If you’ve seen some of Glen Powell‘s movies, including “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Hit Man,” “Anyone But You” or “Twisters,” you probably already know that a large part of the actor’s appeal is that he goes down smooth and easy.

With good looks and lots of charm,he’s certainly leading man material. But there’s also a streak, particularly in his Richard Linklater film “Hit Man,” of a goofball comedy nerd dying to break out from that handsome shell (see also: Jon Hamm), even if he was there to promote a new action film, “The Running Man.”

It sure feels like that sensibility is what helped make for a remarkable episode of “Saturday Night Live” with Powell hosting for the first time. It was the silliest episode so far this season, and by some miracle, just about every sketch in the episode worked, at least on a basic comedic level.

Powell wore wigs, most notably in a military sketch about bobs versus bangs; yes, the hairstyles. He did Norwegian and Irish accents in respective sketches about overenthusiastic actors in a Nordic film and one modeled after Liam Neeson’s “Taken” films. He even wore a long ponytail and sang in a pre-recorded musical number about men who miss their ex-girlfriend’s dad (Powell was one of the dads). But he was also a great supporting player to Marcello Hernández in a sketch about comedian Maniscalco compounds at a bachelor party and one about a woman (Ashley padilla) who joins friends at a restaurant after a disastrous hair salon visit. And he did some good silent acting in a visual gag-driven sketch in which AI technology brings old photos to life badly.

It was a week where even the return of former cast member Will Forte, who appeared in three new MacGruber sketches where the character finds out he’s in the Epstein files (explosions follow), didn’t fully overshadow a lot of other very good pieces.

Two quick notes about this week’s episode: Padilla continues to help

Glen Powell’s ‘SNL’ Debut Was a Charming, Self-Aware Success

Glen Powell finally hosted “Saturday Night Live” this weekend, and the episode was a delightful mix of self-deprecating humor, relatable observations, and a heartwarming story about a UPS driver. After a planned hosting gig was delayed due to the pandemic, Powell made the most of his moment, delivering a monologue that acknowledged the recent whirlwind of attention surrounding his career – and the internet’s obsession with him.

Powell’s monologue opened with a playful nod to the constant media coverage he’s received, particularly following the success of “anyone But You.” “I’ve been everywhere this past month,” he quipped. “I’m starting to think I live in the worst one.”

In Powell’s monologue, the actor admits he’s been so publicized that even he’s tired of seeing his own face.”You know who is not tired of seeing my face?” he asked. “Your mom.” Powell pushed back against the narrative that he was an overnight success; he’s been acting as he was 10, starting with commercials and safety videos, while growing up in Austin, texas. powell revealed that he was supposed to host “SNL” four years ago as part of the publicity tour for “Top Gun: Maverick.” but when the movie was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the offer was put on hold. A UPS driver who showed up when Powell was celebrating the initial news about hosting “SNL” ended up in a selfie with the actor and his family. Powell said his sisters tracked down the driver and Powell invited him to come see the show. Thus, Mitch the UPS Driver appeared in the monologue and again at the end of the show for the goodnights. glen ended the monologue saying, “The best things in life don’t happen overnight. No one knows that better than UPS.”

Best sketch of the night: AI has not advanced enough to get crotches right

MacGruber Returns: A Look at the SNL Digital Shorts Revival

Will Forte’s iconic “SNL” character, MacGruber, is back – and he’s still hilariously inept. After a decade since the last dedicated MacGruber short, Forte reprised the role in three new digital shorts during his hosting gig on December 16, 2023. These weren’t just cameos; they continued the ongoing saga of the self-proclaimed hero who consistently fails spectacularly.

The Premise: Still Saving the World (Badly)

For those unfamiliar, MacGruber is a parody of 1980s action heroes. He looks the part – the mullet, the muscles, the brooding intensity – but possesses none of the competence. Each mission, typically involving a bomb or a hostage situation, is a masterclass in accidental destruction and prolonged incompetence. The humor stems from the jarring contrast between MacGruber’s self-importance and his utter inability to succeed without sheer luck (or someone else cleaning up his mess).

What the New Shorts Delivered

The recent shorts didn’t reinvent the wheel, and that’s precisely what fans wanted. They doubled down on the core elements that made MacGruber a phenomenon: elaborate, drawn-out sequences, awkward musical numbers, and Forte’s commitment to the bit. The shorts featured Kristen Wiig reprising her role as Vicki St. Elmo,MacGruber’s long-suffering partner,adding to the nostalgic charm.

The first short saw MacGruber attempting to disarm a bomb while simultaneously navigating a romantic encounter with Vicki. The second involved a hostage rescue gone wrong, culminating in a chaotic car chase. The final short cleverly tied the three segments together, revealing a larger, equally absurd plot. each short maintained the signature MacGruber pacing – building tension to an almost unbearable degree before resolving with a ridiculous, frequently enough violent, and always funny climax.

Why MacGruber Still Resonates

MacGruber’s enduring appeal lies in its subversion of the action genre. It’s a send-up of the tropes we’ve seen countless times, exposing their inherent silliness. The character is relatable, not because we aspire to be like him, but because we recognize the human tendency to overestimate our abilities and stumble through life.forte’s performance is key; he fully embodies MacGruber’s delusional confidence, making the character both hilarious and strangely endearing.

The Future of MacGruber

The success of these recent shorts has sparked renewed interest in the character. While there’s no official word on more “SNL” appearances, the revival proves that MacGruber still has a dedicated fanbase. The original movie, released in 2010, received mixed reviews but has since gained a cult following. A Peacock series, also starring Forte, premiered in 2021, further expanding the MacGruber universe. The latest shorts suggest that Forte isn’t finished with the character,and fans are eager to see what disastrous mission MacGruber will bumble into next.

Key Takeaways

• MacGruber is a parody of 1980s action heroes, known for his incompetence and overconfidence.
• Will Forte recently revived the character in three new “SNL” digital shorts.
• The shorts successfully recaptured the humor and charm of the original MacGruber sketches.
• The character’s appeal lies in its subversion of action tropes and relatable portrayal of human fallibility.
• The revival suggests continued interest in the MacGruber franchise.

Publication Date: 2025/11/16 13:15:50