“There is an old saying: If you’re nervous on stage, just imagine the audience naked… Or at least imagine they haven’t seen you naked.”
Lena Dunham hosted “Saturday Night Live” for the first time ever this past weekend and began her monologue with the statement that “very graphic sex scenes” are just her thing (referring to her hit HBO series “Girls”) much like “‘Seinfeld’ had the puffy shirt” and “‘Home Improvement’ had the neighbor talking over the fence.”
What followed was a Dunham-centric show, making use of everything from her political views to easily recognizable echoes of “Girls” — plus, there was a parody of “Scandal,” fun with the Oscars and a surprise appearance from a certain hunky “Mad Men” star. Here’s a look at four moments that stood out.
1. Girl
Picking on two familiar “Girls” supporting characters and on original sin (and sinners), Dunham played Eve in the Garden of Eden (with Taran Killam as Adam Driver, playing Adam) in this fake movies trailer. Nudity happens, and there’s a clever reference to that q-tip catastrophe — plus, there’s a Shoshanna snake.
2. The Katt Williams Show
During a little spoof on some of the Oscar guests’ appearances on “Pimpin’ Pimpin’ Pimpin’ With Katt Williams,” Dunham appeared as Liza Minnelli (minus the cobalt ensemble) and briefly shared what she experienced at the award ceremony. (Start at 2:12 to cut straight to Lena/Liza.)
3. What Are You Even Doing You’re Being Crazy
It’s pretty funny to watch Dunham play one of the hosts of the middle school “Wayne’s World” equivalent “What Are You Even Doing You’re Being Crazy” — and then Jon Hamm walks in, playing himself, much to everyone’s delight.
4. Ooh Child
This episode warmed up with a slower but satisfying sketch starring . A faulty GPS has been an easy target for ads and comedies for at least the last 5 years, but the end of this sketch has a hilarious dark twist.
As a bonus, please enjoy Killam’s fascinatingly accurate impression of Matthew McConaughey, complete with philosophical meanderings and unintelligible metaphors.
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