Kris Kristofferson hosted the season finale, and his laid-back, country-musician persona set a relaxed tone for the show. He seemed to have a good time, though his comedic timing wasn’t always the sharpest. The episode featured a number of sketches that played on his “outlaw” image. The writing felt a little tired, as if the cast and crew were ready for a summer break after a long, historic season. However, the musical performances were a clear highlight, with Kristofferson and his then-wife Rita Coolidge performing together beautifully. It was a decent, if unspectacular, end to a season that had completely changed the landscape of television comedy. A fittingly low-key farewell.
Kris Kristofferson SNL Season 1 Cold Open
Host Kris Kristofferson sings “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” while cast member Chevy Chase makes out with Kristofferson’s wife, Rita Coolidge.
