Sasheer Zamata scores in debut on 'Saturday Night Live'
"SNL" newcomer Sasheer Zamata is an alum of the Upright Citizens Brigade. Credit: Handout
"Saturday Night Live" newcomer Sasheer Zamata didn't have a lot to say last night but her presence -- altogether now everyone in helping me complete this cliche! -- spoke volumes.
These are the volumes she spoke: First black female cast-member in years, breaking the strangest most inexplicable casting drought on any major series in memory, and proving that even in brief fleeting memorable appearances, she's good.
Very good perhaps, but that will unfold in the future. But for now, great start to hopefully a glorious career.
Especially shrewd about this major -- and symbolic -- cast addition was the way it was handled last night: Zamata arrived on an above average edition of "SNL" (returning after the winter break) hosted by an above-above-average host.
Drake was one of those hosts who could do it all and did, plus there's a memorable digital short with Drake that's ensured a web life, which means this newcomer (her last name is pronounced Za-MAY-ta by the way) is now ensured a web presence, too.
Not just shrewd but smart.
Her first words on the show were "Mazel tov." Yup, Mazel Tov, Sasheer.
Take a look at a couple of representative moments, if you have not yet seen. (Newsday app readers please head over to Newsday.com/tvzone to take that look)
