Irish actor Paul Mescal made a notable impression during his debut on Saturday Night Live on December 7. Although he is primarily recognized for his dramatic performances, Mescal showcased his comedic chops with a monologue that humorously highlighted his lack of traditional comedy roles by featuring a montage of him crying in various films. The host brought plenty of laughs during his appearance and even displayed his musical abilities in an entertaining sketch where his character from Gladiator II, Lucius, performed a grand number while brandishing a sword.
The episode began with a cold open featuring the beloved Dana Carvey reprising his role as the Church Lady, who interviewed David Spade as Hunter Biden. The show also featured a musical performance entitled “Pirates,” a sketch from the Please Don’t Destroy trio titled “Paul Mescal Is Daddy,” and a lively performance from musical guest Shaboozey, who had the audience engaged with their rendition of “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Throughout the night, Mescal’s humor shone through in various sketches. In one segment, he cleared up misconceptions about Irish culture, jokingly clarifying that while the Scots wear kilts, the Irish favor short shorts.
Other sketches included a comedic take on parenting with “Earring,” where two parents spiral over their son’s new earring, a whimsical “Italian Restaurant Commercial” where he competed with a fellow actor, and a humorous portrayal in “Brilliant Lawyer,” in which he was represented by a less-than-brilliant attorney.
As the episode wrapped up, Mescal showcased his talent for impressions by stepping into the shoes of Bono alongside Chloe Fineman and James Austin Johnson, demonstrating his range beyond drama and into comedy and music.
Mescal’s debut on SNL not only expanded his artistic repertoire but also delighted audiences with memorable sketches and moments. His willingness to break out of his comfort zone is a testament to his versatility as a performer, fostering optimism about his future roles in both comedic and musical endeavors.
Overall, Mescal’s first experience on SNL appears to be a sweet victory, highlighting the joys of taking artistic risks and the laughter that can unite audiences through shared experiences.