The Old 'Toon Didnt Have A Christmas Special Did It?

[ZariusTwo]

Feels weird asking this in July but...

I'm fairly certain that, while there were wintery episodes, there was never an outright christmas special for the old 'toon...a weird occurence considering every other property had one around the 80s.

What would you have put in a Christmas special had there been one? Would you have had Shredder and Krang celebrate it in their own way with Rocksteady and Bebop doing something to cheer them up? Would the Turtles help them out? What about Channel Six? Can you imagine Vernon trying to pull off a Father Christmas for visiting kids?

[pannoni1]

It would have taken place during Season 5, since the Technodrome was at the North Pole that season. During the first Technodrome scene, Bebop or Rocksteady would get excited that its Christmas Eve. Next, Shredder would tell them that a good gift would be Turtle Soup. Then, Krang would discover that we're at the North Pole and Santa Claus is nearby. He would then make a gift that looks nice on the outside, but in reality contains a device that turns every person into Turtle Grinches. By doing this, Shredder dresses up as a large elf, and presents this new invention to Santa Claus.

On Christmas Day, the Turtles turn on Channel 6 to reveal something has gone horribly wrong in the city, as every child has turned into a nasty grinch! Before they find out why, Shredder & his Mutants take the transport modules to Earth and kidnap Santa Claus just as he delivers his last gift! The Turtles must save Santa and disable the Grinchizer, the device that is responsible for turning everyone into Grinches, in a fight with Shredder! Thankfully, Donatello invents an ice gun that is sharper than glass, and the Turtles take care of the Foot Soldiers, Bebop, and Rocksteady, forcing Shredder to flee back to the North Pole, with the reprogrammed Grinchizer with 'em. Everyone then can enjoy Christmas, and the Turtles celebrate by singing a carol and exchanging gifts, with Michelangelo receiving a custom pizza kit!

[Icebot]

Shredder and Krang probably would have invented something called the missile toe (and I don't mean mistletoe). A missile toe would be like a missile shaped like a toe, giving it a whole new meaning. They would capture Santa Claus and use his workshop for evil purposes.

In the end, the turtles would stop them as usual, rescue Santa and Santa would give the bad guys the coal they deserve.

[CyberCubed]

The Season 5 ep "The Ice Creature Cometh" would have been a good one. Bebop/Rocksteady accidentally mutate a giant ice creature and call him, "Frosty."

That was pretty much my favorite episode of Season 5.

[gobo]

In the end, the turtles would stop them as usual, rescue Santa and Santa would give the bad guys the coal they deserve.
Insuspectingly fueling the Technodrome... :P

[ToTheNines]

Lack of a Christmas episode is my biggest pet peeve concerning the OT. I mean, they were milking TMNT big-time back in the 90's, but they didn't make a Christmas episode to have on shelves during the holidays? I dunno.

Not sure how it even would have played out. I could see the turtles trying to enjoy Christmas, Shredder ruins it by pulling some sh*t, Bebop and Rocksteady don't want to be bad that night because they want to get presents so they ruin Shredders plan somehow, etc.

[RossMay]

There was never a Halloween episode either, yet two that take place at Easter! Bizarre.

Not that it really rectifies things, but the magazine cereal:geek will be addressing the lack of TMNT holiday episodes. There's a "Desired Episode" article run that's basically fan-fiction (only short, to the point and meant to address problems on shows)(also, they're not awful). People might enjoy a Ninja Turtles holiday special titled, "Gift of the Mutants."

http://www.cerealgeek.com

[ToTheNines]

There was never a Halloween episode either, yet two that take place at Easter! Bizarre.

Actually, "Super Irma" was a Halloween episode.

[oldmanwinters]

There was never a Halloween episode either, yet two that take place at Easter! Bizarre.

