Today Jacques Steinberg writes about perennial SNL host Alec Baldwin, one of a few go-to hosts in the show's 31 years on the air. Fans (and channel-flippers) will probably recall that old sketch with Tom Hanks about the "Five Timers" club where's he's inducted into the group by Paul Simon, Steve Martin, and Elliott Gould (it was in the 80's). Two decades later and we're talking the 12 Timer's club, with Alec hosting for the 12th time, tying with John Goodman and trailing only Steve Martin at 13.

For an SNL watcher (and actually, we're all SNL watchers, even though who like to talk about how much it sucks), the real story is in the 15th graf: John Goodman lamenting how he's been frozen out of the host position. Steinberg got some surprisingly candid commentary out of Goodman, who apparently really misses hosting:

"The kids are a lot younger than I am," he added. "Chris Walken" - who has been host six times, most recently in 2003 - "he always gets the specialty material. Me, I just don't fit in anymore."

Goodman is all but crying out to Michaels here. To me, that begs the question of why - is it ratings? Has Goodman lost his edge? Is it really age/weight based? The question of what makes a multiple host and the long-term relationships between cast members, hosts and, most importantly, Michaels is an interesting one (and sold that Shales/Miller book a few years back). It's not Tom Hanks getting the Heisman but it is an eyebrow-raise.

Baldwin has been in some hilarious stuff (Pete Schwetty on public radio springs to mind), but so has Goodman ("da Bears!"). The politics behind SNL have always been really interesting and this piece hints at something more, but doesn't try to get there.

But, I haven't watched the show since October. And everyone has opinions on SNL. So, grain of salt. But I found that interesting.

Five Timers club sketch after the jump, a ridiculously near-complete archive of SNL sketches through the ages here. Have fun. Oh, it's snowing out. In New York, that means work stops.

Update: The other buried lede in the Steinberg piece: who's leaving? (Thanks to Joel Keller for pointing that out; read his take at TVSquad).

Alec Baldwin Going 'Live' a 12th Time [NYT]

p.s. Steinberg invokes the metaphor of baseball stats; this website takes it one step further. Stats for Goodman, Martin, Baldwin, and Hanks.

Five Timer's Club
(reprinted without permission, as it is a kajillion times on the internet)

Featuring:
Tom Hanks as Himself
Steve Martin as Himself
Paul Simon as Himself
Elliott Gould as Himself
Jon Lovitz as the Waiter
Conan O'Brien as Sean the Doorman

Tom Hanks: Believe it or not, this is the fifth Saturday Night Live I have been lucky enough to host. Now, the first time you do the show, you can't believe you're here. You just can't believe it. Your head buzzes with excitement. The second time you do the show, it means you were funny enough to be asked back - and you're pushing a movie. The third time you do the show, the second time didn't go so well, and you have something to prove to yourself. The fourth time you do the show, you're just blatantly pushing a movie. But the fifth time you do the show is the most special time of all, because you get this [holds up card] a membership card in the Five-Timers Club. Come with me. I'm gonna give you a chance to look in on one of the most exclusive clubs in the world.

Conan O'Brien [Sean the Doorman]: Welcome, Mr. Hanks. Once again, congratulations on your fifth appearance.

Tom: Thank you, it's a real thrill.

Conan: Mr. Hanks, would you like your club robe now?

Tom: Boy, would I! Thank you...

Conan: Sean the doorman.

Tom: "Sean." [enters the club]

Paul Simon: Tom! Congratulations! Welcome aboard!

Tom: Thanks, Mr. Simon.

Paul: Please, call me Paul.

Tom: Okay! [Excited]..."Paul"

Paul: You know, we've had our eye on you ever since your third show. We knew you'd made five.

Tom: Wow, that's flattering.

Paul: Yes. There was some concern after Joe Vs. The Volcano, but you made it, and good for you!

Tom: Thanks.

Paul: Step into the reading room. I think you'll like it. Steve, look who's joined us.

Steve Martin: Tom, Tom old bean! Let's have a look at you. That robe fits you smashingly.

Tom: Thanks, Mr. Martin.

Steve: Please, call me Mr. Steve Martin.

Tom: Thanks, Mr. Steve Martin.

Steve: Whoa! I think someone needs to learn the club handshake.

[Steve and Paul demonstrate an intricate handshake.]

Steve: Tom, sit down. Y'know, I hope you appreciate the responsibility that comes with being a fiver. Let's be frank - it takes a certain caliber of performer to earn that fifth show.

Elliott Gould: [wet, towel slung around his shoulders] Hey, Steven! You really oughta take a dip. The pool's a perfect eighty degrees.

Steve [to Tom]: He practically lives here.

Elliott: Tom Hanks! Welcome aboard!

Tom: Hi, Mr. Gould.

Elliott: Mazel tov, old man. Y'know, it is much easier to get five nowadays. Nothing against you, Tom. Let's get you fixed up. Care for some supper?

Tom: Sure!

Elliott: Waiter!

[Jon Lovitz enters as a waiter, with menus.]

Jon: Here you are, Mr. Gould. Welcome, Mr. Hanks.

Tom: Jon, you work here?

Jon: Work is work.

Steve: I'll have the Chevy Chase, and easy on the ham this time.

Jon: Good choice, Mr. Steve Martin.

Tom: Wow. So many choices. What do I do?

Steve: Try the Anthony Michael Hall. It's surprisingly good.

Paul: I'll have the Joe Piscopo.

Steve [Disapprovingly]: Really.

Jon: And to drink?

Tom: I'll have a beer.

Jon: Anyone else?

Elliott: I'll have a Jenny Craig protein shake.

Conan: Jon, we're having that problem again at the door.

Jon: I'll handle it. [goes to door, addresses Ralph Nader, dressed as a crazy man] Mr. Nader, I've told you before, this club is for members only.

Ralph Nader [Holding a tattered script]: But I've hosted the show! I swear!

Jon: Sorry, sir, five-timers only.

Ralph [With friends]: See - there's Steve Martin, there's Paul Simon... Tom Hanks just joined!

Jon: Out! All of you! Out! I got rid of him, gentlemen.

Paul: Very good, Jon.

Elliott: I smell something burning.

Jon: My muffins!

Tom: Well, everyone, this has been a thrill, but I have to go finish the rest of the monologue.

Elliott: What are you talking about? You can do it from here.

Tom: What?

Steve: Of course! You're a five-timer! You don't need to be there! You can phone it in!

Tom: Really?

Paul: Sure! Elliott, hand him the club phone.

Elliott: This is a direct line to the studio.

Tom: Hey, great!

Steve [handing him a pip]: Make your self comfortable, boy! Say whatever you want!

Tom: Well, okay. [Into phone] Uh...we've got a great show! Edie Brickell is here!

All: Well done, good job, son.

Tom: We'll be right back!