Northern Exposure Christmas (1991)

This Emmy-award winning episode has several interweaving story lines. Maurice Minnifield receives Korean visitors--a woman accompanied by her middle-aged son, the product of Maurice’s military time spent overseas. This is a son that he didn’t even know existed until now. Dr. Joel Fleischman gets himself his first Christmas tree though he’s conflicted over its meaning to him as a Jew. Pilot Maggie O'Connell is desperate to avoid going home for the holidays but is hurt when her family goes to the Caribbean without her. Barmaid Shelly is nostalgic for the Catholic traditions of Christmas from her childhood which Holling tries to satisfy by beautifully singing “Ave Maria.”

Raven decorations adorn the city of Cicely for the holiday

But the most unique aspect of this episode is the Native-American traditions of Cicely, Alaska: the Raven pageant and folklore explored throughout the story. The city decorates with black bird decorations, ornaments and lights. Don’t miss Joel’s enigmatic secretary, Marilyn, in the lead role of the pageant. Here at the pageant, we see the local mythology of the raven which metaphorically resembles the familiar Nativity story with an emphasis on the themes of birth and light. Exploring this creepy bird’s connection to Christmas further, listen for Chris in the Morning’s radio show exposition and Edgar Allen Poe-inspired commentary.

John Corbett as radio DJ Chris in the Morning talking about Poe

This 1991 episode, written by Andrew Schneider and Diane Frolov, won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Writing in a Drama Series for that year. It is available for viewing on DVD: Season 3, disc 3 (or disc 2, side A--for the double-sided DVD release).

Actor John Cullum who plays Holling Vincoeur reveals in this episode his impressive vocal training, Broadway experience and Tony Award-winning talents in his performance of the song "Ave Maria." If you're a reader like I am, you may appreciate seeing Cullum in another literary-themed Christmas episode: "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" on the TV series Touched By An Angel. Cullum plays Mark Twain in a touching holiday story. This 1997 episode not only dramatizes the life of American writer, Mark Twain, but includes references to the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his hope-filled poem/carol “Christmas Bells.”

Actor John Cullum plays restaurant-owner of The Brick, Holling Vincoeur

Poe Museum in Richmond, VA--pardon the photo, I was standing in the rain!

I was inspired to once again reflect upon this spectacular Christmas episode because today I spent the day at the Poe Museum located in Richmond, Virginia. As you know, I'm on book tour right now. I arrived in Richmond a few days early so I'm enjoying the local attractions. My first stop had to be the Poe Museum--and this weekend when my book tour takes me to Baltimore, I'm going to visit Poe's grave.

I'll be signing books at Chop Suey Books on Thursday, November 18th from 4-6pm. See you there!

Gorgeous Poe bust in the Memorial Gardens at the Poe Museum

1980s Christmas: A Very Brady Christmas

This made-for-TV movie is a schmaltzy afterthought to the 1970s TV show yet still remains a holiday ‘must-see.’ All the original actors in the principle cast revive their roles with one exception: Susan Olsen was unavailable to play Cindy Brady so actress Jennifer Runyon was her substitute. In 1988, viewers loved this return of their favorite TV characters so much, the original series creator, Sherwood Schwartz, generated a whole new series, 1990’s The Bradys to give the now grown bunch another try in prime time.

Here, the adult Brady children are invited to return home for Christmas. But each of the children has a deception he or she is keeping from the other family members. Bobby is afraid to reveal that he quit school to become a race car driver. Peter is hesitant to commit to his girlfriend because she’s his boss at work. Jan’s marriage to Phillip is on the rocks and they are considering separating. Cindy is upset that as the youngest, she’s still treated like a child. Greg misses his wife who is with her parents for the holiday. Marcia’s husband Wally is embarrassed because he lost his job at the toy factory. And, the maid Alice is upset because her husband Sam has left her for a younger woman.

Even Carol and Mike have their troubles. Mike is being pressured by a client to modify the architectural specifications of a building that would be a structural safety risk. But in the middle of Christmas dinner, the building collapses and Mike rushes to the construction site to help. He knows the building’s structure better than anyone and goes inside the wreckage to help free the men trapped inside. Unfortunately, the building collapses more with Mike on the inside! The Bunch gather at the construction site and sing Christmas carols in a united effort of faith and trust that their father and the workers will come out alive.

