Ep 3. Seth Meyers / Paul Simon

In season 44, episode 3 of Saturday Night Live, former cast member and host Seth Meyers returns to the show as host, with musical guest Paul Simon. The episode begins with a cold open sketch featuring President Trump (played by Alec Baldwin) holding a press conference to discuss the recent developments in the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings. The sketch satirizes the absurdity of the hearings and the political polarization surrounding them.

Meyers delivers a monologue that touches on various current events, including the recent confirmation of Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The monologue also includes a surprise appearance from Stefon, a character played by Bill Hader who delivers hilariously outrageous descriptions of New York City's nightlife.

One of the standout sketches of the episode is a parody of Kanye West's bizarre meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office, in which Meyers plays West and the show's cast members play various White House staffers and aides. The sketch pokes fun at West's unpredictable behavior and grandiose statements, as well as the larger cultural phenomenon of celebrity involvement in politics.

Another sketch features Meyers as a man who is trying to have a serious conversation with his girlfriend (played by Ego Nwodim) but keeps getting interrupted by his obnoxious friend (played by Kenan Thompson). The sketch mines comedic gold from the familiar trope of the well-meaning but irritating buddy who just can't seem to take a hint.

The musical performances by Paul Simon are a highlight of the episode, with the legendary singer-songwriter performing classic hits like "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "Can't Run But." Simon also teams up with the cast for a few musical sketches, including a spoof of a PBS fundraising pledge drive that features Simon playing a variety of instruments and singing jingles for fictional products.

Overall, season 44, episode 3 of Saturday Night Live is a strong and entertaining installment of the long-running comedy show. Meyers' return as host is a welcome one, and the sketches and musical performances are consistently funny and engaging. Fans of SNL and comedy in general are sure to enjoy this episode.