A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving rewatch

Frak Party Archives Classic Movies Frak Archive
#1

I’m gonna keep posting these Charlie Brown rewatches until everybody starts taking them seriously. They ARE part of your permanent grade!

This year, a few fresh things are striking me about the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving episode.

Granted, the special is just ripe with, ahem, romantic tension: Charlie Brown and Lucy. Chuck and Peppermint Patty. Peppermint Patty and Marcy. Marcy and Chuck.

But what I just noticed for the first time is the circumstances that lead to Peppermint Patty (and crew) spending the day at Charlie Brown’s house.

Patty calls Chuck out of the blue and says, “My dad was called out of town. He said I could come over to your place for dinner.”

So, #1, apparently Peppermint Patty has a single parent. And a dad. Who, apparently, is not that dedicated. “Called out of town” on THANKSGIVING? Maybe I’m being cynical, but I don’t buy it. No real proof for this theory, but I suspect he’s making a booty call.

And he’s awfully quick to tell Patty to go across town and spend the day with some kid she’s not that close with. I dunno, maybe their parents are friends or something.

And Marcy and Franklin just follow right along. Why were their parents so quick to send them over to hang with Patty, whose domestic situation clearly isn’t ideal – but, apparently, better than what they could offer?

It originally aired in 1973. The kids are, what, eight, give or take? Are their parents former hippies? What’s the situation?

Anyhow, it makes me feel bad for the kids. Good thing they have each other.

Also, somewhat interestingly, Lucy has no role after the football incident. Maybe Chuck was pissed at her.

#2

Anyone interested in a frak party? I haven’t watched this since I was a kid.

#3

they’ve just expanded Topgun’s concept and are observing Naked Thursday

#4

then we can critique the stereotypes and discuss historical accuracy in “The Mayflower Voyagers” :smiley:

#5

Ah, yes! A real connoisseur you are, good Lady D. For you noobs, “Mayflower” is the bonus episode on the DVD. It puts the Peanuts kids in a somewhat suspect retelling of the Mayflower story. This will be part of the quiz.

#6

What? No mention of Snoopy? He used to fantasize being a WWII ace, remember?

The most poignant episode of the Charlie Brown series, for me, would be the rememberance day one… I think they referenced the Korean war but not Vietnam…

#7

It’s on right now. Peppermint Patty just invited herself for dinner.

#8

Now she’s invited Marcy and [strike]Token[/strike] Franklin.

#9

I wish I had a dog that could cook. :frowning:

#10

When the P-Patty posse arrives at Chuck’s house, Franklin and Chuck’s exchange of dap is amusing. I’d like to see those two with their own episode. “You’ve Got Soul, Charlie Brown.”

#11

What’s dap?

You know, I’m really trying to remember, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen this one before. The Halloween and Christmas shows are etched in my brain, but this one seems new to me. :confused:

#12

So that’s dap, huh?

#13

Dep, perhaps?

#14

I guess all their parents are off at a key party or eating fondue or whatever else it was that adults did in the '70s. :stuck_out_tongue:

#15

I can’t imagine that Charlie Brown would have much need for that…

#16

Don’t be a hater…

#17

I think PP is actually a boy. Certainly explains the voice and Marcy’s use of “sir”. :rolleyes:

#18

It’s not like I have much use for it either…

#19

It’s amazing how much this brings me back to my own childhood. There are even the same advertisers: Barbie dreamhouse, Betty Crocker, McDonald’s, Welch’s, Hess trucks, Monopoly, Toys 'R US, and… Wal-Mart.

Well, maybe not ALL the same… :stuck_out_tongue:

#20

Ah, just piling in the back of the station wagon. That brings back memories. :smiley: