Ep 20. Anya Taylor-Joy / Lil Nas X

In this episode of Saturday Night Live, Anya Taylor-Joy, the star of The Queen's Gambit, takes on hosting duties, accompanied by musical guest Lil Nas X. The episode is full of laugh-out-loud moments as the Saturday Night Live cast poke fun at current events and pop culture.

The night starts with a cold open featuring a parody of Fox News' Tucker Carlson Tonight, guest starring Pete Davidson as a Millennial hipster and Lil Nas X as a social media influencer. The sketch highlights the generational divide between older and younger voters as they discuss the differences in political viewpoints and ways of life.

Anya Taylor-Joy's opening monologue is thoughtful and sincere as she shares her experience stepping into the limelight from humble beginnings in Argentina. She tells stories about her rise to fame and expresses gratitude for her loved ones who supported her along the way.

The first sketch of the night is "The Rona Family Christmas," featuring Taylor-Joy as the matriarch of a dysfunctional family attempting to celebrate the holidays amid the pandemic. The sketch pokes fun at the strict guidelines for safe holiday gatherings and introduces hilarious character quirks, including a grandmother refusing to wear a mask and a cousin who insists on sharing their latest conspiracy theories.

Next up is a weekend update, as always hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che. They deliver deadpan humor as they discuss the latest news in politics and pop culture. The desk pieces include commentary on President Biden's inauguration, the latest celebrity social media controversies, and the ongoing pandemic.

The show returns to sketches with "Dance Rehearsal," starring Taylor-Joy as a perfectionist dance instructor attempting to teach a group of clumsy students. The sketch is a hilarious take on the stereotypes of dance class, with breakout star Bowen Yang as a wannabe diva who steals the spotlight.

In the next sketch, Taylor-Joy plays a contestant on "The Bachelor," being wooed by a series of increasingly bizarre suitors played by the male cast members. The sketch satirizes the tropes of the popular reality show, including over-the-top proposals and dramatic rose ceremonies.

One of the highlights of the episode is a prerecorded sketch, "The Queen's Gambit: The Musical." Taylor-Joy reprises her role as the chess prodigy from the hit Netflix show, this time in a playful musical adaptation. The sketch features catchy tunes and clever nods to the show, including guest appearances from characters like Benny Watts and Harry Beltik.

In the final sketch of the night, Lil Nas X joins the cast for a parody of his hit song "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)." The sketch takes place in a futuristic alien bar, where Lil Nas X performs dressed in a silver jumpsuit and sporting antennae. The sketch is a parody of the music video for the song, which features provocative imagery and themes.

Overall, this episode of Saturday Night Live delivers laughs and entertainment from start to finish. The combination of Anya Taylor-Joy's sincerity and comedic timing and Lil Nas X's musical talent creates a winning formula for a memorable episode. Fans of the show and newcomers alike will enjoy this episode's hilarious take on current events and pop culture trends.