The following are highlights of The CW’s Holiday episodes and specials:
Thursday, November 20
“THE VAMPIRE DIARIES” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“Fade Into You” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
FRIENDSGIVING AT WHITMORE COLLEGE / FLASHBACKS TO KAI’S MURDEROUS PAST — As Caroline (Candice Accola) and Elena (Nina Dobrev) prepare to host Friendsgiving at the dorm, they receive some hopeful news from Alaric (Matt Davis) and Stefan (Paul Wesley), who have traveled to Portland to gather some information regarding the Gemini Coven. Joshua Butler directed the episode written by Nina Fiore & John Herrera (#608).
Wednesday, November 26
TWO-HOUR MOVIE
“PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES” (8:00-10:00p.m. ET)
(TV-PG, DL) (HDTV)
STEVE MARTIN AND JOHN CANDY STAR — Neal Page (Martin), a high-strung advertising executive, meets Del Griffith (Candy), an eternally optimistic, overly talkative, well-meaning but clumsy shower curtain-ring salesman, who seems to live in a world governed by a different set of rules. They share a three-day odyssey of misadventures trying to get Neal home to Chicago from New York City in time for Thanksgiving dinner with his family. The 1987 comedy was written, produced and directed by John Hughes.
Friday, November 28
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER” (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (TV-G)
A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL BASED ON THE HIT HOLIDAY SONG ─ Based on the hit song that became a worldwide holiday phenomenon, this goofy and heartwarming adventure features young Jake Spankenheimer on the quest of a lifetime to track his missing Grandma down on Christmas Eve and prove that Santa Claus is indeed real. Michele Lee (“Knots Landing”) provides the voice of Jake’s greedy Cousin Mel and recording artist Elmo Shropshire provides the narration.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY” (9:00-9:30p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF JACK BLACK, ANGELINA JOLIE AND DUSTIN HOFFMAN ─ The Winter Festival is coming and Po, the Kung Fu Panda, is asked to host the exclusive formal banquet for all the Masters of Kung Fu. However, the occasion is on the same night as his father’s own party. Feeling guilty and burdened by work he has taken on, Po is unsure which way to turn until he realizes who truly needs him more on the big night. The special was written by Jonathan Groff and Jon Pollack and directed by Tim Johnson.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MERRY MADAGASCAR” (9:30-10:00p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF BEN STILLER, CHRIS ROCK, DAVID SCHWIMMER ─ When Santa and his reindeer crash onto Madagascar it’s up to Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melvin and the penguins to save Christmas. The special was written by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and David Soren and directed by David Soren.
Monday, December 1
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER” (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (TV-G)
A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL BASED ON THE HIT HOLIDAY SONG ─ Based on the hit song that became a worldwide holiday phenomenon, this goofy and heartwarming adventure features young Jake Spankenheimer on the quest of a lifetime to track his missing Grandma down on Christmas Eve and prove that Santa Claus is indeed real. Michele Lee (“Knots Landing”) provides the voice of Jake’s greedy Cousin Mel and recording artist Elmo Shropshire provides the narration.
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GREATEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS COUNTDOWN” (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
A CELEBRATION OF THE BEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ─ Comedians Heather McDonald (“Chelsea Lately”) and Matt Weinhold (“The Dish”) host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever – one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. In addition to the top 12, the special features other great commercials from both the U.S. and abroad, that capture the true spirit of the holiday season – from the heartfelt to the hilarious, from the outstanding to the ridiculous. The special was directed by Mark Ritchie.
Monday, December 8
“THE ORIGINALS” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“The Map of Moments” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
FAMILY TRADITIONS — After reuniting with her brothers, Rebekah (Claire Holt) convinces Elijah (Daniel Gillies) and Klaus (Joseph Morgan) to participate in a family tradition from their childhood. Leslie Libman directed the episode written by Marguerite MacIntyre & Julie Plec (#209).
