This past Saturday’s episode of SNL was indisputably a season highlight. But here’s a question: How much of the credit for that belongs solely to host Justin Timberlake?
Timberlake certainly seems to have a Midas effect whenever he drops by SNL. His very presence energizes the entire show, even the segments in which he doesn’t appear. Take, for example, this week’s Stefon appearance, which is the funniest the character’s been in months.
That said, an enormous number of “surprise” cameos also buoyed Timberlake’s latest Saturday Night Live turn — and when the euphoria induced by Steve Martin, Andy Samberg, Jay-Z, et al wore off, we were left with an episode that lagged mightily after Weekend Update (“The Adventures of Sober Caligula”? ), despite Timberlake’s best efforts. Arguably, then, Timberlake himself doesn’t necessarily deserve full marks for the show’s success. (I’m not necessarily making that argument; I’m just saying one could.)
Still, Timberlake shouldn’t have much trouble shooting to the top of this week’s Host Poll — especially since last week’s results prove that none of our current Mr./Ms. Saturday Night contenders has a decisive lead. READ FULL STORY »
