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Martin Short’s recent induction into Saturday Night Live's prestigious Five-Timers Club should have been the sole focus of the evening. It's a rare accomplishment. Instead what many critics and casual observers could find was that Martin Short's recent SNL gig, unfortunately became less about his comedic skills and talent ( for his fifth hosting role) and instead mostly revolved around the parade of A-listers brought in to celebrate this (usually) intimate milestone, with all the usual SNL-based hilarity being almost secondary. Today let’s carefully break apart this event in particular and examine whether such approaches end up working for or against that program value while also placing it all into perspective regarding comedy variety programs.
The opening sketch of the night was, of course, all about Martin Short being formally recognized as part of that “Five Timers Club” a special category of select and well-known personalities that have hosted five or more times throughout its SNL’s decades old history. When viewing through all media sources, that should have been mostly about recognizing Short’s amazing and varied comedic career throughout those hosting runs but rather became an overproduced star showcase ( with lots of cameos). This large gathering did include A-listers such as Tom Hanks, Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Wiig, Scarlett Johansson, Emma Stone, Melissa McCarthy, John Mulaney, and Jimmy Fallon which ( from purely a casual perspective) shows the reach and important role these all had within this iconic sketch show.
Whilst that kind of gathering does seem special there's also an unusual side to that very well meaning celebration as the quantity seemed excessive with many other equally worthy SNL alums often not receiving their own respective high profile celebration ( or for some no form of celebration for their multi hosting years which raises ethical questions about the validity of that ‘elite club' ). In some regards such large ‘gatherings’ tend to also undermine all value because too many stars often dilute those moments to focus less on their achievement and more on ‘just having as many famous faces on one spot’ without putting the limelight where it truly matters that is, to those being actually honored; in this case: a great personality that kept the show going, over and over throughout the years. And that choice may seem unfair to dedicated fans of the series.
What followed ( which was somewhat a common pattern during prior similar ‘star gatherings’) were also multiple in-show cameos with recurring guest stars showing up frequently making some of the already short sketches feel rushed and somewhat forced all for showcasing familiar faces in random supporting positions rather than serving specific character or comedy moments. And so an amazing moment gets somehow put mostly aside for a marketing display rather than true heartfelt support.
The odd and somewhat strange format created by all those constant cameos unfortunately ended up overshadowing the show’s main host as Martin Short ( as usual ) carried great comedic timing and acted mostly to his strength however it was mostly through all character-based impersonations or highly caricatured roles instead of more straight up comedic routines that allowed the various supporting cast to take more space than what that format usually offers with sketches ranging from playing a parking lot antagonist to portraying a highly-strung airport employee that provided a glimpse into that skill, and as a character driven production that did hold water.
Another sketch even had him play as a very theatrical ( and eccentric) drama teacher while giving critique to a classic ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’. These moments offered viewers the best example of all his comedic talents and also served as the show's main core when they came about ( especially during the first half) but what always ended up hurting all those routines ( no matter how genuinely ‘good’) is precisely the structure the show chose and not those who were in charge; as all core components become secondary due to the quantity rather than quality aspect from that star packed line up.
Also even musical guest Hozier ( after a long 10 year break) gave some excellent musical performances adding depth into what can be interpreted a more standard episode format however even during his moment the over-bearing sense that someone more well known ( with a greater following or popularity) was due at any moment loomed which is somewhat sad since that segment is generally well seen during SNL episodes ( musical segments as well ). Its never enough to fully present great creative segments unless a production is willing to show respect to each performer, and SNL ( through its method, sadly did not) .
The episode leaves many questions as this trend ( that has been coming for many years) where quantity tends to over shadow quality: was that SNL celebration only there as to promote it to those who only watch because someone that they are aware off is set to perform? What is the general value or core aspect that those celebrity visits truly create other than some social media talk over the show? And if all that show’s creative core purpose ends up as something secondary due to those factors did it reach or create positive viewing outcomes in any real significant long term level? All of those philosophical conversations become open points for each media analyst.
The focus on large celebrity power showcases an unfortunate dynamic: where genuine comedic talent ( from the show’s lead ) is diminished for the overall viewing numbers. That type of structure undermines every part of any comedy routine, regardless if its long run veteran actors or talented new cast and that reliance on big celebrity names ends up making regular watchers slowly begin to ask ‘what do these changes in formatting imply over long term shows?” and while having celebrity is always positive does that positivity outweigh the negatives in a scale of value that may affect how one views that media form and format?
Whilst Martin Short fully deserved that 'Five-Timers Club' induction; what should've been solely focused on that achievement got sidelined to become something completely different due to some production level choices that seem a lot less focused on comedic performances, which was mostly done in place of a star parade in that same night. SNL seems to want to attract casual audiences over everything. And sadly for true and genuine fans ( as well as Martin himself ) these details end up making any meaningful message be somehow ignored, mostly thanks to that overall excessive quantity. This should be kept into consideration with next episode, whenever more well known celebrities ( which that format really enjoys) are present.
By always putting the most well known names before anyone, regardless of how skilled or genuine one may be those ‘power dynamics’ will always end up taking focus from its original intended production; and that might slowly evolve to something where every actor feels less valued when not working as direct supporting members to another famous actor than the other way round. In short when stars shine too brightly, everyone else can end up becoming invisible and what was meant to be Martin Short’s important historical moment ( and tribute to long-term show contributions) got somewhat swallowed within that overbearing celebrity star filled line up. This all creates interesting discussion points about creative decisions within this context as it also changes or affects viewing perspectives moving forward.