Tuesday, December 9
“THE FLASH” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“The Man in the Yellow Suit” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
BARRY CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS WITH THE WESTS — Barry (Grant Gustin) enjoys the annual tradition of tree trimming and gift exchange with Joe (Jesse L. Martin) and Iris (Candice Patton). He gives Iris a touching gift, but the moment is interrupted by Eddie’s (Rick Cosnett) arrival. Ralph Hemecker directed the episode written by Todd Helbing & Aaron Helbing (#109).
Wednesday, December 10
“ARROW” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“The Climb” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
DINAH LANCE RETURNS HOME — Laurel (Katie Cassidy) is stunned when her father (Paul Blackthorne) delivers a very special Christmas gift – her mother, Dinah (guest star Alex Kingston). Thor Freudenthal directed the episode written by Jake Coburn & Keto Shimizu (#309).
Thursday, December 11
“THE VAMPIRE DIARIES” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET)
“Christmas Through Your Eyes” (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
FLASHBACKS TO CHRISTMAS IN MYSTIC FALLS — With the holidays approaching, Bonnie (Kat Graham) attempts to replicate her favorite holiday traditions, while reminiscing about happier times. Michael Allowitz directed the episode written by Caroline Dries (#610).
Wednesday, December 17
ONE-HOUR SPECIAL
“GREATEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS COUNTDOWN” (8:00-9:00p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
A CELEBRATION OF THE BEST HOLIDAY COMMERCIALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD — Comedians Heather McDonald (“Chelsea Lately”) and Matt Weinhold (“The Dish”) host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever – one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. In addition to the top 12, the special features other great commercials from both the U.S. and abroad, that capture the true spirit of the holiday season – from the heartfelt to the hilarious, from the outstanding to the ridiculous. The special was directed by Mark Ritchie. Original airdate 12/1/2014.
Thursday, December 18
90-MINUTE SPECIAL
“THE iHEARTRADIO JINGLE BALL 2014” — (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
TAYLOR SWIFT, IGGY AZALEA, MAROON 5 AND MANY MORE IN AN ALL-STAR HOLIDAY CONCERT EVENT — The star-studded concert from Madison Square Garden is hosted by Elvis Duran of Clear Channel’s Z100, New York’s Hit Music Station. Additional musical performers include Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Pharrell, OneRepublic, Meghan Trainor, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jessie J., Shawn Mendes and Nick Jonas.
Friday, December 19
90-MINUTE ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MR. MAGOO’S CHRISTMAS CAROL” (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD)
MR. MAGOO STARS AS EBENEZZER SCROOGE IN THE CLASSIC DICKENS TALE — This animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas ghost story stars the nearsighted Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge. Featuring the voice of Jim Backus as Magoo, with voice-over appearances by Paul Frees, Morey Amsterdam, Joan Gardner, and Jack Cassidy, this original version of the 1962 special was the first animated holiday program ever produced for television. The special was directed by Abe Levitow, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“KUNG FU PANDA HOLIDAY” (9:30-10:00p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF JACK BLACK, ANGELINA JOLIE AND DUSTIN HOFFMAN ─ The Winter Festival is coming and Po, the Kung Fu Panda, is asked to host the exclusive formal banquet for all the Masters of Kung Fu. However, the occasion is on the same night as his father’s own party. Feeling guilty and burdened by work he has taken on, Po is unsure which way to turn until he realizes who truly needs him more on the big night. The special was written by Jonathan Groff and Jon Pollack and directed by Tim Johnson.
Monday, December 22
90-MINUTE SPECIAL
“THE iHEARTRADIO JINGLE BALL 2014” — (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
TAYLOR SWIFT, IGGY AZALEA, MAROON 5 AND MANY MORE IN AN ALL-STAR HOLIDAY CONCERT EVENT — The star-studded concert from Madison Square Garden is hosted by Elvis Duran of Clear Channel’s Z100, New York’s Hit Music Station. Additional musical performers include Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Pharrell, OneRepublic, Meghan Trainor, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jessie J., Shawn Mendes and Nick Jonas. Original airdate 12/18/2014.
