From the hallowed halls of the Church Lady’s set on Saturday Night Live, two of the most talked-about figures of contemporary America found themselves under the bright lights and skeptical eyes of Dana Carvey's iconic character. The cold open on December 7 was nothing short of sensational, with Carvey reprising his beloved Church Lady to interview none other than Matt Gaetz and Hunter Biden.
This week’s episode of SNL took on political figures with the kind of sharp wit the show has been known for since its inception. Carvey's character poked fun at the supposed lack of accountability for these two, labeling them as "sinners" who navigated through controversy with surprising ease.
The sketch began with Carvey’s Church Lady firmly establishing her authority and heavily critiquing 2024 as the “most satanic year in history.” The script played out with Church Lady as she invited Gaetz—portrayed by Sarah Sherman—onto the stage, immediately addressing his infamous past. She didn’t hold back, saying, "You were involved in some little sexual peccadillos, and they wrote a whole report about it, but somehow we never got to see it, did we? Isn’t it convenient?" Gaetz’s response was just as tongue-in-cheek, admitting, “For me, it is, yes,” illustrating both how absurd and contentious the whole matter has become.
Meanwhile, not far behind, the Church Lady prepared to tackle the guest everyone was waiting to see: Hunter Biden, played by former SNL cast member David Spade. The timing was particularly poignant since President Biden had just issued a pardon for Hunter’s criminal cases. Spade didn’t shy away from the humor of the moment, attributing his troubles more to his father’s name than to any actual wrongdoing. "They singled me out just because of who I am," he lamented, poking fun at the public scrutiny surrounding his life, much of which has been juxtaposed against Gaetz’s controversies.
Between sharp quips about the struggles of being the son of the sitting President and engaging critiques on the moral bankruptcies of the political right through Gaetz, SNL managed to navigate sensitive waters. Carvey’s Church Lady was the ultimate referee, calling out hypocrisy and absurdity everywhere. One memorable line came from her when she took a jab at Biden: "Last time I checked, Jesus wasn't walking around in a robe with no underwear hanging out with prostitutes," to which Spade’s Biden neatly countered, “I think he was,” sending the crowd roaring with laughter.
The lack of accountability surrounding these figures was no accident of comedic timing. Gaetz has been under scrutiny for years due to allegations related to illicit drug use, sexual misconduct, and more serious accusations, including claims of inappropriate relationships with minors. The House Ethics Committee's long-anticipated report on Gaetz's activities remains shrouded in mystery, having been mysteriously withheld amid political machinations. The Church Lady’s query directly alluded to this frustration and confusion, encapsulating the public's constant demand for transparency. Carvey’s delivery was perfectly timed, his character’s mix of sweetness and scorn providing just the right pitch for each line.
On the other side, Hunter Biden's recent legal troubles have often overshadowed his identity, leading to dramatic headlines. His legal issues ranged from federal tax charges to gun-related misdemeanors. Recently pardoned by his father, Hunter articulated his belief about the familial bond and the significance of forgiveness, humorously noting, "Pardon me? Who do you think I am, your daddy?" from Carvey’s Church Lady, bluntly reminding viewers of his privileged status.
The sketches on SNL, often reflecting public sentiment, unleashed criticisms liberal and conservative alike.Hunter's struggles have frequently drawn ire, and the irony of the celebrity status shielding him is woven deeply throughout pop culture. SNL cleverly navigated these themes by framing them through humor and satire, allowing audiences to reflect on both political figures without losing perspective of their humanity.
Closing the skit, there was more than just playful banter—there was music. The cast broke out singing heartily, "Will Christmas be about Jesus? Nobody knows, or will it be about Santa hanging with the ‘ho, ho, hos’?" This rousing conclusion solidified the notion of uncertainty, fun, and the questions looming over both Gaetz and Hunter Biden's futures.
The episode also highlighted the return of some beloved SNL alumni and the ever-evolving narrative structures surrounding character portrayals. Each performance was stitched together masterfully, echoed through the laughter and applause of the audience. Carvey has shown himself to be quite the chameleon, as he wore multiple hats through the night, including depicting the unpredictable persona so closely tied to President Biden.
The revival of Carvey's Church Lady character is not just about nostalgia; it's about relearning how humor can dissect power dynamics within government. By making the Church Lady ultra-relevant again, SNL reminds viewers not to take political figures too seriously, no matter how entangled their lives become.
Reviewers and viewers alike praised the cold open. Critics noted the sketch's effectiveness and ability to touch on complex themes, all through the lens of humor, bringing together memories from past decades and showcasing the evolution of SNL's satire. Combining cultural references to modern-day issues, it managed to stick the landing right on time for the holidays.
Overall, SNL's December 7 episode using characters as polarized as Gaetz and Hunter Biden emphasizes the importance of humor as both commentary and entertainment. While they walked the fine line of political humor, it confirmed one thing: the comedy-styled roast by SNL makes it clear: no one—regardless of stature—escapes the blistering scrutiny of this classic show.