SNL 5/10/2008 Shia labeouf

[Turtleboy]

I enjoyed it. I especially liked the Hillary intro sketch. The show has been in her corner all year, I was glad to see that sketch.

[Graymalkin]

The only thing that got a laugh out of me was on Weekend Update:

"The cost of a first-class stamp is going up 1 cent on Monday, to 42 cents. 'That's so cute,' said Oil."

[orome]

We had it on as background during the sewing-machine project (see other thread in happyhour). The stamp joke got a laugh, the Liberty City duo a chuckle, the Amy/Hillary intro some snickers. That's about it. :|

[Barmat]

I thought the match game was funny. I thought this was one of the better episodes in an otherwise lame season.

[busyba]

Wow... I'm guessing that Hillary won't be giving a shout-out to SNL in the next debate like she did a couple of months ago. :D

[Jeeters]

Yeah, I liked the stamp joke, too. Really good joke there.
The GTA duo wasn't all that funny, but dang if they didn't have the movment down perfect.
I thought the Match Game parody was going to be way funnier than it turned out. Seemed like they could have done more/better on that.
The Hilary intro did nothing for me although I didn't hate it; just sorted 'watched it'.
The Digital Short with lame.

[Amnesia]

How come they use fake show/actor names for the Match Game sketch?

[Langree]

The Digital Short with lame.

The "digital" shorts are just to showcase Sandberg. Most of them suck. If he's the best SNL has to offer, it's time to shoot the horse, it's lame.

[SeanC]

I loved the MacGruber sketches...

Anal Lubricant? So you just kinda have this?

I've been doing some experimenting.

So who is the lucky girl?

Scott.....

[busyba]

I loved the MacGruber sketches...

Anal Lubricant? So you just kinda have this?

I've been doing some experimenting.

So who is the lucky girl?

Scott.....

The extended silences before the explosions really sold those. :D

[busyba]

And OMG, the puke! :eek: :eek: :D

[laststarfighter]

The best series of McGruber shorts ever!

[pdhenry]

How come they use fake show/actor names for the Match Game sketch?+1.

I figured it was because Kristen Wiig couldn't do a real person.

[trainman]

I figured it was because Kristen Wiig couldn't do a real person.

I don't think she would have had too much of a problem making an attempt at an impression of "Match Game" regular Fannie Flagg (some of her characters come close to the voice).

I wonder if the writers chose not to use real names because Gene Rayburn actually wasn't murdered during the run of "Match Game" -- if that's the case, I'd say they were overthinking things a bit.

[Turtleboy]

I don't think she would have had too much of a problem making an attempt at an impression of "Match Game" regular Fannie Flagg (some of her characters come close to the voice).

I wonder if the writers chose not to use real names because Gene Rayburn actually wasn't murdered during the run of "Match Game" -- if that's the case, I'd say they were overthinking things a bit.

I almost think it was funnier doing Match Game "archtypes" than real Match Game Regulars.

Maybe it was just me, but I saw both Paul Lynde and Charles Nelson Reiley in the gay guy.

[jgerry]

They really worked Shia over, between no pants, numerous gay jokes, sex change operations, and cross dressing. You gotta respect a guy who's willing to put that stuff out there and not worry about his professional reputation.

[busyba]

Maybe it was just me, but I saw both Paul Lynde and Charles Nelson Reiley in the gay guy.

Wow... were you watching it on Cinemax? :eek:

[busyba]

They really worked Shia over, between no pants, numerous gay jokes, sex change operations, and cross dressing. You gotta respect a guy who's willing to put that stuff out there and not worry about his professional reputation.

I freaking hate that guy, pretty much only because a friend of mine was robbed when he was nominated in the same category as Shia back when Shia won the Daytime Emmy, but even I have to say that he did a great job.

[Odds Bodkins]

The "digital" shorts are just to showcase Sandberg. Most of them suck. If he's the best SNL has to offer, it's time to shoot the horse, it's lame.

Someone please remind me why Samberg is "funny"?

[mattpol]

Someone please remind me why Samberg is "funny"?

He's not, actually.

[Peter000]

How come they use fake show/actor names for the Match Game sketch?


I wonder if the writers chose not to use real names because Gene Rayburn actually wasn't murdered during the run of "Match Game" -- if that's the case, I'd say they were overthinking things a bit.

I figured they couldn't get permission to use the real game's name, or some other weird trademark or rights issue.

