Scandal - SNL

Introduction

This tutorial explores the comedic sketch "Scandal" from Saturday Night Live, featuring a recent college graduate who feels overwhelmed yet inspired by her new role. The sketch highlights themes of ambition, workplace dynamics, and the challenges of adapting to a fast-paced environment. Through this guide, we will break down the key elements of the sketch and offer insights on how to navigate similar real-life situations.

Step 1: Understand the Context

• Familiarize Yourself with the Characters:

  • Olivia Pope, played by Sasheer Zamata, is a skilled and confident professional.
  • Lena Dunham’s character represents a fresh college graduate entering a demanding workplace.
  • Taran Killam plays the President, showcasing a complex relationship with Olivia.

• Recognize the Setting: The sketch is set in a high-pressure environment reminiscent of political drama series, emphasizing the fast-paced nature of the work.

Step 2: Analyze the Dynamics

• Identify Key Relationships:

  • Observe how Olivia interacts with her team and how she manages her responsibilities.
  • Note the admiration Lena’s character has for Olivia, reflecting a mentor-mentee dynamic.

• Examine Workplace Challenges:

  • Lena’s character struggles with the speed and efficiency of Olivia's team, highlighting common feelings of inadequacy in new jobs.
  • Consider the pressure of working under high-stakes situations, similar to real-world job environments.

Step 3: Learn from the Humor

• Recognize the Use of Comedy:

  • The sketch uses humor to address serious workplace issues, making it relatable.
  • Pay attention to the comedic timing and delivery, which add to the overall message.

• Highlight Key Moments:

  • Identify moments in the sketch where humor alleviates tension, helping to cope with overwhelming situations.

Step 4: Apply the Lessons

• Develop Resilience:

  • Understand that feeling overwhelmed is common in new roles; use humor and support from colleagues to navigate challenges.

• Seek Mentorship:

  • Like Lena’s character, find a mentor who can guide you through the complexities of your new environment.

• Embrace Continuous Learning:

  • Adopt a mindset of growth; every challenge is an opportunity to improve your skills and adapt.

Conclusion

The "Scandal" sketch from SNL illustrates the journey of a newcomer in a fast-paced workplace, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, resilience, and humor in overcoming challenges. By understanding these dynamics and applying the lessons learned, you can better navigate your own career journey. Consider watching similar sketches or engaging in discussions about workplace experiences to further enhance your understanding and approach to professional growth.