It seems that there has never been a period of time when critics (and the masses) didn't chide Saturday Night Live, claiming the show to be in a "creative slump," or even going as far as calling it - get this - "Saturday Night Dead."But for stalwart fans like myself who tend to consider every nuance and minor detail of the show's sketches, the sentiment is either only partially true or not true at all. Sure, the show saw a spike in viewership thanks to Tina Fey's Sarah Palin impression, leading critics to praise SNL's "creative resurgence." But the buzz was just as strong when Will Ferrell played George W. Bush nine years ago. (And, furthermore, it wasn't as if the show didn't have its culturally resonant hits in recent years, not limited to Maya Rudolph's Donatella Versace impression or Andy Samberg's fusion of Internet humor into the mix).
So to those who say SNL is back, I say, have you ever seen Molly Shannon's Jeannie Darcy? Because it is, by far, one of the most brilliantly executed, underrated characters to ever appear on the show. (Or maybe I just have a thing for mullets and bolo ties. Same difference.) See what I mean in the video after the jump.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-08-2009 @ 6:28PM
Jimmy said...
"Don't get me started!"
Classic stuff!
With all due respect, though ... the buzz was just as strong when Will Ferrell played George W. Bush nine years ago? Maya Rudolph's Donatella Versace impression was culturally resonant?
Are you writing material for a new "Really?!?" skit?
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1-08-2009 @ 7:14PM
Paul said...
I really don't like this character, but I'm not a very big Molly Shannon fan in general.
Tracy Morgan's "Astronaut Jones" was probably the most underrated character of the past 10 or 15 years, in my book anyway. Loved that character so much, but he never really caught on.
The most underrated impression could go to a handful of Bill Hader impressions, most notably his Al Pacino and Vincent Price. He's a significantly better impressionist than Darrell Hammond, and can also play a lot of original characters quite well, too -- just look at his film career. I'd also say Norm Macdonald's David Letterman was super underrated.
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1-08-2009 @ 9:19PM
Jimmy said...
Agree with you on all points, Paul.
"Rocket ... I'm taking a rocket!"
1-09-2009 @ 4:23PM
Jussup said...
I don't understand why its so en vogue to hate on Darrell Hammond--and I don't just mean to point you out Paul, most people are doing it lately... While I agree the guy has been on the show for far too long and needs to move on, that doesn't take away from how talented he is.
1-08-2009 @ 7:27PM
Jenny said...
Yay! I loved this character. Still, to this day, I will say, "Don't get me STARTed, don't EVEN get me STARTed," and I'm surprised by how few people get the reference! This was always a memorable character for me. Maybe because I spent large amounts of time in the 80's watching shows like MTV's half-hour comedy hour.
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1-09-2009 @ 12:04AM
CraigO said...
Paul, good call on the Norm as David Letterman....
"You uh, you got any gum?"
:)
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1-09-2009 @ 1:42AM
GL said...
That's funny stuff.
1-09-2009 @ 9:53AM
Key Rick said...
My favorite underrated SNL characters include that drooly one Rachel Dratch would show up on Weekend Update as with the baby doll arm sticking out of the top of her head (I don't remember whether the character had a name); anytime Jan Hooks would show up (her diner waitress in the episode Willie Nelson hosted deserved an Emmy); Ana Gasteyer as Celine Dion; Cheri Oteri as Collette Reardon the prescription drug addict; Mary Gross as Alfalfa; Will Ferrell as Janet Reno on Janet Reno's Dance Party; Molly Shannon as Helen Madden ("I love it, I love it, I love it..."); Nora Dunn as Babette the international sex kitten; Danitra Vance as Cabrini Jackson; Julia Sweeney's androgynous Pat; Chris Parnell in Appalachian Emergency Room and, of course, Kenan Thompson as DJ Dynasty Handbag in Deep House Dish.
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1-09-2009 @ 10:28AM
Matthew said...
I'm so happy that you mentioned Jeannie Darcy. My friends and I used to re-watch this sketch over and over on the Best of Molly Shannon DVD because we loved it so much. I just don't understand how people don't find it hilarious. Thank you so much!
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1-09-2009 @ 11:55AM
Vijay said...
I was always a fan of Phil Hartman's "Handsome Man" and Tim Meadows's "Handsome Black Man".
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1-09-2009 @ 11:59AM
Vijay said...
I mean Mike Myers's "Handsome Man". Not sure where Phil came from.
1-09-2009 @ 1:35PM
BDUB said...
Don't get me started... I love this character!
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1-09-2009 @ 1:48PM
Al said...
You mentioned Maya's Donatella, but not her Beyonce Knowles with Fred Armisen as Prince? I'm beginning to think I'm the only one who really loved The Prince Show...
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1-09-2009 @ 2:09PM
Tanner said...
I always appreciated Dana Carvey's Mass Headwound Harrry! "he probably smells my dog!"
I think Phil Hartman's Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer was just brilliant!
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1-10-2009 @ 11:38AM
thatguyizzy said...
I agree as well with Astronaut Jones. Laughed my ass off every sketch ("Well, why don't you drop out of that green jumpsuit and show me that phat ass!").
Most underrated sketch of all-time: All Aboard the Freedom Train - The Duets of Big Foot and Neil Diamond. Will Ferrell as Neil and The Rock as Big Foot. I can never find this sketch anywhere, but I can still remember most of it, and it has some of the most quotable lines ever!
Neil: Seriously, I have no idea what's going on right now. I'm probably in my basement talking to my water heater.
Neil: (sung to 'Monday, Monday') I'm about 80 percent sure it was a dream when I ate that kid!
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1-30-2009 @ 6:10PM
noodles said...
Hello folks, I may be not on point, but since Tina Fey and Amy Poeller aren't a part of the show. WOW!! Give us a break from the untalented folks who are desperate for a skit. NADA,,, Help us in our economic whoes, Find folks who are talented amongst the 4.800,00 million folks out of work.. We must have a routine that may withstand the comidic greatness of our past talents. Need I disregard Will Farell. Too bad... Say, where we in an anticeptic pool of life...... Get with it.. Thanks Bobbi
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