Ep 8. Alec Baldwin/Shakira

In season 31, episode 8 of Saturday Night Live, Alec Baldwin hosted a night of hilarity with special musical guest Shakira. Known for his spot-on impressions of President Trump, Baldwin brought his A-game to the sketch comedy show, reprising his iconic role as the commander-in-chief in several sketches throughout the night.

The episode kicked off with a cold open featuring Baldwin as Trump, spoofing a press conference regarding the recent FBI investigation into Russia's involvement in the 2016 election. The sketch also featured SNL regulars Kate McKinnon as Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Beck Bennett as Vice President Mike Pence.

One of the standout sketches of the night was a parody of the popular game show, “The Price is Right”, with Baldwin playing the host, Roger Flutz. The sketch featured contestants guessing the cost of various items in Trump's proposed budget, which included an outrageous $2 trillion for a border wall. The sketch demonstrated the absurdity of some of Trump's proposed spending, while also providing plenty of laughs along the way.

Another sketch featured Baldwin as Trump meeting with various world leaders, including Kim Jong-un of North Korea, played by Melissa Villaseñor. The sketch was a clever commentary on Trump's controversial foreign policy approach, with each leader bringing a different gift for the American president. The sketch also featured a surprise appearance by Baldwin's former co-star on 30 Rock, Tracy Morgan, as Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Shakira brought her signature energy to the musical performances of the night, performing her hit songs "Hips Don't Lie" and "Don't Bother". The Colombian singer-songwriter also joined Baldwin for a sketch where she played herself, coaching the SNL cast on how to deliver a passionate delivery of an overly-sentimental pop song. Shakira's comedic timing shone in the sketch, showcasing her versatility as a performer.

As always, the Weekend Update segment was a highlight of the show, with hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler delivering sharp and witty commentary on the week's news. The segment featured a hilarious bit on Trump's infamous "covfefe" tweet, with Poehler playing an overeager supporter attempting to decipher the meaning behind the tweet. The segment also featured a visit from the beloved character Stefon, played by Bill Hader, who shared his tips for the best summer vacation destinations.

Overall, season 31, episode 8 of Saturday Night Live was a hilarious and memorable night of comedy, featuring the impeccable comedic timing of Alec Baldwin and the infectious energy of Shakira. The sketches were sharp, witty, and timely, providing a much-needed break from the stress of the week's news cycle.