Amidst a season marked by a colossal cast revamp, Quentin Tarantino stepped up as the host for the fifth episode. It was a pivotal moment where only a few of the newcomers, among them Will Ferrell, Cheri Oteri, and Darrell Hammond, showed promise for longevity. Tarantino was poised for a challenge.
Undeniably, he rose to it.
Despite a lukewarm cold open featuring Hammond as a disheartened Bill Clinton, Tarantino brought an electrifying presence to the stage with his monologue, though it fell slightly short of expectations. Tarantino prides himself on being a cinephile, leading viewers to anticipate a bold departure from standard opening acts. Instead, he delivered a quirky musical number, singing “I’m Gonna Blow You a Kiss in the Wind” from “Bewitched,” which failed to hit the comedic mark. This performance mirrored his directorial stints on “E.R.” and “CSI,” where he respectfully stayed within the shows’ creative bounds.
That set the tone for the evening – Tarantino would not be upending the SNL mold; he was there to collaborate and bring his distinct energy to the table. Excluding one particular sketch, Tarantino meshed well with the cast and the show’s dynamic.
FAQs About Quentin Tarantino Hosting SNL
- Which season of SNL did Quentin Tarantino host?
Tarantino hosted the fifth episode of the season that experienced a significant cast change. - Did Quentin Tarantino’s episode on SNL reinvent the show’s format?
No, the episode stuck to the traditional SNL format, with Tarantino playing an enthusiastic team player. - What did Tarantino do for his monologue?
He performed a song, “I’m Gonna Blow You a Kiss in the Wind,” from a “Bewitched” episode – a quirky twist on the singing host trope. - Did Quentin Tarantino’s directorial style influence his SNL appearance?
While he’s known for his distinct directorial style, Tarantino adapted to the established format of SNL for his hosting duties.
Conclusion
Quentin Tarantino’s hosting stint on SNL might not have revolutionized the longstanding sketch show’s format, but it offered a glimpse into how a filmmaker of his caliber adapts to a different medium. His ability to play along with established formulas while injecting his brand of enthusiasm made for a memorable episode, reflective of his passion for film and television history.