Show: “The Simpsons” (Season 1, episode 1)
Airdate: Dec. 17, 1989
Overview: This is a classic not only because it’s a Christmas episode, but also because it’s the very first episode of “The Simpsons.” Sometimes when you go back and watch the first episode of a long-running series, it’s jarring how slow and boring it is. This episode is paced slowly but it’s not boring. We meet many major characters for the first time (although the Simpsons themselves were familiar to “Tracey Ullman Show” viewers), notably Santa’s Little Helper in the final act. When Homer brings home a free dog for Christmas, having failed to win any money at the dog track to buy presents, everyone is thrilled, and that wonderfully illustrates the spirit of Christmas.
Memorable moments:
- When Homer lists all of the dog’s horrible qualities (“He’s a loser, he’s pathetic …”) and finishes with “He’s a Simpson,” and the dog licks his face, it’s hard not to get a little teared up.
- Bart and Lisa run into Homer’s arms when he gets home, shouting “Daddy, daddy!” Homer doesn’t understand their enthusiasm until he realizes they were being smothered by Marge’s sisters. This moment illustrates the backbone of the series: The Simpsons aren’t perfect, and they don’t always get along with each other, but at the end of the day, they love each other.
Trivia: The writer of this episode is someone named Mimi Pond, whose only other credit is an episode of “Designing Women,” according to IMDB.
Schmaltz factor: Low. If it aired today, I’d probably see it as being more manipulative, but it’s old enough that it earns its spot as a beloved classic.
Verdict: You can talk about “A Christmas Story,” “The Grinch,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Die Hard” all you want, but for me it doesn’t get more classic than this at Christmastime.
P.S. I’ll be live-blogging my Christmas episode marathon viewing all night, or at least until I get a last-minute invite to an amazing Christmas party. Feel free to share your memories of each episode (or whatever your favorite Christmas episodes or movies are) in the comment threads.