Pete Davidson's pairing with John Mulaney was the only standout moment on a lackluster SNL episode

The Atlantic

On Saturday Night Live's first episode of 2019 and the first since Davidson's Instagram scare last month, the comedian joked about his suicide threat on "Weekend Update." Davidson was joined by fellow comedian John Mulaney, who is uniquely qualified to help him, having had issues with alcohol and prescription drug abuse. "What elevated the segment was Davidson and Mulaney’s vibrant odd-couple chemistry" says David Sims. "Mulaney has the clipped, precise delivery of a veteran, Johnny Carson–esque comic (his talent as a stand-up includes knowing exactly which syllables to hit hardest in every joke), while the hyperactive Davidson seems like he could misread a cue card at any moment or break into unplanned guffaws. Their pairing felt more alive than the show’s ongoing 'Update' team, Jost and Che. The segment has long been in need of revamping, and unfortunately, Mulaney, who has for years been an obvious pick for the hosting job, is likely too busy with his own career to return to SNL full-time." Their appearance together gave the episode a much-needed boost, says Sims, especially since the political material is still wanting, with host Rachel Brosnahan feeling lost in the shuffle.