SNL Skips Comic Opening Sketch, Pays Tribute To Paris Through Doleful Message Instead
"Saturday Night Live" boycotted the traditional "cold open" in the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris. Instead of delivering a comical sketch, the show kicked off with a somber tribute for the French capital.
Washington Post shared that "SNL" cast Cecily Strong front-lined the show with a rather mournful sketch. For years, the NBC show has been marked for its humorous monologues that are often reserved for political issues that hit the headlines. Paris attacks were reported a day before the previous episode airs, making the incidents, no doubt, as the center of attention.
"Paris is the city of light, and here in New York City, we know that light will never go out," Strong said. "Our love and support is with everyone there tonight. We stand with you."
She then repeated the same powerful message in French.
"Paris, c'est la ville lumière," she said, as quoted from E! News. "Ici, à New York City, nous savons que cette lumière ne s'éteindra jamais. On vous envoie tout notre amour et notre soutien ce soir. Nous sommes de tout coeur avec vous."
But while the show was opened with a somber message, it continued its ordinary routine of sharing laughs for everyone. Elizabeth Banks hosted the previous episode while musical performances were made by English entertainers, electric duo Disclosure and singers Lorde and Sam Smith.
Skipping the comical "cold open" is a common thing for the comedy show most especially when tragedies occur.
In the first episode of "SNL's" 27th season on Sept. 29, 2001, three weeks after the infamous bombing of the World Trade Center Complex that left almost 3,000 killed and 6,000 injured, the show was opened with a sentimental sketch by New York City Mayor Rudi Giuliani.
E! News further reported that "SNL" isn't the only show that has paid tribute to the victims of the recent mishap in Paris. "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert got emotional amid the crisis.
"We end tonight's show with a heavy heart because we taped all of tonight's show and then we found out about the horrific attacks in Paris today," Colbert said after Michael Flatley performed.
"We add our thoughts and prayers to everyone in Paris and now, um, we'll see you on Monday. Um," he added as he paused for a while in silence, and then followed a doleful "goodnight."
At least 129 people are killed during six attacks in Paris that were reportedly planted by ISIS. Currently, the attack is Paris' worst terrorist violence since World War II.
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