Ep 12. Kirk Douglas/Sam and Dave

Kirk Douglas/Sam and Dave is the 12th episode of the fifth season of the American sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live. This episode originally aired on February 23, 1980, and is considered one of the most iconic episodes in the show's history.

The episode is hosted by legendary actor Kirk Douglas, who was 63 years old at the time. Douglas had a long and successful career in Hollywood, having appeared in classic films like Spartacus, Paths of Glory, and Ace in the Hole. He was also a famously intense and outspoken performer, which made him a perfect match for the irreverent humor of SNL.

The musical guest for this episode is the soul duo Sam and Dave, who were best known for their hit songs "Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'." Their high-energy performances and infectious grooves were a perfect match for the eclectic mix of musical genres that SNL often featured.

The episode opens with a monologue from Kirk Douglas, who begins by joking about his advancing age and declining sex appeal. He then launches into a series of sketches and parodies that riff on his tough-guy persona and cinematic legacy.

One of the most memorable sketches from the episode is a parody of Douglas' classic film, Spartacus. In the sketch, Douglas plays a gladiator who leads a revolt against the Roman Empire--but instead of fighting for freedom, he's actually staging a publicity stunt to promote his new book. The humor is both irreverent and topical, as the sketch pokes fun at the trend of celebrities using social causes for self-promotion.

Another standout sketch from the episode is a parody of the television show, The Incredible Hulk. In the sketch, Kirk Douglas plays a mild-mannered scientist who turns into a muscular green monster whenever he's criticized by his co-workers. The sketch is a clever commentary on the culture of sensitivity and political correctness that was just starting to emerge in the late '70s and early '80s.

In addition to these sketches, the episode also features a series of recurring characters and bits that were popular with SNL fans at the time. These include "The Coneheads," an alien family with bald heads and pointy ears; "The Nerds," two socially awkward college students who make high-pitched noises and wear pocket protectors; and "The Blues Brothers," a musical duo played by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi who dress in fedoras and shades and perform classic R&B songs.

Throughout the episode, Kirk Douglas proves to be a talented and game host, willing to engage in the show's zany humor and impressive physical gags. At one point, he even takes part in a sketch where he's made up to look like a disembodied head that's been preserved in a jar--a nod to his famous role in the movie, The Colossus of Rhodes.

As for musical guest Sam and Dave, they deliver two raucous performances that showcase their powerhouse vocals and infectious stage presence. Their rendition of "Soul Man" is particularly memorable, and features a horn section and backup singers that provide a funky, soulful backdrop for their electrifying vocals.

Overall, Kirk Douglas/Sam and Dave is a classic episode of Saturday Night Live that demonstrates the show's knack for mixing sharp satire with slapstick humor and musical performances. It's a testament to the talent and creativity of the show's writers, performers, and crew, and remains a must-see for fans of SNL and comedy in general.