Ep 1. Tom Hanks/Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

In the season 22 premiere of Saturday Night Live, the show welcomes both Tom Hanks and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers as host and musical guest, respectively. This marks the second time Hanks has hosted the show, and the third appearance for Petty and his band.

The episode begins with a cold open featuring a parody of the 1992 presidential debate between Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush, with Dana Carvey and Phil Hartman reprising their famous impressions of the candidates. The sketch pokes fun at the candidates' respective scandals and gaffes, and showcases Carvey's talent for physical comedy.

Hanks kicks off the monologue with a self-deprecating bit about how he's "just a regular guy" despite his celebrity status. He then segues into a hilarious impersonation of fellow actor Jack Nicholson, complete with trademark shades and mischievous grin. The audience roars with laughter as Hanks nails Nicholson's distinctive voice and cadence.

The first sketch of the night features Hanks as a hapless inventor demonstrating his latest creation on a late-night infomercial. The invention, a combination hot dog cooker and hair dryer, proves to be a disaster as it sends hot dogs flying and singes the hair of the model helping out. The sketch is a silly, light-hearted start to the show.

Next up is a commercial parody for a fake miracle diet pill called "Chubbex." The sketch lampoons the diet industry and its tendency to promote quick-fix solutions that are often ineffective or even harmful. The fake testimonials from satisfied customers, including an overly enthusiastic Hanks, are a highlight.

Petty and the Heartbreakers take the stage for their first musical performance of the night with "Learning to Fly," a mid-tempo rock anthem from their album "Into the Great Wide Open." Petty's distinctive voice and the band's tight musicianship are on full display, and the crowd responds with cheers and applause.

Following the musical performance is a sketch featuring Hanks as a wacky game show host leading a panel of contestants through a series of bizarre challenges. The sketch is reminiscent of classic game shows like "The Gong Show" and "Double Dare," with a healthy dose of surreal humor thrown in for good measure.

The next sketch takes place in a coffee shop, where Hanks plays a customer struggling to order a simple cup of coffee due to the indecisiveness of his barista, played by cast member Molly Shannon. The sketch is a relatable commentary on the pitfalls of modern coffee culture and the sometimes-excessive customization options that can be overwhelming for customers.

Petty and the Heartbreakers return for their second musical performance of the night with "Mary Jane's Last Dance," a bluesy rocker with a catchy chorus and eerie lyrics. Petty's magnetic stage presence and the band's tight, bluesy instrumentation make for a standout performance.

The penultimate sketch of the night is a parody of a classic TV commercial for a board game called "Mystery Date." The sketch features Hanks as a hapless father attempting to navigate the complicated rules of the game while his daughter and her friends look on in confusion. The sketch is a hilarious send-up of the nostalgic board games of yesteryear.

The final sketch of the night takes place in a retirement home, where Hanks and cast member David Spade play residents with a grudge against each other. The sketch is a darkly comic take on the petty conflicts that can arise in close quarters, and Hanks and Spade are both in fine form as they trade insults and barbs.

The season 22 premiere of Saturday Night Live is a strong start to the season, featuring a hilarious host in Tom Hanks and a powerhouse musical guest in Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. From the topical cold open to the surreal game show sketch to the poignant retirement home closer, the episode showcases the versatility and range of the show's talented cast and crew.