Ep 2. Amy Schumer/The Weeknd

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is a long-running American sketch comedy television show that first aired in 1975. Each episode features a celebrity guest host, who usually gives a monologue at the top of the show, and a musical guest, who performs two songs during the course of the episode. The show is known for its political satire, celebrity impersonations, and original characters that reoccur in sketches.

Season 41, Episode 2 of SNL is hosted by comedian Amy Schumer, with musical guest The Weeknd. Schumer, who had previously appeared as a cast member on SNL, is known for her irreverent humor and frank discussions of sex and relationships. The Weeknd, a Canadian musician whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, has had several hit songs on the Billboard charts and is known for his moody R&B sound.

The episode begins with Schumer's monologue, in which she jokes about her recent rise to fame, her upcoming comedy tour, and her experiences with sexism in the entertainment industry. She also discusses her recent appearance on the cover of GQ magazine, in which she posed in various erotic poses with Star Wars characters. The monologue is typical of Schumer's comedy, in that it is raunchy, self-deprecating, and fearless in its discussion of taboo topics.

One of the standout sketches of the episode is a spoof on the popular TV show "Game of Thrones." In the sketch, Schumer plays a character named "Khaleesi," a fierce warrior queen who is vying for the throne. However, instead of battling other characters, she spends most of her time trying to win over her skeptical male co-workers. The sketch is funny because it upends the traditional gender roles of fantasy stories, in which women are often portrayed as helpless damsels in distress. Instead, Schumer's character is the one in charge, calling the shots and demanding respect.

Another highlight of the episode is a parody of the popular dating app Tinder. In the sketch, Schumer plays a woman who is swiping through potential matches on the app, but is disappointed by the quality of the men she finds. She eventually matches with a man who seems perfect, but it turns out he is a convicted sex offender. The sketch is a commentary on the dangers of online dating and the ways in which people can present themselves falsely on social media.

Other sketches in the episode include a political satire about gun control, a fake commercial for a new drug called "Flomax," and a spoof on the popular TV show "The Bachelor." One of the reoccurring characters on SNL, Kate McKinnon's impersonation of Hillary Clinton, also makes an appearance in a sketch about the Democratic primary race.

The musical guest, The Weeknd, performs two songs during the course of the episode. The first, "Can't Feel My Face," is a contagious pop song that was a huge hit in the summer of 2015. The Weeknd's performance is notable for his smooth vocals and energetic stage presence. The second song, "The Hills," is a darker, more minimalist track that showcases The Weeknd's unique sound and style.

Overall, season 41, episode 2 of SNL is a strong episode that showcases the talents of both the host, Amy Schumer, and the musical guest, The Weeknd. The sketches are funny, topical, and insightful, and the musical performances are impressive. Fans of SNL and fans of Schumer and The Weeknd in particular will not be disappointed with this episode.