Wednesday, December 24
90-MINUTE ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MR. MAGOO’S CHRISTMAS CAROL” (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD)
MR. MAGOO STARS AS EBENEZZER SCROOGE IN THE CLASSIC DICKENS TALE — This animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas ghost story stars the nearsighted Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge. Featuring the voice of Jim Backus as Magoo, with voice-over appearances by Paul Frees, Morey Amsterdam, Joan Gardner, and Jack Cassidy, the 1962 special was the first animated holiday program ever produced for television. The special was directed by Abe Levitow, with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.
HALF-HOUR ANIMATED SPECIAL
“MERRY MADAGASCAR” (9:30-10:00p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HOLIDAY SPECIAL WITH THE VOICE TALENTS OF BEN STILLER, CHRIS ROCK, DAVID SCHWIMMER ─ When Santa and his reindeer crash onto Madagascar it’s up to Alex, Marty, Gloria, Melvin and the penguins to save Christmas. The special was written by Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath and David Soren and directed by David Soren.
Thursday, December 25
TWO-HOUR MOVIE
“THE 12 DOGS OF CHRISTMAS” — (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET) (TV-G) (HDTV)
A HEARTWARMING CHRISTMAS TALE — In this touching holiday tale set during the Great Depression, irrepressible Emma (Jordan-Claire Green) uses dogs to teach people the true meaning of Christmas. The film was directed by Keith Merrill.
Wednesday, December 31
TWO-HOUR SPECIAL
“iHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL – NIGHT 1” — (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
(TV-14, DL) (HDTV)
A LAS VEGAS CONCERT EVENT FEATURING TOP MUSICAL ACTS AND CW STARS — This concert extravaganza, filmed over two nights at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, features performances by some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Mötley Crüe, Coldplay, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Zac Brown Band, Usher, Bastille and Steve Aioki. Cast members from The CW’s series will be on hand to help get the party started. Original airdate 9/29/2014.
Thursday, January 1
TWO-HOUR SPECIAL
“iHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL – NIGHT 2” — (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
(TV-14, DL) (HDTV)
A LAS VEGAS CONCERT EVENT FEATURING TOP MUSICAL ACTS AND CW STARS — This concert extravaganza, filmed over two nights at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, features performances by some of the music industry’s biggest names, including Lorde, Paramore, One Direction, Iggy Azalea, Train, Weezer, 50 Cent, Calvin Harris, Eric Church and Ed Sheeran. Cast members from The CW’s series will be on hand to help get the party started. Original airdate 9/30/2014.

Streaming
Midnight Mass: The Blood of Life

The isolated island community of Crockett receives a mysterious new head priest, full of secrets and a brand new testament under a very unusual Messenger of God.
Meet poor Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford), freshly released from prison and wracked with guilt over what got him there, a stupid drinking accident that caused the death of his ex-girlfriend. The last thing he wants to do is go back to Crockett and the judgment of the mostly religious community there, his disappointed family, and the nightmares of his ex’s death that plague him. But where else would have him? Resignedly on the ferry, he goes.
Riley’s dad Ed (Henry Thomas) isn’t the kind of man who talks very much at all, much less about his feelings, or his very real disappointment in his elder son. Riley’s teen brother Warren (Igby Rigney) has no idea what to say to him either, and just generally keeps mum. Riley’s mom Annie (Kristin Lehman) is accepting and loving, hesitant in how to help her eldest son but never wavering in her faith in the help of our lord Jesus. Mom seems to think a good heaping dose of the Church would set Riley right but is surprised to learn that the old priest of the Parish, Pruitt, has taken an extended leave of absence from the island, and his newcomer replacement Father Paul (Hamish Linklater) is young, charismatic, and bursting at the seams to tell the whole island about the gifts he brought them, most especially what he claims as a new testament under a messenger of God.
We’ll get back to that whole ball of issues in a moment, the other interesting characters of Crockett Island. Bev Keane (Samantha Sloyan) is the nightmarish overly polite and gently, almost lovingly condescending neighbor Christian woman you’ve ever loathed, the kind of person who explains away every last thing her Church may do wrong or contradictory because, after all, God works in mysterious ways. Pfft. Of course, Bev immediately ingratiates herself as the second to the new Father Paul in their services and is the first to start covering up his transgressions as they become more rampant.
