Now that the storms have passed and the political skies are looking clearer than they have in anyone's memory, a sense of normalcy is sure to descend on the cast and crew of TV's longest-running comedy, NBC's "Saturday Night Live." The comic sketch show has seen its share of ups and downs over its 34 seasons, but has enjoyed a massive resurgence of popularity, a mini-series of Thursday night "Weekend Update" specials and soaring ratings, all thanks to former cast member and head writer TIna Fey's return to the show with a spot-on impression of former vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

God, does it feel good to know that we don't have to get any more used to that name than we already are. We can forget about her. We have to forget about her. And Tina Fey couldn't be more relieved.

"I want to be done playing this lady Nov. 5," Fey announced during her Emmy acceptance speech back in September, after cleaning house with wins for outstanding comedy writing, comedy series and lead actress in a comedy for her "30 Rock" show. "So if anybody can help me be done playing this lady Nov. 5, that would be good for me."
Help we did, despite our intense affection for the character, and Fey can now return to her full attention to the exquisite "30 Rock," which will undoubtedly signal a notable downturn in viewership for SNL. And hard as it is to say, being a lifelong fan of the show, they deserve it.

Don't get me wrong - there have been some classic moments so far this season. "Cougar Den" was disgusting and glorious (despite the disadvantage of a surprise Cameron Diaz appearance), and Kings of Leon's two-song performance on the Sept. 20th episode was a snapshot of a band well on their was to true greatness. The ever-improving Kristen Wiig's "Jar Glove" skit was a repeat, but no less funny the second time around, while the giraffe feature on "Staten Island Zoo" was a gut-buster.

For every moment of greatness, however, there's (at the very least) a sub-par skit, an awkward performance or otherwise disappointing presentation. The sketches still go on way, way too long. For every "MacGruber" there's a long, rambling political skit that immediately dates the show for any rerun potential. For every great minute of "Weekend Update" there's three or four of teeth-chippingly annoying "special guest" bits (so help me God if I ever see another Tim Calhoun bit).

And hey, it was a good laugh to see Chris Martin flailing like a severely retarded ballerina with his band, but where are the real musical guests? The ones who push the envelopes and take the opportunity to do something different? Like Beck's Stomp-like version of "Clap Hands" not so very long ago, or even Kanye's melodrama medley. Not this Coldplay bullshit. If they took it seriously, if they sounded great, awesome. But they didn't. At least Martin didn't.

The show's well-established knack for presidential impersonations was steadily honed over the course of the campaign, and by last week's episode Fred Armisen had Obama's every nuance locked down. Darrell Hammond's McCain impression was the most improved, however, as the show's longest-employed cast member ever sharply evolved his take on the ornery Arizona Senator as weeks progressed.

McCain was a good sport when he appeared on "Weekend Update," discussing his different maverick styles ("Reverse Maverick, Double Maverick (where I go totally berzerk and freak everybody out) and the Sad Grandpa"). The candidate reached a new kind of low, however, when in referencing his "only Hollywood supporters," he name-dropped Heidi from The Hills. By the way, does an Obama win mean there's less of a need for the great distraction machine? Cause it would be really great to finally be given a break from people like Miss Montag. Planet Vapid is eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Given McCain's appearance last weekend, host Ben Affleck's terrible, ludicrously hateful impression of MSNBC's Keith Olbermann perfectly fit the occasion. Despite the cartoonishly exaggerated persona and completely bizarre vocal impression, the Countdown spoof attempt was worth a good laugh on its own, if only for physical comedy. Why the hell was Affleck hosting, anyway?

Now that the political cruise liner has sailed, the show could very well be marooned on an island of its own imbalance of talent and skit strength. The two new cast additions - Casey Wilson (whose Jennifer Aniston impression is fantastic - as long as you've got your eyes closed) and Bobby Moynihan - have contributed next to nothing since their arrival. If Wilson wants to keep her job, she'll have to change that, as Tina Fey's protege/successor Amy Poehler is reportedly not planning to return after her abrupt departure last week (no hard feelings, she had a baby). That leaves quite a workload for the remaining female cast members.

The show also now has its own Three Musketeers spin in the trio of Will Forte, Jon Heder and Fred Armisen. Each possesses a different comic dynamic; Forte's absurdity is fantastic. Heder's sensible-weirdo is essential support material, and Armisen's versatility and originality is eerily awesome. Keenan Thompson, however, often doesn't push hard enough - like he thinks he'll either be fired or ridiculed for actually giving it his all.

Andy Samberg, still the youngblood of the show, surely must have pissed off show creator and exec-producer Lorne Michaels somehow, because he seems to have been relegated strictly to his Digital Shorts, which are hit or miss. The misses are forgettable, but the hits are smashes ("Lazy Sunday," "Dick in a Box," "Iran So Far Away," etc). Why he's not a more prominent player is beyond me. I mean hell, if he can get Mark Wahlberg to make fun of himself, the kid can do anything.

I don't plan to stop watching SNL. There's a working formula in the mix that shines through a few times in each episode - enough to keep me coming back each week, hoping they've trimmed the fat and gotten their act a little more together than the previous Saturday. More often than not I'm left with mixed feelings, which is why I can't wholeheartedly defend the show from the majority, who have yet to be convinced that SNL shouldn't be replaced by another "WWE Smackdown!" special or infomercial. I know I'm a minority. And that's okay, as long as they keep me laughing.