The Simpsons own Halloween every year with their “Treehouse of Horror” episodes, and this year’s impressive and referential couch gag guest directed by Guillermo del Toro only hammered that point home. But this year, they’re turning their clever eye toward the yuletide season with a very Christmassy opening that turns Springfield into the North Pole, its citizens into elves, wizards, Heat and Snow Misers, and the like, and features more Santa’s Little Helper than we’ve seen in decades. Otto attempting to smoke a psychedelic candy cane is a highlight, as are Apu’s Hindu idols, Krusty eating Chinese food with other Jewish people, and Lou, Dr. Hibbert, and Carl celebrating Kwanzaa. Hell, Millhouse even tries his hand at being Linus from A Charlie Brown Christmas and Comic Book Guy celebrates Festivus.
It’s exactly the kind of detail you’d expect from the longest running prime time animated show ever made.
By the way… how are you seeing the opening pan before the show aired?
Thanks! I love living in”The Future” where all I need to do is look up an esoteric question and have it immediately answered….wanted to know about the male angel.
The male angel at 1:14 is actually Don Payne, the writer of this episode. He died back in march
A neat catch: At 1:14, the angels are Phil Hartman and Mrs. Krabappel
The angel Edna Krabappel during the big cast pan at the end was a nice touch.