(S35E17) Congratulations, Jude Law. That was a solid episode all around and a fine return to the 'Saturday Night Live' stage. And despite the fact that Pearl Jam was virtually unrecognizable to any ears that haven't heard them since the early-'90s, at least Law's musical guest didn't have any reason to do an awkward hoedown during a career-crippling blunder.

Cold Open: Of course they had to talk about this. Of course. Now, if you haven't read up on the incredibly weird Eric Massa story, it probably would have seemed like 'SNL' was just making up most of it. Unfortunately, they weren't. Maybe that's why they felt that ridiculously long intro was necessary? Anyway, the treatment of this topic was all right, though the absolute best part was Bobby Moynihan as Massa, attempting stealth snorkeling on Andy Samberg (the weak distraction was especially nice). And no, sorry, you can't unsee it.

Monologue: Instead of going on about his stint as Watson in 'Sherlock Holmes' or his upcoming film 'Repo Men,' Law chose to focus primarily on his turn as Hamlet on the stage. I guess he was pretty damn excited about it, as it was the focus of both the monologue and a sketch later in the evening. The monologue turned out to be kind of long-winded, but Law sounds cool saying anything so it's no big deal. Also, obligatory mention of his last time hosting, when Ashlee Simpson slipped and drove a stake into the heart of her singing career.



Ford commercial: Mwah! Simple but clean execution. I mean, sure, the topic is probably a little late but it was well-done. Also, Abby Elliott should go for that redhead look more often.

Secret Word (1967): Ah, yes. Kristen Wiig's Judy Garland-y character again. This, combined with some jokes about old-school mid-century racism and Jude Law's huge Russian junk, made a good sketch to kick off the evening. This also marked a long evening of Law demonstrating all the accents he can do.



Broadview Security commercial: Do they usually do this many commercials? We got three in one night (well, one was a repeat, but still). Anyway, this Broadview Security one was funny, if only to see KD Lang and the classic "two boys dressed as a man" bust down a door.



Spain: I totally thought this was going to turn into a new version of that Shia LaBeouf thing. Y'know, with the repeated creepy faces? As it turns out, it was just a two-year-late joke on 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona.' However, Law's "I kill you" face was great and just further proved that if you look and sound like Jude Law, you can charm women into doing anything. His oddly specific lisp was also a fantastic dialectic detail.



Boombox: Yes! And also, yes. I had been waiting for this a long time and actually gave up hope once they started doing Digital Shorts with music not from The Lonely Island's "Incredibad" album. "Boombox" with Julian Casablancas was my favorite track from the album, so I was excited to see this. I liked the Short, but I'm wondering if I would have enjoyed it more if I had never, ever heard it before. None of the jokes really rely on a direct visual, all the funny is in the song. Oh well. I can't complain when Julian Casablancas shows up in fingerless gloves.



Weekend Update: Let's see, Swedish artists with a death wish and meat thermometer-stabbings in movie theaters. A respectable Weekend Update. Then Jerry Seinfeld decided to swing by and do a "Really!?! with Seth and Jerry," covering more of the Eric Massa scandal. In case you didn't know, Mr. Seinfeld is behind NBC's new 'The Marriage Ref,' in which celebrities, regardless of their own very public marital disasters, attempt to judge ordinary people's messed up relationships. 'Cause sometimes, you just need to hear the words coming from Madonna. Really, Jerry? Really?



'Twilight Zone': I nearly fell out of my seat as soon as the music started up. Have I mentioned how much I love Bill Hader's old-school impressions? Because I do. From Vincent Price to Peter Falk to Rod Serling, all amazing. His Serling-y smile was also great. This sketch was ridiculous but amusing through-and-through. Notable parts included the creature's "Kiss me! I'm real" apron, chilling (and spooking) with Pearl Jam, and the Food Network Cake Challenge (I wonder if anyone who doesn't sit around in their PJs watching food porn got that joke).



Hamlet: Hey, did you hear that Jude Law was in Hamlet? In case you weren't paying attention during the episode, he clarified again. It was good to see Moynihan's Nathan Lane again and Hader's Al Pacino is always welcome. Andy Samberg's Nic Cage is also a fun addition, but only if he is suddenly attacked by bees. Never. Not. Funny.



Kickspit Underground Records: A repeat. How dare you let me think this was a new version of that hilarious Insane Clown Posse parody, only to rip my hopes out and bury them in the sand. You broke my heart, Ass Dan.

Stenographer: I would not have counted the debut of this Fred Armisen character as a success so I was pretty surprised to see her again. Same not-great jokes. Law took the time to break out his American accent again, though.



Ravish: I was surprised Law didn't attempt to do an accent again for this sketch. "Jay Leno Walking with Ravish" was the best part of this and everything else was pretty typical of any sketch in this time slot. In other news: Jude Law really likes those shirts.