Monday, May 4, 2015

The Star Wars Holiday Special

May 4

It is fitting on "Star Wars Day," (May the 4th be with you) that we tell you about the seldom seen Star Wars fisco, The Star Wars Holiday Special. It was aired only once on November 17, 1978 on CBS, and actually introduced a character who later became pivotal in later films, Bobba Fett.

Chewbacca and Han Solo visit Kashyyyk, Chewbacca's home world, to celebrate Life Day. They are pursued by agents of the Galactic Empire, who are searching for members of the Rebel Alliance on the planet. We meet other Wookies; Attichitcuk, Chewie's Dad, Mallatobuck and Lumpawaroo, Chewbacca's wife and son, respectively. Yeah, Chewie is married and a Dad. Who knew?

Earthly stars also make an appearance; Art Carney, Bea Arthur, Harvey Korman, Diane Caroll, and even Jefferson Starship share the joy.

Of course, the Millennium Falcon does some planet hopping, including Tattooine and Panna, which has a red ocean of questionable, sticky viscosity. Luke, Leia and even Darth Vader appear, but of course you can bet R2-D2 and C-3PO aren't left behind either. Princess Leia even sings a song (set to the tune of the Star Wars theme).

If you think it sounds awful, you are probably not alone. The show was panned universally and rarely seen again. Anthony Daniels, the actor who plays C-3PO, called it "The horrible Holiday Special that nobody talks about."

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