Ep 6. Howard Hesseman/Randy Newman

Saturday Night Live is a show that pioneered the concept of live sketch comedy, and season 5 episode 6 of this iconic series features host Howard Hesseman and musical guest Randy Newman. The episode originally aired on November 15, 1979, and featured a mix of classic sketches, political commentary, and musical performances.

Howard Hesseman, best known for his role as Dr. Johnny Fever on the sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati," brings his trademark humor and charisma to his hosting duties. He appears in a number of sketches throughout the episode, showcasing his comedic talents and ability to improvise in front of a live audience.

One of the most memorable sketches of the episode is "The Franken & Davis Show," in which cast members Al Franken and Tom Davis parody their own show, "Al Franken and Tom Davis Show." The sketch features classic characters like the Coneheads and the "Limo Driver" played by Hesseman, who steals the show with his deadpan delivery and hilarious one-liners.

Another standout sketch is "The Feud," in which a group of hillbillies compete in a game show-style competition to see who can be the most ignorant. Hesseman plays one of the contestants, and his over-the-top performance perfectly captures the absurdity of the sketch.

The political commentary in this episode is also top-notch, with several sketches taking on the Reagan administration and the state of the economy. In "A Message from the President of the United States," a fake president (played by cast member Joe Piscopo) delivers a message to the American people, reassuring them that everything is fine while chaos reigns in the background. Hesseman makes a brief appearance as a businessman who is ecstatic about the state of the economy, despite all evidence to the contrary.

Musical guest Randy Newman brings his unique brand of satirical songwriting to the show, performing several of his classic tunes, including "Short People" and "I Love L.A." Newman's performance is accompanied by some hilarious visuals, including a fake marching band and a giant inflatable "Hollywood" sign.

Overall, season 5 episode 6 of Saturday Night Live is a classic example of the show's ability to mix humor and political commentary in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With a talented host, hilarious sketches, and great musical performances, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone who loves a good laugh.