Not that it really rectifies things, but the magazine cereal:geek will be addressing the lack of TMNT holiday episodes. There's a "Desired Episode" article run that's basically fan-fiction (only short, to the point and meant to address problems on shows)(also, they're not awful). People might enjoy a Ninja Turtles holiday special titled, "Gift of the Mutants."

http://www.cerealgeek.com

Actually, "Super Irma" was a Halloween episode.

Ha! I was just gonna mention "Super Irma." When Jester and I were trying to think of Halloween-themed episodes to do some fan commentaries on, we couldn't think of any from the Old Toon. However, Super Irma was pointed out to us later.

Ross, what issue of Cereal Geek features the TMNT article? Will it be the upcoming #9? I only own issues #3 and #7. I would love to own more but they are so expensive for us USA residents!

EDIT: I just check out James' Facebook page and saw some original TMNT Anime inspired art. WOW! I might just have to start ponying up the money to import that issue!

[Newton Gimmick]

You'd have thought a Christmas episode would have been a no brainer. Maybe even a couple, considering the length of the show's run.

[RossMay]

Thanks for the heads up about Super Irma.

cereal:geek is indeed a cool (and yes, pricey!) magazine. I think the Ninja Turtles Christmas article will be in either 9 or 10.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Shredder & his Mutants take the transport modules to Earth

Both the Arctic and New York City are on the Earth. But as we got no Christmas episode, I will read a TMNT Christmas fanfic on Fanfiction Net named "Duck and Cover".

[Leo656]

Shredder has Bebop and Rocksteady attack the city during the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and cause havoc because Krang is secretly Jewish.

I think it would play well, especially in the Midwest.

[TMNT_Guy]

Both the Arctic and New York City are on the Earth. But as we got no Christmas episode, I will read a TMNT Christmas fanfic on Fanfiction Net named "Duck and Cover".
May I recommend "I’m Dreaming of a Mutant Christmas"? It really catptures the feel of the cartoon, in my opinion. The guy even won a My First Raph for it.
http://gogreenmachine.org/?p=3094

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

May I recommend "I’m Dreaming of a Mutant Christmas"? It really catptures the feel of the cartoon, in my opinion. The guy even won a My First Raph for it.
http://gogreenmachine.org/?p=3094

Does that website have more fanfiction based on the 1987 show?

[Jephael]

I can't help but wonder if the writers at Fred Wolf felt Christmas was too touchy a subject to deal with. It can be for some people, especially the hyper-religious types. I know a couple people like that.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I can't help but wonder if the writers at Fred Wolf felt Christmas was too touchy a subject to deal with. It can be for some people, especially the hyper-religious types. I know a couple people like that.

So, what's the problem?

[ToTheNines]

I can't help but wonder if the writers at Fred Wolf felt Christmas was too touchy a subject to deal with. It can be for some people, especially the hyper-religious types. I know a couple people like that.

Doubtful. They did Easter episodes, and like every cartoon had Christmas eps at the time.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Doubtful. They did Easter episodes, and like every cartoon had Christmas eps at the time.

Does any cartoon have Pentecost episodes?

[Genesis]

Likely an overtly religious one, if any.

[Mr.Turtle]

only 5 months, in 5 months the Xmax will come... XD

[Jephael]

only 5 months, in 5 months the Xmax will come... XD

This has GOT to be one of your most trolliest posts yet, man!

[Cryomancer]

Of course they didn't do one...OT didn't have Klunk.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Likely an overtly religious one, if any.

I don't know about the USA, but in Sweden, Pentecost is a popular holiday to marry each other (maybe Irma's Marriage). Also, Pentecost was a public holiday in Sweden until 2005, when it was replaced with the Swedish national day.

[Mr.Turtle]

This has GOT to be one of your most trolliest posts yet, man!

can u off ur eye frm a random guy for 1 sec??

[oldmanwinters]

Of course they didn't do one...OT didn't have Klunk.

Heh, in retrospect, I think that alley cat in "The Cat Woman from Channel Six" looked a lot like ol' Klunk!

Based upon that observation, I actually decide to try and integrate the little critter into the OT universe in that Fan Comic I did last year.

