'Wasn't That Special' Season Nine Clips Package

As always, for those who have signed up for the podcast at the Executive Producer level, we send out notable video and newspaper clips that aided us in preparing for the episode. Below are some of the Saturday Night Live sketches and media clips we reference throughout the episode, to enhance the listening process.

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Here are some of the materials we discuss throughout the Season Nine episode:

James Brown’s Celebrity Hot Tub Party

The best sketch of the season by far - it topped both of our lists.

Suicide Hotline

Wondrous wordplay from Edwin Newman.

Book Beat: Treasure Hunt

Christian’s second-favorite sketch of the season.

Just a Nickel

Eddie Murphy’s last live sketch - just Murphy and Joe Piscopo having fun and ad-libbing, with Piscopo leaning his head on Eddie’s shoulder at the end - so touching.

Firing Line: Combustible Black Men

Perfectly Frank

Kevin Nealon would later steal his most recognizable bit from this sketch.

El Dorko, Part 2

Jewish Family in the Attic

This shouldn’t be an Eddie sketch, but as they all do, it ends up being an Eddie sketch.

Winston University

This made Scot’s list of “Best Forgotten Sketches.”

Practical Cheerleading Squad

Christian’s “Best Cold Open.”

Lie Detector Test

Foldgers Crystals

Witness Relocation

Not a great sketch, but the beginning of Don Rickles’ attempt to completely sabotage the show.

Budd Light

Scot’s Best Commercial pick.

Rappin’ Jimmy B

Christian’s editorial note: Kill this with fire and salt the earth where once it stood.

The reviews for Season Nine were not positive. Here is David Bianculli of the Philadelphia Inquirer calling for the show’s cancelation, saying it no longer has the “bite, influence, or loyalty” it did in its heyday (of four years before.)

In the meantime, during his exile, Lorne Michaels was busy cooking up his own sketch show, called “The New Show.” It featured heavyweight hosts like Steve Martin, John Candy, and Candice Bergen, but only lasted nine weeks before it was canceled.

On May 16, 1984, just four days after Season Nine finished, Andy Kaufman died of cancer at age 36.