Christmas Comes Early to Springfield
“O C’mon All Ye Faithful” is now available for streaming on Disney+.
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. No, The Simpsons may not be the groundbreaking, trend-setting animated sitcom it once was in the early 1990s. However, the iconic show has managed to remain entertaining for over three decades by experimenting with different formats, such as exploring more horror episodes beyond the annual Treehouse of Horror anthology and incorporating noncanonical episodes like the excellent “A Serious Flanders.” So, it seems just right that for its 35th anniversary, The Simpsons would return to its roots with a Christmas special and once again hit the holiday jackpot.
In “O C’mon All Ye Faithful,” British mentalist Darren Brown visits Springfield in an attempt to restore the Christmas spirit to the town. Unfortunately, things take a chaotic turn when Brown accidentally hypnotizes Homer, making him believe he is Santa Claus. Guest appearances on The Simpsons can be hit or miss, but in the case of “O C’mon All Ye Faithful,” Darren Brown is surprisingly well-integrated into the storyline. Not only does he deliver a solid voice performance (avoiding the typical self-promotional celebrity cameo), but his character seamlessly blends in as just another eccentric outsider trying to take advantage of the town’s good nature. Brown’s presence never feels jarring, and viewers unfamiliar with him might mistake him for a con artist akin to Lyle Lanley trying to deceive the townspeople with an elaborate scheme.
A Two-Part Holiday Treat
Although The Simpsons has explored two-part episodes previously, Disney is promoting “O C’mon All Ye Faithful” as the show’s first double episode. However, it’s more of a clever 43-minute special neatly divided into two parts. The first segment focuses on Brown unwittingly convincing Homer that he is Santa Claus, leading to a heartwarming, humorous tale where Homer spreads cheer throughout Springfield before things take a dark turn, transforming the holiday into a nightmarish, cult-like celebration of Father Christmas.
This whimsical and cartoonish scenario exemplifies The Simpsons’ knack for blending humor with heartfelt moments, underscoring an essential truth: Homer may not be the brightest, but his intentions are always good, especially when it comes to his family. Surprisingly, when the town believes Homer is Santa, he doesn’t abuse his newfound power. Instead, he simply wants to bring happiness to others by giving remarkably thoughtful gifts. One standout moment involves Homer gifting Smithers a thimble, which sets off a chain reaction culminating in a hilarious medical emergency for Mr. Burns.
A Crisis of Faith for Flanders
The latter half of the special delves into Ned Flanders’ existential crisis, as he confronts the link between cults and his own religious beliefs, ultimately renouncing his faith. This storyline serves as the emotional core of the episode, transitioning from comedic Springfield antics to a poignant American Christmas narrative about discovering the true meaning of the holidays, both in a secular and religious context.
Flanders’ crisis stems from a place of deep loss, primarily the deaths of his wives, Maude and Edna. In a rare departure from The Simpsons’ usual standalone episodes, this segment explores Flanders’ grief, showcasing poignant moments as he reminisces about his late partners and copes with their absence. Harry Shearer’s performance adds emotional depth to Flanders’ character, delivering a raw and heartfelt portrayal seldom seen in recent seasons.
During Flanders’ spiritual turmoil, it isn’t Reverend Lovejoy, the embodiment of conventional faith, who offers support but Professor Frink, who brings a unique perspective centered on the wonders of the underwater world. While Flanders is bound to rediscover his faith eventually, the special also nods to Lisa’s Buddhist beliefs, emphasizing the beauty of a world shaped by randomness.