Saturday Night Live Season 10 Episode 17 Christopher Reeve/Santana
- Not Rated
- April 6, 1985
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6.5 (83)
Christopher Reeve, the star of "Superman III," takes the hosting reins on Saturday Night Live season 10 episode 17. Reeve, who is known for his charm and wit on and off-screen, is the perfect choice for a show that prides itself on its humor and satire. The episode is also notable for featuring the legendary Latin rock band Santana as the musical guest.
As always, the episode kicks off with a cold open sketch, this time poking fun at the Reagan administration's dealings with South Africa. The sketch is a bit edgy for its time, but that's what makes it all the more effective. It sets the tone for the rest of the episode, which is full of irreverent humor and satirical jabs at the powers that be.
Reeve's opening monologue is predictably charming, with the actor acknowledging his iconic role as Superman, but also poking fun at his own lack of actual superpowers. He also does a bit of physical comedy, showing off his dance moves, which are surprisingly adept.
One of the highlights of the episode is a sketch called "The Bizarro World," in which Reeve plays Superman's evil twin, Bizarro. The sketch is a clever take on the Superman mythos, with Reeve getting to play against type as a villain. The audience seems to love it, and it's not hard to see why. Reeve is clearly having a blast in the role, and the writing is top-notch.
Another standout sketch is a parody of the then-popular TV show "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous." In this version, the host (played by Joe Piscopo) takes viewers on a tour of Christopher Reeve's humble abode. The sketch is full of jokes about Reeve's supposed wealth, but also takes some pointed digs at the excesses of the rich and famous.
Of course, it wouldn't be an episode of Saturday Night Live without some political satire. There are several sketches lampooning the Reagan administration, including one in which Reeve plays a government official who tries to explain away a series of scandals. The sketch is a biting commentary on the political climate of the time, and shows that SNL is not afraid to take on the powers that be.
As for the musical guest, Santana, they deliver a rousing performance that gets the crowd on their feet. The band, which had been around since the late 1960s, was experiencing a bit of a resurgence at the time, thanks in part to their hit album "Zebop!" The performance is a great reminder of just how talented Santana is, and their fusion of rock, jazz, and Latin music is a perfect fit for the show.
All in all, season 10 episode 17 is a great example of what Saturday Night Live does best. It's funny, irreverent, and takes no prisoners when it comes to its comedy. Christopher Reeve is a great host, and his charm and wit make him a perfect fit for the show. And with Santana as the musical guest, the episode has a perfect balance of humor and music. Whether you're a fan of SNL or just looking for a good laugh, this episode is definitely worth checking out.