This week’s episode of Saturday Night Live unfolded primarily in a setting of sharp political satire targeting America’s military actions in Iran and turmoil within the Department of Homeland Security. The show opened with Colin Jost portraying Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who amusingly claims confidence about U.S. operations in Iran after prepping all afternoon with keg stands.
Hegseth boasts about the military efforts, using a vivid metaphor:
“We’re treating Iran like the breathalyzer in my car and blowing it the hell up”
, setting a tone blending absurdity with critique. Despite this bravado, he avoids admitting that the situation qualifies as a war:
“If we don’t know what we’re doing, then Iran definitely doesn’t know what we’re doing.”
Following his rant against the media, Hegseth hands the spotlight to a scandal-afflicted former Department of Homeland Security head, Kristi Noem, played by Ashley Padilla. Her character clings to duty despite dismissal, quipping:
“As my plastic surgeon says, the work is never done.”
The sketch didn’t shy away from biting remarks about Noem’s controversial past, including the infamous canine killing incident:
“You miss 100% of the dogs you don’t shoot”
, and rumors about an affair with Corey Lewandowski, ironically punctuated by:
“I think I really nailed it – and by it, I mean my married co-worker in a big, beautiful flying bedroom 3,000 feet over Minneapolis.”
Her cameo ends with a harsh dismissal by Hegseth, underscoring the gritty satire aimed at public figures mired in controversy. Colin Jost’s aggressive comedic persona proved to be the highlight here, while Ashley Padilla’s portrayal stood out as a season MVP, delivering a fresh take on Noem’s character distinct from Tina Fey’s previous impersonation.
Ryan Gosling Returns Amid Distractions and Comic Mishaps
Ryan Gosling hosted Saturday Night Live for the fourth time, infusing the episode with his usual charm and wit. His opening moments were disrupted by the presence of next week’s host, Harry Styles, who sat conspicuously in the front row. Styles claimed to be there only to observe and take notes, but his presence derailed Gosling’s planned dance performance to Styles’s own song “Sign of the Times.”
Gosling’s attempt to recover with a brief rendition of “I’m Just Ken” fell flat, though it highlighted how his recurring appearances remain some of the show’s best in recent years—even when his performance stumbles. His natural charisma and willingness to break character added a playful layer to the night.
Bizarre Wedding Reception Sketch Amplifies Absurd Humor
One sketch centered around a wedding reception where Gosling’s eccentric guest, humorously noted as
“dressed like Reba McEntire at the Grammys”
, exploits the tradition of clinking glasses that compels the newlyweds to kiss. The guest gleefully taps his glass repeatedly, forcing numerous smooches and insisting the groom kiss the bride on the poozi. Although the bit leaned heavily on the peculiar costume and scattered vulgar humor, Gosling’s energetic antics provided a lively amusement despite its thin concept.
Cosmic Horror and Mythical Quests Infuse Surreal Elements into the Show
The episode explored a range of whimsical ideas, including a medication for plaque psoriasis known as Otezla, portrayed as a mysterious, sentient alien entity:
“appears to be moving through time differently than us”
. This cosmic horror comedy aimed for laughs but struggled to match the impact of prior, similarly themed sketches such as the classic Tortino’s parody from 2016.
Adding to the fantastical elements, a sketch featured a trio of cyclopic warriors seeking treasure within a guarded vault. Two alluring spirits, played by Ashley Padilla and Veronika Slowikowska, challenge the warriors with a simple riddle—yet the cyclops characters, humorously dense, fail to understand. Padilla frequently broke character, providing a glimpse of live comic spontaneity, while the general tone remained amusingly simple and silly.
Standout Musical Factory Sketch Melds Dark Humor with Innovative Production
Perhaps the most visually striking segment was Gosling’s portrayal of a Willy Wonka-like confectioner leading families through a magical factory. The tour begins ominously as the front doors reveal one of the dough creatures employed there hanging from a noose. It is explained matter-of-factly that during mating season, the male creatures sacrifice themselves to conserve resources for the females and their offspring:
“the males off themselves to free up resources for the women and the babies.”
This chilling revelation elicits horror from the tour group, effectively combining live-action, digital effects, and puppetry to create a memorable and unsettling scene.
Weekend Update Features Critiques and Surreal Gospel Performance
On a shortened Weekend Update segment, Jost continued to attack Kristi Noem’s failures, scornfully observing:
“Imagine being singled out as the worst member of Trump’s cabinet. That’s like someone coming up to you at a party and saying, ‘we think you should leave; you’re making Diddy uncomfortable.’”
To lighten the mood, Michael Che introduced Pastor Update (Kenan Thompson) and guitarist Teddy (James Austin Johnson). Departing from traditional gospel themes, the duo humorously sang about SNL’s craft services, describing the curvature of ample, big foreheaded female celebrities such as Rihanna, Tyra Banks, and Zooey Deschanel, as well as Che’s admitted internet addictions. Johnson delivered notable laughs with side comments like:
“If you shake it more than twice, you’re playing with it.”
School Bullying Sketch Breaks Fourth Wall with Unexpected Humor
Gosling also appeared as a high school principal visiting a classroom to discuss bullying. A teacher, portrayed by Padilla, reads aloud a student’s note but deliberately informs viewers via on-screen text that:
“the contents of these notes have been changed since rehearsal.”
The scene escalates when a ridiculous prop gag—a giant bag of spaghetti labeled Lunch #2—is pulled from a desk, causing an infectious snort from Padilla. This rare instance of intentional fourth-wall breaking brought a moment of genuine levity and showcased the cast’s playful chemistry.
Hotel Couple Debate Over Mysterious Charges Provides a Comedic Highlight
A sketch involving a couple, Gosling and Sarah Sherman, trying to check out of a hotel hilariously explores confusion around unexpected charges, including a
$1,200 for two visits from the Goo Goo Man.
Sherman’s character is flummoxed, while Gosling’s outrage over only having a single visit from the Goo Goo Man drew one of the night’s best performances, though the audience reaction remained muted.
New Digital Short Employs Colin Jost Impersonation but Falls Short of Expectations
The episode wrapped with a digital short created by Martin Herlihy, who impersonated Colin Jost to examine the art of lying. Donning a wig and exaggerated jawline, Herlihy humorously enjoyed Jost’s lifestyle, joking about appearances on Late Night with Seth Meyers, romantic plans with his wife Scarlett Johansson, and social antics with fellow cast member Jane Wickline. While the concept offered easy targets for ridicule, Herlihy’s delivery lacked the sharpness and energy typical of Jost’s usual critics, making this segment less compelling.
Tribute to Late Talent Manager Acknowledges SNL’s Historic Foundations
Before the show’s conclusion, a heartfelt tribute was paid to Sandy Wernick, a veteran talent manager who once represented Lorne Michaels. Wernick was instrumental in connecting Michaels to producer Dick Ebersol, playing a crucial role in Saturday Night Live’s inception. His legacy includes representing various cast members, most notably Adam Sandler, marking him as a significant figure in the show’s history.
Gosling’s Return Injects Vital Energy into an Improving Season
This episode marked a rebound for Saturday Night Live following several lackluster installments. Ryan Gosling brought star power paired with natural comedic talent, elevating much of the night’s material. While some sketches missed the mark, the majority landed well, and the musical performances were notably strong. As the season progresses, this episode is likely to be remembered among its best entries.
