SNL Adds 2 New Castmembers

Breaking news in the SNL world: Lorne Michaels has hired two new castmembers for season 35! When I heard the news I could hardly believe it--I really didn't think he'd hire anyone before the start of the new season on September 26th. However, the next bit of news surprised me even more: Both new castmembers are female. Wow. This is VERY surprising--shocking even.
Let me elaborate. Last season, Lorne hired 2 female castmembers, Abby Elliott & Michaela Watkins. They were added primarily to counteract the departure of Amy Poehler, plus in my opinion, they were hired to support the standout of the show, Kristen Wiig. Now, with the news coming today, there could be 6, that's right, 6 female castmembers. Before I give further reaction and commentary, let me briefly introduce you to our newbies:

Jenny Slate is a comedian from Brooklyn, New York. She is a graduate of Columbia University and starred in her one-woman show "Dead Millionaire" at the Upright Citizen's Brigade (UCB). She also had a weekly show with comedy partner Gabe Liedman called "Gabe and Jenny." However, most people may recognize her from a recent Verizon TV ad, and her role as Jimmy Fallon's assistant in the "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" miniseries "7th Floor West."

Nasim Pedrad is a comedian born in Tehran, Iran. Yes, Iran. She graduated from UCLA, and has worked with The Groundlings, the UCB Theatre and Improv Olympic. Most notably, she has been a player on the Sunday cast of The Groundlings. She too had a one-woman show entitled "Me, Myself, and Iran." You also may know her as "Nurse Suri" from ER.

That's a little background info on the new castmembers. Now to some thoughts on the hires:
Again, I'm surprised beyond belief that this move was made. In my opinion, this clearly sets up the departure of another castmember, namely Casey Wilson. I just don't see SNL keeping and utilizing 6 women on the show. Sketch comedy shows usually have about a 2-to-1 ratio of men to women. That seems to fit about right, seeing as there are usually far more male roles to play than female roles. In turn, because there are less females on a cast, each female gets used more, so in the end males/females have about the same impact on the show even though men greatly outnumber women. That being said, 6 women on a cast of 14 isn't the ratio you'd hope for. Therefore, I just don't see a way Lorne keeps Casey around. In a recent post I stuck up for Casey, and said I'd be surprised if she didn't stick around for season 35. Now, that changes. Because now a female has to go. Its not going to be Kristen or Abby, they've already confirmed they're coming back. And although the Michaela rumor has been thrown out there, I don't think Lorne's going to give up on a talent like her after 1/2 of a season. With the 5 remaining females, you have a strong, young group that can bring the laughs for years to come.

Also, Darrell Hammond is still in negotiations with SNL to come back for the 35th season. This is getting interesting, especially considering his essential "send-off" at last season's finale. This situation will be interesting to watch in the weeks leading up to the SNL premiere.