Well, wasn't that an upset! Last night, all signs were pointing to The Wanda Sykes Show over Taylor Swift's double duty on Saturday Night Live for comedic relief. It seemed like a no-brainer, really. Sykes has a nichey store of acerbic, self-deprecating jokes well-designed to court goodwill in post-Bush America. And last night, she was also assisted by the delightful Mary-Lynn Rajskub, who works full-time at 24, but remains revered for her quirky cameos. Still, somehow the world flipped upside down. Unfortunately Sykes found herself thin with jokes. Meanwhile, Swift pulled off an SNL coup so top-notch that had it even been an on-day for Sykes, she still would've shined.

In Taylor Swift's valiant SNL victory, there's a simple lesson: Listening to cats yowl may make for better music than hers, but try as hard as you may, you'll invariably warm up to Swift. Resistance is futile and is, honestly, just as outmoded as jokes about that night she rose to international prominence. Aplomb and a sense of humor may make her an unlikely candidate for one of the more impressive guest stars to feature on the middling sketch show. Well played, Swift. Well played. A couple of her finest moments follow.