Ep 7. Ben Affleck

In season 34 episode 7 of Saturday Night Live, Ben Affleck takes center stage as both the host and musical guest. The actor, famously known for his roles in movies such as "Good Will Hunting" and "Argo," brings his trademark humor and charm to the stage in sketches and musical performances alike.

The episode kicks off with a cold open in which Sen. John McCain (played by Darrell Hammond) addresses the nation on the economic crisis. The sketch quickly turns to a parody of the game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," where the contestants must answer questions about the bailout. The sketch features a hilarious cameo by Affleck as himself, expressing his frustration with the bailout process.

Next up is Affleck's monologue, which starts off as a straightforward introduction to the show. However, it quickly turns into a self-deprecating joke about his tabloid-bait personal life. Affleck jokes that he's "really excited to be here...now that Jennifer Garner kicked him out of the house." He goes on to poke fun at his reputation as a Hollywood playboy and his less-than-stellar record as a host on SNL.

One standout sketch from the episode is "The First Thanksgiving," a period piece that humorously imagines what the first Thanksgiving might have been like if it were anything like a modern-day family gathering. Affleck plays William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth Colony, who is hopelessly trying to maintain order in the chaos of his extended family's Thanksgiving dinner. The sketch is a hilarious commentary on family dynamics and holiday traditions.

Another memorable sketch is "New York Sports Now," a faux sports talk show featuring Affleck as the host and Kristin Wiig as his co-host. The sketch pokes fun at the often overblown reactions of fans and pundits to sports news, as well as the eccentric personalities of some sports commentators. Affleck and Wiig have great chemistry, and their banter is one of the highlights of the episode.

In addition to his acting, Affleck also performs as the musical guest, debuting his band The Third Degree with a soulful performance of their single "If It's Not Too Late." The band features Affleck on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, and is composed of talented musicians with impressive resumes.

Overall, season 34 episode 7 of Saturday Night Live with Ben Affleck is a strong installment in the show's storied history. Affleck proves to be a capable host and musical guest, delivering both laughs and impressive musical performances. The sketches throughout the episode are varied and funny, and showcase the talents of the show's cast and writers.