Ep 7. Anne Hathaway / Rihanna

In Saturday Night Live season 38 episode 7, Anne Hathaway hosts for the third time, joined by musical guest Rihanna. Hathaway kicks off the show with a monologue that touches on the criticism she's faced for her wholesome reputation, revealing her wild side and inviting the audience to let loose with her. To counter her perceived goody-two-shoes persona, Hathaway performs a parody of "One Day More" from Les Misérables, in which she sings about taking down the haters and embracing her inner diva.

The cold open takes on the then-recent scandal surrounding CIA Director David Petraeus' affair and subsequent resignation, with Fred Armisen playing Petraeus and Cecily Strong as his lover. The sketch pokes fun at the FBI's investigation, the media frenzy, and the military's involvement in the affair, with various generals and politicians making cameos. The sketch ends with a tongue-in-cheek reminder that "freedom isn't free, it costs a hefty fee."

The first sketch of the night is a recurring one, "Girlfriends Talk Show," in which Aidy Bryant and Cecily Strong play teenage friends who discuss their love lives and other teenage woes. This time, Hathaway joins as an awkward new girl who tries to fit in with the popular crowd, but only ends up embarrassing herself and getting caught in a lie. The sketches in this segment are always fun for their exaggerated depiction of teen girl behavior and their cringe-worthy gaffes.

Next up is a digital short featuring Andy Samberg as his alter ego, "Shy Ronnie," a timid rapper who can only muster up a whisper. Rihanna plays his duet partner, singing catchy hooks while Ronnie mumbles incomprehensible verses and gets upstaged by a toddler. The premise of a meek rapper taking on a tough persona is funny, and Samberg's performance as the awkward Ronnie is endearing.

The first half of the show closes with a sketch called "McDonald's Firing," in which Hathaway plays a miserable fast food employee, on the verge of a breakdown. Her coworkers, played by Taran Killam and Jay Pharoah, try to lift her spirits with a song-and-dance number about the joys of serving burgers and fries. The juxtaposition of the upbeat musical number (complete with costume changes and choreography) and the sad reality of a dead-end job is both hilarious and poignant.

After the break, the show comes back with "Mokiki," a bizarre dance craze that Hathaway introduces to the audience. She plays the titular character, a weirdo who shuffles around in a bird-like motion, to the bewilderment of everyone else. The sketch is set up like a music video, with Hathaway and a group of backup dancers (including Kenan Thompson in a chicken suit) gyrating around a New York City subway car. The humor comes from the sheer absurdity of the dance and the reaction shots from the other passengers.

The next sketch is a parody of Homeland, with Hathaway playing a mentally unstable CIA agent tasked with stopping a terrorist attack. The sketch pokes fun at the show's convoluted plotlines and Carrie's erratic behavior, but also shows Hathaway's range as an actress, as she switches from manic to vulnerable. Nasim Pedrad plays a hilarious version of Brody's long-suffering wife, who's fed up with all the secrets and lies.

The show's second music performance comes from Rihanna, who sings "Diamonds" in a dramatic, stripped-down rendition. The song showcases her powerful vocals and emotional range, and the stage design (featuring a giant diamond-shaped light display) adds to the overall effect.

The final sketch of the night is a take on Les Misérables, in which Hathaway and the SNL cast sing about the various struggles of being a woman. The lyrics cover everything from menstruation to catcalling to the pressure to be attractive, and the ensemble number is both funny and poignant. Hathaway shines as the lead singer, with her usual charisma and musical theater chops.

Overall, Saturday Night Live season 38 episode 7 is a strong one, with a mix of recurring sketches and fresh material, and a host and musical guest who both bring their A-game. Hathaway shows off her comedic and musical talents, while Rihanna proves once again why she's one of the biggest pop stars in the world. The episode is a solid addition to the long-running show's history.