Ep 9. Jack Black/Neil Young

In season 31 episode 9 of Saturday Night Live, hosts Jack Black and Neil Young bring a flurry of excitement and energy to the popular sketch comedy show. Jack Black, known for his comedic roles in films such as School of Rock and Tropic Thunder, showcases his dynamic range as a performer.

The episode begins with a cold open featuring a parody of CNN's Anderson Cooper 360, with Darrell Hammond portraying Anderson Cooper and Jason Sudeikis as Joe Biden. The sketch pokes fun at the then-ongoing 2008 presidential election, with jokes about the candidates and their campaigns.

In the monologue, Jack Black delivers a high-energy musical performance with the SNL band. He showcases his musical talents as he sings and dances to a rock number, complete with backup dancers and elaborate costumes. The monologue sets the tone for an episode full of musical performances and comedic sketches.

One of the most notable sketches in this episode is the hit song "Jizz in My Pants," which is performed in a music video-style format. The sketch features Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer as The Lonely Island, a comedy trio who created digital shorts for SNL. "Jizz in My Pants" becomes an instant viral sensation and launches The Lonely Island into mainstream popularity.

Another standout sketch is "The Legend of Mokiki and the Sloppy Swish," which parodies dance crazes and viral videos. In the sketch, Taran Killam portrays Mokiki, a man with a bizarre dance style that catches on with the masses. The sketch features a catchy song and dance routine, as well as comedic cameos from Jack Black and Neil Young.

Throughout the episode, musical performances are interspersed between sketches. Neil Young performs two songs from his album Chrome Dreams II, including "No Hidden Path" and "The Believer." The musical performances add an extra layer of excitement to the episode and showcase the talents of the hosts and musical guests.

In the Weekend Update segment, Seth Meyers delivers his satirical take on current events and politics. The segment includes jokes about the ongoing presidential election, the economy, and pop culture. Meyers’ delivery is sharp and witty, and the jokes keep the audience laughing throughout the segment.

The episode ends with a patriotic and emotional performance of "Christmas in Washington" by Neil Young, in honor of those serving in the armed forces. The musical performance serves as a touching and poignant end to a highly entertaining episode.

Overall, Saturday Night Live season 31 episode 9 featuring Jack Black and Neil Young is a must-see for fans of comedy and music. The hosts and musical guests deliver an unforgettable performance that is both hilarious and heartwarming. With catchy songs, comedic sketches, and engaging performances, this episode is a standout among the many great episodes of SNL.