Dyan Cannon brought a bubbly, infectious energy to the show. She was clearly thrilled to be there and participated in the sketches with great enthusiasm. Her monologue, where she sang a bit, was very charming. The show felt upbeat and fun, with a number of solid sketches, including a funny one where she plays a therapist to one of Gilda Radner’s quirky characters. The overall tone was light and breezy. The musical guests, Leon & Mary Russell, delivered a great, soulful performance that fit the episode’s positive vibe. While it may not have been a groundbreaking episode, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and consistently entertaining show from start to finish.
Chevy’s Fall, Take Two: Even more falls from Chevy CHase, this time due to a (fake) malfunction by the SNL crew.
Dyan Cannon, Leon and Mary Russell, May 15, 1976, SNL Season 1, SNL Season 1 Episode 20