There are several significant Christmas references here. One is that the family together sings ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ at the construction site--the same tune sung by Florence Henderson as Carol Brady in the original 1969 Brady Bunch holiday episode "The Voice of Christmas." Another significant reference is the location of this collapsed building, pointed out by the TV news crew covering the devastation. When Mike emerges from the wreckage, it is called ‘The Miracle on 34th Street.’ Of course, this is a nod to the popular 1947 Christmas movie of the same title.

The cast includes: Florence Henderson as mother Carol; Robert Reed as father Mike; Ann B. Davis as the maid, Alice; Barry Williams as Greg; Maureen McCormick as Marcia; Christopher Knight as Peter; Eve Plumb as Jan; Mike Lookinland as Bobby; Jennifer Runyon as Cindy; Jerry Houser as Marcia’s husband Wally; Ron Kuhlman as Jan’s husband , Phillip; and, Caryn Richman as Greg’s wife, Nora. Sam the butcher was also re-cast, here played by Lewis Arquette.

The Bunch wait for a miracle on Christmas Day outside the collapsed building.

This TV movie is both wonderful and awful at the same time. If you have any sentimentality at all for the original series, you'll need to see the cast and the characters now as adults. But this also means the 1970s groovy fashions and youthful innocence are gone and replaced with 1980s big hair, mom jeans, shoulder pads and incredulous adult innocence. But don't get me wrong--I LOVE THIS! And I know you do too--and that's why it still airs every year on TV despite its age. Below is a preview and the opening credit sequence to this made-for-TV movie from Youtube. Enjoy!

Spartanburg/Woodruff SC recap

That's me on the marquee!

The latest stop on my book tour was yesterday afternoon in Woodruff, SC at the Broken TeaPot. I talked to quite a few people and we discussed the TV movie The Gathering, those military/Christmas stories from my blog post Columbus Georgia recap, the movie It's A Wonderful Life, episodes of The Twilight Zone, the Waltons, Little House on the Prairie and so many more. Not only was the discussion lively but Suni's cookies and the food she put out was divine! Thanks so much to the Broken TeaPot for the warm hospitality.

Susie and I share a passion for Christmas on TV and a homeown.

Visiting with my friend and nephew Jay.

Book Tour--My day off includes Amy Sedaris!

As many of you probably already know, Amy Sedaris has written another book, Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People, and she is currently on book tour promoting it. My own book tour has crossed hers today--giving me the opportunity to attend her event in Asheville, NC tonight. I've seen her before and she's extremely entertaining and sharp-witted in person. So I wanted to make sure to see her again. Tonight she repeatedly performed her Miss Jane Pittman imitation--not only is it spot-on but it's hilarious. (I love Cicley Tyson--but who doesn't, right?) And, she did her Al Jarreau imitation too. I'm laughing just thinking about it.

I even got a chance to ask her a question during the Q&A about "A Blank White Christmas" her title to a possible "Strangers With Candy" Christmas movie. She didn't directly answer me which I'm fine with but I'm dying to see Jerri Blank's Christmas! The possibilities are endless. When I had Amy sign my book I got a few minutes of face time with her and we talked about how difficult book tours can be. But seeing her is certainly a highlight of my tour. Especially since she didn't come even close to making a stop anywhere near to where I live. I only got to see her because I'm so far away from home.

We were not permitted to take photos of Amy but this is me in the crowd tonight, desperately clutching my copy of Amy's book. And yes, thank you for covering your mouth when you cough!

I broke the first rule of Book Tour: Don't Buy Books--Sell Books!

Saturday, November 13th I'm signing books in Woodruff, SC (outside of Spartanburg/Greenville SC) at 2pm at The Broken TeaPot TeaParlor. See you there!

1980s Christmas: Silver Spoons

"Here we are face to face, a couple of silver spoons..."

Continuing with my posts about TV holiday moments from the 1980s, it has been suggested to me to include this sugary favorite: 1982's "The Best Christmas Ever."

