“SNL” evokes Mohawk Valley and a Central New Yorker in John Mulaney sketches

“Saturday Night Live” made two nods to Central New York in its latest episode, hosted by former “SNL” writer John Mulaney.

In a skit called “What’s That Name: Election Edition,” actor Michael Longfellow plays a game show host who asks contestants to name political figures. Mulaney walks in and smugly names Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Special Counsel Jack Smith as he is shown pictures of them.

“He’s a hero who doesn’t wear a cape: Jack Smith,” Mulaney says of the CNY-born Smith.

Smith, who brought two federal cases against former President Donald Trump, grew up in the Syracuse suburb of Clay and graduated from Liverpool High School in 1987. He played football and baseball for Liverpool before attending SUNY Oneonta and eventually getting his law degree from Harvard Law School.

Things took a funny turn when Mulaney had trouble recognizing 2016 vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine when he appeared in person, and another when his opponent (played by “SNL” cast member Sarah Sherman) revealed that she the author of “A Handmaid’s” is history.”

Later in the episode, a fake campaign video for a New York City Council candidate featured Mulaney as NYS Rep. Harvey Epstein, a real legislator from District 74. The character struggled to tell voters he wasn’t with the Sex offenders Harvey Weinstein or Jeffrey Epstein are related while he roared from the Mohawk Valley.

“I’m a different guy,” emphasized Mulaney as Harvey Epstein. “But look, I love this city and its working people. When the Mohawk Valley miners went on strike, Epstein stood behind them. Because Epstein is looking for miners.”

The sketch then showed the comedian’s bald figure posing next to miners in a fake newspaper clipping. He didn’t elaborate on where the mine was located – Mohawk Valley Mineral Mining is famous for its Herkimer diamonds, although the picture apparently didn’t come from there – but made it clear he wasn’t talking about minors, as in children.

“Miners,” Mulaney’s Epstein said. “That is an important difference. Please.”

The election-themed episode also featured Vice President Kamala Harris in the cold open, alongside Maya Rudolph as the Democratic presidential candidate and James Austin Johnson as former President Donald Trump’s Republican presidential candidate. Other highlights included a musical sketch at a Port Authority Duane Reade with surprise guest Pete Davidson (and Andy Samberg as the bear killed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.); a retrospective of a fake ’90s sitcom starring Kenan Thompson as singer Little Richard; and musical guest Chappell Roan.

“Saturday Night Live” airs Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC; Episodes are also available to stream on Peacock and Hulu + Live TV. Comedian Bill Burr next hosts “SNL” on Saturday, November 9th with musical guest Mk.gee, followed by Charli XCX as host and musical guest on November 16th.