A Hilarious Holiday Misstep: SNL’s “December to Remember Car Commercial”
Introduction to the Sketch
“Saturday Night Live” has a knack for marrying humor with relatable life situations, and one sketch that perfectly encapsulates this is the “December to Remember Car Commercial.” Aired on December 12, 2020, it features a husband’s grand but misguided gesture during the holiday season that quickly spirals out of control.
The Premise: A Major Holiday Blunder
In the sketch, Beck Bennett plays Nathan, a well-meaning yet clueless husband who surprises his wife Kathy, portrayed by Heidi Gardner, with a brand-new Lexus adorned with a big red bow. As the holiday spirit looms, Nathan’s excitement turns into chaos as Kathy confronts him about the reality of their financial situation. It transforms from a cheerful surprise into a confrontation about poor financial decisions, making it a twist that many can relate to.
The Characters and the Actors Behind Them
The cast is led by:
- Beck Bennett as Nathan: Bennett nails the role of the oblivious husband, whose heart is in the right place but whose decision-making skills leave much to be desired.
- Heidi Gardner as Kathy: Providing a perfect foil to Nathan’s enthusiasm, Gardner’s performance captures the frustrations of a spouse who is not only concerned about finances but also about the bigger decisions in life.
- Timothée Chalamet as Matt: Their son, played by Chalamet, finds himself caught in the middle of this domestic disaster, clearly not expecting his Christmas morning to unfold in this way.
The Miscommunication and Financial Irony
The sketch shines a light on the common dynamics of holiday spending. Kathy’s disbelief is evident as she questions Nathan’s impulse decision: “Did you seriously buy a car without asking me?” This line resonates with many couples who navigate the delicate balance between surprise and practicality.
Nathan’s misguided logic—believing a down payment equates to the total cost and mispronouncing key financial terms—paints a humorous picture of financial ignorance. His bubbly insistence that it was a “December to Remember” further highlights the contrast between his enthusiasm and the reality Kathy faces, as she reminds him that the pandemic’s impact on their finances has been significant.
A Comedic Reflection on Consumerism
What makes this sketch particularly relevant is its commentary on consumer behavior, especially around the holidays. Nathan, oblivious to his financial predicament, represents those many individuals who let the allure of a commercialized holiday cloud their judgment. The line “It was beginning to look a lot like savings at my local Lexus dealer!” serves as a comedic yet poignant punchline that critiques the intersection between holiday cheer and mindless consumerism.
The Neighbor’s Reaction: Adding to the Humor
Mikey Day portrays a neighbor who lends Nathan $5,000, showcasing another layer of the comedic narrative. Nathan’s unapologetic and dismissive attitude only compounds the ridiculousness, emphasizing the notion that he lacks awareness of how his actions affect others—particularly during the financially strained times many were experiencing due to the pandemic.
Holiday Season and Future SNL Episodes
The “December to Remember Car Commercial” sketch encapsulates the essence of “SNL”—poignant social commentary couched in comedy. While the show goes on a winter hiatus after its Christmas episode, fans are eagerly anticipating its return. The first host of the new year will be Finn Wolfhard, with A$AP Rocky as the musical guest, promising a fresh season filled with laugh-out-loud moments as audiences engage with new sketches and episodes.
In Conclusion
Without a doubt, “Saturday Night Live” continues to resonate with audiences as it tackles themes of love, finance, and the chaos of the holiday season. The “December to Remember Car Commercial” sketch not only delivers laughter but also encourages viewers to reflect on the choices they make, especially during the most wonderful—and often stressful—time of the year.