Ep 13. J.K. Simmons/D'Angelo

J.K. Simmons, the Academy Award-winning actor, hosts the 13th episode of the 40th season of Saturday Night Live. He is joined by musical guest D'Angelo, a Grammy-winning R&B artist.

The episode kicks off with the opening sketch, which takes aim at the heated controversy surrounding vaccines. The sketch features a group of parents who are hesitant to vaccinate their children but are met with opposition from a pro-vaccine doctor played by Cecily Strong.

Next up is the monologue by J.K. Simmons, who proves to be a natural comedian as he pokes fun at his recent fame following his award-winning role in Whiplash. He also shares a few stories from his time as a struggling actor in New York City.

The episode's first sketch is a hilarious parody of the TV show Cops, with the twist that all the cops are played by actors who just can't seem to keep a straight face. The sketch is full of absurd antics and exaggerated reactions as the officers attempt to apprehend a group of conspicuously innocent suspects.

Another standout sketch features J.K. Simmons playing a frustrated father who just can't seem to get his teenage daughter and her friends to pay attention to him. The sketch is complete with exaggerated stereotypes of teenage behavior, exaggerated sound effects, and physical comedy.

D'Angelo takes the stage to perform his hit single "Really Love," and he does not disappoint. The audience is treated to a soulful performance complete with a backup choir and some impressive guitar playing by D'Angelo himself.

The "Weekend Update" segment features Colin Jost and Michael Che delivering their usual brand of topical humor and news commentary. They take shots at a range of topics including the Super Bowl, the measles outbreak, and Kanye West's recent Twitter antics. The segment also includes appearances by some of the show's beloved recurring characters, including Drunk Uncle and Riblet.

One of the episode's most memorable sketches is a spoof of the hit show Empire. In it, J.K. Simmons plays a white CEO of a black-owned record label who just can't seem to keep up with the cultural appropriation trends. The sketch features a hilarious performance by Kenan Thompson as the label's black founder and CEO and plenty of over-the-top musical numbers.

The show concludes with a sketch that cleverly parodies the TV show Shark Tank. In it, the sharks are replaced by a group of vultures who are eager to take advantage of struggling entrepreneurs. The sketch is full of absurd pitches and over-the-top reactions, making for a fitting conclusion to a highly entertaining episode of Saturday Night Live.

Overall, this episode of Saturday Night Live is one of the strongest of the season, with J.K. Simmons proving to be a natural fit as host and D'Angelo delivering an unforgettable musical performance. The sketches are consistently funny and creative, making for a highly enjoyable viewing experience.