Ep 12. Sigourney Weaver/The Ting Tings

In season 35, episode 12 of Saturday Night Live, Sigourney Weaver, the star of blockbuster films like Alien, and the British indie-pop duo The Ting Tings, take the reins for an exciting and hilarious night of comedy, music and political satire.

Right off the bat, the episode kicks off on a high note with the cold open, featuring a hilarious skit mocking the Obama administration's inability to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Fred Armisen stars as President Obama, struggling to come up with creative solutions to remedy the situation, while Garth and Kat, played by Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen, respectively, interrupt him with their off-key Christmas caroling.

The episode then transitions into the opening monologue, where Sigourney Weaver humorously reflects on her history of playing strong female characters in the film industry. She also jokes about her height, recalling how she worked with Tom Cruise on the set of the film, in a clever dig at the actor's notoriously short stature.

The episode then shifts into a series of funny and politically-aware sketches, including a skit where a group of Republican senators stage an intervention for Sarah Palin, played brilliantly by Tina Fey, who is struggling with her political career and is being forced to accept that she may never be president.

Another standout sketch is a parody of the popular dating show, The Bachelor. Sigourney Weaver plays a suitor competing for the affection of the titular bachelor, hilariously portrayed by Bill Hader, alongside Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, and Abby Elliott, who are all vying for his heart and attention.

Musical guests The Ting Tings also deliver a high-energy performance of their hit song, “That’s Not My Name,” showcasing their unique blend of indie pop and rock. They also perform a more mellow, soulful song, “Shut Up and Let Me Go," with lead singer Katie White's dynamic vocals and the band's rhythmic percussion creating a truly memorable moment.

Other highlights of the episode include a cleverly-written commercial parody for a pharmaceutical company selling an anti-depressant called "Neuroti-Q," a hilariously bizarre skit featuring animal puppets receiving therapy, and yet another memorable appearance by Kristen Wiig as the popular character Gilly, who wreaks havoc on a substitute teacher's math lesson and, at one point, gleefully sets a classmate's hair on fire.

Overall, the 12th episode of Season 35 of Saturday Night Live is a prime example of the show's ability to seamlessly blend humor, music, and political satire. Fans of Sigourney Weaver and The Ting Tings will not be disappointed, as both guests deliver entertaining performances that will have viewers laughing and grooving all night long.