The character is a hero in his city, however when he throws acid on folks, their pores and skin melts, and so they die a horrible, grotesque dying. The townspeople witness one such dying and say it is “gross.” In response, the principle character cites Jim Bowie utilizing a Bowie knife and says, “I exploit acid as a result of that is my title.” At one level, Kevin Nealon, because the bartender, says the city is grateful he is cleaned up the place, however “it is simply that we’re undecided which is worse: lawlessness, or having to observe folks die horribly from acid.”

Later, when a girl asks Josh to decide on between her or acid, he says, “Frida, I took a job, and that job’s not accomplished till each felony on this territory is both behind bars or melted down.”

The sketch is simply absurdly ridiculous in a pleasant manner, and it gleefully subverts the stoic the Aristocracy of the stereotypical Western hero, which is a trope child boomers grew up with on TV. If I have been to stretch, I’d additionally say it really works as a result of it lampoons the concept some strategies of legally or rightfully killing somebody are extra honorable and socially acceptable than others.

It is not on YouTube that I can discover, but I found a copy on TikTok.

—Benj Edwards

Hidden Digital camera Commercials (Season 17)

For me—and, I think, most individuals—there are a number of “golden ages” of SNL. But when I needed to decide only one, it will be the Chris Farley period. The crown jewel of Farley’s SNL tenure was actually the Bob Odenkirk- penned “Van Down by the River.” Right this moment, although, I’d like to spotlight a deeper reduce: a espresso industrial wherein Farley’s character is informed he’s ingesting decaf espresso as a substitute of normal. As an alternative of being delighted that he can’t inform the distinction in style, he will get… ANGRY.

Farley’s incredulous “what?” and dawning rage at being deceived by no means fail to make me snort.

Hidden Digital camera Commercials.

—Aaron Zimmerman

Wake Up and Smile (Season 21)

SNL likes to take a easy concept and repeat it—generally with out sufficient development. However “Wake Up and Smile” stands out by following its easy concept (perky morning present hosts are misplaced with out their teleprompters) into an extremely darkish place. In six minutes, you may watch the polished veneer of civilization collapse into tribal violence, all throughout the absurdist confines of a vapid TV present. Ultimately, everybody wakes from their momentary dystopian dreamland. Nicely, apart from the weatherman.

—Nate Anderson

Thanks, Nate, and everybody who contributed. Certainly, one of many joys of watching the present stay is you by no means know when a sketch goes to dark or very, very dark.