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Tuesday 20 December 2011

25 Days of Christmas: Day Twenty-Two - Christmas TV Specials

The final days of Christmas are fast approaching and before we head toward the final three Christmas classics we thought we would take a brief respite to watch ten of our favorite TV Christmas episodes. Of course writing a five part review for ten television specials is more work then two people can handle and more reading than I assume you'd be willing to do so we have done the hard work for you and condensed them somewhat. From the good to the awesome, here are ten of Cinemazov's favorite Christmas Specials.

10. The Fast Show Christmas Special
For least inventive name I put this at the bottom of the list but despite that it is still pretty funny. Many of the jokes rely on you having some knowledge of The Fast Show characters as this becomes at times more of a Fast Show retrospective with some little happy Christmas moments than an entirely Christmas show. However it's extraordinary long and I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing. The nature of sketch shows is fast fire humor but the length of the show leads it into a trap of feeling like a bit of a mess. Having said that I still watch it every year and enjoy it every year. 

9. American Dad: The Most Adequate Christmas Ever
A Matter of Life and Death meets It's a Wonderful Life in this American Dad Christmas special. I don't know about the rest of you but I got pretty bored of Family Guy by about the 5th season and American Dad was a refreshing change (in reality it was just because I love Patrick Stewart) However this special is lacking in Christmas still I'd love to go to Roger's Christmas DJ set.

8. Fairly Odd Parents: Christmas Everyday 
At one point in our lives we listened to the song "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday" and thought that it would indeed be awesome. Then you grow up and realize it would be the worst thing that could ever happen (well maybe not the worst ever, but pretty high on the list). Just imagine all that wrapping paper, hell on Earth. This Fairly Odd Parents Christmas special tackles that issue with more egg nog than could be drank by the 12 thirstiest of drummers drumming.

7. Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas
If you are yet to discover the wonder and majesty of Horrible Histories there is no time like the present. Yes, CBBC decided that they would produce something that could actually be enjoyed. Their Christmas episode does not disappoint with such classics as Historical Masterchef and the Victorian prisoners lunch. Kids TV is what Christmas is all about after all.

6. Phineas & Ferb Family Christmas 
Similarly if you are yet to watch the Disney channel classic Phineas and Ferb maybe the promise of Kelly Clarkson will mange to draw you into their old school style special (Sam tells me she did Since You've Been Gone, that was alright) It's cute but it all really kicks off at the very end with their brilliant rendition of we wish you a merry Christmas. 

5. Woodland Critter Christmas 
"It's almost time when the time is here, the tie that's only once a year. We can hardly wait cause it's so near, a Woodland Critter Christmas!" That's all you need to know really.

4. Tom & Jerry: The Night Before Christmas 
Tom and Jerry just hate each other so much. They have done all manner of horrible things to one another and it just never seems to stop. That's why my favorite episodes are the ones where they settle their differences and become friends if only for a moment. And of course the Christmas special is one of those episodes. After using all of the toys under the tree to torture the other, Tom locks Jerry outside, but dude it's the holidays and he soon has a Christmas-based change of heart. Wonderful stuff. 

3. Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire 
You can't have a Christmas without the Simpsons and when choosing a Christmas-time episode what is better than the first ever episode (maybe that one with the Furbies and Gary Coleman). Still this first ever episode holds a special place in my heart. I Love Ralph Wiggum, that's all I'm saying, give him a spin-off show.

2. Quantum Leap: A Little Miracle 
If you wanna get me in a good mood put on any episode of Quantum Leap and give me me several bottles of Welches grape soda. I will be set for at least a week. Not only is this Christmas special based on A Christmas Carol but Al plays all three of the ghosts of Christmas cause for whatever reason the 'Scrooge' in this can see future holograms. But forget all the stuff that doesn't make sense and enjoy all the Christmas cheesiness. This year watch the only adaptation (other than the Muppets) that's worthwhile. 


1. Merry Christmas Mr. Bean
Mr.Bean saying "Just drying my hair" with a humongous turkey on his head has to be one of those images           that will stay will me forever. No matter how old I am this episode has always made me laugh. I know all the jokes are coming and yet I still love to see them play out. It's ridiculously funny and on top of that it's everything you'd expect from a Mr. Bean Christmas. No matter how old you are it's always awesome.

This year the Rev Christmas special was on and it was awesome. There are hundreds of great Christmas specials like the Holiday Armadillo and that space shark episode of Dr Who and it would be cool if we could watch them all but sadly we can't. There will eternally be awesome Christmas specials being made these are just ten ones we watched this year that we loved. Now you should go and watch loads of TV and get ready for the final three (and the best) Christmas films.


Tomorrow It's a Wonderful Life Coz We All Know That Christmas Would Be So Much Worse Without James Stewart In Our Lives

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