Newcomers to Crockett Sheriff Hassan (Rahul Kohli) and his son Ali (Rahul Abburi) present a burgeoning problem to the plans of Father Paul and his shadowy companion, for they are both practicing Muslims. The practical side of investigating these so-called ‘miracles’ and strange happenings falls on Hassan’s shoulders, as he already struggles with barely-concealed racism and suspicion from his fellow islanders, and of course his son is being wooed away from him by the promise of actual, tangible miracles, but from a different whole faith and God. Father Paul definitely does not practice a traditional Christian faith and relies far too much on making use of the eucharist, the ceremony of the blood and flesh of Jesus Christ turning into bread and wine and, well, consumed.
Wade (Michael Trucco) and his wife Dolly (Crystal Balint) are lifers of the island and both in general interested in one thing, the advancement of their own family, specifically their daughter Leeza (Annarah Cymone), who happens to be in a wheelchair. And that happens to be the canny Father Paul’s first real miracle-with-a-cost that he demonstrates to the astonishment of the parishioners, after a heartfelt and rousing sermon, Father Paul commands Leeza to rise, to stand, and to walk. And lo, she does. What parents wouldn’t wholly dedicate themselves to a cause after seeing this happen to their beloved precious daughter? The fringe benefits of healing, and power, the ones that come at a mighty, currently unnamed, cost, are simply a nice bonus.
Joe Collie (Robert Longstreet) is the town drunk, and while his reasons for drowning his sorrows in the sauce might be understandable, absolution wears a very different face when it comes from Father Paul. While Leeza might be willing to forgive Joe, and even as Joe begins attending the newly-formed Al-Anon meetings on the island of course hosted by Father Paul, redemption might’ve been better sought from medical professionals, and not this newfound method of religious worship.
Dr. Sarah Gunning (Annabeth Gish) is the islands’ kind of all-around medic, and this is how she and Riley’s old friend Erin (Kate Siegel), also newly returned to the island, a few months pregnant but traveling quietly alone, met when Erin comes to the Doc for obstetrics. Sarah’s older mother Mildred Gunning (Alexandra Essoe) has many medical and mental issues, and Sarah struggles in their shared home, to take care of her addled mom and balance her own life. Then Father Paul takes it upon himself to visit one of his oldest parishioners, bringing the sacred host and wine with him to give directly to Mildred, who starts looking and acting so much better under his loving care.
The show is very much a slow slow burn, with a lot of the actual action taking place in the last two episodes. Much of the beginning and middle episodes feature two people just sitting alone, having quiet and seriously in-depth conversations about heavy subjects – grief and repentance, what happens when we die, the disasters that come as a result of addictions, how our actions’ consequences reverberate to those we love around us, faith and the foibles of man, and of course, the giving of oneself over to a higher power, for strength, and guidance, and love.
Except, for the higher power that Father Paul brought back with him, to share with his beloved flock of Crockett Island, while it may be extremely powerful and full of what could be considered miraculous magic, everything comes at some kind of a cost. And when the Messenger of God is finally revealed to the shocked denizens of Crockett at Easter Mass, with Father Paul rapturing on about rebirth as the bloody massacre begins in earnest, it’s faith, not in any kind of God or religion, but faith in each other, that may save a few hardy souls.
Question the wisdom of your religious leaders along with the rest of us in a fine slow-burn addition to the Flanaverse, Midnight Mass is on Netflix now!
Movie
Saw X: It ain’t brain surgery!

Legendary executioner Jigsaw returns to exact revenge on a cadre of scam artists who promised him a bogus cure for his cancer!
First off, be aware, that this is what I call an interleaved sequel, a movie set between previous films in the franchise. In this case, Saw X occurs after the events of the very first Saw film, and before Saw II. Everybody got where we are? Good! Into the madness, we dive!
