Saturday Night Live Season 14 Episode 18 Geena Davis/John Mellencamp

Geena Davis, the Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in The Accidental Tourist and Thelma & Louise, makes her hosting debut on this episode of Saturday Night Live. Joining her as the musical guest is John Mellencamp, the iconic rock singer-songwriter known for hits like "Jack & Diane" and "Authority Song."

The episode kicks off with a political sketch, as Chris Farley portrays Newt Gingrich in a debate against Al Gore, played by Dana Carvey. The two candidates trade insults and accusations, and the audience is reminded of the tense political climate of the early 90s.

In her monologue, Davis shows off her comedic chops by poking fun at her own image as a serious actress. She jokes about her "resting serious face" and her tendency to gravitate towards dramatic roles, before launching into a musical number inspired by her love of Broadway.

The first sketch of the night features Davis as a guest on a cooking show, where she accidentally sets the kitchen on fire while attempting to make a casserole. The sketch escalates quickly, with the entire set burning down and the cast scrambling to escape the flames.

Next up is a parody commercial for "Colon Blow," a breakfast cereal that promises to "cleanse your colon in one delicious bowl." The sketch is classic SNL, with outrageous claims and absurd visuals that have the audience in stitches.

One of the standout sketches of the episode features Davis as a woman who has just woken up from a 20-year coma, only to discover that her husband has remarried and started a new family. The sketch is equal parts heartbreaking and hilarious, with Davis delivering a performance that showcases her range as an actress.

Mellencamp takes the stage to perform "Get a Leg Up," a single from his album Whenever We Wanted. The song is a rock anthem with catchy hooks and a driving beat, and Mellencamp's voice is as powerful as ever.

The episode's Weekend Update segment features Kevin Nealon and Victoria Jackson delivering topical jokes and one-liners. The two have a great rapport, and their chemistry keeps the audience engaged even during the slower moments.

The episode's final sketch features Davis and the cast as characters in a Victorian-era drama, complete with melodramatic dialogue and ornate costumes. The sketch is a nod to Davis' background in period dramas, and the cast delivers a performance that is both tongue-in-cheek and genuinely entertaining.

Overall, Geena Davis/John Mellencamp is a solid episode of Saturday Night Live that showcases both the host's and the musical guest's talents. The sketches are varied and well-written, and the cast delivers performances that are reminiscent of the show's heyday in the 80s and early 90s. Whether you're a fan of Geena Davis, John Mellencamp, or just good old-fashioned sketch comedy, this episode is well worth checking out.