Ep 11. Matthew McConaughey/Dixie Chicks

In season 28, episode 11 of Saturday Night Live, Matthew McConaughey hosts along with musical guests Dixie Chicks. The episode opens with a sketch featuring Darrell Hammond as Dick Cheney, making a public address as the new vice president. The fake Cheney struggles with the teleprompter, leading to some comedic moments.

The monologue by McConaughey features a humorous take on his reputation as a ladies' man. He then goes on to joke about his recent filmography, including "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and "The Wedding Planner." The first sketch of the night is a spoof of the show "Fear Factor," where contestants try to eat gross things like cow brains and horse rectums. In this version, the contestants have to eat things like airport sushi and Uncle Ben's microwavable rice.

Another standout sketch from the episode features McConaughey as a regular guy in a bar trying to explain his bizarre dreams to his disinterested buddies. When he recounts a dream where he was a mermaid pursued by a shark, the other guys just want to change the subject or leave altogether.

The "Weekend Update" segment includes some new jokes about the political landscape at the time, including mentions of George W. Bush and Saddam Hussein. The musical performance by Dixie Chicks includes the song "Travelin' Soldier," a poignant track about young love during wartime.

Other memorable sketches from the episode include a parody of "Barbara Walters Presents," featuring Horatio Sanz as a suave Latin lover trying to seduce Walters. There's also a sketch where McConaughey plays an over-enthusiastic waiter at TGIFridays. When the customers try to order something simple like a hamburger, he insists on flexing his culinary expertise by suggesting a complicated dish with a French name.

Overall, the episode is full of quirky sketches and comedic moments, with McConaughey playing off his real-life persona as a laid-back Texan with a sense of humor. The Dixie Chicks provide a great musical interlude with their blend of country and pop. Fans of Saturday Night Live will find plenty to enjoy in this episode, which showcases the talents of the show's writers, cast, and guest host.