Christmas: A few too many Christmas Spirits Shawn?

I know, a lot of Psych clips lately. But its one of the few shows that is dedicated to the holiday spirit. And its a lot of fun.

Season 5, Episode 4, "The Polarizing Express" - Original Air date: 12/15/2010


Guest-starring the bitter Tony Cox (Bad Santa, Friday, Willow) as himself, helping Shawn solve a murder after his hijinks forced a judge to throw out key evidence in a case.

This episode is a kind of "Christmas Carol" turned sideways, as Shawn discovers what it would be like if he would never have come back to Santa Barbara, all while solving a murder.

And I love the snowman.

Christmas: Here Comes Santa Claus

When you turn on the news to watch Santa parachute into the local mall, you don't expect him to land in your back yard. And neither did the Bundy's. But that is what they now have to deal with. A dead Santa in their backyard and worried kids at their front door.

Married . . . with Children, Season 2 Episode 13, "You Better Watch Out"



Hulu has edited down the full episode so you can watch pretty much the whole story in about 5 minutes.

When the parachuting mall Santa crash lands in the Brundy's backyard, Al has to dress up like Santa to protect the innocent children from the truth that Santa died during the crash.   When the mall Representative comes to buy off the Bundy's, he finds how what Al has done and rips up the check he was going to give them. "Why should I bribe you to say something you already said?"

This Week's Christmas Episode Preview

'Tis the season for holiday specials. I know the real reason for the season but holiday episodes on tv are a close second.

Here is this week's highlights.

Tuesday: Last Man Standing on ABC 8/7c,

Mike's Christmas spirit takes a hit when father of Kristen's baby shows up unannounced. Meanwhile, Mandy gets job as an elf at Outdoor Man but end ups trying to unionize the workers.

 Wednesday: The Middle on ABC 8/7c
Frankie decides to host a Christmas Eve party.


Up All Night on NBC 8/7c
Regean and Chris try and make baby Amy's first Christmas perfect.

Modern Family on ABC 9/8c
The family throws together a quick Christmas celebration when they realize they will be apart on the actual day.

Happy Endings on ABC 9:30/8:30c
Max is desperate for extra cash so he agrees to play Santa at Penny's charity event.




Thursday: Community on NBC 8/7c
The GCC gang will be singing lots of holiday favorites when the glee club is suddenly sidelined.


Parks and Recreation on NBC 8:30/7:30c
The Parks Department debate what to get Leslie for Christmas.

The Office on NBC 9/8c
Robert California drowns his sorrows at the office Christmas party and Andy plays Santa.





Whitney on NBC 9:30/8:30c
Whitney and Alex try to plan hooky from their family gatherings so that can start a new tradition with their friends.






Friday:

CBS has a full night of Christmas shows starting at 8/7c, shows include: Frosting the Snowman, Frosty Returns, Yes, Virginia, and The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf's Story

As you can see there are still plenty of gaps. I will be adding to the preview soon so check back. Thanks

Netflix in the Holiday Spirit

As a mother of a toddler and a woman without cable, I have always loved watching streaming video off of Netflix. It has almost all of my daughter favorite shows and a lot of mine. And when they raised the prices this year, I just kept the streaming videos because I just couldn't live without them. But somehow, Netflix has gotten better. Now in their suggestions section, they have holiday recommendations.

I must be in heaven!

Not only does it list Christmas movies, but tv shows and episodes as well. Right away it shows me that 30Rock's Season 2 Episode 9 is called "LudaChristmas" and all I have to do is click on it to watch it. They also have Arrested Development, Raising Hope, and Glee just to name a few.

Maybe they saw my blog and realized how much people really love those holiday specials?

Christmas: I Guess Anyone Can Be a Store Santa

I always knew that seasonal episodes were important in tv land. But I didn't realize that the iconic show, The Simpsons started their full sitcom career with a Christmas special. That right. Season 1 Episode 1 is all about Homer trying to earn extra money for the holiday season by playing Santa.

This is also the episode were the Simpsons get their beloved dog, Santa's Little Helper.

The Simpsons, Season 1 Episode 1 : "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire"



The Simpson family head to the mall to start their Christmas shopping. Sounds simple enough until Bart sneaks off an get a tattoo. Marge uses the money they have been saving for Christmas presents to have the tattoo removed. But she isn't worried because they have Homer's Christmas bonus coming.

Homer doesn't have the heart to tell Marge that he isn't getting a Christmas bonus this year. Instead her tries to raise the money himself by becoming a department store Santa.  He doesn't get paid until Christmas Eve, which makes it to late to do anything when he realizes he hasn't made enough to save Christmas.  So he takes Bart to the dog racing track and bets it all on Santa's Little Helper. They lose all his money but walk away with the dog. Santa's Little Helper is all family really needed to have a special Christmas morning. This is a true holiday classic.

Christmas: Home for the Holidays

Christmas is a time for old friends and rekindled feelings. Like a friends sister who is now irresistible, from Psych's second annual Christmas show.

Season 3, Episode 9, "Christmas Joy"


When Gus's family gathers for the holidays, Shawn discovers that Gus's sister joy has grown into a beautiful, but forbidden, woman.

There is also murder and mayhem as the Psych investigative team tries to prove Santa's innocence (a la Miracle on 34th Street?). I guess this is one great way to save Christmas.

Christmas: A little murder with your eggnog?

Mrs Cosby yelling: "I don't want to go to prison." Instant classic from one of the best comedies on TV right now. Here's a preview from Psych's very first Christmas episode.

Season 2, episode 10 "Gus's Dad May Have Killed An Old Guy"


Psych always brings in sweet guest stars and this time its Phylicia Rashad (Mrs. Cosby) and Ernie Hudson (Winston from Ghostbusters), to star at Gus's parents.

But when someone is murdered, Mr. Guster is the prime suspect, with a great Christmas theme all around.

On TV this week: Off-season holiday episodes.

This is a big re-run week for networks, with the NCAA's men's basketball championship tonight, sunny weather invading some of the country (except the northeast). But that mean's some wacky out of season television. Here's what's on this week. All times eastern.

Monday:
8:30 on CBS - Rules of Engagement: "Little Bummer Boy" - Russell plans gifts for everyone in the office and Audrey wants to be the humorous wife at Jeff's holiday party. Season 5, episode 12. Original air date: Dec. 13, 2009.

Tuesday:
9:30 on Fox - Raising Hope: "Happy Halloween" - Virgina has to take her mom trick-or-treating while Jeff hopes to attend a Halloween party with Sabrina while her boyfriend is busy. Season 1, episode 4. Original air date: October 26, 2010.

Enjoy until new programming is back next week.