It’s only after the set-up, however, that we realize that the masseuse is referring to his own behavior. In it, we see a masseuse (Peele) giving his new client (Key) an explanation of common “embarrassments” associated with getting a massage, including passing gas, erections, and spontaneous crying. The opening stinger is a great example of their go-to formula for shorter one-two sketches. While Key and Peele has demonstrated a grasp on conflict, it’s also proven a knack for creating memorable punchlines. As he grabs a knapsack and heads out the door while his terrified friends look on, we get the sense that this has happened before-and what was, mere minutes ago, a man strangely dancing in his friend’s living room has become the inciting incident for this intensely weird character’s story. This, we learn later, is all in an attempt to hide the horrific sound of his lethally high-pitched laugh. All seems relatively normal, until one character (Peele) swings his body and opens his mouth in response to anything funny, rather than vocally laughing. A later vignette shows four friends hanging out in a typical living room. The Rhinos sketch is one of the more subdued examples from this episode. Undeniably, Key and Peele understand the comedic value of juxtaposition, and their use of oddball characters in familiar scenarios is a proven formula for brilliant sketch comedy.

It’s an unexpected twist on a familiar scene, and one that throws contemporary dialogue on concussions into the mix to create a very funny result. His would-be uplifting pep talk is interrupted several times by his own cognitive impairment, and his reluctance to admit he has no idea what the hell is going on is the crux of the sketch’s humor.

After taking a nasty fall, a Rhinos football player (Key) attempts to keep up with the game. One of the more memorable sketches from this week’s Key and Peele subverts the tropes of big-budget sports movies-but not before evoking many of their clichés, including triumphant music and a rainy game day backdrop.

Key and peele