‘SNL’ in top form with one of its best casts ever

Published 6:15 pm Monday, May 19, 2008

Loping, romping and sometimes crawling to the finish line, “Saturday Night Live” ended another season on NBC with a show that featured Sen. John McCain, the likely Republican presidential candidate, in fine comic fettle, with the regular cast members’ fettle even finer.

Although the written material was spotty, the cast managed to have a party with it, and the viewing nation responded.

Based on Nielsen overnight ratings from 56 metered markets, “SNL’s” season finale — hosted by actor Steve Carell — scored better than any show on any network in prime time that night.

Next season, its 34th, will be unusual, as well, because of the presidential election and the fact that “SNL” seems most heavily watched when political passions are running high.

“SNL” will return in September (possibly as early as Sept. 13), with occasional Thursday night prime-time political specials also scheduled and a “Presidential Bash” special set to air Nov. 3, the night before the election.

It’s a heavy load, but the current cast — expected to return intact — can handle it.

“SNL” can boast one of the best and most resourceful ensembles since its legendary and now iconic first five years with the likes of John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, and Bill Murray.

The comic talent seems evenly distributed and the dead weight more scarce than in many a season past.