Ep 5. Garth Brooks

In season 25, episode 5 of Saturday Night Live, country superstar Garth Brooks takes on double duty as both the host and musical guest for the evening.

The episode opens with a parody of Brooks' hit song "Friends in Low Places," with Brooks singing about hanging out with the lowly cast and crew of SNL. In his opening monologue, Brooks talks about his humble beginnings as a musician and his excitement to be hosting the show. The monologue includes a mini-concert featuring some of his biggest hits.

One standout sketch of the night features Brooks as a fake psychic who sings clients' fortunes instead of telling them. The sketch begins with Brooks singing in his signature country style, but as he predicts darker and darker futures for his clients, his music shifts into more sinister territory. The sketch ends with Brooks singing a chilling ballad about impending doom.

Another memorable sketch features Brooks as a member of a fictional boy band performing a song called "Every Lady Has a Secret." Brooks, sporting a frosted-tip haircut and clad in all-white, harmonizes with his bandmates as they croon about women's mysterious inner lives. The sketch is a hilarious commentary on boy band culture and the "women are from Venus, men are from Mars" stereotype.

As the musical guest, Brooks performs a mix of his classic hits and newer material, including "The Dance" and "Two Pina Coladas." He dedicates an emotional rendition of "The River" to veterans and their families, and closes out the show with his signature track "Friends in Low Places."

Overall, the episode is a fun and energetic tribute to both Brooks and the country music genre as a whole. Brooks is a charming and engaging host, and his musical performances are as dynamic and entertaining as ever. SNL fans and country music aficionados alike are sure to enjoy this episode.