When a former cast member comes back to host, you can usually expect a decent show. They know how SNL works and seem willing to do what it takes to make it all run smoothly. Chris Rock was no exception to this rule, despite a very Rock-y (in all senses of the word) opening monologue.

The sketches that worked

• The night’s clear standout was “Gallbladder Surgery,” thanks to a simple but hilarious premise and a surprise pop-up from Adam Sandler! No contest there.
• “Mall Santas” was good, as well — I love a holiday sketch and this one hit the Chris Rock mark, for sure.
• I was more than happy to ditch politics for the week to center on a Nancy Grace themed cold open, “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace.” Sarah Sherman has done an amazing job taking over the Grace character, the newest in a long line of talented stars.
• I liked “Grandpa’s Magic Car“!

The sketches that didn’t

• The internet loved “Simpsons Christmas Gift,” but it wasn’t for me (although I did love the reveal that Heidi Gardner‘s wheelchair-bound character was named Susan Wheels). This one didn’t land.
• “Sexual Harassment Charlie” worked because of Kenan Thompson (and Sherman almost breaking) but again, Rock’s performance didn’t land for me on this one.
• Hated “Blind Date“.

The one I didn’t care about either way

• “Office Christmas Party Extravaganza” was a good concept, didn’t sway me one way or the other.

The musical guest

Who is this person? JJ Abrams’s daughter? Didn’t give me chills.

Final thoughts

I don’t know. I don’t want to be a downer, and I don’t necessarily have anything against Chris Rock, but this one just didn’t really work for me from start to finish. It was a solid “okay.”

My rating: 2.5/5