This episode was a complete novelty. The winner of an “Anyone Can Host” contest, 80-year-old Miskel Spillane, was sweet and charming but clearly not a performer. The cast treated her with gentle affection, but the show was understandably awkward and lacked comedic punch. The real story, and the reason this episode is legendary, was the musical guest. Elvis Costello, in a moment of planned defiance, stopped his band mid-song and launched into the politically charged “Radio, Radio,” getting himself banned from the show for years. His performance was electrifying and brought a jolt of punk-rock rebellion to an otherwise sleepy episode. A bizarre show saved by one of the most iconic musical moments in TV history.
Season 3, Miskel Spillman, Elvis Costello, C+
