Ep 4. Charles Grodin/Paul Simon and The Persuaders

In the third season of Saturday Night Live, episode 4 is truly unforgettable. It features a special guest host Charles Grodin, an American actor, writer, and television personality, along with the legendary Paul Simon, who served as both the host and the musical guest in this episode.

The show begins with the “Weekend Update” segment, which is a satirical news report conducted by Jane Curtin and Dan Aykroyd. They address the current political and social issues of the time in their signature style with a mix of humor and sarcasm.

Following that, Grodin delivers a hilarious monologue, taking on everything from the presidential politics of the day to his own infamy for answering journalists with a simple, “I don’t know.”

The skits in this episode capture the essence of the brevity and creative genius of the early years of Saturday Night Live. One of the many outstanding skits features the Not-Ready-For-Prime-Time Players group performing a routine in which Grodin plays a lawyer who doesn’t speak or make any sound at all. The skit is brilliantly written and executed, perfectly showcasing the talent and humor that SNL is famous for.

Another remarkable skit is a parody ad for a spiritual leader who promises to “cure the nation” of its problems by throwing a series of elaborate parties. The scene is outrageous and funny, with the crowd ecstatic and worshipful as they watch each of the leader’s wild parties.

As the host of the show, Charles Grodin seamlessly slips into a series of different characters throughout the episode. Whether he’s playing a lawyer, an out-of-work actor or a man struggling with the TV remote, his performances are captivating and hilarious. His comedic finesse is on full display as he takes on a plethora of complex characters with ease.

Paul Simon, serving as both the host and musical guest, shows off his musical talents in the episode as well. He performs his song “Still Crazy After All These Years,” a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today. He also showcases his acting skills in a skit where he plays a doctor trying to save the life of an almost-lifeless John Belushi.

The episode introduces a new character to the cast, The Persuaders, a group of men who try to persuade the audience to buy ridiculous and absurd products, including a fridge that serves ice cream, a toaster that makes egg rolls, and even a car that runs on cat litter.

Overall, this episode of Saturday Night Live is a masterpiece, featuring an all-star cast that perfectly showcases the creativity and humor that SNL is known for. Grodin’s wit, Simon’s musical talents, and the skits and characters created by the cast are all a treat to watch. It’s a perfect example of why Saturday Night Live has become an iconic staple of American television and comedy.