Nate Bargatze's George Washington: How A Deadpan Comedian Conquered SNL History
Saturday Night Live has a unique knack for creating characters and sketches that stick with audiences long after the live broadcast. From iconic political parodies to absurd, one-off bits, the show's ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist is unparalleled. In recent seasons, one particular sketch has not only broken out but has also become a beloved recurring segment, cementing its place in SNL lore: Nate Bargatze's portrayal of George Washington in the "Washington's Dream" series.
Nate Bargatze, known for his laid-back, deadpan delivery and observational humor, might not seem like the most obvious choice to embody the stoic first President of the United States. Yet, it's precisely this unexpected pairing that has made the sketches so hilariously effective. His unique comedic style, which often involves a dry, understated take on everyday absurdities, translates perfectly into the historical setting, creating a comedic goldmine.
The Genesis of a Classic: "Washington's Dream" Part 1
The original "Washington's Dream" sketch first aired during Nate Bargatze's inaugural hosting appearance on Saturday Night Live. It was an instant hit and quickly became a breakout moment for the comedian. The premise was simple yet brilliant: set during the American Revolution, George Washington, played by Bargatze, gathers his weary Revolutionary War troops for a pivotal pep talk. These forlorn soldiers, brought to life by SNL regulars like Kenan Thompson, Mikey Day, Bowen Yang, and James Austin Johnson, are expecting words of encouragement for the immediate battle ahead. Instead, Washington decides to share his grand, somewhat bewildering, dream for the future of the nascent country.
What makes this sketch so memorable is the specific nature of Washington's dream. He doesn't just envision freedom and prosperity; he delves into the minutiae of future American life, particularly its "individualized and confusing measurement" system. Bargatze's George Washington, with his characteristic deadpan delivery, argues passionately against the straightforward metric system, advocating instead for a future filled with arbitrary and perplexing units of measurement. This comedic twist played directly to Bargatze's strengths as a stand-up comedian, as he calmly explained the illogical future to his increasingly bewildered soldiers. The sketch quickly went viral, solidifying its status as an SNL classic.
The humor stems from the stark contrast between the gravity of the historical moment and the mundane, almost bureaucratic, details of Washington's vision. The soldiers, expecting inspiration for survival, are instead treated to a detailed explanation of how many "soda cans" would fit into a "football field." It's a masterclass in comedic timing and character commitment, making audiences laugh at the sheer absurdity of it all.
The Anticipated Return: "Washington's Dream 2"
When news broke that Nate Bargatze was set to return to Studio 8H to host "Saturday Night Live" for Season 50, one thought immediately crossed the minds of many fans: "George Washington would be coming back." And indeed, he did. During the second episode of the show’s landmark Season 50, which aired on October 5, 2024, Bargatze reprised his role as George Washington for “Washington’s Dream 2,” a highly anticipated follow-up to the popular original.
The sequel saw General George Washington once again rallying his troops – Kenan Thompson, Mikey Day, Bowen Yang, and James Austin Johnson – to share more of his hopes and dreams for the country. Just like the first, this installment continued to explore the peculiar aspects of America's future through Washington's eyes. The comedic formula remained intact, with Bargatze's calm, unwavering explanation of bizarre future concepts contrasting with the soldiers' growing confusion and weariness. The success of the sequel only underscored the enduring appeal of Bargatze's portrayal and the sketch's clever concept.
It's rare for a sketch to return with such strong anticipation, but the original "Washington's Dream" had resonated deeply with viewers. The decision to bring it back for Bargatze's second hosting stint was a testament to its popularity and its potential for continued comedic exploration. After all, as one might humorously argue, "George Washington had two terms as president - his idea, by the way - so why shouldn't Nate Bargatze get two cracks at sharing 'Washington's Dream' on SNL?"
Why It Works: Bargatze's Genius as George Washington
The enduring appeal of Nate Bargatze's George Washington lies in several key factors:
- Deadpan Perfection: Bargatze's comedic style is perfectly suited for the role. His ability to deliver outlandish lines with a straight face and unwavering conviction makes the absurdity even funnier. He embodies the historical figure with a seriousness that only amplifies the comedic impact of his bizarre pronouncements.
- Relatable Absurdity: While the specific dreams are silly (like confusing measurements), the underlying idea of a leader trying to explain a complex, sometimes illogical, future to their followers is oddly relatable. It taps into the everyday frustrations of dealing with confusing systems or abstract concepts.
- Strong Supporting Cast: The reactions of Kenan Thompson, Mikey Day, Bowen Yang, and James Austin Johnson are crucial. Their growing bewilderment, exasperation, and occasional attempts to understand or question Washington's vision provide the perfect foil to Bargatze's calm delivery.
- Clever Writing: The sketches are meticulously crafted. As revealed in oral histories and podcast interviews with Bargatze and the writers, the creation and revival of this viral sketch involved a deep dive into how to maintain the humor while expanding on the initial premise. The specific details of Washington's dreams are always meticulously, and hilariously, thought out.
These elements combine to create not just a funny sketch, but a truly memorable comedic character. Nate Bargatze has helped create two SNL classic sketches with his portrayal of George Washington waxing rhapsodic about his dreams for America, proving that sometimes, the most revolutionary ideas are also the most comically confusing.
The Unforgettable Details
Beyond the core concept, it's the little details that make these sketches so rich. Washington's unwavering belief in the superiority of his confusing systems, his earnest attempts to explain them, and the soldiers' increasingly desperate attempts to grasp what he's saying all contribute to the humor. Whether it's the individualized and confusing measurement system or other equally perplexing aspects of his vision for American freedom, Bargatze's George Washington offers a unique, hilarious perspective on the birth of a nation.
In his return to Saturday Night Live, Nate Bargatze reprised his role as the United States’ first president, George, and once again delivered a performance that had audiences roaring. The moment that we heard that Nate Bargatze was going to return as host for Saturday Night Live, we knew George Washington would be coming back. Think back to season one, and you’ll remember the instant classic it became.
In summary, Nate Bargatze's portrayal of George Washington in the "Washington's Dream" sketches on Saturday Night Live has become a beloved and iconic part of recent SNL history. Through his signature deadpan humor, Bargatze has brought to life a hilariously eccentric version of the first U.S. President, who shares his bizarre visions for America's future with his bewildered Revolutionary War troops. The original sketch was a viral breakout, leading to a highly anticipated sequel during Bargatze's second hosting gig in Season 50. These sketches highlight Bargatze's comedic genius and SNL's ability to create lasting, memorable characters that perfectly blend historical figures with contemporary comedic sensibilities.
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