Robert Klein brought his stand-up comedian sensibilities to the host role, making for an episode heavy on observational humor. His monologues were sharp, and he had a great, easygoing rapport with the cast. The show felt smart and witty, with sketches that often had a satirical edge. The debut of the “Chevy’s Girls” sketch with Gilda, Laraine, and Jane was a highlight, showcasing the women’s fantastic chemistry. The musical guests were a unique mix; ABBA’s pre-taped performance felt a bit disconnected, but Loudon Wainwright III was fantastic live. It was a very strong, well-written episode that solidified “Weekend Update” as the show’s anchor and proved SNL could be both intelligent and silly.
Season 1, Robert Klein, ABBA, Loudon Wainwright III, B
