Ep 5. George Carlin/Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Saturday Night Live season 10 episode 5 guest stars one of the most legendary and controversial comedians of all time: George Carlin. The episode was hosted on November 10, 1984, and along with Carlin, the British pop band Frankie Goes to Hollywood also makes an appearance as the musical guest.

The episode begins with a cold open sketch featuring Carlin playing the role of a homophobic audience member during a music performance that gets out of hand. The opening is a humorous and political statement from Carlin, known for his critical views on society, politics, and religion.

Carlin’s monologue displays his unique brand of comedy as he discusses topics ranging from the birth of the universe to the challenging subjects of drugs and alcohol, and pokes fun at various social stereotypes. The comedian also pays homage to his idol Lenny Bruce, who had been persecuted for obscenity charges in the early 1960s, and shares Bruce's recorded phone call with him.

The show's skits throughout the night take on a wide swath of subjects, poking fun at the media’s exploitation of the San Francisco earthquake, the television show Dallas, and discussing the United States’ role in foreign affairs. Notably, a pre-taped commercial parody airs that undermines the self-serving messages of President Ronald Reagan's re-election campaign.

The show also marks one of the first times the audience witnesses the “Weekend Update” sketch’s more modern format as the news portion has since been spun-off into its own show. The updated “Weekend Update” features Dennis Miller as the anchor and covers topical news events, from the President’s new cabinet members to a controversial oil drilling proposal in Alaska.

As for Frankie Goes to Hollywood's musical performances, they perform their hit songs "Two Tribes" and "Born to Run." The band delivers high-energy performances with a nod to the typically flamboyant fashion of the 1980s while also delivering powerful political messages through their lyrics.

Overall, Saturday Night Live season 10 episode 5 featuring George Carlin and Frankie Goes to Hollywood is a remarkable example of how comedy and music can be used as forms of social commentary. It features two prominent figures who use their platform to challenge norms and incite people to question their own values. The episode also embodies the wild and unabashed spirit of Saturday Night Live at its peak while staying true to its original vision as a show that actively promotes free speech.