Josh Brolin took the stage once more as the host of Saturday Night Live, bringing a mix of humor and vulnerability to his opening monologue. With a reference to his experience with cold plunges, Brolin drew a parallel between hosting SNL and jumping into an ice bath. This comparison, while amusing, may have come off as a bit awkward and forced.
As Brolin shed his clothes and dived into the cold plunge, it was evident that he was fully committed to the experience. However, the references to his previous hosting gigs from 12 years ago seemed somewhat outdated and disconnected from the current cultural landscape. While reminiscing about the past can be nostalgic, it is crucial to find a balance between honoring tradition and keeping the content relevant to contemporary audiences.
The mention of Adele and Gotye as past musical guests served as a nice trip down memory lane, but it also highlighted the fact that times have changed. Brolin’s take on Cardi B’s hit song may have elicited a few chuckles, but it also came across as slightly cringeworthy. Additionally, his recollection of playing Thanos in the MCU felt like a random insertion that didn’t quite fit the overall narrative of his monologue.
The recitation of a poem dedicated to Timothée Chalamet was an unexpected turn in Brolin’s monologue. While the poem itself was well-written and poetic, its inclusion felt out of place and somewhat forced. The transition from humorous anecdotes to a serious, introspective moment may have left viewers feeling a bit confused and disconnected from the overall tone of the monologue.
While Josh Brolin’s return to host Saturday Night Live was filled with moments of humor and introspection, there were instances where the content felt lacking in cohesiveness and relevance. Moving forward, it would be beneficial for future hosts to strike a balance between honoring the show’s legacy and keeping the material fresh and engaging for contemporary audiences.