Who Scored Big in Week 2 of SNL's Relevancy Poll?
Even though the results were disappointing, this week's 'SNL' was, again, very host-centric – meaning there wasn't a ton of lead-role airtime to go around for cast members. Though, Jay Pharoah managed to get his first sketch of the season on the air, while poor Paul Brittain was nearly shut out. But who leads the poll after the second week of the season? A show hosted by 'Bridesmaids' star Melissa McCarthy? It should be no surprise that the top spot goes to...
1. Kristen Wiig (Last Week: 1) In the least exciting result ever: Yes, Kristen Wiig won the night while her buddy, Melissa McCarthy was hosting. Actually, what is surprising is that Wiig didn't obliterate her cast member competition. Wiig looked to dominate the show early on between "Lawrence Welk" and the monologue – after, she settled in to just a couple supporting roles. But her early dominance was still enough for her to carry the week. (Also, she managed to get 'Bridesmaids' mentioned three times during the course of the show.)
2. Andy Samberg (Last Week: 6) Samberg's "Stomp" is certainly not one of the better Digital Shorts to be produced, but its interesting twist allowed for some laughs. Also came up with one of the better ideas of the week with "Complaints" – unfortunately, he just couldn't execute "Complaints." Regardless, as far as airtime, a nice rebound from last week for Samberg.
3. Jason Sudeikis (Last Week: 5) In this week's episode of "Has Jason Sudeikis checked out?" my answer this week: I'm not sure. On one hand, Sudeikis was everywhere this week. On the other hand, he seems to be playing an awful lot of "host" type characters (other than when he was resisting Melissa McCarthy's advances). Also, with some of the duds that aired last night, how did this cut "Netflix Apology" sketch not make the live show?
4. Jay Pharoah (Last Week: 14) This is how life will be for Jay Pharoah. Either he will be at the bottom of the list every week for being in nothing, or he will be near the top of the list after delivering another killer impression. This week: Chris Rock. Though, what may be more important, Pharoah got himself a walk on part in "Arlene" – which shocked and excited me. (And, no, I wasn't the person in the audience who also sounded quite shocked and excited.)
5. Vanessa Bayer (Last Week: 8) I'm starting to think that Bayer has the looks of this sweet and innocent person – but something really, really, dark lies within. Her second "Gaddafi's Friends" segment with Armisen was, again, solid – but might have been better off on a different week. What was really great was whatever role she had in creating "Lil' Poundcake.'
6. Bill Hader (Last Week: 2) Is there a chance that Hader isn't going to dominate 'SNL' like he did last season? Was last season's MVP performance just an aberration while Wiig was preoccupied with 'Bridesmaids'? Last season was a much better overall product when there was more of a balance between Hader and Wiig, but, so far, we seem to be returning to a Wiig heavy season.
7. Taran Killam (Last Week: 3) Killam should have been promoted to a fulltime cast member before this season started. Even when he doesn't have a sketch of his own, he's used as supporting characters extremely liberally these days -- which is almost as important as being the featured performer. Killam made appearances in the monologue, "Lawrence Welk," "The Comment Section," "Taste Test," and "Lulu Diamond."
8. Bobby Moynihan: (Last Week: 11) Moynihan had a very similar week to Killam's. Honestly, I think Moynihan is one of the funniest members of the cast, but, for whatever reason, since about midway through last season, he's been regulated to supporting roles. And he's great in them! But I'd love to see more sketches in which Moynihan is the featured performer.
9. Keenan Thompson: (Last Week: 12) Some bit parts here and there, but Keenan's best moment was as Tyler Perry – which was... OK.
10. Fred Armisen (Last Week: 7) He did have "Gaddafi's Friends" make its second appearance (why couldn't it have been Nicholas Fehn?). But outside of "Lawrence Welk," another pretty quiet week for Armisen. Also, it should be noted, after two weeks into the season, we have yet to see a sketch that features Obama. (Also, he, too, would have benefited from the "Netflix" sketch.)
11. Abby Elliott (Last Week: 10) Elliott made a few appearances this week, but she's still digging herself out of last season's doldrums. She was seen in the cold open, "Chris Rock," and "Taste Test." Elliott really needs a hit of her own. Though, it's nice to see, at least so far this season, she is getting into sketches.
12. Seth Meyers (Last Week: 4) Meyers just hasn't been in a groove yet this season. Meyers has been at the "Update" desk for now his sixth season (two of those alongside Amy Poehler). That's a lot. Get this: After this season, Meyers will tie Dennis Miller and Tina Fey for the longest tenure as "Weekend Update" anchor (and Fey always had a co-host). Meyers has now been on 'SNL' for, kind of quietly, eleven seasons. Darrell Hammond, who owns the record, was on for fourteen seasons. I have no doubt that Meyers will rebound, but is there a chance that he's getting bored with "Update"?
13: Nasim Pedrad (Last Week: 4) A very quiet week for Pedrad with just a supporting role in the cold open, plus a few lines in "The Comment Section" and "Complaints."
14. Paul Brittain (Last Week: 9) Good God, Brittain needs a follow up to last season's excellent "Sex" Ed Vincent... quickly. Brittain had, maybe, five seconds of airtime on Saturday.You can contact Mike Ryan directly on Twitter.

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