Does any cartoon have Pentecost episodes?

Likely an overtly religious one, if any.

I thought the OT actually came remarkably close to commenting on religion in the episode ("Artless", I think) where Splinter was about to explain the significance of Leonardo Da Vinci's The Last Supper painting.

[Mr.Turtle]

Of course they didn't do one...OT didn't have Klunk.

ok so klunk is the key? that's xmas all abt? ye really think so?

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

Heh, in retrospect, I think that alley cat in "The Cat Woman from Channel Six" looked a lot like ol' Klunk!

Based upon that observation, I actually decide to try and integrate the little critter into the OT universe in that Fan Comic I did last year.





I thought the OT actually came remarkably close to commenting on religion in the episode ("Artless", I think) where Splinter was about to explain the significance of Leonardo Da Vinci's The Last Supper painting.

Archie had a lot of religion.

[sdp]

I was thinking about animated Christmas specials to watch to review for my podcast/website and realized that TMNT didn't have one. It really is odd since most shows had one and not only that but this show was a perfect fit for one. I mean even X-Men had one and TMNT didn't?

2k3 had a Christmas special right? Or at least set in christmas. It doesn't seem like Nick's TMNT will have one either at least not this year, too bad, I actually really like them.

[Aaronardo]

2k3 had a Christmas special right? Or at least set in christmas. It doesn't seem like Nick's TMNT will have one either at least not this year, too bad, I actually really like them.

Pretty sure 2k3 did. Something about Mikey, I think...

It would be kind of weird if Nick's TMNT didn't have a Christmas special, since it is, after all, Nick. And the OT... it's just kinda weird it didn't have a Christmas special of all shows...

[beavercartoon]

2k3 had the Christmas Angels episode. Like Mirage comics, Mikey ended up adopting Klunk during the episode. That's why people joke about the kitty being part of TMNT tradition, because Klunk was featured in both specials.

I think it would be odd for the turtles to be really into Christmas, at least the way most Westerners celebrate it. The Japanese have mixed some of their customs into Christmas traditions, like Hoteiosho the priest who watches to make sure children behave. It would be cool to see that mentioned. April and Casey would likely celebrate Christmas, but before they befriended humans, I doubt the turtles gave the holiday too much thought.

Also, I know it was a joke but I didn't like the comment about Krang causing havoc at Christmas time because he's secretly Jewish. Jews aren't like that. I don't begrudge anyone trimming a tree or singing a carol or telling me "merry christmas!" when I buy something during December. I'm not a boy so I don't wear a yarmulke. I look fairly ordinary and people are just trying to be friendly. If I dislike a Christmas special on TV, it's only because the script was poor. I don't have any personal objections to Santa Claus or Jesus Christ or peace and goodwill. You believe what you want to believe, that's cool. But please don't suggest that villains are evil, fun-hating jerks because they're Jewish, that's a ridiculous and unfair assumption.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must go to the place that is the place where the Jews are placed and are complacent. :P

[Powder]

2k3 had the Christmas Angels episode. Like Mirage comics, Mikey ended up adopting Klunk during the episode. That's why people joke about the kitty being part of TMNT tradition, because Klunk was featured in both specials.

I think it would be odd for the turtles to be really into Christmas, at least the way most Westerners celebrate it. The Japanese have mixed some of their customs into Christmas traditions, like Hoteiosho the priest who watches to make sure children behave. It would be cool to see that mentioned. April and Casey would likely celebrate Christmas, but before they befriended humans, I doubt the turtles gave the holiday too much thought.

Also, I know it was a joke but I didn't like the comment about Krang causing havoc at Christmas time because he's secretly Jewish. Jews aren't like that. I don't begrudge anyone trimming a tree or singing a carol or telling me "merry christmas!" when I buy something during December. I'm not a boy so I don't wear a yarmulke. I look fairly ordinary and people are just trying to be friendly. If I dislike a Christmas special on TV, it's only because the script was poor. I don't have any personal objections to Santa Claus or Jesus Christ or peace and goodwill. You believe what you want to believe, that's cool. But please don't suggest that villains are evil, fun-hating jerks because they're Jewish, that's a ridiculous and unfair assumption.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must go to the place that is the place where the Jews are placed and are complacent. :P

The turtles were practically raised by cable television, i.e. western pop culture. To boot, they idealized it. So if anything, they'd be into Christmas as much as if not more than your average celebrating American. Pair that with the fact they're New Yorkers, residents of a city infamous for it's Xmas shows, tree, etc, they'd kill for the opportunity to embrace the season top-side.

With regard to the Krang comments, they were obviously joking.

[beavercartoon]

The concept of humor is a concept of which the Krang are aware.

In other words, I was joking a bit at the end, too. I recognized that it was meant as a joke, and not intended to be offensive but it was kinda insulting. A joke can still hurt people's feelings. I just wanted people to be aware that when you make a broad comment like that, it might not be funny to everyone. You shouldn't turn somebody's culture into the punchline of a joke. It's a little bit different when people make light of their own experiences, but even self-deprecating humor can go too far.

[BubblyShell22]

Yeah, it is weird that there wasn't a Christmas episode for the original cartoon. In the Mirage comics, didn't the Turtles celebrate their first Christmas when Leo was attacked by the Foot? I thought I read something about that.

[victory_angel]

I think the plot of an OT Christmas episode will center around Michelangelo since he's the one with the most child like optimism.

The villain in this episode would be a one shot bad guy who wants to kidnap Santa and destroy Christmas forever. His reason for it is because Santa never brought him anything but socks for Christmas (because the guy was a completely rotten little snot who was on the permanent naughty list). So if he couldn't be given the presents he wanted...then no one will ever again.

The Turtles themselves are preparing for Christmas, they have a tiny Christmas tree in the corner. They don't have much money naturally so they are making each others Christmas presents. April of course is doing reports on all the various Christmas events in the city. Michelangelo goes topside to try and figure out what he should get his friends this year. When he runs into April and he tells her his problem. April offers some suggestions, but Mikey rejects them all with "Nah he has that already" "I got him one of those last year" "Sorry out of my price range."

So April suggests that instead of getting presents for each of his friends, he instead gets one present that Leonardo, Donatello, and Raphael would all appreciate. Happily Michelangelo runs off to do that when he sees some goons dragging a guy in a Santa suit out of a building into a waiting car.

He at once rushes back to the lair to inform his friends that Santa has been kidnapped and they need to go save him. The other guys however don't believe him and tell him that while they do appreciate the fact that he likes the Christmas Season, they feel he's going a little to overboard with it. Michaelangelo insists that it was Santa he saw. Raphael says it was probably some random smoe in a Santa Suit and there were a ton of them all over the city.

But April rushes in and tells them to turn on the news. In it there is a video report from the episodes bad guy gloating about how Santa is in his clutches so all the good little boys and girls out there will learn what it feels like to wake up and find nothing under their Christmas trees.

The other Turtles are surprise that not only was Michelangelo right about Santa getting kidnapped, but also that Santa actually exists. The Turtles realize they must do the right thing and save Christmas, and April naturally wants to have an exclusive interview with the actual Santa Claus.

The Turtles go out and rescue Santa, unfortunately it looks like Christmas is still ruined, because when those goons kidnapped him they also destroyed his toy factory. And he wouldn't be able to get it up and running in time. However Donatello is able to fix the toy factory, and the Turtles help with making sure the toys are delivered.

On Christmas day the Turtles wake up and think everything was just a dream when they enter the living room and find their lair has been completely decorated in Christmas finery. And their tiny tree has been replaced with larger 7 foot Christmas tree with lots of presents underneath. And a large pizza box on the coffee table. And a note from Santa thanking the Turtles for all they've done because Christmas never would have happened without them. And to please consider all this to be a token of his appreciation. Michelangelo opens the pizza box and finds it's a "roast turkey and cranberry relish pizza"

In the mean time the episodes villain is sitting in prison when the inmates are getting presents. When he gets his present he opens it only to find he has received socks for Christmas once again.

