12 classic Christmas episodes recalled
(Published Dec. 21, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor
It’s the season to be jolly, and to be entertained by many things holiday-themed.
It’s that time of the year when television shows give extra focus on happiness, sacrifice and soul-searching. The festivities may be central to the stories or are just incidental, but the spirit of the holidays often remains. Universal concepts like generosity and togetherness are tackled. Sometimes, the tales even highlight the epiphanies of Scrooges and Grinches.
Television gave, and continues to give us some feelgood, introspective, or bittersweet Christmas episodes. Here are twelve of the most memorable:
Twelve pies a-baking: Pushing Daisies, “Corpsicle”
It’s a bizarre holiday season as pie-maker Ned and investigator Emerson Cod discover the truth behind some mysterious murders: a deranged woman from a wish-granting foundation makes a sick boy happy by violently attacking his perceived tormentors.
Eleven TVs charming: The Wonder Years, “Christmas”
It’s the 1960s. Young Kevin and his brother want a color TV for Christmas, but their requests are ignored by their dad. It’s a memorable and reflective episode that’s made even more poignant by the music, especially Joni Mitchell’s “River.”
Ten swords a-waving: Doctor Who, “The Christmas Invasion”
Decorations attack people and Santas become menacing. The time-traveling Doctor is the Earth’s last hope when bloodthirsty alien invaders reveal themselves and their plot to enslave humanity on Christmas day.
Nine glue sticks melting: Will and Grace, “Jingle Balls”
Talentless Jack McFarland is assigned to decorate a posh store’s window display. A friend secretly helps him, but clueless Jack thinks he was bailed out by an actual Christmas miracle.
Eight hearts a-beating: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, “Amends”
Ghosts of holidays past haunt Angel, formerly a vicious vampire. Feeling tremendous guilt over recurring apparitions of his old victims, he tries to kill himself by waiting for the sunrise. A miraculously timed snowfall spares his life, and changes his mind.
Seven employees singing: The Office, “A Benihana Christmas”
Angela the control freak organizes a party and doesn’t welcome suggestions, so Pam and Karen invite people to their own gathering. Angela has food, but barely any attendees. Pam and Karen have the music and the revelers. Eventually, a truce merges both parties.
Six secrets sharing: Journeyman, “Home by Another Way”
Dan Vasser time-travels decades back to an office Christmas party, where he meets and chats with his estranged father before he abandons the family. Dan also discovers some truths about his boss and co-worker, which might save some jobs in the present.
Five odd wreaths: Supernatural, “A Very Supernatural Christmas”
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Four changing views:
The kids are preparing for the Christmas program, but changes had to be made to please non-Christians. Meanwhile, Kyle seems to be experiencing mental problems. But his “imaginary friend,” the icky but kind Mr. Hankey, reveals himself and inspires everyone.
Three lost souls: Torchwood, “Out of Time”
Three people from the 1950s find themselves in the present. Torchwood, a covert organization that deals with time travel and extraterrestrial issues, welcomes them. One person acclimates, another tries to go home, and the third loses hope.
Two mothers’ love: Ally McBeal, “Blue Christmas”
Elaine discovers an abandoned baby and seeks custody of the child. She sincerely wants to keep him, but her integrity is questioned. Days later, the biological mother, who suffered from postpartum depression, reclaims the baby. Heartbroken Elaine lets him go.
And a snapshot near a fake tree: The Simpsons, “Marge Be Not Proud”
The Simpsons’ family photo is ruined when Bart is yanked out by a security guard and exposed as a shoplifter. He tries to win back their respect, especially his mom’s, by having his picture taken and paying for it with his own money. Marge loves the gift.
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