May 25, 2012 Leave a comment
For Splitsider‘s season in review series, each writer argued on behalf of one series, labeling theirs the best sitcom of the 2011-2012 season. My show was Community.
May 25, 2012 Leave a comment
I did my first live radio interview the other day with Nick Digilio on Chicago’s WGN Radio 720. We talked about all-things Saturday Night Live: the past season and current cast, as well as the show’s entire history and some of our favorite past performers. Nick is also a huge fan of the show, so it was a lot of fun chatting with a fellow SNL-phile about our shared interest.
You can listen to the radio podcast here.
Thanks to Nick and his producer Dan Sugrue for inviting me on the show!
May 23, 2012 Leave a comment
For my final word on the 37th season of SNL on Splitsider, I discuss each of the cast members’ contributions to the show, their relative share of screen time, and their chances on returning next season.
May 22, 2012 Leave a comment
The first of a two-part review of SNL‘s 37th season on Splitsider. I discuss the season as a whole and recognize the some of the best moments.
May 21, 2012 Leave a comment
For my Splitsider recap of the SNL season 37 finale, I discuss the night’s emotional sendoff to outgoing castmembers.
May 14, 2012 Leave a comment
For this week’s SNL recap on Splitsider, I theorize why Will Ferrell’s much anticipated return to the show didn’t live up to the hype.
May 7, 2012 Leave a comment
For this Splitsider recap of last weekend’s SNL episode, I argue how host Eli Manning’s performance exemplified a tendency for a “bro mentality” whenever athletes come to the show.
May 1, 2012 Leave a comment
We’re in the middle of a period I’ve decided to call “tournament season” at iO West, with two major improv tournaments, both leading up to the LA Improv Comedy Festival in June (which has a number of improv and sketch tournaments of its own). Competitive improv isn’t really my cup of tea — it can get uncomfortable and bring out a few negative qualities in performers – but I like the idea of a playoff-style tournament, with no incumbency advantage and a clear, definite end. Tournaments can be a great way to boost excitement in the community, bring in a new audience, and encourage interaction between people who don’t normally perform together. They’re also fun to speculate over.
One of the two tournaments is the (second annual) United States of Improv Tournament, in which improvisers compete on teams defined by their states of origin. The winning team receives a limited run on the mainstage and bragging rights. Last year, one-man musical improv team Tom Christensen of North Dakota swept the whole thing (knocking my Team Florida out in the first round), and this year, with heavyweights New York, Texas, California and Ohio seeing early defeats, it really could be anyone’s game. It’s a great idea for a tournament — you get to see top improvisers at the theater play on teams with new faces, and everyone gets really excited about it. Tonight at 11:30, Team Florida kicks off the second round, competing against New Jersey’s team for a spot in the semifinals.
The other big tournament is the annual iO West Harold Tournament, in which iO’s house teams compete against each other for bragging rights, a performance slot representing the theater in the festival’s tournament, and a rumored “protected status” from the Harold team chopping block. All of the Harold teams will compete, except previous winners (Local 132, King Ten, USS Rock N Roll, and Bandit), and most mainstage teams are “top seeded,” which means they get a bye week. This will be my first year in the tournament, and I’m on The Cartel, which will face off against either Riggins or Medium Cool on May 23 at 7:30.
I’d love to weigh in on various teams and make predictions, but when the audience decides the winner (or partially decides, in the case of the Harold tournament), these things are damn impossible to predict. So I’ll just say my money’s on Florida and The Cartel. If both of my teams don’t win it all, may lighting strike me dea–
April 16, 2012 Leave a comment
For this Splitsider recap of last weekend’s SNL episode hosted by Josh Brolin, I address the rumors of Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, and Andy Samberg departing at the end of this season, and how this episode gave us a glimpse of what’s to come over the next few episodes.
April 9, 2012 Leave a comment
SNL returned after a month break with host Sofia Vergara. For my Splitsider recap, I discuss how Vergara was less of a sex object than some critics would have you believe.
