Ep 1. Brandon Tartikoff/John Cougar

Brandon Tartikoff/John Cougar was the very first episode of the ninth season of the legendary comedy sketch show "Saturday Night Live." Originally aired on October 8, 1983, this episode was hosted by the president of NBC Entertainment at the time, Brandon Tartikoff, and featured John Cougar Mellencamp (later known as John Mellencamp) as the musical guest.

The episode began with a cold open parodying the TV show "The A-Team," featuring a special appearance by Tartikoff himself. From there, the show launched into a series of sketches, some of which have gone down in SNL history.

One of the most memorable sketches of the night was "Synchronized Swimmers," which saw Martin Short and Harry Shearer playing two enthusiastic yet completely inept swimmers, complete with ridiculous facial expressions and exaggerated arm movements. It was a hilarious and perfectly pitched parody of synchronized swimming and the over-the-top enthusiasm that often accompanies it.

Another standout sketch was "Ed Grimley's Summer Job," featuring the beloved character created by Short. In the sketch, Ed takes on a job at a fast food restaurant and proceeds to drive his co-workers up the wall with his constant chatter and absurd antics. It was classic Grimley, with Short's performance perfectly capturing the character's unique blend of naivete and neuroses.

Other sketches of note included "The Little Richard Simmons Show," featuring Eddie Murphy as a leotard-clad Richard Simmons impressionist, and "The Whiners," featuring an early appearance by SNL legends Jan Hooks and Nora Dunn as a pair of perpetually aggrieved New Yorkers.

The musical performances from John Cougar were also a highlight of the episode, with the singer/songwriter delivering rousing renditions of "Pink Houses" and "Crumblin' Down." It was clear from his performances that he was an artist poised for big things, and his appearance on SNL no doubt helped to further boost his already growing profile.

Overall, the Brandon Tartikoff/John Cougar episode of Saturday Night Live was a strong start to what would prove to be a memorable season. With its mix of classic sketches, breakout performances, and top-notch musical guests, it was the perfect example of everything that made SNL such a beloved and enduring cultural institution.