Tracy Morgan is Officially The King of New York After ‘SNL’ Triumph

Comedian Tracy Morgan returned to the SNL stage on Saturday night and reminded us why life would’ve been a lot less fun without him. After almost losing his life in a horrific car accident in June 2014, that claimed his dear friend, fellow comedian, James McNair, Morgan was faced with an uphill battle back to the top. He faded away from public view as he fought his way back to a semblance of existence that would allow his restored dignity to accommodate his forcefully revised disposition.

The journey has been hard and long, and as fans were given sporadic updates that did very little to encourage us that the astute performer would be back to form anytime soon – there was the hope that if a miracle saved him that fateful night – then surely we can expect the restoration of one of the funniest men in the universe.

That wish has been granted based on Tracy Morgan hauntingly brilliant return to the environment that has always showcased him at his best. It was an emotionally charged sensation watching the man of the moment reduce us to sessions of uncontrollable laughter as we were also reminded of the fact that this almost didn’t happen. It was a celebration of the human spirit embedded in the triumph and realization that no matter what life throws your way – it is possible to beat the odds and come out on top.

Morgan absolutely thrived in his comfortable role as host and his beloved henchman and former 30 Rock cast mates, Tiny Fey and Alec Baldwin were also blissfully along for the ride. Once he gripped the stage for his intro monologue, he never let go as he flawlessly conducted his orchestra of hits by addressing his near-death experience in a way that captured the depth of his plight without relinquishing the reasons why he is a thunderously funny.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/859078

It was also beyond satisfying to take in the resurrection of familiar characters like Brian Fellow and Astronaut Jones who have remained formant for far too long.

The key sketches of the night included the Jackie Chan bit, which featured Morgan and Kenan Thompson both sporting dreads hilariously bemoaning the whereabouts of the once uber popular action star.

The ode to the recently aired Democratic debate was perfectly initiated and provided a refreshing variation to the night as Larry David relished his characterization of presidential hopeful, Bernie Sanders almost to the point of no return, and the glowing reviews prove that he might be back for another round.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/859068

There were so many memorable moments but the ending with Tracy Morgan’s Astronaut Jones channeling The Martian was particularly poignant and quite simply beautiful.

Tracy Morgan is finally home. He made it – and there was no better way to celebrate than to partake in his homecoming in a manner befitting the man who gave so much and is still willing to give so much more if we let him.

We can and we will.