Alec Baldwin returned to SNL with a new gig as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., parodying transition talks between Biden and Trump, complete with looks, worms in his brain, and a dead dolphin in Central Park.

In a wildly satirical sketch that left audiences laughing and questioning their reality, Baldwin embodied RFK Jr. with the charm of a movie star and the cognitive prowess of a character from a horror film. The sketch not only mocked the political transition between Biden and Trump but also highlighted Kennedy's infamous stance on women's rights with absurdly comedic flair—illustrated by his character's absurd remark about polio. All this took place amid a bizarre visual of a dolphin being casually dumped in Central Park, reminding viewers that New York might just be the wildest character of all.

Baldwin's return to the SNL stage was accompanied by an endearing blend of nostalgia and absurdity. Until now, his SNL appearances had largely been marked by his portrayals of Donald Trump, which have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the political parody scene. This time, however, with a shift to portraying a historic yet controversial figure like Kennedy, Baldwin skated further into a comedic minefield. Who would have thought that discussing COVID while tossing a dolphin would ever seem rational in the chaotic realm of late-night sketches?

In the sketch, Baldwin's portrayal of RFK Jr. was more than just a physical transformation. The 70-year-old Kennedy was depicted with all the movie-star charm typical of Hollywood's golden days, but with more than a hint of eccentricity—practically guaranteed by that infamous 'worm in his brain' quip. This description wasn't just a throwaway punchline but a nod to Kennedy's unconventional views and the perception of him as a walking headline, which added layers of humor to Baldwin's performance. America has seen many characters in politics, but few have offered such curious combinations of charisma and chaos.

The comedic gold continued when Baldwin’s Kennedy character made the eyebrow-raising statement: 'I care deeply about a woman's right to choose: to choose to give her child polio.' This is the kind of line that sits precariously on the line between ridiculous and terrifying. It playfully gestures to Kennedy’s reputation for conspiracy theories surrounding vaccines, but in a manner so outrageous it straddles absurd comedy. Somehow, Baldwin's delivery wrapped this extreme in a bubble of humor, prompting laughter in the studio while leaving at least some viewers raised eyebrows and hovering over their remotes, contemplating switching channels.

As the scene progressed, a plot twist emerged that many probably weren't prepared for—a dolphin. Yes, in what might’ve been the episode's weirdest visual, Kennedy was humorously depicted dumping a dead dolphin in Central Park. This moment, while raising questions about the morals of dolphin disposal, served as a stark reminder of the unfiltered absurdity often encountered in SNL sketches, particularly during election years. It also might have inadvertently made Central Park the new underdog star in the absurdist stage where politics meet marine life.

Baldwin’s knack for blending humor with current events never falters, and this sketch was a testament to that skill. His previous turn as Fox News anchor Bret Baier had prepped the stage for taking on RFK Jr.'s complex celebrity-turned-conspiracy theorist role. But this venture further showcases how Baldwin’s chemistry with parody and political commentary drives segments into the comedic stratosphere. At a time when political landscapes are riddled with confounding characters, Baldwin shines a light not just on the personalities within, but also on their kaleidoscopic effects on society’s perspective.

The episode didn't just rest on Baldwin's shoulders; musical guest Charli XCX added to the energy of the night. The remarkable transition from political parody to the electronic pop beats of Charli XCX offered a balance that most live shows would kill for. After all, what better way to clear the palate after a sketch about a political candidate disposing of marine life than with an electrifying performance that celebrates life, often in a distinctly non-political manner? This further enhanced the chaotic fabric of an evening that blurs the lines between bombastic headlines and catchy tunes.

The sketches that follow ‘Kennedy’s Dolphins’— a sequel of sorts—promised to extend the tradition of weird but riveting opening segments. In true SNL fashion, these bits managed to balance humor with awareness, often acting as a census of the room where cultural giants, social critique, and humor intertwine like an intricate dance. Baldwin's impersonation of Kennedy, portrayed as a 70-year-old man with 'movie-star looks' and a 'worm in his brain,' struck a chord. The sketch humorously referenced Kennedy dumping a dead dolphin in Central Park. After all, in a world of unpredictable politics, the absurd is likely just another Tuesday on SNL.

As we ponder the implications of Baldwin's portrayal and the sketches that may arise from this one, we can only hope to see more hilarity emerge from the chaos of the political stage. After all, in these turbulent times in America, if politics can deliver anything, it’s a bounty of material ripe for the comedic harvest.