I'm finally glad SNL has some good material to work with and has stepped up its writing. The first time I have enjoyed the show in years! I also think it's great that people are paying attention and watching because SNL really isn't holding back any punches right now for either side. (Disclaimer: I am a Democrat, I'm voting Obama, I thought the SNL VP debate sketch was hilarious--even their characterization of Biden!)
I have to say though that I find it both simultaneously entertaining and frightening. When we stop to focus on the truth that makes sketch comedy a form of poignant social commentary--that it is based on a degree of reality--it is then the laughter dies down.
After each Saturday night (and I'm sure this will be the case tomorrow after the first 1/2 hour Thursday segment they're running,) I keep asking myself whether or not its good that there is material worth writing about? It has to be okay to laugh, but no matter the outcome of the election eventually the laughter will stop, and we will be still faced with major issues in international relations, the economy, the state of social security and health care (to name but a few). Will the country pay attention to these issues when Tina Fey returns her attention to 30 Rock? Will our interest in the political scene drop with the same speed at which I predict SNL’s weekly viewership will?
Don't get me wrong. It feels great to have something to laugh at each time I look at my measly paycheck, fill my gas tank, or see a "man on the street" interview which shows someone responding "Obama?" to the question "Who is McCain's running mate?" (Yes this happened, yes I nearly cried). I love to laugh but when the votes are counted and either Senator Obama or Senator McCain swears the oath of office, will the majority of people watching SNL clips still be turning on the news and paying attention?
Anyway, those are just my thoughts—keep up the good work ladies and gentlemen—I am quite impressed!
2 comments:
best. thing. ever. period.
I'm finally glad SNL has some good material to work with and has stepped up its writing. The first time I have enjoyed the show in years! I also think it's great that people are paying attention and watching because SNL really isn't holding back any punches right now for either side. (Disclaimer: I am a Democrat, I'm voting Obama, I thought the SNL VP debate sketch was hilarious--even their characterization of Biden!)
I have to say though that I find it both simultaneously entertaining and frightening. When we stop to focus on the truth that makes sketch comedy a form of poignant social commentary--that it is based on a degree of reality--it is then the laughter dies down.
After each Saturday night (and I'm sure this will be the case tomorrow after the first 1/2 hour Thursday segment they're running,) I keep asking myself whether or not its good that there is material worth writing about? It has to be okay to laugh, but no matter the outcome of the election eventually the laughter will stop, and we will be still faced with major issues in international relations, the economy, the state of social security and health care (to name but a few). Will the country pay attention to these issues when Tina Fey returns her attention to 30 Rock? Will our interest in the political scene drop with the same speed at which I predict SNL’s weekly viewership will?
Don't get me wrong. It feels great to have something to laugh at each time I look at my measly paycheck, fill my gas tank, or see a "man on the street" interview which shows someone responding "Obama?" to the question "Who is McCain's running mate?" (Yes this happened, yes I nearly cried). I love to laugh but when the votes are counted and either Senator Obama or Senator McCain swears the oath of office, will the majority of people watching SNL clips still be turning on the news and paying attention?
Anyway, those are just my thoughts—keep up the good work ladies and gentlemen—I am quite impressed!
--Cait
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