Sarducci congratulates ZZ Top and runner-up Jesse Jackson; Joe Piscopo asks the audience to give a hand for Sarducci, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus wishes her friend Amy a happy birthday. Gary Kroeger pops balloons on the stage.

"Shoplifting" a short film by Anthony Lover, is listed in the credits, it will air next week.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Underwhelming, but with some interesting moments. With Eddie Murphy gone again, the show tries something different, but with mixed results. Like in the past two seasons, Ebersol has the show do a phone-in poll, but compared to the Larry the Lobster and Andy Kaufman votes, this particular poll is a bit more obtrusive into the SNL format. There are very few actual sketches, and those tended to be weaker than usual; even the taped Eddie Murphy bits weren't the strongest. Much of the cast hardly figures in tonight's show, with many only appearing one time aside from the vote results segment, and some not even appearing live until that point in the show. However, Joe Piscopo has a very good night, and both Mary Gross and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have a few nice turns here. As for Father Guido Sarducci, it was good to see Novello bring the character back to the show again, but aside from his introduction of the poll's twist and the man in the street, he wasn't so much a host as an extended cameo.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

Tasteless Choice

What's New

SHOW LOWLIGHTS:

The Man Who Loved Swimmin'

Airport

Countdown 84 II

MVP:

Joe Piscopo

CAST & GUEST BREAKDOWN:

cast

Jim Belushi : 2 appearances [Airport, Countdown 84 Results]

: 2 appearances [Airport, Countdown 84 Results] Robin Duke : 2 appearances [The Man Who Loved Swimmin', Countdown 84 Results]

: 2 appearances [The Man Who Loved Swimmin', Countdown 84 Results] Mary Gross : 5 appearances [Countdown 84 I, Tasteless Choice, Buckwheat's Ghost, The Man Who Loved Swimmin', Countdown 84 Results]

: 5 appearances [Countdown 84 I, Tasteless Choice, Buckwheat's Ghost, The Man Who Loved Swimmin', Countdown 84 Results] Brad Hall : 2 appearances [Countdown 84 III, Countdown 84 Results]

: 2 appearances [Countdown 84 III, Countdown 84 Results] Tim Kazurinsky : 3 appearances [Buckwheat's Ghost, Michael's Message, Countdown 84 Results]

: 3 appearances [Buckwheat's Ghost, Michael's Message, Countdown 84 Results] Gary Kroeger : 2 appearances [Buckwheat's Ghost, Countdown 84 Results]

: 2 appearances [Buckwheat's Ghost, Countdown 84 Results] Julia Louis-Dreyfus : 4 appearances [What's New, Countdown 84 II, The Man Who Loved Swimmin', Countdown 84 Results]

: 4 appearances [What's New, Countdown 84 II, The Man Who Loved Swimmin', Countdown 84 Results] Eddie Murphy : 2 appearances [Buckwheat's Ghost, Michael's Message]

: 2 appearances [Buckwheat's Ghost, Michael's Message] Joe Piscopo: 6 appearances [Countdown 84 I, Tasteless Choice, Buckwheat's Ghost, Countdown 84 II, Right To Vote, Countdown 84 Results]

crew and extras

Dick Ebersol : 1 appearance [Countdown 84 Results]

: 1 appearance [Countdown 84 Results] Nate Herman : 1 voice-over [Airport]

: 1 voice-over [Airport] Barry Nichols: 1 appearance [The Man Who Loved Swimmin']

guests

Don Novello : 6 appearances [Monologue, Countdown 84 II, The Man Who Loved Swimmin', Countdown 84 III, Airport, Countdown 84 Results]

: 6 appearances [Monologue, Countdown 84 II, The Man Who Loved Swimmin', Countdown 84 III, Airport, Countdown 84 Results] Huey Lewis & The News : 2 appearances ["Heart and Soul", "I Want A New Drug"]; Lewis solo: 1 appearance [Countdown 84 Results]

: 2 appearances ["Heart and Soul", "I Want A New Drug"]; Lewis solo: 1 appearance [Countdown 84 Results] Steven Wright: 2 appearances [Guest Performance, Countdown 84 Results]

REBROADCAST HISTORY:

July 21, 1984

Known alterations:

Countdown 84 I & III edited

"Encore Presentation - DO NOT CALL" disclaimer added to Countdown 84 (all segments) and Right To Vote

Sketches included in the 03/24/84 Best Of special:

What's New (not in VHS version)

Michael's Message

Additional screen captures from this episode are available here.