It was an emotional season finale with several regular cast members making their exit — or close to it if the rumors are true. Seth Meyers is slated to take over hosting duties for NBC’s Late Night, but will remain on board at least through the fall. Bill Hader said a tearful goodbye last night after eight years on the show. We’re thankful the eps were Hader-heavy. The closing shot of him doling out bear hugs was sweet. Fred Armisen and Jason Sudeikis are “probably” taking their leave. One man, however, dominated the night: Kanye West.
An intense performance of his new Yeezus tracks “Black Skinhead” and “New Slaves” (posted below) reminded us why we like angry Kanye better than Kardashian Kanye. Hader’s Weekend Update sketch, posted after the jump, also ruled the evening. Host Ben Affleck was there? There was no pomp for the five-timer, just Bobby Moynihan in a ratty tee with the number five on it. Affleck’s wife, Jennifer Garner, stopped by for a few jokes during the opening monologue. Overall Ben was reliable, but forgettable. We expected Matt Damon to appear, because frankly, Affleck’s funnier when they’re together. See more of the best and worst from the season finale, below. Leave your wish list for next season in the comments section.
The Best
Kanye West, “Black Skinhead”
Kanye West, “New Slaves”
Kanye killed it last night with two solid performances. Projections flared around him, and the show was officially stolen. Was Ben fighting back some tears when making his introduction or what? Also, whose eyes looked more dead: Affleck or Kanye?
Weekend Update: Really?! IRS Scandal
Amy Poehler. Enough said. The duo tackled the IRS scandal with panache. “I already assumed you know how Breaking Bad ends.”
Weekend Update: Stefon’s Farewell
One of the best send-offs we’ve seen on the show. Everyone and their mother showed up for this Graduate-style wedding. The surprise groom was perfect, and a horde of guests from Stefon’s favorite night spots showed up as witnesses.
Top of the Pops
It sure felt like Fred was leaving after watching this charming goodbye performance with Armisen as his beloved Ian Rubbish character. Carrie Brownstein, Kim Gordon, Steve Jones, J Mascis, Michael Penn, and Aimee Mann joined him. Armisen’s lyrics, “It’s been all right. I’ve had a lovely night with you,” summed up the show in general.
Iranian Film
Only because it contains the best Gigli joke ever uttered.
New Xanax
Immaculate gay summer weddings are stressful, you guys. Just accept that you’ll never get the hang of those choreographed Beyoncé dances.
Hermes
The ex-porn stars, played by Vanessa Bayer and Cecily Strong, were at it again — this time in a terrible, ridiculous “ad” for Hermes bags. Fellow porn vet Girth Brooks (Ben Affleck) lent a “whole hand in.”
The Worst
Greg’s Funeral
Even though it’s his funeral, no one likes Greg. No one is right.
Politics Nation: IRS Scandal Cold Open
The writers really need to figure out how to reinvigorate the openers for next season. This just doesn’t cut it anymore.
And…
Video of the emotionally repressed police officers, who try to give a toast at an engagement party, isn’t available, but you’re not missing anything. After a few obligatory bro references for Affleck’s sake in previous sketches, we reached our limit.