During the recent campaign season, Saturday Night Live (SNL) provided robust support for Kamala Harris. However, now that Donald Trump has emerged victorious in the election, the show’s hosts appear to have swiftly adjusted their stance, leading to speculation about their genuine feelings. In light of Trump’s campaign rhetoric, which often suggested retribution against his foes, such a shift may seem more than just performative.
The latest SNL Cold Open, aired on November 9, took a deep dive into the circumstances surrounding Trump’s second term. Cast member Kenan Thompson poignantly noted, “This is the same Donald Trump who openly called for vengeance against his political enemies.” His expression of dismay echoed that of his fellow cast members, highlighting their collective shock at the election results. In a surprising twist, Thompson added, “And that is why we at SNL would like to say to Donald Trump… we have been with you all along.”
This unexpected declaration caught many viewers off guard. Following Thompson’s remarks, Bowen Yang added with a tone of apprehension, “We have never wavered in our support of you, even when others doubted you.” Additionally, Marcello Hernandez asserted that “every single person on stage” had voted for Trump, invoking a sense of loyalty reminiscent of fealty to a sovereign.
In a notably sarcastic comment, Sarah Sherman remarked, “That’s the man I want my future children to look up to,” further underscoring the cast’s critique of Trump. To highlight Trump’s vindictive nature, three of the newer cast members were humorously “sacrificed,” claiming their votes went to Kamala Harris. As tensions continued to rise, Thompson quipped, “You can find their home addresses online, hail Trump!” The cast teased that they would present a “more flattering” image of Trump, with James Austin Johnson making a grand entrance, flexing exaggerated muscles.
No More ‘Hallelujah’ Cold Opens
This episode’s open was notably brighter and more upbeat than the emotional cold open featuring Hillary Clinton in 2016. At that time, when Clinton lost to Trump, SNL’s skit starred Kate McKinnon, who performed a tearful rendition of “Hallelujah”on the piano, leaving viewers in an emotional state. With Harris’s defeat, fans hoped that the show’s format wouldn’t revert to melodrama. Thankfully, SNL skillfully sidestepped emotionally heavy material this time, opting instead to comically confront the political reality and the potentially grim future awaiting America over the next four years.
Leave a Reply