[Amnesia]

I figured they couldn't get permission to use the real game's name, or some other weird trademark or rights issue.I didn't think they needed to get rights---it's a parody...

[Peter000]

I know that's how parody is when it comes to people, but in terms of a product? I think they have to actually get permission to use the name. But I'm not a lawyer.

[USAFSSO]

Looking on imdb there is a new version of MG starting in 2009.

[mwhip]

Actually Shia was great one of the best hosts they have had in a while. He barely looked at the cue cards and has good comic timing it is not his fault the materiel sucks.

And that weekend update joke about the stamp was a rehash. A couple years ago Tina Fey had one about US population that went:

"This week the US census announced the population has broken 300 million to which China said, 'Aw isn't that cute'"

[Mike Farrington]

I figured they couldn't get permission to use the real game's name, or some other weird trademark or rights issue.I figured they used fake names because they were calling a married man with children a promiscuous/adulterous bi-sexual. That's lawsuit territory.

[Skittles]

Actually Shia was great one of the best hosts they have had in a while. He barely looked at the cue cards and has good comic timing it is not his fault the materiel sucks.I totally agree. I enjoyed Shia as a host, even though a lot of the segments were DOA for me. His performance in the MG sketch was great.

[Amnesia]

That's lawsuit territory.No it's not. IANAL, but I think that you can pretty much do whatever you want in a comedy show. Slander laws only come into effect if you are saying something in such a way that indicates that you're claiming that it is true.

[5thcrewman]

Who was Casey supposed to be in It's a Match?

[Fish Man]

No it's not. IANAL, but I think that you can pretty much do whatever you want in a comedy show. Slander laws only come into effect if you are saying something in such a way that indicates that you're claiming that it is true.

I think you're right. IANAL either but we've seen SNL (and similar shows, MAD TV, etc.) do parodies of real shows and real people who I seriously doubt they got permission first. (E. g. Celebrity Jeopardy).

I really don't think they'd have needed permission to call it "Match Game" and name the characters Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Riley, Debralee Scott, Marcia Wallace, Nipsy Russel, and Doug Henning.

The only reason I might guess they didn't do this was out of respect for Gene Rayburn, who actually died recently. That's all I can figure.

As to the quality of the show:

Shia Labeouf is a good host. He does sketch comedy well.

The "McGruber" segments were the best in a while. I thought McGruber had run its course long ago, but these segments breathed some new life into it, mostly due to Shia's performance.

Old fart alert: I'm about to reveal my geezerdom here!

I was unfamiliar with My Morning Jacket. I was impressed by them. Good musical guest! :)

I thought the "Scared Straight" sketch was the funniest of the show. I was surprised how far they took the allusions to prison rape, even for late night TV.

[Fish Man]

Who was Casey supposed to be in It's a Match?

Debralee Scott.

I had a major crush on her during that era. She's the reason I watched Match Game (even though she was only on maybe once every 6 weeks or so).

EDIT: Here's a pic. (Debralee Scott on Match Game, lower left):

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/392330392_95cba7090c.jpg?v=0

[Skittles]

Oh, forgot to mention that I really enjoyed the McGruber segments, too. "What's her name?" "Scott..." had me laughing. But the uncomfortable silence at the end? I had to pause because I had tears in my eyes, it was so hysterical.

And although I usually hate the segment, the Italian Talk Show was hysterical this time. Between the voiceover of Temple of Doom, and the whole "You have penis or vagina?" back and forth, I had quite a few laughs.

[MickeS]

I didn't watch this show, but Shia LaBeouf is great. He was really funny on "Project Greenlight" a few years ago.

I watched a few weeks ago when Jonah Hill was host, I don't think he EVER looked away from the cue cards.

[5thcrewman]

...I really don't think they'd have needed permission to call it "Match Game" and name the characters Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Riley Paul Lynde, Debralee Scott, Marcia Wallace, Nipsy Russel, and Doug Henning...

FYP. I only saw one set of big eye glasses!

[Fish Man]

FYP. I only saw one set of big eye glasses!

Ya. I'll buy that.

The folks who do the SNL Transcripts seemed to think he was an amalgam of both, and I tend to agree. The ascot was a CNR trademark, the mannerisms were more like Linde.

http://snltranscripts.jt.org/07/07kmatch.phtml

[Fish Man]

And although I usually hate the segment, the Italian Talk Show was hysterical this time. Between the voiceover of Temple of Doom, and the whole "You have penis or vagina?" back and forth, I had quite a few laughs.

