A fascinating and politically charged episode with civil rights leader Julian Bond as host. Bond had a commanding presence and natural charisma, though he wasn’t a comedian. The show smartly leaned into this, with sketches that had a satirical or political edge. The “Black Perspective” sketch was sharp and incisive. It wasn’t the most laugh-heavy episode, but it was one of the most thoughtful, using its platform to do more than just tell jokes. The real showstopper was Tom Waits, whose gritty, poetic performance was utterly mesmerizing and unlike anything else on television. It was a bold and unconventional show that proved SNL’s willingness to experiment with its format.
Season 2, Julian Bond, Tom Waits, Brick, B+