In this season one story, Ricky Stratton is excited to spend his first Christmas with his wealthy father. But when an adorable little boy knocks on their mansion door, the Stratton family discover a homeless family living in a nearby cave. Ricky and his father not only sacrifice their own gifts to give them an unexpected Christmas, but Edward offers the needy family a leg up. Together the families sing ‘Silent Night.’

What makes this TV episode worth remembering is special guest Joey Lawrence as the young, homeless boy. Both Ricky Schroder and Joey Lawrence on the screen at the same time is enough pre-teen super stardom to light a small city. Considering how difficult Hollywood is on child actors, it's pretty amazing that both of these guys, now men, still have succesful careers in the industry.

Tell me what you like about this episode. You can watch it on the first season DVD release available at Netflix--or this mini-sode from Crackle below.

Book Tour: Columbus, Georgia recap

Welcome to the Columbus library!

November 11th, Veteran's Day, I spoke at the Columbus library about Christmas on TV--even highlighting holiday programing that includes a military theme. I promised the crowd that I would re-list those program titles that I brought up. Of course, all these titles and more are included in the upcoming Tis the Season TV book I wrote.

World War I: true-life story about a spontaneous truce that arose between the French and British troops with the Germans on Christmas 1914. See also: the 2005 movie "Joyeux Noel," and the History channel documentaries "The Christmas Truce" and "Christmas at War."

World War II: inspired by a true story/drama about Christmas Eve in 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes forest. See also: the 2002 movie "Silent Night." There are also several Christmas movies that take place during WWII including: 1944's "I'll Be Seeing You," 1944's "Since You Went Away," and 1988's "I'll Be Home for Christmas."

The Korean War includes holiday episodes of M*A*S*H and the 1997 TV movie "A Thousand Men and A Baby."

And for the Vietnam War, I discussed "Bob Hope Entertains the Troops--The Vietnam Years" which is the DVD set in the library's collection which includes several of the TV specials made from Bob Hope's annual USO tours to entertain soldiers.

The TV series JAG created their own holiday episode in the fifth season entitled "The Ghosts of Christmas Past" that pays homage to Bob Hope's USO Christmas tours.

Two more contemporary TV Christmas movies have been made that address issues of soldiers in more recent conflicts including 2006's "The Christmas Card" and 2002's "The Christmas Visitor."

Of course, this is just some of the many Christmas titles that incorporate soldiers or the military.

Many thanks to the Friends of the Library for the opportunity to speak at the library. I miss Columbus already!

Book Tour: Augusta GA recap

Everyone keeps asking me when I'm going to be on the History Channel and when the TV Guide Network TV special is going to air--and I still don't know. But THIS is where I'll announce those dates and times as soon as I know! So stay close to this blog if you're looking forward to seeing those upcoming TV specials.

Apparently I recently won an election in South Carolina!!

My latest book signing on my book tour took place at the main library in downtown Augusta, Georgia yesterday. If you aren't familiar with the geography, this sleepy Southern town is just over the South Carolina border--so close that my hotel was actually just a few miles away in South Carolina. Straight out of a nightmare, my short drive to the library turned into an odyssey as my Mapquest directions took me into rural SC where I was lost--and almost late to my program! I had to stop several times and ask locals for directions--the best directions were from a young counter girl working at a chicken shack. She was great and very helpful. My 11 minute drive to the library took me more than an hour and tears were shed. But the new library facility in downtown Augusta is amazing! And I was asked to write a Top 10 list of Christmas programs that are in their library collection for the library's website. Nice.




This is the vehicle that I'm driving across this great country on my book tour. I am pleased to learn that people are taking notice of the car magnets which have my encyclopedia's cover design and website. If you see me, you gotta wave!

My next book event is tomorrow--at the library in Columbus, Georgia at 4 pm. In honor of Veteran's Day, I'll be talking about some of the many, many military/Christmas programs that air on TV--from Bob Hope's memorable USO tour Christmas specials to the more contemporary TV movies The Christmas Card and The Christmas Visitor. By the way, are you aware that Hallmark Channel Christmas programming begins this weekend? Go to their website to check their schedule so you don't miss you're favorite TV movies. Click on the link:

Hallmark Channel