Palin Parody is not as Funny as the Real Thing

As promised, Sarah Palin made an appearance on SNL this past weekend and I'm sure the ratings were higher than the show has seen in a long time.

Here's the thing. I believe Sarah Palin is way funnier than Tina Fey has ever been. Palin is hysterical and she doesn't even mean to be. By coming out and trying to do a parody of her, you actually take away from what makes her so attractive. Most of the stuff Fey has done on the show over the years has been boring and predictable. As expected, the jokes about Palin were the same and there wasn't even the smallest sign of anything new being tried.

What was great about the show were the appearances of other people who are really pretty funny. Mark Wahlberg, formerly Marky Mark showed up to do a mock confrontation with Andy Samberg, regarding a sketch Samberg did about Wahlberg in a previous week. It was pretty funny, with Wahlberg acting like the parody portrayed by Samberg. Wahlberg should continue to pursue comedy. He was great in Boogie Nights and Entourage is amazing. I don't know why he feels the need to keep hitting the dramas but I'm sure his people see him becoming a big star.

The funniest moments on the show had be with Alec Baldwin. There is a moment that appears to be backstage where Lorne Michaels is talking with the real Sarah Palin, getting ready to do a walk on when he mistakes her for Tina Fey. He talks to them, thinking Palin is Fey and starts to belittle Palin. When he realizes it is actually the Governor, he covers with "I must say you are way hotter in person."

Baldwin has to be one of the funniest guests the show has ever had on. I would rank him up there with Steve Martin and Christopher Walken as far as the funniest visitors they have ever had. Baldwin is definitely great at comedy and I would say he is a huge reason that 30 Rock is where it is. I just don't find Fey that funny. She definitely has her moments but I never thought she really had it.

Without question, this weekend's episode demonstrated what has been the case with SNL now for a long time. The show is way better with funny guest stars and visitors. The show's sketches still go way to long and the jokes just are not that good most of the time. It usually take the appearance of a Baldwin or a Martin to make it worth watching again. I'm sure once the election is over, it will go back to boring old SNL groan comedy once again.