Ep 1. Steve Martin/Jackson Browne

In season 3 episode 1 of the comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live, Steve Martin serves as both host and musical guest, and is joined by singer-songwriter Jackson Browne for the season premiere.

The episode begins with a political cold open featuring the late John Belushi as a Senate candidate in Chicago who is questioned about his drug use. This sets the tone for the politically charged sketches that follow, including a parody of the Watergate hearings and a bit about Nixon's pardoned turkey.

Steve Martin, a seasoned SNL veteran, shines in his comedic performances throughout the episode. In one sketch, he portrays a wild and crazy guy on a game show, and in another he pokes fun at the Renaissance era as a "wild and crazy" historian.

Martin's musical performances are also a highlight of the episode. He performs a medley of songs, showcasing his impressive banjo skills and humorous lyrics. Later in the show, Martin teams up with Jackson Browne for a soulful rendition of "The Joker" by the Steve Miller Band.

As always, the SNL cast members bring their A-game to the sketches, with standout performances from Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Dan Aykroyd. Radner appears in a skit as a groupie who meets a disappointed Browne, while Aykroyd plays a drugged-out Jim Morrison in a sketch about the Doors.

Overall, the season 3 premiere of Saturday Night Live delivers on the show's reputation for raunchy humor and biting satire. With Martin and Browne at the helm, the episode is a must-watch for fans of the classic comedy series.