Saturday Night Live Season 15 Episode 4 James Woods/Don Henley

In season 15 of the iconic sketch comedy show, "Saturday Night Live," the fourth episode features veteran actor James Woods as the host and legendary musician Don Henley as the musical guest. The episode originally aired on October 12, 1989.

The cold open of the show sees Dana Carvey reprising his role as President George H.W. Bush, preparing for a speech about his environmental policy. However, he keeps getting distracted by the television coverage of a baseball game, causing chaos and confusion among his staff.

Woods begins his monologue with a heartfelt tribute to the armed services, thanking those who have served and are currently serving. He then quickly takes a humorous turn, joking about his reputation as a conservative actor and poking fun at his own looks.

The sketches that follow feature a lot of political satire, like a parody of the then-popular TV show "Murphy Brown," a sketch about the difficulties of being a spokesperson for big corporations, and a satirical ad for a fictional perfume called "Eau Heureuse" that promises to make the wearer smell like a French prostitute.

One standout sketch of the episode is "Wayne's World," featuring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey as their iconic characters Wayne and Garth. This sketch became so popular that it eventually led to a spin-off movie in 1992. In this specific sketch, Wayne and Garth interview Don Henley, who performs his hit song "The Boys of Summer" and teaches them how to play the drums.

The musical performances of the night are also noteworthy. Don Henley performs not only "The Boys of Summer," but also "The End of the Innocence," the title track from his then-new album. Henley's performance is accompanied by a full band, complete with a horn section and backup singers. The powerful and emotional performance leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Overall, the James Woods/Don Henley episode of "Saturday Night Live" is a great representation of the show's ability to balance satire with genuine appreciation and admiration for its guests. The sketches are funny and relevant, while the musical performances showcase the talents of one of rock and roll's most enduring figures. It's a must-watch for fans of the show, fans of Don Henley, and fans of comedy in general.