Top Five "Good" Star Wars Holiday Special moments
Yes, you read the title right. On Nov. 17, 1978, the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special aired once, and only once. It has become universally panned by major critics and fans. It has never reaired, and has never been released on VHS, DVD, or Blu-Ray. Yet, it is a piece of Star Wars history, and to "celebrate" the 40th anniversary of the special, let's take a look at some of the things about it that is "good," or at the very least, the least bad.
1. The animated segment
This is the most memorable part of the special to most fans, as, even though it's not that well animated looking back with weird character designs (just look at Han), it feels the most like Star Wars. It has the characters actually partake in a space adventure, unlike...ugh...preparing dinner. STIR WHIP, STIR WHIP, STIR, WHIP, WHIP, STIR!
Anyway, this part is also special for fans as it marks the first official appearance of Boba Fett. I have to admit, he did more and had more personality in this nine minute segment than in the original trilogy.
2. It expanded the lore
Keep this in mind, back when this special premiered, there was no expanded universe. In 1978, fans were starting to get some early comics and novels, but it was not much at the time. Therefore, for better or worse, this special expanded the lore of the franchise, by showing different aspects of the galaxy, most notably, Chewie's family and homeworld of Kashyyyk, which is still true, in some form, in the new canon.
3. Most of the cast came back
Granted, you can tell how much the cast didn't want to be there, especially Harrison Ford, and most of the time, the cast comes back in cameos and/or stock footage. Despite that, it's still nice to see all of them come back (RIP Carrie Fisher) and reprise their roles, and, at the time, continue their characters' stories. This special is not canon anymore.
4. The cantina segment
In his review of the special years ago, YouTube critic The Nostalgia Critic said it best, in that it's sad the cantina segment of the special with the late Bea Arthur is one of the best parts of the thing. But yeah, he's right, the segment isn't completely horrible. It's about Arthur, who is the owner of the Mos Eisley Cantina, and dealing with her customers and Imperial rule. It's not great, but Arthur gives more effort than this segment deserved, and you can honestly watch this segment, as well as the animated segment, and get all you need to watch with the special. Unless of course, you like watching all of the other great sequences, such as a hologram Jefferson Starship performance.
5. It's something we can all agree on
Star Wars and the fandom have never been more divisive, but this is the one thing that pretty much every fan can agree on, it's terrible. Granted, there are a lot of fans that like it in the vain of "It's so bad it's good" like The Room, and yeah, I can see that. However, I've yet to see or read about a fan who legitimately likes the special and thinks it's good. This special is well, special. Every fan should experience it at least once in their lifetime...though, fair warning, it's a rough experience to get through.
