A Classic SNL Setup
“Witness Relocation” is one of those classic Saturday Night Live sketches that starts with a simple comedy idea and quickly becomes something much more unpredictable.
The sketch originally aired on January 28, 1984, during Season 9, Episode 11, when Don Rickles hosted the show and Billy Idol appeared as the musical guest.
Don Rickles Takes Center Stage
Don Rickles plays Mr. Booty, an endangered informant who is supposed to be protected by the FBI’s witness relocation department.
Instead of feeling completely safe, however, his new situation immediately becomes suspicious and ridiculous.
The agents’ attempts to keep him hidden create the perfect setup for Rickles to unleash his fast-talking comedy style.
Joe Piscopo Brings the Perfect Energy
Joe Piscopo is an important part of what makes this sketch work.
His interaction with Rickles creates a rhythm that keeps getting faster and more unpredictable.
Rather than simply delivering lines and moving on, the two performers bounce jokes and reactions back and forth.
That chemistry gives the sketch an unusually loose feeling.
When The Sketch Starts Going Off Script
One of the biggest reasons fans...
