The episode's musical guest, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, brought a slice of New Orleans jazz tradition to the SNL stage. Their set would infuse the show with the vibrant, soulful sounds that have made the group a beloved institution in the world of music. The band's performance would likely include classic jazz numbers, showcasing their masterful command of brass and rhythm and providing a lively contrast to the comedy segments.

SNL's signature commercial parodies are another expected element, where the show's writers and cast create fake products or outlandish services, presenting them in convincing, often hilarious advertisements that mimic the style of genuine commercials from the era. These parodies give a satirical nod to consumer culture and provide a biting commentary on the marketing tactics of the time.

Weekend Update, another staple of SNL, features a satirical news segment where anchors, typically a cast member or members, deliver mock news stories with a humorous slant, taking aim at politicians, celebrities, and bizarre news items. With Lasser at the helm for this episode, the segment might include witty back-and-forths with the host, offering her a chance to contribute to the topical humor.

The interstitials — the short, often non-sequitur segments that serve as transitions between the main sketches — are a space for innovative and experimental comedy. These might feature Lasser in swift, quirky scenarios or off-the-wall moments that add to the episode's dynamic flow.

The episode would be interspersed with the recurring SNL characters popular during the first season. These characters, crafted by the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players,” would continue to build their comedic legacies, interacting with Louise Lasser to bring familiar laughs and maybe even new dimensions to their roles.

Behind the scenes, the creative minds of SNL's writers and the direction of the producers and crew translate to a fast-paced, live-show environment. The collaboration between the host, musical guest, and regular cast aims to create an episode that is distinctive, engaging, and reflective of the show's cutting-edge comedy.

While episode 23 of season 1 is an illustration of early SNL's eclectic nature, it's important to note that the program has always been as much about the cultural context of its time as it is about timeless humor. As with many episodes of SNL, this one acted as a showcase of its era's entertainment, both through the characters created by the cast and the presence of a host like Louise Lasser. Viewers tuning in for this episode could expect a night filled with laughter, music, and the unexpected joys inherent to live television.