‘SNL’ Recap: Peyton Manning Enthuses About ‘Emily in Paris’

Pop star Katy Perry and soccer legend Peyton Manning stole the show during this weekend’s episode of “Saturday Night Live.”

Hosted by veteran actor Willem Dafoe, the latest installment in the sketch comedy series featured two elaborately engineered performances by musical guest Perry, as well as a surprise “Weekend Update” appearance from football legend Manning, who he’s apparently a huge fan of Netflix’s “Emily.” in Paris.”

As usual, the writers of this week’s material worked on plenty of topical jokes involving, among others, Russia’s potential plans to invade Ukraine, Peloton’s TV cameos, and Neil Young’s recent stance against Spotify.

Here’s a sample of highlights from the show.

The cold satirises Russia, Spotify and Aaron Rodgers

The cold opening of Saturday’s episode saw White House officials (played by Kenan Thompson, Alex Moffat and Ego Nwodim) attempt to warn President Biden (James Austin Johnson) about Russia’s alleged disinformation campaign in Ukraine.

President, the situation in Ukraine is becoming increasingly tense,” Thompson said. “Putin has amassed more than 100,000 troops on the border.”

“We are even getting some reports that Russia has already invaded,” Nwodim added, “but those are from the same people who said Tom Brady backed out. So take it with care.”

To underscore the seriousness of the threat, they put together a slideshow of pro-Russian propaganda, such as TikTok videos extolling the possible invasion of Ukraine; a commercial with NFL player Rodgers (Pete Davidson) praising Russia as a “good neighbor” and a fake headline that reads, “Neil Young will remove music from Spotify unless Ukraine surrenders.”

Dafoe defends his ‘expressive face’

In his opening monologue, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” star Dafoe defended himself against critics who called his acting style “over the top.”

“One man’s exaggerated performance is another man’s compromised performance,” Dafoe said. “I can’t help but have an expressive face. I can not control it. I don’t think about controlling it. I’m not one of those subtle actors like Nicolas Cage or Al Pacino.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Dafoe has often played deranged and villainous roles, including Max Schreck in “Shadow of a Vampire,” Bobby Peru in “Wild at Heart” and, of course, the Green Goblin in the “Spider-Man” franchise. Man”. .

“Maybe that’s why people come up to me and say, ‘Do you know what role you’d be perfect for? The Joker,’” Dafoe joked during his presentation. “It’s always good to hear you have the vibe of a sociopath.”

Katy Perry fills up Katy Perry

Pop musician Perry has earned a reputation for peppering her performances with bizarre set designs and outlandish costumes. (Remember Left Shark from the 2015 Super Bowl?) His last appearance on “SNL” was no different.

Just try to focus on the powerful lyrics of Perry’s “When I’m Gone” as you watch the singer navigate through a forest of dancing phallic mushrooms. Yes, you read it right.

Manning’s fangirls for ‘Emily in Paris’

Saturday’s “Weekend Update” segment tapped into NFL Hall of Famer Manning to comment on the playoff season leading up to the 2022 Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

But, to the amazement of “Weekend Update” co-host Colin Jost, all Manning wanted to talk about was watching the second season of Netflix’s hit series “Emily in Paris,” starring Lily Collins.

“So you didn’t watch any of the games?” Confused, Jost asked Manning.

“Well, I planned it, but I had an hour to kill before the first game, and just for fun, I put on the first episode of ‘Emily in Paris’ season 2, and I watched the whole season,” Manning. he said with a deadpan delivery.

“Oh my God Colin. This show has it all. Adventure, sensuality, culture, a new version of feminism. finally. Not to mention a culinary tapestry so rich that I can only describe it as food porn.”

Jost mocks Peloton’s PR crisis

“Emily in Paris” wasn’t the only TV show to receive recognition during the “Weekend Update” broadcast.

Wrapping up the week in headlines, Jost took a dig at Peloton, the fitness equipment company that has recently weathered not one, but two unflattering portrayals on the small screen: in the “Sex and the City” reboot of HBO “And Just Like That”. ..” and Showtime’s “Billions.”

“Peloton is concerned after the television show ‘Billions’ became the second series in recent weeks to show a character having a heart attack while riding his exercise bike,” Jost said.

“And they’re extremely concerned about how they’re influencing ‘Squid Game’ season 2.”