Stuff You Should Know: Episode Summary – "Selects: Star Wars Holiday Special"

Release Date: November 30, 2024
Hosts: Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this special annual release of Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant delve into one of the most infamous entries in the Star Wars franchise: the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special. This episode serves as both a nostalgic trip for longtime listeners and a cautionary tale for new fans about the pitfalls of franchise expansions.

2. The Genesis of the Star Wars Holiday Special

Background and Intentions:

Following the monumental success of Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977, George Lucas sought ways to sustain the franchise's momentum ahead of The Empire Strikes Back. During a [08:05] Chuck Bryant explains, "Star Wars has become a huge, huge hit. Seemingly out of nowhere, establishing George Lucas as one of the brilliant young minds in filmmaking." To keep audiences engaged, Lucas was approached by CBS executives to create a television special.

Key Quote:

Chuck Bryant highlights the strategic timing, "Right before Thanksgiving and he said there'd be a lot of people watching TV pre holiday season, or I guess in the holiday season." (10:53)

3. Production Challenges and Creative Decisions

Variety Show Format:

The special adopted the variety show format, popular in the 1970s, despite the genre's waning popularity. Josh Clark notes, "Variety shows had dominated television for over 10 years. But it had come to an end. It was getting stale." (15:00) This choice proved detrimental, as the format clashed with the established Star Wars narrative and audience expectations.

Hiring a Dream Team:

The production team included seasoned variety show veterans like Bruce Vilanch and the husband-wife duo from Shields and Yarnell. Chuck Bryant recounts, "He was just a train wreck in every single sense of the word, top to bottom." (18:05) The initial director, David Acomba, left early in the production, leading to further instability.

Key Quote:

Josh Clark humorously reflects on the writers' optimism, "We had literally a dream team. Yeah, a variety show dream team. And everybody was good, but there were probably no bad welders." (13:50)

4. Content and Structure of the Holiday Special

Plot Overview:

The special centers on Han Solo and Chewbacca attempting to return to Chewbacca’s home planet, Kizuk, to celebrate Life Day. However, they are delayed by an Imperial blockade, shifting focus to Chewbacca’s family on Kizuk waiting for his return.

Notable Segments:

• Musical Numbers: Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia performs several songs, notably appearing disoriented and seemingly under the influence, adding to the special’s surreal atmosphere. Josh Clark observes, "Princess Leia is clearly on drugs." (22:42)

• Cooking Segments: Harvey Korman, playing a Julia Child-esque chef named Gormanda, hosts a lengthy cooking segment, which adds to the prolonged and disjointed pacing of the special.

• Introduction of Boba Fett: An animated segment introduces the character Boba Fett, marking his first appearance in the Star Wars universe. Chuck Bryant mentions, "It introduces Boba Fett like you said. And it's actually not bad." (45:38)

Key Quote:

Chuck Bryant humorously critiques the special’s length, "It was supposed to just be an hour, but so many advertisers wanted to sign on that they extended it to two hours." (31:13)

5. Reception and Aftermath

Viewership and Critical Response:

Upon its airing on November 17, 1978, the special garnered 13 million viewers but failed to retain its audience, losing the second hour in ratings to popular programs like The Love Boat and a Pearl Harbor miniseries. Critics and fans alike lambasted the special for its poor execution and deviation from the Star Wars essence.

Impact on George Lucas:

The disastrous experience led George Lucas to adopt a more hands-on approach in subsequent Star Wars projects. Josh Clark explains, "He totally was okay for the shoot, but from this Christmas special, he became the very hands-on person that he is famous for being." (32:40)

Key Quote:

Nathan Rabin of the A.V. Club offers insight, "One of the great redeeming values of this special is that it does eventually end." (47:51)

6. Legacy and Cultural Impact

Cult Status:

Over the years, the Star Wars Holiday Special has achieved a cult status, often referenced as one of the worst television productions ever. Despite its initial failure, it remains a topic of fascination and humor within the Star Wars community.

Fan Engagement:

Hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant encourage listeners to watch the special on YouTube, albeit with reservations about its content and production quality. They reference the improved quality of the WHIO, Dayton, Ohio, Channel 7 version, noting, "It's pretty much a highlight reel of the gang saying, like, if you like this, go see the movie." (54:05)

Key Quote:

Chuck Bryant muses on personal feelings towards the special, "I love it. It does not taint my Star Wars experience or my love for the franchise. I'm glad it is out there because it's a fun little stain that shouldn't be taken too seriously." (55:35)

7. Hosts' Reflections and Final Thoughts

Personal Insights:

Both hosts share their individual takes on the special's quirks and flaws. Josh Clark admits the challenge of watching it multiple times, while Chuck Bryant appreciates its campy and overwrought nature, finding it an amusing addition to the Star Wars lore.

Closing Remarks:

They conclude by pointing listeners to additional resources and encourage a light-hearted approach to the special, emphasizing that while it’s notoriously bad, it holds a unique place in television and Star Wars history.

Key Quote:

Josh Clark summarizes, "Don't take things too seriously. I think that's the great lesson in this and in the lesson of Life Day." (58:13)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [07:16] Chuck Bryant: "We were really excited because this is Star Wars. How could it lose?"

• [22:42] Josh Clark: "Princess Leia is clearly on drugs."

• [31:13] Chuck Bryant: "It was supposed to just be an hour, but so many advertisers wanted to sign on that they extended it to two hours."

• [47:51] Nathan Rabin: "One of the great redeeming values of this special is that it does eventually end."

• [55:35] Chuck Bryant: "I love it. It does not taint my Star Wars experience or my love for the franchise."

Conclusion

Through an in-depth examination of the Star Wars Holiday Special, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant illuminate the challenges and missteps that led to its notorious reputation. Despite its flawed execution, the special remains a fascinating artifact within the Star Wars canon, offering lessons on the importance of maintaining franchise integrity and understanding audience expectations.

Listeners are left with a blend of amusement and appreciation for the eccentricities of this television misadventure, reinforcing Star Wars' resilience and enduring legacy.