- Dib
"Who isn't?"
- Gaz
My final pick of the Nickelodeon specials has inadvertently created a palindrome, as this special was also a series finale of an animated show. Of course, Invader Zim was nothing like Doug, nor did it have a lengthy run. The show, however, did become a major success for the company, as the cult appeal of Invader Zim lead to many DVD releases, extensive merchandising, and plenty of t-shirts. Instead of following a kid-friendly approach or choose to implement goofy and cute humor, Invader Zim took comedy and animation into the darkest abysses of the world. It was a kid's first experience with pessimism and nihilism. So it made perfect sense to end the show with a ruthless but hilarious depiction of Christmas in "The Most Horrible X-Mas Ever."
The episode begins two million years in the future where a creepy deranged robot named Mr. Sludgey, modelled after Sam the Snowman, is fear inducing a pack of children by telling them the story of the worst Christmas ever. Obviously, the story follows Zim and his two buddies, the lovable Gir and the "other sidekick" Mini Moose. Unable to earn money with their terrific display of a dog eating snow, they notice the many horrific fat men in red suits on the streets. Zim kidnaps one from the mall and is informed by his victim of the massive world appeal of Santa Claus. Seeking to use Santa's image for his own world domination plans, he wears a cyber-organic Santa suit to appear as the real Santa and have his followers build him a massive teleporter. The only opponent to prevent it is his recurring human nemesis Dib and his easily distracted family members.
Some may try to link this with The Ref and Bad Santa in being anti-Christmas Christmas entertainment but that is totally inaccurate and impossible. "The Most Horrible X-Mas Ever" does not have any hope for the future of Christmas, as the morals and lessons have been crushed by the extensive media appeal of Santa Claus. Santa is public enemy number one under the eyes of creator Jhonen Vasquez and his crew. Following one of the show's signature themes, the first appearance of Santa is on the city streets, as the many "Santa helpers" are ringing a constant bell next to very literal sign saying "Give Now". This harsh parody of the Salvation Army is further helped by their unkempt body appearances. On the other hand, the mall Santa that is captured by Zim is clean and fits the usual model but is easily shown to have severe mental problems. But the real showcase of mental instability is on the world's population, who are willing to properly "bow down" to Zim's Santa through his sing-a-long leader song and follow his words and orders. The power of Santa becomes too much for Zim, taking over his body and mind before turning into a Tetsuo-like hellspawn. Though it is defeated by Dib in a kaiju fight, the Santa monster still lives to return each December to attack the world. The only hope of staving him off, as said by Mr. Sludgey, is to "raise the shields" and prevent Santa from entering the hearts and minds of everyone.
I just made this episode to appear very disturbing and depressing to view. Though it very much lives up to its title, "The Most Horrible X-Mas Ever" is still very hilarious to watch and a great treat to those who hate the appeal and constant presence of Santa Claus in their Christmas time. I really don't have nor can think of any problems with it, hence why this entry is a bit short. I wouldn't call it totally perfect but it is greatly unique and is certainly a good diversion from the usual holiday fare. And after viewing it, you will be eagerly awaiting the Easter holiday so you can hopefully sit on the lap of the Easter Platypus. Merry Platypus to all and to all a good night.
TOMORROW'S ENTRY: Warner Bros Animation and Steven Spielberg presents a superhero born on Christmas.
No comments:
Post a Comment