Makin' Copies: The SNL Skit that Stole the Show

Alright, guys, buckle up! We're diving deep into one of Saturday Night Live's (SNL) most iconic skits, "Makin' Copies." If you're a fan of SNL, you know this skit is a certified classic. So, let's grab our imaginary coffee and dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and makin copies snl.

The Setup: A Simple Office Scene

Makin' Copies starts in the most mundane of places - an office. The characters are equally ordinary: a boss, played by the incomparable Steve Martin, and two employees, played by Martin Short and the late, great Phil Hartman. But as with all great SNL skits, it's the simplicity of the setup that allows the absurdity to flourish.

The Boss: Steve Martin's Masterclass in Exasperation

Steve Martin's boss is the epitome of exasperation. He's tired, he's fed up, and he's got a simple task for his employees - make copies. But oh, how these two employees manage to complicate this task!

> Boss: sighs I need 500 copies of this memo. And I need them now!

The Employees: Martin Short and Phil Hartman's Comic Gold

Martin Short and Phil Hartman play off each other like a comedy dream team. Short's character is a nervous, eager-to-please type, while Hartman's is more laid-back, almost nonchalant. Their dynamic is a large part of what makes Makin' Copies so hilarious.

Martin Short's Nerves

Short's character is a bundle of nerves, constantly seeking approval and reassurance from the boss.

> Employee 1: stammers Y-yes, sir! We'll get right on it, sir! under breath Right, Phil?

Phil Hartman's Cool

Hartman's character, on the other hand, is the picture of calm. He's unfazed by the boss's exasperation, taking everything in stride.

> Employee 2: shrugs Yeah, we're on it, boss. No biggie.

The Copier: A Simple Machine, A Comedic Goldmine

The copier in Makin' Copies is more than just a prop. It's a character unto itself, a symbol of the mundane tasks that drive us all to the brink of madness. Watching Martin Short and Phil Hartman struggle with this seemingly simple machine is a large part of the skit's humor.

The Twist: It's Not About the Copies

Here's where Makin' Copies gets really clever. As the skit goes on, it becomes clear that the boss's exasperation isn't just about the copies. It's about something much deeper, something much more human. And that's what makes this skit resonate with audiences.

> Boss: whispers You know what? You two are just like the rest of them. You're all the same. walks away, dejected

The Legacy of Makin' Copies

Makin' Copies is more than just a skit about making copies. It's a skit about office life, about the mundane tasks that drive us crazy, about the people we work with, and the bosses we work for. It's a skit that captures the absurdity of office life and turns it into something hilarious.

So, the next time you're at the office, feeling the exasperation of a simple task, remember Makin' Copies. Remember that even in the most mundane of tasks, there's room for comedy, for humanity, for connection. And who knows? Maybe you'll find a little bit of Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Phil Hartman in your own office life.

And there you have it, folks! Our deep dive into Makin' Copies. Until next time, keep laughing, keep copying, and remember - it's not about the copies. It's about so much more.