Saturday Night Live
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So Eddie Murphy returned to a show that made his name 35 years ago.
So he went on to become a stand-up legend and one of the top-grossing film stars of all time.
As usual, this weeks sketches are presented here in order from best to worst.
Murphy is pretty hypnotic here, sweeping up even the hosts with his verve and bellicosity.
Even after a cut to the next over-the-shoulder graphic, Murphy refuses to leave the stage until hes ready.
Meanwhile, the hosts lose it.
Finally, Cecily Strong comes on as Fox personality Janine Pirro.
Its messy, silly, and really fun.
How has Mr. Robinson remained in his place?
Well, the word of the day is Squatters Rights.
Top to bottom, this is a well-considered and well-executed update of the classic sketch.
Eh, on second thought, that just looks like gibberish out-of-context.
Its simple but just right.
The writers even let one of the judges, Nicole Scherzinger (Melissa Villasenor), say as much.
Murphy is greeted by Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle.
), its really about camaraderie.
Beck Bennett leaps onstage to get friendly, and is immediately pushed off by Kenan Thompson.
Though the formula is the same, the beats of this sketch land even better than the first.
Hasnt he heard about Me Too?
Aggrieved elves start espousing conspiracy theories about what Santa knew when.
As a whole, it feels like obligatory, slightly naughty Christmas fare.
This was the triumphant return toSNLfor which both Murphy and his fans hoped.
It was the best Update in a long time.