It’s too hot in the hot tub! Photo: NBC The news that Eddie Murphy is hosting an episode of Saturday Night Live this season and returning to stand-up has comedy fans of a certain age breathless with anticipation. By “a certain age,” I mean someone over 50. This is not a slight against Murphy or his level of celebrity.
In short, there’s a reason you haven’t seen much of Eddie Murphy’s work on Saturday Night Live. Besides the sketches Murphy was in, the show kind of stunk. He was so crucial, so powerful, and so undeniable on SNL that instead of padding the show with extra material in case the show ran short, Ebersol would just send Eddie out in front of the crowd to ad lib on live TV.
That said, there’s plenty of pyrotechnics to keep your attention. He dances, sings, and mugs for the camera, but what sticks with you is Murphy’s knowing smile. He gets that this is a completely ridiculous premise that goes nowhere, but he’s having fun anyway. His obvious joy at getting to play pretend R&B star is completely and utterly disarming. This is one of many SNL moments where Murphy carries a thin premise on star power alone. It’s not memorable because it’s clever.
DebbieDoiron IT'S HOT!