'Saturday Night Live' loses its wit after attacks

NEW YORK -- Facing a nation rocked by recent tragedy, "Saturday Night Live" blinked.

Typically irreverent, often defiantly rude in its comedy, the long-running NBC sketch series opened with a tribute to the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Then it ducked the tragedy and anything else topical for most of its season premiere Saturday.

In a "cold opening," New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani stood on the show's familiar set with some two dozen police, fire and rescue personnel. "On our city's darkest day, our heroes met the worst of humanity with the best of humanity," said Giuliani. "Our hearts are broken, but they are beating, and they are beating stronger than ever."

Then Paul Simon sang "The Boxer," his classic anthem of pain and courage.

"'Saturday Night Live' is one of our great New York City institutions," replied Giuliani, who has urged New Yorkers to return to normal life.

"Can we be funny?" Michaels asked him.

"Why start now?" cracked Giuliani with perfect timing. It was the night's funniest line.