#bowenyang

I should say that I wrote that title before I watched the whole episode. The whole thing wasn’t superb but sweet baby Jesus did season 45 come out swingin’ with a sublimely funny Democratic debate sketch. It is also a credit to Woody Harrelson because he carried some seriously unfunny sketches to safe landings more than once. He is by far the best host in recent memory. If they could have him host the whole season we’d be good! Although, I did see that Phoebe Waller-Everything-I-Touch-Turns-To-Gold-Bridge is hosting next week so that should be good too.

Some highlights from the debate sketch included a jaw-dropping impression of Marianne Williamson by newcomer Chloe Fineman. Like Williamson herself, she came across whimsical, enchanted by her own charisma, and even though you’d like to hate her, charming. Fineman is Insta-famous but for good reason. She’s a stunning impressionist and a confident performer. The same can’t be said for Bowen Yang but it was literally episode one and what can you really tell from that? The stakes must be so high. I can’t imagine the nerves getting out onto that stage. A stand-up gig is terrifying enough and then you multiply that by 10,000,000 and...my stomach hurts. While Fineman appeared relaxed and self-assured, Yang’s moments felt tense. And when you consider the hype surrounding him being the first Asian-American cast member, of course he was tense! He’s got a lot riding on him. So now I rescind my criticism and wish to send to him a big Marianne Williamson astral hug in the form of a yoni egg (watch the sketch).

I could give a TED talk on the debate sketch. It truly felt like a return to the SNL of my dreams. Larry David did another stellar portrayal of Bernie Sanders. Kate McKinnon delivered one of my favorite lines as Elizabeth Warren (”I’ve got the energy of a mom to five boys who each play a different sport.”) Then, we got to see past cast member Maya Rudolph shine as Kamala Harris in the most playful, silly, sexy and out of touch nod to the Senator’s sometimes contradictory public image. She’s equal parts boss-lady lawyer and flirtatious “fun aunt”, or as she likes to call it “funt”. I would pay good money to hear Maya Rudolph deliver again: “I’m the kind of funt that will give you weed and then arrest you for having weed...Can I win the presidency? Probably not...But can I successfully seduce a much younger man? You better funting believe it”.

It was comedy heaven.

Last but not least, Woody Harrelson’s neon-white veneered Joe Biden knocked it out of the park. Woody himself possesses a sexual swagger that men and women are drawn to. He’s got a groovy self-confidence that feels comfortable but polite. Masculine, yet sweet. And up until recently, Biden occupied the same safe space. But no longer. Now, Joe Biden is a creepy, hair-sniffing, long-hugger that might make the hairs on your arms stand up if you got stuck in an elevator with him. He doesn’t cross the line because he doesn’t think about the dang lines! Harrelson ratcheted up his sexual charisma a notch or two to edge his way into the creepy zone, delivering perhaps my favorite lines of the entire episode:

Daddy’s here, America. I see you. I hear you. I sniff you. And, I hug you from behind. Now I ask what I ask every time I enter a room: Where am I and what the hell is going on?

In the second episode of the season, newbie cast member, Bowen Yang exploded onto Weekend Update like a lightning bolt of energy. Michael Che introduced Chen Biao as a segment discussing Trump’s trade war with enemy number one, China. But unfortunately for Don Don, Biao could not find a single fuck to give. The whole thing soared from the beginning. It even seemed like Michael Che was surprised by the choices Yang was making which made the whole segment even more fun.

I will now gladly take a moment to apologize for the snap judgment I passed last week after the premiere. Nerves were high. Everyone was stressed. And no one performs to their best of their abilities in that kind of environment! As a performer myself, I am a harsh critic and SNL is important to me. It’s a staple in my household. We put it up on a pedestal. I expect a lot and I came into it with high expectations. I judged you unfairly and I own that. I am here now to tell you that you shined bright like a diamond and you are a true “Trade Daddy” (not that kind of trade, nasty...like trade trade. Think tariffs and imports.)

Last week, I pointed to Yang’s rushed performances as unremarkable while other newcomer Chloe Fineman seemed relaxed and confident. But perhaps his was a tactical move. It’s hard to stay on top. But it’s fun to watch the underdog soar. It could also be (and I know that the conservies are gonna love this) racially nuanced. Fineman, a white, pretty blond, has a certain platitude of privilege and that could extend to a natural ease in the high-pressure stakes of SNL. Considering how Yang is the first-ever Asian American SNL performer, he ain’t got those privileges! It’s scary. But tonight there was no fear. He was dropping gems left and right.

Oh yes, week two has brought a new energy to the table. There’s a new pop tart in the toaster...as the old saying goes.

It makes sense. Week two means everyone still has their jobs and settling into their offices...or cubbies...or dressing rooms??? I don’t know how it works at SNL. All I know is the first show is over and tensions have eased. Now, people are ready to perform and perform they did. I am here for it. I like it. Keep it coming. I’m a greedy bitch.

Bowen Yang took my note (No, he didn’t. He doesn’t know who tf I am.) and burnt an indelible persona into my brain, Chen Biao, a bitchy Chinese government official regulating tariffs on American goods. That character does not scream jokes on jokes on jokes, but Yang came through drippin’ and twirling on his haters. Chen Biao, had a lot to say about Trump’s stupid little trade war and who really needs who (hint: China gonna be alright). Biao pointed to our dependence on China for damn near everything and China’s lowkey affection for The Rock. But The Rock can’t float our whole economy! He’s just one beautiful, racially-ambiguous man!

From sketch comedy to big-screen roles, Bowen Yang movies and TV shows are packed with humor and iconic moments. Here’s a look at his most loved performances.