Neil Patrick A Master of Comedy on SNL

Review: Neil Patrick Harris on ‘SNL’ this past weekend

By Matthew B. Zeidman

NEW YORK (RushPRnews/Hollywood Today) 1/12/09 – Neil Patrick Harris, star of “How I Met Your Mother” and “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” shocked Saturday night by pulling off the best episode of “Saturday Night Live” in recent memory.

“SNL,” which had suffered from hackneyed and overlong skits prior to the 2008 election season, quickly languished back into old habits following the victory of President-elect Barack Obama. Without Sarah Palin or John McCain to make fun of, it seemed SNL had lost its grip on what was truly funny.

Host Harris and the show’s writers were in incredible form this weekend, however, successfully perfecting the straight man/funny man formula and getting through the entire 1.5-hour program without a single stinker.

An exacerbated Phantom of the Opera attempting to convince his oblivious fellow Broadway characters to alter their lavish productions to survive plummeting ticket sales was just one of the night’s highlights. Harris brought the bit together by leading a recitation of “the theme of the 90s” as the star of “Rent,” and musical guest Taylor Swift performed well as a street-smart Annie.



Harris’ monologue roasting fellow former child star Fred Savage coupled with Andy Samberg’s characterization of actor Mark Wahlberg did much better than average. Harris’ portrayal of British interviewer David Frost following up his infamous Richard Nixon interview by grilling other 70s bigwigs, such as David Bowie and Paul Lynde, was priceless. A sight gag courtesy of Liza Minnelli also fit well.

Hopefully, “SNL” writers can keep the momentum going with host Rosario Dawson next week, lest the show return to the soul-crushing and recurring mediocrity that has sullied its once great comedic legacy.