Blake Lively on ‘Saturday Night Live’: The ‘Gossip Girl’ risks it all on live TV
Ensconced with hubby Ryan Reynolds seven years after distribution of the DC Comics superhero flick that sealed their destiny — Green Lantern — Blake Lively’s debut and so far only hosting gig on Saturday Night Live deserves revisiting. With pop superstar Rihanna as musical guest, the eighth episode of the legendary sketch comedy’s 35th season was hit and miss, par for the course when considering the series’ five decades-long existence. So it’s entirely understandable if you feel a little trepidation about braving a complete episode. Hulu or YouTube clips that eliminate the chaff are recommended.
The cold open was amusing, exploring a speech President Barack Obama delivered at West Point. The White House party crashing couple — remember them — captured pictures and generally interrupted Obama’s speech. Fred Armisen’s portrayal of Obama was spot on, and SNL cast members Kristen Wiig and Bobby Moynihan demonstrated their genuine talent.
For the former heroine of Gossip Girl — the popular CW teen melodrama that cemented Lively into household name status — her opening monologue revealed someone who doesn’t take herself too seriously. And her line readings were unstilted. Most of the cast showed up rather unexpectedly as the Muppets, singing “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” along with…
