Season two, Solstice Carol episode is a typical but non-typical Xena style holiday
special. Originally aired December 1996 (has it been that long?) utilizing many elements of Christmas to make up this wonderful homage to Charles Dickens, A
Christmas Carol.
"And from that day on, we've honored and celebrated it--as a time of rebirth for our wishes and our dreams. The time ofcoming together in joy and peace. It's the shortest day of the year-- and the longest night. But on this special night, a new light, a new chance is born to us all. So, it's a time for miracles-- and goodwill towards all living creatures. That's why the Winter Solstice means so much-- and touches us all so deeply."
As our own celebration of Christmas is so near I wanted to post something about the many elements in this episode cleverly used rather than being analytical of its contents for a change.
First of all its a great episode to watch in my opinion regardless if little kids are around the television or not but better if there are children. A whole family can enjoy this episode that includes creative comedic moments even action packed toys for weapons battle.
Ingenious to launch the story with Xena's Chakram swiped to end up atop a Christmas tree.
They don't leave out the commerical aspect of Christmas-lines about gift wrapping and stocking stuffers.
Presents of course and well before Home Alone had young McCauley fend off the bad guys using toys (marbles), Xena done that.
Had to think of the Chipmunk, Alvin wanting a Hula Hoop song seeing Gabrielle doing her hula hooping (and doing it well).
Christmas Miracles a'bound not only saving the orphanage but reuniting King Silvus and Inalia after thirty years plus separation, he thinking her dead.
The music follows the theme well with:
Gabrielle playing "Jingle Bells" on a couple of guards during the final fight scene.
The "Good, Bad and Ugly" music when Senticles loaded a crossbow quoting Dirty Harry, "Go ahead, make my day".
Xena using a Hercules marionette strongly resembling Kevin Sorbo-a Hercules like theme plays.
Of course Senticles was no coincidence as a toy maker who during this ep leaps down the chimney.
My most favorite was Xena style affirmation of one, gift giving when Xena gave Gabrielle the wooden lamb like she had when a child but also that a person's presence year round is a gift into itself "Gabrielle, you are a gift to me."
Anyone else find any Xena style holiday things in this episode you want to mention ?
Anyone still replay this one during the Christmas holiday (I did) ?
