Ep 5. Benedict Cumberbatch / Solange

Benedict Cumberbatch, the esteemed British actor and fan-favorite star of Sherlock, finally took the stage as the host of Saturday Night Live season 42 episode 5. This episode was a departure from the political satire that has dominated the season so far, and served as an opportunity for the cast and writers to flex their comedic muscles and showcase their range.

The opening sketch saw a return of Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump, but this time he was alone in the Oval Office and facing his own fears and insecurities. The sketch was a biting critique of the absurdity of the current political climate, and a reminder that sometimes the most absurd thing about Trump is himself. Throughout the episode, Cumberbatch proved to be a versatile host, seamlessly transitioning from sketch to sketch and showcasing his comedic chops.

One of the standout sketches of the night was a parody of the popular Netflix show Stranger Things. In the sketch, SNL cast members played middle schoolers investigating the disappearance of their friend, played by Cumberbatch. The sketch was hilarious in its attention to detail, accurately parodying the show's plot, characters, and aesthetic. Cumberbatch was a standout in this sketch, fully committing to the bit and proving that he can pull off a bowl cut.

The cast also brought back some recurring characters for the episode. Cecily Strong reprised her role as Cathy Anne, the haggard and opinionated woman who gives her take on current events. In the sketch, Cathy Anne weighed in on the presidential election and gave her thoughts on why people should vote. The sketch was classic SNL, showcasing Strong's impeccable timing and ability to bring a character to life.

Another recurring sketch that made its return was "Totino's Super Bowl Commercial." This sketch, which has become a fan favorite, features Vanessa Bayer as a harassed housewife trying to impress her football-loving husband by making Totino's pizza rolls. This time, the sketch was set during the Super Bowl halftime show and featured a hilarious cameo by Cumberbatch as a mysterious stranger who appears at Bayer's door. The sketch was goofy and absurd, but the chemistry between Bayer and Cumberbatch made it work.

The musical guest for the evening was Solange, the R&B singer and sister of Beyoncé. Solange delivered a stunning performance of two tracks from her album A Seat at the Table, "Cranes in the Sky" and "Don't Touch My Hair." Solange's performance was a departure from the typical SNL musical guest, and her soulful performance was a welcome addition to the episode.

Overall, Saturday Night Live season 42 episode 5 was a standout episode that showcased the range of the cast and writers. The show proved that it can still deliver quality comedy without relying on politics, and that Benedict Cumberbatch is an excellent host who can hold his own in sketches. The episode was a reminder of why SNL has been a staple of American comedy for over four decades.