SNL Season 2, Episode 1: Lily Tomlin

The second season kicked off with the return of a first-season favorite, and Lily Tomlin was just as brilliant as before. Rather than resting on her laurels, she brought new energy and characters to the stage. Her monologue, featuring a conversation with a heckler (played perfectly by a disembodied John Belushi), was a masterclass in comedic performance. The show felt confident and sharp, with the entire cast operating at a higher level. The debut of Bill Murray as a full cast member was seamless. James Taylor provided a mellow and soulful musical counterpoint to the sharp comedy. It was a superb start to the season, reaffirming that the show’s initial success was no accident. A truly wonderful episode.