Ep 3. Dana Carvey/The Wallflowers

Dana Carvey, famous for his time on SNL in the late 80s/early 90s, returns to host the third episode of the 26th season. Carvey's comedic timing and impressions were always a highlight during his tenure on the show, and audiences are excited to see him back in action.

The musical guest for the night is The Wallflowers, an American rock band fronted by Jakob Dylan. Their hit song "One Headlight" had just won a Grammy the year prior, and they were at the height of their popularity.

The cold open features a parody of the Gore vs. Bush debates, with Darrell Hammond as Al Gore and Will Ferrell as George W. Bush. The sketch pokes fun at the candidates' mannerisms and speech patterns, as well as their respective political platforms.

Carvey's monologue is lighthearted and self-deprecating, as he jokes about his time away from the show and his various failed projects. He also takes the opportunity to dust off some of his classic impressions, including George H.W. Bush and Ross Perot.

One of the standout sketches of the night is "Regis & Kathie Lee Halloween Special." Carvey portrays Regis Philbin, while Cheri Oteri plays Kathie Lee Gifford. In the sketch, the pair are hosting their annual Halloween special and things quickly go awry. The audience is treated to a parade of bizarre and sometimes disturbing costumes, such as "sexy lobster" and "human couch."

Another highlight is a commercial parody for a fictional product called "Stoners & Lovers." The ad features Tim Meadows and Tracy Morgan as the titular characters, who are depicted as slacker types with a knack for poetry. The product itself is a combination air freshener and aphrodisiac, perfect for setting the mood in any stoner's den.

The Wallflowers take the stage to perform their hit song "One Headlight." Jakob Dylan's earnest vocals and the band's catchy guitar riffs make for a memorable performance. They also perform a new single, "Sleepwalker," which had just been released and showcases a more introspective side of the band.

Overall, Dana Carvey's return to SNL is a welcome one. His impressions and comedic sensibilities are just as sharp as ever, and the rest of the cast and crew rise to the occasion. The Wallflowers are a great musical guest and their performances are a perfect complement to the show's humor and energy.