There is no safe space in America where the country’s culture wars aren’t being waged — not even the make-believe workshop of a shopping mall Santa Claus — and no ears so innocent that they haven’t heard about the sexual misdeeds of some prominent men and accusations against others.

That, at least, was the twisted Christmas spirit of the “Saturday Night Live” cold open this weekend, in an episode hosted by James Franco and featuring the musical guest SZA. Indeed, the first half of the show frequently returned to the many sexual misconduct scandals roiling powerful men and the institutions that once protected them — including Senator Al Franken, the “S.N.L.” alumnus who said on Thursday that he would resign his seat as he faced allegations from at least six women of groping and improper advances.

The show’s pointed and effective opening sketch, which featured Kenan Thompson as the would-be Santa and Kate McKinnon as his elfin assistant, began with a boy asking Mr. Thompson for traditional gifts like Mega Bloks and Lazer Tag.

“And,” the boy added, “can you tell me, what did Al Franken do?”

Mr. Thompson was understandably taken aback. “O.K., wow, let’s see,” he said. “I think I can handle the Mega Bloks and the Lazer Tag. Can you take the Al Franken thing, Sugarplum?”