Jack Black returned to “Saturday Night Live” this weekend, marking his fourth time as host and his first appearance in nearly 20 years. The episode addressed a comedy nod toward Morgan Wallen’s notable absence from last week’s show, a moment still resonating with NBC’s audience. Wallen’s abrupt departure and his subsequent Instagram post marked by the phrase “Get me to God’s country” were cleverly referenced twice in the new episode.
The first mention occurred during the cold open. James Austin Johnson, impersonating Donald Trump, humorously criticized the former president for placing tariffs on seemingly irrelevant islands. “I even put tariffs on an island uninhabited by humans. It’s called Heard and McDonald Island,” Johnson said as Trump. “McDonald Island. I would love to visit there. Can you imagine that? Big Mac and a hula skirt. Get me to God’s country, right? Remember that?” This sly remark highlighted Wallen’s departure in a playful context.
The second reference took place during “Weekend Update,” where Colin Jost added, “This was the worst week for the stock market since the summer of 2020. But you have to remember: back then, the president was also Trump. Just in the past two days, investors have lost over $6 trillion. Money is leaving the stock market faster than Morgan Wallen at goodnights.” The joke further cemented Wallen’s exit as a memorable moment in SNL’s recent history.
Wallen’s viral exit from the “SNL” stage last weekend, as the show concluded, left audiences surprised. He followed this with an Instagram Story post featuring a private jet with “Get me to God’s country” overlaid, underscoring his decision to move on swiftly from the iconic stage.
Adding to the starry line-up, Elton John and Brandi Carlile performed as musical guests for the episode. In another nostalgic twist, Mike Myers revived his Elon Musk impression, while a touching tribute was paid to Val Kilmer, a former host from December 2000, with a silent image shown to the audience.
Looking forward, Jon Hamm is slated to host the next “Saturday Night Live” episode, featuring a performance by Lizzo. The show continues to air on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock, captivating audiences with its blend of humor, topical satire, and star appeal.
