Ep 5. Buck Henry/The Grateful Dead

Sketch comedy fans and devotees of the Grateful Dead will find much to enjoy in season 4, episode 5 of Saturday Night Live. Host Buck Henry is a comedy veteran whose credits include writing The Graduate, so his appearance on the show is eagerly awaited by many viewers.

The show kicks off with the cold open, a sketch lampooning the then-current news stories of the day. The cast takes on everything from the Nixon impeachment hearings to the New York City mayor's race, delivering plenty of laughs along the way.

Throughout the night, viewers are treated to a wide variety of sketches, ranging from silly to surreal. One standout is "Nerds' Night Out," which finds John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd donning thick glasses and pocket protectors to play two geeks who have finally scored a date with two cheerleaders. The sketch ends up being a subversive commentary on the male gaze and the way that society often values appearance over substance.

Buck Henry also gets in on the comedic action, appearing in several sketches throughout the night. In one memorable bit, he plays a befuddled airline passenger who can't seem to figure out how to buckle his seatbelt. This sketch is both absurd and relatable, capturing the frustration many people feel when confronted with new technology.

Music fans will be pleased to know that the Grateful Dead make an appearance on the show as well. The band performs two songs, "Casey Jones" and "Uncle John's Band," to an appreciative audience. The Dead's laid-back vibe and improvisational style make for a refreshing contrast to some of the more frenetic energy of the sketches.

One particularly memorable segment is a parody of the game show "Match Game," featuring a panel of celebrities trying to match answers with a contestant. The celebrity guests include Grateful Dead members Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, and Mickey Hart, as well as comedian Richard Pryor. The panel ends up delivering some hilarious and off-color responses, as well as a few surprises.

Overall, season 4, episode 5 of Saturday Night Live is a fun and entertaining watch. Whether you're a fan of sketch comedy, classic rock, or both, there's something for everyone in this episode. Buck Henry proves to be an able host, and the Grateful Dead's musical performances add an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.