Saturday Night Live Season 7 Episode 12 Bruce Dern/Luther Vandross

Bruce Dern/Luther Vandross is the 12th episode of the seventh season of the iconic variety show, Saturday Night Live. The episode originally aired on February 12, 1982, and featured actor Bruce Dern as host and R&B legend Luther Vandross as the musical guest.

The episode began with a cold open featuring a political sketch about the impending presidential election. The sketch poked fun at the candidates and the media coverage of the race, with SNL regulars Darrell Hammond and Phil Hartman portraying political commentator Howard Cosell and presidential hopeful John Anderson, respectively.

Bruce Dern then took the stage for his opening monologue, in which he talked about his experiences working in Hollywood and his admiration for the SNL cast. Dern's monologue was met with mixed reactions from the live studio audience, with some moments eliciting big laughs and others falling flat.

One of the standout sketches from the episode was a parody of the popular game show, The Newlywed Game, featuring Dern and cast member Mary Gross as an oddball couple with a very unconventional relationship. The sketch was filled with hilarious one-liners and physical comedy, and showcased Dern's comedic chops.

Another memorable sketch was a parody commercial for a fake product called "Schlitz Gay", a beer marketed exclusively to gay men. The sketch featured cast members Tim Kazurinsky and Tony Rosato as a stereotypical gay couple, and slyly played with traditional gender roles and expectations.

Musical guest Luther Vandross also delivered a standout performance, singing two of his hit songs, "Never Too Much" and "Glow of Love". Vandross's smooth vocals and dynamic stage presence electrified the audience, and his performance was a highlight of the episode.

Other sketches from the episode included a spoof of the popular TV show, Dynasty, a mock interview with former President Jimmy Carter, and a bizarre sketch featuring Dern as a man who believes he is a cocker spaniel.

Overall, Bruce Dern/Luther Vandross was a solid episode of Saturday Night Live, showcasing a mix of smart political satire, zany comedy, and fantastic musical performances. Dern proved to be a capable host, and the SNL cast and writers delivered some memorable sketches that still hold up today.