Ep 4. Edward Norton / Janelle Monae

In season 39, episode 4 of Saturday Night Live, actor Edward Norton takes on the role of host, while musician Janelle Monae provides the night's musical entertainment.

The cold open for this episode features the return of Aidy Bryant as White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, attempting to explain away the President's latest controversial tweets. The sketch pokes fun at the Trump administration's combative relationship with the press, and Bryant delivers a hilarious impression of Sanders.

In one sketch, Norton portrays Wes Anderson, directing a horror movie starring his usual cast of quirky characters. The absurdity of the premise, combined with Norton's deadpan delivery, results in a hilarious and offbeat sketch that highlights SNL's ability to poke fun at Hollywood's pretensions.

Another memorable sketch features a group of coworkers trapped on an elevator, engaging in a series of increasingly awkward and uncomfortable conversations. Norton's character tries to lighten the mood with terrible jokes and off-key singing, but only succeeds in making things worse. The sketch is a great example of SNL's ability to find humor in the small moments of everyday life.

In addition to these sketches, the episode also features a hilarious parody of the film Gravity, with Norton and cast member Kenan Thompson playing astronauts who bond over their love of reggae music. The sketch cleverly subverts the tension and drama of the film, and showcases the cast's comedic chemistry.

Musical guest Janelle Monae brings her unique blend of funk, soul, and R&B to the SNL stage, delivering electrifying performances of her hits "Dance Apocalyptic" and "Electric Lady." Monae's energy and charisma are infectious, and the crowd can be seen dancing and singing along throughout her set.

Overall, season 39, episode 4 of Saturday Night Live is a standout episode, featuring a strong cast, memorable sketches, and a fantastic musical guest. Whether you're a longtime fan of the show, or a newcomer looking for a laugh, this episode is definitely worth watching.