For the record, my argument wasn't that the sketch was funny, but that a spot-on impersonation was beside the point.
Namo and SNAFU are right: SNL has always had more misses than hits. We just tend to remember the hits and, because it's live and a little rough, it's easier to shrug off the misses.
I also agree that Wiig is overused and that they tend to let her (tell her?) go on too long. To me, the Liza sketch wasn't all that different from the "actress" character of the Password parodies or several other recurring Wiig characters.
Don't you think Wiig has a hand in the writing of the sketches that feature her and her recurring characters? I thought the Liza sketch was one of those or was meant to be. I have a hard time imagining other writers saying, "Okay, and here's the sketch where we tell Kristen to spout random things while bouncing around the room for ten minutes."
Maybe so, but still, the material just isn't good and no one can sell bad material very well. She sure did seem game, though, but then again, she always is. I just don't see her volunteering a Liza impression, when she has to know she's not very good at it. Why would anyone do that?
But, on the other hand, why would anyone ask her to do a Liza impression unless she offered one up? It's not like Minnelli is big on the radar of SNL's target audience.
The best part of the sketch was seeing the stagehand's arm holding the cord.
And to reinforce what has already been said: Is Liza even known to those who watch SNL?
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
I haven't laughed at SNL in 20 years. Granted I only watch it once a year after someone tells me, "no, no, really...it's good now!" This made me laugh.
Art has a double face, of expression and illusion.