Ep 7. Martin Sheen/David Bowie

In season 5 episode 7 of Saturday Night Live, the legendary actor Martin Sheen hosts the show with musical guest David Bowie. This episode originally aired on November 22, 1979, and is known for its political sketches and musical performances.

The show opens with a hilarious sketch featuring Sheen as the president of the United States, addressing the nation on Thanksgiving. The sketch pokes fun at the political climate of the time, with jokes about the ongoing hostage crisis in Iran and the struggling economy. Sheen delivers his lines with comedic timing and charisma, setting the tone for the rest of the show.

The episode also includes several memorable sketches featuring the legendary cast of SNL, including Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Bill Murray. One particularly funny sketch involves Aykroyd and Belushi as the Blues Brothers, performing a musical number with Bowie. The trio delivers a high-energy performance, complete with dancing and improvised lyrics, showcasing their comedic talents and musical abilities.

In addition to the political humor and musical performances, the episode features several classic commercial parodies, including a hilarious fake ad for a weight loss program called "Slim Fast-er" and a spot promoting a new toy called "Bag O' Glass," which is, of course, not safe for children.

The episode also includes a standout performance by Gilda Radner in a sketch where she portrays a fictional actress named Rhonda Weiss, who is promoting her new movie. Radner delivers a hilarious performance, delivering over-the-top lines and hamming it up for the audience.

Overall, season 5 episode 7 of Saturday Night Live is a classic installment of the show, featuring top-notch performances from Martin Sheen, David Bowie, and the entire SNL cast. With its blend of political humor, musical performances, and commercial parodies, this episode showcases the variety and versatility of the show's comedy.