Saturday Night Live opened its 28th season Oct. 5 with a conspicuous absence: President Bush.

Vice President Dick Cheney was there, as an impersonation provided by reliable Darrell Hammond. But Will Ferrell's departure after seven years left SNL without a commander-in-chief.

Creator Lorne Michaels told TV critics in July that a new person to portray Bush would be selected by the season debut. “I think we'll definitely know for sure by then,” he said.

He didn't.

Prophetically, Mr. Michaels said last summer: “We're not going to be able to replace Will Ferrell. . . . He did just great work, and I think he will be missed.”

Tina Fey, co-head writer and “Weekend Update” co-anchor, says departures of popular cast members, such as Mr. Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, provide opportunities for those left behind.

“We won't replace Will, because you never could. But a great thing about this show is that it's a great place for people to come and showcase themselves,” she says. “Hopefully, other cast members will be able to have new characters that they'll be able to get on now.”

Back for another season are Rachel Dratch, Jimmy Fallon, Ms. Fey, Mr. Hammond, Chris Kattan, Tracy Morgan, Chris Parnell, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph and Horatio Sanz, plus featured players Dean Edwards, Seth Meyers and Jeff Richards. Two featured players have been added for this season, comedian Fred Armisen (Late Night with Conan O'Brien) and writer-performer Will Forte (That ' 70s Show, Late Show with David Letterman, 3rd Rock from the Sun).

— John Kiesewetter

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