Although the SNL episode as a whole was only so-so (although I think Shia Labeouf is great at sketch comedy when given good material), the Temple of Doom Italian dub caused me to convulse with uncontrollable laughter. Just that particular visual and that voice was outrageously funny. I ran it back and re-watched that few seconds of the sketch three times! :up: :D

[laststarfighter]

Someone please remind me why Samberg is "funny"?

Lazy Sunday, Natalie Raps, D**k in a box, Dear Sister, People Getting Punched Just Before Eating, Laser Cats...

...none of these are funny? At all? Really? OK, seriously, really?

[trainman]

I really don't think they'd have needed permission to call it "Match Game" and name the characters Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Riley, Debralee Scott, Marcia Wallace, Nipsy Russel, and Doug Henning.

The only reason I might guess they didn't do this was out of respect for Gene Rayburn, who actually died recently. That's all I can figure.

Charles Nelson Reilly and Brett Somers both died in 2007, but Gene Rayburn's been gone since 1999.

[Fish Man]

Charles Nelson Reilly and Brett Somers both died in 2007, but Gene Rayburn's been gone since 1999.

Hmmm.....

Then I got nothin... (as to why they changed the names of the show and the panelists). :confused:

Unless it's that the '70s era host of Match Game (Gene Rayburn) didn't really get murdered backstage. :confused:

Nahhh......

Still got nothin. This is mysterious...

(Debralee Scott died in 2005, by the way. Mysterious cause, too. Just died in her sleep. Autopsy could not determine the cause. :( )

Debralee Scott bio. (http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0779047/bio)

[scooterboy]

I don't really like the host that much in his movies, or even the last time he hosted, but I enjoyed this episode more than any in quite a while.

I thought it was pretty solid.

[mattack]

How come they use fake show/actor names for the Match Game sketch?

I thought it was funnier, since it was obvious (to those of us who watched Match Game) who each one was.

Not they didn't use the name 'Match Game' either.

[windracer]

I like the Indiana Jones characters in the monologue. We need more Connery!

Melted face Nazi guy: "Mostly I do voice-overs." :D

[IndyJones1023]

Man, this was a good episode! Shia rocked the hizzouse. My faves were Match Game and the best MacGrubers ever.

[IJustLikeTivo]

Man, this was a good episode! Shia rocked the hizzouse. My faves were Match Game and the best MacGrubers ever.

Really? I thought it was freaking awful. It peaked at the opening skit where Shia said Indy dies.

[IndyJones1023]

Really. I didn't even like Shia before this episode. He really knows how to act, though.

[IndyJones1023]

OMG. I just re-watched all 3 MacGruber's on the NBC page again and I'm laughing my ass off.

[vman]

So with all this debate about Match Game, why does no one question why they don't say "MacGyver" instead of "MacGruber?"

[MickeS]

So with all this debate about Match Game, why does no one question why they don't say "MacGyver" instead of "MacGruber?"

Because it's not MacGyver? It's not really a parody of MacGyver even.

[IndyJones1023]

It's not really a parody of MacGyver even.

:confused:

Have you never seen MacGyver? It's a total parody of that show.

[Jayjoans]

Lazy Sunday, Natalie Raps, D**k in a box, Dear Sister, People Getting Punched Just Before Eating, Laser Cats...

...none of these are funny? At all? Really? OK, seriously, really?

and don't forget the Iran song with the Maroon 5 guy, it really was a catchy song too.

[Amnesia]

Yes, it's a parody of MacGyver---but I think that there are greater differences between MacGyver and "MacGruber" than between Match Game and "It's a Match!"

"It's a Match!" was as much like Match Game as the portrayals of the Clintons are similar to the real people---and they don't change their names...

[davidmin]

I think it was just because they were too lazy to look up all of their names. Either that, or it's so Lorne Michaels can "own" the characters for future use.

Hmmm.....

Then I got nothin... (as to why they changed the names of the show and the panelists). :confused:

Unless it's that the '70s era host of Match Game (Gene Rayburn) didn't really get murdered backstage. :confused:

Nahhh......

Still got nothin. This is mysterious...

(Debralee Scott died in 2005, by the way. Mysterious cause, too. Just died in her sleep. Autopsy could not determine the cause. :( )

Debralee Scott bio. (http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0779047/bio)