On a recent Saturday night, as the world grappled with various challenges and uncertainties, a familiar beacon of comedy and entertainment returned to our television screens. “Saturday Night Live” marked its 49th season premiere, offering a much-needed respite from the somber news headlines and the never-ending stream of social media posts.
In the face of rising death tolls and a relentless barrage of banal and distressing content on social media, the anticipation for SNL’s premiere seemed like a glimmer of hope. What would the cold open be about? The search for a new Speaker of the House, perhaps, or James Austin Johnson’s comedic portrayal of Trump’s windmill vendetta and his newfound friend, Fudgy the Whale? The possibilities were vast, but the heart yearned for something more.
However, SNL’s 49th season didn’t kick off with laughter or politics. Instead, it began with a poignant and close-up shot of Pete Davidson, a young man who tragically lost his firefighter father during the 9/11 attacks when he was just a child. Davidson wasn’t there to explain the complexities of evil or delve into the socio-political context that gives birth to it. Instead, he was there to hold space for the profound cost of such tragedies.
In a touching moment, Davidson shared the story of his mother’s desperate attempt to pull him out of the depths of grief. She mistakenly played Eddie Murphy’s raucous stand-up album “Delirious,” thinking it was a lighthearted, Disneyesque comedy. Little did she know that the album was a firehose of Murphy’s edgy humor. Still, the sound of her son laughing uproariously in the backseat of their car provided her with a momentary respite from the overwhelming sorrow. Sometimes, comedy is the only remedy to heal deep wounds.
Davidson concluded his heartfelt monologue by acknowledging the weight of the moment, a solemn nod to the tragic events of 9/11. His words echoed Lorne Michaels’ request to Rudy Giuliani on September 29, 2001, for permission to be funny during a time of profound grief. “And remember, I said try,” Davidson added, reminding us of the importance of humor in even the darkest of times.
This opening monologue marked one of Davidson’s standout moments during the episode, which is not meant to diminish the rest of his performance but to highlight the depth of emotion and vulnerability he shared. His formal opening monologue could be seen as that of a young comedian still refining his act, taking notes from comedic legends like Bill Burr. On the other hand, it also had the feel of a seasoned comedian who had spent too much time on the road, finding material in the caricatured version of his public image rather than tapping into a more profound and authentic well of experiences.
During the episode, Davidson ventured into various comedic territories. He recounted the unsettling experience of watching incestuous scenes on “Game of Thrones” with his sister, jokingly questioning his own involvement in the storyline. His humor also led him down memory lane, sharing stories of being labeled a “pussy” by his high school football coach and taking Staten Island girls out for pizza after intimate encounters in his car. While his performance was not lacking in humor, it seemed to rely heavily on the sensationalized aspects of his tabloid persona rather than digging deeper for more genuine and relatable material.
As the 49th season of “Saturday Night Live” unfolds, it remains a vital source of comedy and entertainment in our lives. The show’s ability to navigate the delicate balance between humor and reflection on pressing issues is more important than ever. Pete Davidson’s monologue, touching on personal tragedy and the healing power of comedy, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of humor in our lives, even during challenging times.
The comedy landscape continues to evolve, and as SNL welcomes a new season, it will be intriguing to see how it tackles the ever-shifting cultural and political landscape. In the meantime, let’s appreciate the moments of vulnerability and authenticity that Pete Davidson shared with us, reminding us that laughter can be a powerful antidote to the struggles and uncertainties we face in our world today.
