Ep 9. Elliott Gould/Anne Murray

Saturday Night Live season 1 episode 9 featuring Elliott Gould as host and Anne Murray as the musical guest, first aired on December 13, 1975. In this installment of the late-night sketch comedy and variety show, viewers are treated to a blend of comedy sketches, musical performances, and the oddball antics that quickly became characteristic of Saturday Night Live (SNL).

This episode showcases the growing talent of the original SNL cast, often referred to as the "Not Ready For Prime Time Players." These include comedy greats such as Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, Gilda Radner, and George Coe, as well as featured players like Al Franken and Tom Davis. With this eclectic crew at the wheel, the show offers a night of entertainment designed to push the boundaries of late-night television.

The role of host is filled this week by Elliott Gould, coming off his successes in film during the early 1970s. As a returning host (Gould previously hosted earlier in the season, making this his second time), he brings charisma and a certain comedic flexibility to the show. His participation ensures that the sketches are infused with his recognizable style and understated humor, allowing for a smooth chemistry with the cast.

Musical guest Anne Murray brings her soothing country and pop sound to the SNL stage. The Canadian singer, known for hits such as "Snowbird" and "Could I Have This Dance," lends her melodic talents to the episode, providing a musical counterpoint to the comedic sketches. Her presence exemplifies SNL's early efforts to balance the energy of the show with musical interludes that offer a moment of respite for the audience.

As a part of the episode, viewers can expect a medley of skits that satirize current events, pop culture, and the political climate of the mid-70s. The show often takes aim at the idiosyncrasies of society with its sharp, if sometimes absurd, humor. Diverse sketches that run the gamut from talk show parodies to commercial spoofs, character-driven humor to physical comedy, provide a platform for the actors to showcase their range and versatility.

The Weekend Update segment, anchored at that time by Chevy Chase, continues to be one of the staples of the show, offering a pseudo-news report filled with jokes, one-liners, and comical takes on the week's actual news stories. The dry delivery and the pseudo-seriousness of the segment give viewers a chance to laugh at the often ludicrous world of news media.

Recurring characters may also make an appearance, as the series has a penchant for bringing back beloved personas from earlier episodes. These characters are usually marked by their quirky mannerisms and catchphrases, quickly becoming fan favorites, and contributing to the underlying continuity and evolution of the show.

Costume and set designs play subtle yet pivotal roles in adding to the visual spectacle of the sketches. The creative teams work tirelessly behind the scenes to transform the stage into various imaginative settings that complement the actors' performances and embody the satirical aesthetic of the series.

Audience interaction remains a key element of the episode, as live television thrives on the immediacy of the viewers' responses. Laughter, applause, and even the occasional hoot or holler energize the performers and fuel the spontaneity that is the hallmark of SNL.

In the realm of comedy variety shows, Saturday Night Live was revolutionary for its time, offering an irreverent and edgy take on the genre. While the series evolves with each cast and with changing times, this early episode is indicative of how SNL set the standard for sketch comedy. Furthermore, the episode embodies the show's commitment to blending famous guest hosts and musical acts into its unconventional format.

In summary, Saturday Night Live season 1 episode 9 delivers a memorable night with Elliott Gould steering the comedic ship alongside the original SNL cast. Musical guest Anne Murray's performances punctuate the evening's sketches with a contrastingly harmonious tone. Each element of the production—from the writing to costuming, the on-screen chemistry to the live audience's reactions—converges to create an episode that is not only entertaining for its time but has also contributed to the enduring legacy of the show.