So, as we all know, John Kramer’s been diagnosed with cancer, very aggressive brain cancer, and likely doesn’t have much time left. And he’s tried everything under the sun, doing a ton of meticulous research, we’d expect nothing less from our master of the art of murder, and not one thing has worked. Yet one man from the support group for cancer sufferers, Henry (Michael Beach), offers an off-the-books supposed miracle cure, and John jumps at the chance.
Why does this nonsense always sound too good to be true? Because it is. Deleted scenes from the first Deadpool movie already told us why traveling to Mexico for any kind of medical cure is a sublimely stupid move, but Kramer is desperate. And while he might be sick and dying, John Kramer has never been what anyone could call stupid. So the villa out in the Mexican countryside, the affable cab driver Diego (Joshua Okamoto) professes surprise at Kramer being highjacked for his good, the nervous muttering from assistant Valentina (Paulette Hernandez), the side-eyeing from little housekeep Gabriela (Renata Vaca) and her tequila, and most especially the smooth and smarming reassurances of head “doctor” Cecilia Pederson (Synnove Macody Lund), all leave a kind of sour taste in John’s mouth.
The whole cluex4 scene is done in the style that the Saw films are known for, where we the audience are treated to cut-together explanatory scenes in a flip-flash fashion of usually about two minutes, for poor John when he realizes he’s been hoodwinked and just how badly, seems a little contrived. But then it’s entirely possible that we the audience truly expected our genius mastermind of the infamous Jigsaw murders to have realized what was happening sooner, and got enraged along with Kramer. And cheered as he prepared to take his bloody and ultra-violent revenge!
First up in our grand guignol of executions is the return of Jigsaw’s first protégé, Amanda (Shawnee Smith). And despite her avowed reverence for Jigsaw and his proven “therapy”, Amanda does waver a bit when the scammers are put through the paces of their specially-made Saw traps, and they shriek and blubber and bleed out. The appearance of the ringer of the bunch, Parker (Steven Brand), doesn’t even slow our beloved engineer of the damned down, because we knew Jigsaw would have his other apprentice waiting just off stage, the deliciously vicious Detective Hoffman (Costas Mandylor). Even the monkeywrench of involving little-boy soccer fan Carlos (Jorge Briseno) in the traps, is just another cog in the machine that is the brilliantly plotting mind of John Kramer.
A fine addition to the Saw legends, showcasing a return to the beloved style and panache of the original Tobin Bell-starring Jigsaw films, Saw X is splashing gore and gallons of blood in theaters now!
Streaming
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off

“Scott Pilgrim Takes Off,” Netflix’s latest series, is a rollicking journey through the world of video game culture, blending nostalgic references with a fresh narrative twist. Centered around Scott Pilgrim, portrayed with magnetic charisma by Michael Cera, the show skillfully integrates gaming elements into its storytelling, creating a delightful homage to the video game subculture.
The series cleverly employs pixelated graphics, power-up animations, and game-like sound effects to bring the virtual world to life. These visual cues, reminiscent of classic video games, enhance the storytelling and resonate with audiences familiar with the gaming landscape. The attention to detail in recreating iconic gaming moments is commendable, creating a visual and auditory treat for enthusiasts.
The exploration of video game culture goes beyond mere aesthetics; it becomes an integral part of the characters’ identities and interactions. The script intelligently weaves gaming terminology and tropes into the dialogue, effectively blending the real and virtual worlds. The series navigates the challenges and triumphs of the characters through the lens of gaming, making it a unique and engaging experience for both gamers and general audiences.
The ensemble cast, including standout performances from Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ellen Wong, and Chris Evans embraces the gaming theme with infectious enthusiasm. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, adding emotional depth to the series.
“Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” successfully taps into the zeitgeist of video game culture, offering a nostalgic yet contemporary take on the gaming phenomenon. It’s a must-watch for those who cherish the pixelated roots of the gaming world while providing an accessible and entertaining narrative for a broader audience. The series takes off not only in its title but also in its ability to soar within the ever-expanding realm of Netflix originals.