Ep 13. Tom Arnold/Tupac Shakur

Tom Arnold hosts a thrilling episode of Saturday Night Live season 21 episode 13 alongside musical guest Tupac Shakur. This particular episode is held in high regard for featuring one of the most politically charged cold opens in the show's history.

The cold open begins with a group of children in a classroom reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. This standard scene quickly takes a turn as each child begins to recite their own version of the pledge, with various critiques and statements regarding the current political climate in the United States. The skit was a bold move for the show, and marked one of the first times in which it used its platform to make a political statement that resonated with millions of Americans.

Arnold's opening monologue brings his signature irreverent humor to the show, with the actor and comedian recounting stories about his recent experiences in Hollywood while poking fun at himself. In one particularly memorable moment, Arnold calls on Tupac to join him on stage and discuss the rampant rumors surrounding Tupac's apparent "death." Though the moment was intended to be lighthearted, it was also a clear nod to the rampant conspiracy theories that continue to surround Tupac's death today.

Throughout the rest of the episode, Arnold is featured in a variety of sketches that showcase his unique brand of comedy. One particularly hilarious skit entitled "Baxter's Video Cafe" sees Arnold playing the role of a bumbling employee at a digital video store. The sketch is a hilarious caricature of the nascent home video rental industry of the time, and features Arnold's signature comedic delivery paired with a cast of talented supporting actors.

However, it's the musical performances by Tupac Shakur that truly steal the show. The legendary rapper performs two of his biggest hits, "California Love" and "I Ain't Mad at Cha," both of which are met with rapturous applause from the live audience. Tupac's performances are a testament to his talent and charisma, and are a lasting testament to his legacy as one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time.

Overall, Saturday Night Live season 21 episode 13 stands as a critically acclaimed episode that features some of the show's most memorable moments. From the courageous political commentary of the cold open to Arnold's hilarious performances throughout the episode, and of course, Tupac Shakur's unforgettable musical performances, this episode is a must-watch for all fans of the iconic sketch comedy series.