The problem is with SNL is that they are not establighing new trends, but rather, just falling back on what works, or seems to work to make people laugh. I've seen more people get laughs at the "lovers" sketches, simply because Will Ferrell was back (not to trounce on his skill), than sketches that were actually funny. They need more people who actually do things properly.

The one recurring sketch that I absolutely hated was the Debbie Downer ones; they weren't funny at all, and I'm pretty optimistic most of the time, I'll ignore anything that'll ruin my day, but what gets me is that people actually laugh at it for it's comedic value, which is non-existant. If people were laughing because they were sadistic jackasses, that would make more sense.

There are boatloads of more sketches that are funnier than the Cork Soakers. One that comes to mind is Jamba Juice with Natalie Portman, and the short video clip of her rapping. Now THAT was genius. But I'm also a fan of Baldwin's, Hanks', Walken's, and Goodman's works. Jeopardy works, too.

However, I heard that both Tina Fey and Rachel Dratch left the show. I wonder what of a direction it will take.