This week's episode of Saturday Night Live proved to be more than just the end of the season. For many fans, it's the end of an era. Speculation had increased over the last few weeks about the future of veteran players Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis and Kristen Wiig, the latter of whom acknowledged her departure during the season finale.
The show featured Jagger as host, along with musical guests Arcade Fire, Foo Fighters and Jeff Beck. To his credit, Jagger did a great job throughout his entire performance, but the Oscar-nominated Wiig stole the show--one last time.
During the final moments of the show, the entire cast appeared in graduation caps and gowns with Jagger playing a principal in what appeared to be another sketch. He noted "one particular student who is leaving this summer" before calling Wiig to join him up front.
Members of Arcade Fire played the Rolling Stones' "She's a Rainbow" while Wiig took off her cap and gown and danced with each member of the cast, including SNL creator Lorne Michaels. Foo Fighters and Jeff Beck returned to the stage, along with Steve Martin, Jon Hamm--who was featured earlier in the show. Some of Wiig's former castmates also showed up: Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Chris Kattan and Chris Parnell. As the entire group came together onstage, Arcade Fire transitioned to another Stones song, "Ruby Tuesday," with the line, "still I'm gonna miss you."
It was a rousing send-off for Wiig, closing her seven seasons with the comedy show. Although NBC made no prior announcement of her departure, it comes as no surprise. She starred in and co-wrote the hit comedy Bridesmaids, and has had several notable roles in other films. She has six more in various stages of development.
Meanwhile, Samberg and Sudeikis have yet to acknowledge their status for next season. Lorne Michaels recently said that any cast changes would wait until the summer.