Discovering The Falconer: Unveiling Will Forte's Skylark Comedy Sketch

In the world of television sketch comedy, there are a few moments that leave an indelible mark on viewers’ memories. One such moment was Will Forte's Skylark comedy sketch in the Saturday Night Live series, known as The Falconer. This entertaining and distinctive portrayal of a unique falcon and an unapologetically eccentric falconer has captured the hearts and imaginations of fans everywhere.

The Falconer: A Bird in Skylarks Cage

The core of The Falconer sketch is a character named The Falconer, played incredibly by Will Forte. The sketch is set around a man who not only trains falcons but also does "falconry" as a profession. Uniquely, Forte's falcon in this skit was named Donald, adding a playful twist to the usual bird nomenclature of majestic raptors. This quirk effectively highlights the character’s personality, reflecting the eccentric nature of The Falconer himself.

Saturday Night Live and Will Forte

While Will Forte came to prominence in The Bone Yard, Dpatients, and later in The Service film, his role as The Falconer showcased his comedic range and his ability to play both serious and light-hearted roles with equal gusto. One of the notable aspects of this sketch is the understanding of Will Forte's fascination with falcons and his love for the movie Savannah.

People often get confused between Will Forte and Will Ferrell, due to their similar first names, leading to a lot of jokes and mix-ups. Forte's unique delivery and character are instantly recognizable, making it easier for both fans and critics to distinguish between the two.

Will Forte's Contributions to Saturday Night Live

Observers might wonder, "Wasn't that mostly with Will Forte?" Indeed, Forte's participation in Saturday Night Live has been substantial, contributing to many memorable moments. His The Falconer skit was one of the high points of his tenure, with diverse and creative collaborations in the sketch comedy world. The skit's signature song, which Forte would sing when Donald flew away, was a testament to the character's depth and unique catchphrase, reinforcing the sketch's lasting appeal.

Will Ferrell's 'Service' Biopic and Will Forte's Role

In 2017, Will Ferrell released a biopic titled The Service. While not directly related to the The Falconer sketch, the film features Will Forte, who in this case plays a character named Zvezdan Tari, a heroic air force pilot. Although the two have different careers and characters, their shared stage often leads to many hilarious instances of people mistaking Forte as Ferrell. This mix-up is sometimes used in sketches and social media, highlighting the public confusion and humor surrounding the two names.

The Falcon, Donald the Falcon

The surname Donald, given to the falcon in the sketch, is a creative and unconventional choice. While typical falcon names such as "Jack", "Jessie", or "Reggie" are more common, Forte's decision to name his character "Donald the Falcon" added a humorous edge and playful twist to the sketch. The name Donald, often associated with mundane and average individuals, contrasts sharply with the majestic and enigmatic falcon, creating a perfect blend of comedy and misunderstanding.

The Movie 'Savannah'

The name Donald also carries a significant fictional significance. For instance, in the movie Savannah, the main character is named Donatello (often referred to as Don). This, along with the falcon's name, adds another layer of complexity to the character, and further blurs the lines between the film's title and the falcon's name.

Understanding the unique style and personality of The Falconer sketch, centered around Will Forte and his falcon Donald, offers a deeper appreciation of his comedic talent and the intricacies of Saturday Night Live. From the falconry profession to the character's intriguing backstory, each element of the sketch contributes to its enduring popularity and celebration by viewers.