Christma-Tele-Kwanz-Ukah-Vision Day 3: The Dick Van Dyke Show 3x12

Happy Christma-tele-kwanz-ukah-vision everybody!  This is my celebration of the holiday season through television- one holiday-themed episode a day all the way until Christmas (and for the most part the episodes will be Christmas based.  I've yet to see a kwanza television episode, but I'll keep my eyes and ears open).  Enjoy the spirit of the holidays through the medium of television- make yourself a cup of hot coco, snuggle up in a blanket and immerse yourself in the season.


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Laura and Rob, The Dancing Santas

The Dick Van Dyke Show “The Alan Brady Show Presents” 3x12

Today we’re going old school with an episode from the wonderful 60s sitcom, The Dick Van Dyke Show.  This show focuses on Rob Petrie (Dick Van Dyke) and his work as head writer at (the fictional) The Alan Brady Show, as well as his home life with his wife Laura (Mary Tyler Moore) and his son Richie.

When The Alan Brady Show decides to make the holiday episode more heartwarming, and ignores Sally’s suggestion (“If you want heart warmth just eat a large pizza before you go to bed!”), they decide to have the writers and their families.  Although it seems that at first Rob Petrie isn’t going to be able to handle the pressure of network television, it soon becomes apparent that he’s just as comfortable on television as he is performing at parties.  The writing staff, as well as Laura, Richie and Mel all perform a variety of different musical numbers- some of the best being Rob and Laura’s jazzy Santa duet of “I Have Everything But You” and the group performance of “I Am a Fine Musician.”  Due to the premise of the episode it has a very classic early television variety show feel, and is impressively hilarious almost 50 years later.  A great episode to watch with family and enjoy.


*Available on Netflix Instant