Tuesday, December 6, 2011

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.

Monday, December 5, 2011

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.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

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.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Halloween: Haunted Houses and Murder

Okay. Not techinically Halloween, but with Psych's bizarre schedule (mid-summer start), it's as close as you get. The haunted house is a Halloween classic. The best part is always trying to figure out which of the characters are puppets or fake, and which ones are live people waiting to jump out and scare the jee-willigers out of you.

Check out the writer commentary from the episode.

Season 5, Episode 11: "In Plain Fright"


Shawn and Gus stumbled upon a murder at a haunted house ride at a theme park. They have to sneak back in to find the body while hilarity ensues.

For fans of the episode, check out some outtakes.

Monday, August 22, 2011

1st Day of School: Bart Simpson's First Day

Schools all over the country are starting back to school soon (some today in fact). For some parents it is a time to cry. For others a time to cheer. But for most it is a time to share a little wisdom.

Homer tells Bart to pay attention because if he does, he might accomplish something the Simpsons have dreamed about for some time, "You may outsmart someone."




Friday, August 12, 2011

Labor Day: Married with Children

Before you know it Labor Day will be here and summer will be over. I can't say that I am sad about summer being over. I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma and it has been one of the hottest places in the country this year. I am ready for fall!

So to help get us ready for any Labor Day barbecues we might have planned is Al Bundy showing us what is really important about the day.

Married with Children, Season 4 Episode 1 "Hot Off the Grill"


It just wouldn't be Labor Day without Al Bundy relaxing all day while Peg does all the work to get ready for their yearly barbecue. He needs energy to make his special burgers. And it won't be time to eat until Peg sings the National Anthem.