Dana Carvey made waves once again when he reprised his beloved character, the Church Lady, during the recent episode of Saturday Night Live. The December 7 cold open featured Carvey revisiting one of his most celebrated skits, much to the delight of longtime fans of the show.
The Church Lady, also known as Enid Strict, is characterized by her uptight demeanor and sharp wit, often used to deliver biting social and political commentary. This return to Studio 8H marked not only Carvey's presence but also highlighted current events as fodder for his humor.
"It’s great to be back to ring out the end of 2024, the most satanic year in history," Carvey quipped as the Church Lady. The line, dripping with both sarcasm and social critique, immediately set the tone for what was to follow.
With humor aimed squarely at contemporary issues, Carvey tackled various topics, including rising pop culture phenomena. He referred to the character portrayed by 11-year-old Sabrina Carpenter, mentioning how young girls seemed to idolize her. “Did you know who’s the best carpenter? Jesus,” he dryly commented, drawing laughs from the studio audience.
The skit also featured fellow SNL alum David Spade, who appeared as Hunter Biden, offering the Church Lady additional material to work with. Carvey and Spade's banter combined pop culture, humor, and current political scandal, showcasing the signature SNL style fans love. Spade’s Biden, caught slightly off guard by the Church Lady’s pointed remarks about his less-than-stellar reputation, tried to maintain his composure, leading to some hilariously scripted exchanges.
David Spade’s performance wasn’t the only highlight of the Church Lady's return. Sarah Sherman took to the stage as former Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, which allowed for more of Carvey’s deliciously sharp comedic barbs. The Church Lady confronted Gaetz, poking fun at his political misadventures over the past year: “Matt, let’s see if I have this straight. You were involved in some little sexual peccadillos? They wrote a whole report about it, but somehow we never got to see it, did we? Isn’t it convenient?”
Such jabs at political figures are nothing new for SNL, but Carvey’s delivery brought the satirical humor to life with his signature catchphrases, including the classic, “Well, isn’t this special?”
Despite the comedic edge, the Church Lady's critiques were suffused with social commentary, tackling significant events and trends from 2024, such as the growing influence of digital media and pop culture on young viewers. The Church Lady’s rants also included humorous takes on cultural shifts where traditional values might seem at risk, illustrating her character's reluctance to evolve with the times.
The episode also indulged in poking fun at the Wicked film adaptation. Carvey's Church Lady humorously referred to it as “just like The Wizard of Oz, but instead of saying, ‘Lions, tigers and bears, oh my,’ they say ‘Lions, tigers and sluts.' This comedic play on words mirrored both the fantastical elements of the story and the modern twist on morality presented within it.
While the political and cultural references kept viewers engaged, Carvey’s ability to mold these elements with the Church Lady's unique personality made the segment even more memorable.
The sketch did not shy away from levity surrounding serious discussions, utilizing humor as both relief and commentary. It mirrored the contemporary tone of SNL, which often balances playful jabs at serious issues, ensuring they’re accessible and entertaining.
Carvey’s influence on SNL during his original run from 1986 to 1993 cannot be overstated, and this latest appearance reaffirmed his iconic status, as well as the enduring popularity of characters like the Church Lady. With catchphrases like “How convenient!” and “Well, isn’t this special?” having long entered the lexicon of comedic phrases, the Church Lady continues to resonate with audiences today.
Fans of the show were quick to express their joy and nostalgia over the Church Lady’s comeback on social media, sharing clips and celebratory comments about the character’s witty remarks and Carvey’s classic comedic timing.
Overall, Dana Carvey's return as the Church Lady not only stirred memories of SNL’s golden years but also provided insightful commentary on modern-day issues through the lens of humorous satire. With his deft performance, Carvey reminded audiences once again why he became such a beloved figure on the show, and why the Church Lady continues to be relevant.