'SNL' skewers whiny tech geeks with 'traditional sarcastic dance'

‘SNL’ skewers whiny tech geeks with ‘traditional sarcastic dance’

By Claire Zulkey

Oct. 14, 2012 12 AM PT

Apple users who complain about the functionality of the newest iPhone may think twice after viewing the most cutting sketch from last night’s “SNL.”

“Tech Talk” was something of a mix of Mike Daisey’s “The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs” and Louis C.K.’s beloved bit “Everything Is Amazing And Nobody is Happy.” In the sketch, geeks from various tech blogs convene on a talk show to complain about their least favorite parts of the iPhone 5, until it’s sprung on them that they must confront the underpaid, overworked and very unsympathetic Chinese laborers who make the phones. The embarrassed bloggers suddenly aren’t so smug as the workers encourage them to continue griping about Google Maps as they point out, “We don’t need maps because we sleep where we work,” and perform a “traditional sarcastic dance.” The most cutting line of the sketch was the takeaway, “Let’s see, what does America make? Does diabetes count as a product?”

Other than Taran Killam improving his Paul Ryan impression for the vice presidential debate cold open, “SNL” was otherwise fairly light on political or social commentary last night, as the writers chose to highlight host Christina Applegate’s singing and dancing talents. Her monologue consisted of the song “It’s Almost Not Quite Halloween,” about the sweet period between the summer and the onslaught of store decorations and family get-togethers. In the final sketch of the night, Applegate portrayed a nonsensical choreographer who teaches her students in dance-babble.

However, arguably the most successful of the lighthearted sketches involved Jason Sudeikis as Odysseus being strapped to the mast of his ship in order to avoid the call of the magical but evil Sirens, who successfully seduce Odysseus and his crew with ‘90s chick music by the likes of Sheryl Crow and Lisa Loeb. Unfortunately, possibly due to musical rights, the sketch is unavailable online, but the concept felt rich with potential to become a recurring bit. Perhaps it can replace “The Californians”?

Finally, can any readers provide insight into the angle of the Gillette Pro Glider parody ad, where convicted child molester Jerry Sandusky appears alongside celebrities André 3000, Adrien Brody and Gael García Bernal to hawk their latest product? It will certainly make more than one person think twice before buying one of its styler razors … but was there a reason why?

ALSO:

Apple iPhone 5: Video Review

‘SNL’ mocks Obama’s lackluster debate appearance

Mike Daisey, the theater artist behind the controversy

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