Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer

Last night, I ended up watching the Rankin -Bass  classic "Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer." I have made some observations:

1. This is not my particular observation, but I think it is probably the best I've heard: Not many people know that Burl Ives wasn't always a snow man. He converted right before this special was made. (Credit goes to my husband for this comment.)

2. The Island of Misfit Toys: Some of the toys aren't really all that bad off--they are just a little awkward. For example, the elephant has polka dots. So what? The doll doesn't apparently have any issues, although, according to Wikipedia, she may be depressed. However, a theory was posed last night that she may excessively flatulent, thus being deserted on the island.

Some of the other toys may have issues, like the bird that likes to swim or the train with square wheels. I understand how they may be labeled misfits. Having said that, my husband said the Island of Misfit Toys should be renamed the Island of Awesome Toys because the bird who likes to swim was pretty cool.

3. Everyone is a jerk, including Santa. You know, for a guy who's supposed to be generous, Santa comes off as a big jerk in this special, lambasting Rudolph for his nose. It's only when Santa realizes that the nose may have an advantage that he's nice to Rudolph. Otherwise, Santa acts like Rudolph is a burden to him.

Rudolph's dad has unrealistic expectations for his son. He reminded me of Herbie Popnecker's dad, who constantly refers to his son as a "little fat nothing" even though his kid is constantly bailing him out.

4. My favorite character in the special is the little poodle who pushes Yukon Cornelius' sled. That poodle just rocks!

5. Herbie the Dentist Elf: This past weekend, my friend, Amy, and I went to the Shops on West Ridge, which is one of my favorite places to shop. We are both frightened and obsessed with Robert the Doll, so any old doll freaks us out. There are quite a few antique dolls at the Shops. As our shopping trip wore on, Amy came up with the idea that antique dolls will sneak into one's bedroom at night and chew one's hair. So when we came upon a locked case of antique dolls, we said, "Hair eaters!" and avoided the case. I think that we were pretty sure one was going to follow Amy home to chew her hair, as her hair is longer than mine. But then I realized that Amy lives across the river and everyone knows that evil dolls, much like vampires, can't cross water. So there, evil dolls!

Anyway, let's bring it back to Rudolph: Herbie the Dentist Elf fixes doll teeth. This made me realize that if he fixes doll teeth, the dolls have a better chance of chewing one's hair. And if the dolls are really good at chewing one's hair, then Herbie the Dentist Elf is an accomplice to pure evil! Of course, I texted Amy this thought and she heartily agrees.

In conclusion, I bet you didn't think I could read so much into this Christmas special, did you?