I’m only peripherally even aware of who’s on Saturday Night Live anymore, let alone catch an episode. But when I saw they hit out on the Jussie Smollett case I just had to indulge. Worth it.
Playing off the ridiculousness of the stories claims, the skit opens on producers of Empire arguing with Jussie’s agent (played by host, Sandra Oh) about whether he can return, meanwhile Smollett himself seems to be late. When he arrives …. (The video is below, if you just want to know what happened, read on)
When suddenly Jussie, played by Chris Redd, busts through the door wearing a MAGA hat, a black eye and a plastic bag in his hands. He claims he’s been assaulted. A claim quickly dismissed by the others in the room. Smollett then brings attention to the bag in his hand saying “what the?” “What is that?” Oh asks. “I don’t know, I think it’s a bag of clues?” The others in the roam moan with disbelief.
Jussie sorts through the bag pulling out some Colgate White Stripes “You think that’s racial?” Three letter K’s and the purple teletubby, to which he notes “that’s the gay one”. It’s then he’s told he can’t return to the show and his agent is dropping him as well.
So well done, SNL. You took some chances with this one and while your show is still shitty overall, I enjoyed it.
