snl hermes handbags transcript | Hermes

The May 18, 2013, episode of Saturday Night Live, hosted by Ben Affleck with musical guest Kanye West, is remembered for a variety of reasons. However, one sketch, in particular, has lingered in the collective memory: "Hermes Handbags." This seemingly simple skit, featuring Vanessa Bayer and a guest appearance by Affleck himself, offers a satirical commentary on celebrity endorsements, consumerism, and the shallowness often associated with certain segments of the entertainment industry. This article will delve deep into the transcript of this sketch, analyzing its humor, dissecting its social commentary, and examining its lasting impact. We will also explore the broader context of the episode and its place within the SNL archives.

SNL Transcripts: Ben Affleck: 05/18/13: Hermes Handbags: The Scene is Set

The sketch opens on a brightly lit set, designed to resemble a low-budget television commercial. The aesthetic immediately screams "infomercial," complete with cheesy graphics and an overly enthusiastic announcer. Vanessa Bayer plays Brookie, a former adult film star turned handbag enthusiast. Her co-star, whose name is intentionally left ambiguous and often humorously mispronounced, is another ex-porn star. The premise is that these two, trading on their former notoriety, are now pitching a line of luxury handbags: Hermes. Or, as Brookie frequently calls them, "Herpes" handbags, a recurring gag that forms the comedic backbone of the sketch.

SNL Transcripts: Ben Affleck: 05/18/13: The Transcript Unveiled

While a complete, word-for-word transcript isn't readily available in every corner of the internet, the key elements and recurring jokes can be reconstructed from available summaries, reviews, and fan discussions. The humor relies heavily on the following elements:

* Brookie's Mispronunciation: The consistent mispronunciation of "Hermes" as "Herpes" is the central joke. It's a simple but effective gag that plays on the contrast between the luxurious brand and the characters' low-brow origins. The deliberate ignorance and lack of sophistication displayed by Brookie further amplify the comedic effect.

* The Contrast in Backgrounds: The juxtaposition of ex-porn stars promoting high-end fashion creates inherent absurdity. The sketch highlights the often-strange intersection of celebrity culture, where fame, regardless of its origin, can be leveraged for commercial gain. The characters' past lives are hinted at through double entendres and knowing winks to the audience.

* Ben Affleck's Cameo: Affleck plays a disgruntled, overly-serious representative from Hermes (or a similar luxury brand). His role is to attempt to steer the commercial back on track, correcting Brookie's mispronunciations and reminding her of the bags' "sophisticated" qualities. However, his efforts are consistently undermined by Brookie's obliviousness and the overall chaotic nature of the production. Affleck’s straight-man performance amplifies the comedic effect of Bayer’s exaggerated character.

* The Bags Themselves: While the specific details of the handbags are not the primary focus, they serve as a visual representation of the disconnect between the brand's intended image and the characters promoting them. The bags, presumably expensive and meticulously crafted, are presented with the same enthusiasm one might expect for a discount product.

* Double Entendres and Innuendo: The script is peppered with suggestive language and double entendres, referencing the characters' past careers without explicitly stating the obvious. This adds another layer of humor, catering to the adult audience while maintaining a level of plausible deniability.

Detailed Reconstruction of Key Scenes (Based on Available Information):

(Scene opens with Brookie and her co-star standing in front of a backdrop featuring the "Herpes Handbags" logo.)

Brookie (Vanessa Bayer): "Hi, I'm Brookie, and this is... well, nobody really knows what her name is, but we used to do stuff. Now we're selling Herpes handbags!"

(The co-star smiles awkwardly and waves.)

Brookie: "These Herpes handbags are the perfect accessory for any occasion. Whether you're hitting the club, going to the grocery store, or, you know, doing other stuff..." (She winks at the camera.)

(A close-up shot of a handbag is shown.)

Brookie: "Look at this beautiful Herpes bag! It's made with the finest materials, and it's, like, totally durable. You can put all your stuff in it – your phone, your lipstick, maybe even a small dog!"

(Ben Affleck enters, looking exasperated.)

Ben Affleck: "Excuse me, Brookie. It's pronounced 'Hermes,' not 'Herpes.' And perhaps we could focus on the craftsmanship and elegance of the bags?"

Brookie: "Whatever. These Herpes bags are amazing! And they're, like, super affordable. You can get one for, like, a hundred bucks!"snl hermes handbags transcript

Ben Affleck: "They retail for thousands of dollars!"

Brookie: "Okay, maybe a little more than a hundred bucks. But trust me, they're worth it! You'll be the envy of all your friends... and maybe even some of your enemies!"