The Simpsons
Christmas Special is a wonderful episode filled with all the humor that makes the show great, and a distinctive Christmas-themed story with clever narrative framing. In keeping with its long-standing tradition of releasing special themed episodes during the holidays, The Simpsons was big in 2024 with an incredible story that works on all fronts. From a festive arch to exciting celebrity guests, The Simpsons nailed it in the 2024 Christmas special.
When Derren Brown, a popular British hypnotist and illusionist, arrives in Springfield to create his next mind-bending mentalist special, his attempt to increase the Christmas spirit works a little too well for some. Meanwhile, others are forced to question their own beliefs. Homer spends his time believing he is the real Santa Claus, and Springfield is shaken in a way only Springfield could be. But in the end, it's a very happy Christmas for everyone.
The Simpsons Tells a Smart and Unique Christmas Story
Opening the episode with Derren Brown – who has done several specials centering his mentalist abilities – turns the scenario into a very unique situation because it feels so disconnected from Christmas and even the general stories of The Simpsons. However, as the series often does, it takes these incompatible elements and creates something that makes sense for the characters.
Derren chooses Homer as the subject of his next special.
The narrative framing is bizarre, but by placing the city of Springfield as the subject of an unrelated concept, it provides a perfect basis for a compelling and well-conceived story. Derren chooses Homer as the subject for his next special, setting the stage for his big trick. But with Homer in the spotlight, things don't go according to plan. This leads to many comical moments. It also creates tension and paves the way for an even deeper story. The episode efficiently creates a story within a story, perfectly utilizing its limited running time.
The episode also does everything you'd expect from a Christmas special, exploring religious and more secular views to appeal to a wide audience. Despite The Simpsons'from flirtation to speech, the episode offers a satisfying payoff for viewers of all backgrounds.
The Simpsons continues to innovate decades after its premiere
While Derren Brown may not be the most contemporary magician, The Simpsons reveals the magic it can bring together in terms of innovative stories. The show has been running for almost 40 years, but it still manages to find new angles and situations for the titular family, creating a fun and balanced story. The humor is sharp and the celebrity guests have time to shine. The result is a beautiful and intelligent special episode.
Another incredible entry from The Simpsonsand a double bill perfect for fans of the show around the holidays.
While there are a few moments where the jokes seem to go overboard, that's part of the show's brand and, at this point, to be expected. It may not be aimed at children, but it remains uplifting and exciting for adults. It gives opportunities to characters who don't normally work together, which is incredibly unifying and warm, and indicative of the Christmas spirit. It's another incredible entry from The Simpsons and a double bill perfect for fans of the show around the holidays.
The Simpsons Christmas Special, 'O C'mon All Ye Faithful' is now streaming on Disney+.
The Simpsons
- Celebrity guests are used creatively in the episode, with spectacular results.
- The Christmas special hits all the emotional and comedic beats.
- A clever, intricate story woven within a story, but nothing is lost along the way.