Saturday Night Live Season 22 Episode 6

Ep 6. Robert Downey Jr./Fiona Apple

  • Not Rated
  • November 16, 1996

The iconic late-night sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live, continued its 22nd season with episode 6, featuring none other than Hollywood superstar Robert Downey Jr. as the guest host. Joining him was the talented singer-songwriter, Fiona Apple, who also served as the musical guest for the episode.

As always, the show kicked off with a hilarious political cold open, featuring the talented Dana Carvey as the elder George Bush. The sketch poked fun at the then-recent presidential election, with SNL legends Phil Hartman and Dana Carvey portraying Bush and his opponent Bill Clinton, respectively. The opening sketch set the tone for the rest of the episode, with the cast and guest host tackling various political and social satire skits.

Robert Downey Jr. proved to be an excellent host, bringing his trademark energy and charm to each sketch he appeared in. His opening monologue was a memorable one, with the talented actor taking the audience on a whirlwind trip through his tumultuous past, from his early days as a child star to his battles with addiction and brushes with the law.

One of the standout sketches of the episode was the "Subway Beggar" bit, in which Downey Jr. played a comedic version of himself, breaking out into song and dance as a subway panhandler. The sketch was an instant classic, with Downey Jr. showcasing his impressive comedic timing and musical talents.

Another highlight of the episode was the "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" sketch, in which Downey Jr. portrayed the titular character as both a suave gentleman and a brutish monster. The sketch was a clever take on the classic tale, with the actor delivering a memorable performance.

Fiona Apple also held her own as the musical guest, offering up soulful performances of her hit songs "Criminal" and "Sleep to Dream." Her performances were well-received by both the audience and the critics, cementing her as one of the most talented musicians of her generation.

Other memorable sketches from the episode included a hilarious parody of the "Toys R Us" jingle, a skit in which Downey Jr. played a man in a love triangle with two women, and a mock commercial for a new self-help book called "Getting Over Your Divorce." The episode was a strong one, with the entire cast and guest host firing on all cylinders.

Overall, Saturday Night Live season 22 episode 6 was a memorable one, with Robert Downey Jr. and Fiona Apple delivering standout performances. The episode showcased the show's trademark wit and humor, with the cast and crew delivering a mix of political satire, musical performances, and comedic sketches that left audiences laughing out loud.

This episode doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services. Add this show to your Watchlist to get notified when new episodes are available.
Description
  • First Aired
    November 16, 1996
  • Content Rating
    Not Rated
  • Language
    English