[oldmanwinters]

It is a bit strange that the Turtles never had a Christmas episode, or ANY other holiday tie-in episode other than their "Awesome Easter" VHS special. I suppose neither CBS nor Family Home Entertainment had the forethought to capitalize on a holiday special program (I think ABC, on the other hand, did this a couple of times with The Real Ghostbusters prime-time Halloween specials).

However, talented TMNT scribe Ross May (http://forums.thetechnodrome.com/member.php?u=3427) fills in the gap with his vision of what a TMNT Christmas episode might have looked like in the old show:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a56/slimer2erasmus/Magazine%20Scans/CG9-DesiredEpisode_zpsf95b8d22.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/slimer2erasmus/media/Magazine%20Scans/CG9-DesiredEpisode_zpsf95b8d22.jpg.html)
From Cereal:Geek #9

[MsMarvelDuckie]

@ VA: That- actually sounds like a really fun episode! I'd watch it!

[MikeandRaph87]

This is the biggest miss as far as what the Ninja Turtles episodes could have covered instead of heat destroying the world on three occasions. Instead of teasing us can you transcribe what the article says and confirm that is Tora, the polar bear-like alien assassin? Thanks,dude.

[beavercartoon]

I can read some of the article. Here I've transcribed the entire story, or at least the parts that were visible. Yes, Tora is in it. Summary of 'The Gift Of The Mutants': (O. Henry reference, but it's got a happier outcome regarding presents.)

"It's Christmas Eve and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are decking out their sewer lair with all the trimmings. They have presents for one another and Master Splinter, but are unable to think of the perfect gift for April O'Neil!

Meanwhile, the Technodrome and all the villains are trapped at the North Pole. While Shredder and Krang argue as to what their next scheme should be, Bebop and Rocksteady are decorating the inside of the Technodrome for the holiday season, much to the annoyance of their bosses. Shredder yells at them, prompting them to whine and contemplate if Santa Claus will leave them presents. This gives Shredder the idea to raid Santa's workshop! If the stories about Santa Claus are true then his workshop might contain enough power [missing text] ...turbocharge the Technodrome. Ruining everyone's Christmas will be a pleasant bonus.

Shredder, Bebop, Rocksteady, and a squad of Foot Solider take a transport module over to Santa's workshop. Elves are busy with last minute preparations when the villains take them hostage! Santa is flabbergasted and while Bebop and Rocksteady are apologetic about it, they strip old St. Nick of his outer garments [text] ...tie him up. Rocksteady has fun dressing up as Santa Claus, and Bebop puts on over sized elf clothes. The duo inspect the sack of presents in the back of the sleigh. While climbing on board the pair spook the reindeer [text] ...subsequently take flight with the bumbling bad guys now hitching a ride!

Shredder is not surprised to see his idiotic hench-mutants leave. He decides he still needs some [text] ...on this mission, so he makes a call to the planet Traglodoon. Over his communicator he contacts Tora [text] ...beast bounty hunter! The fearsome Tora beams down to the workshop and says he will work for Shredder [text] ...price. Unseen by Shredder, a clever elf uses a radio in the workshop to send out a distress signal. [text] ...York, Donatello's equipment picks up the transmission. Santa's in trouble and Christmas is in jeopardy! [text] for action! As the Ninja Turtles prep their blimp April arrives. The guys tell her what they're up to, [text] ...wants to go with them, as it'll make for a great news story! The gang takes to the skies, but Donatello [text] ...them it will be a very long flight. Fortune smiles on them, however, as the sleigh with 'Santa' Rocksteady [text] ...Bebop comes into view. The heroes make a daring tackle in mid air, land the sleigh, and kick the [text] ...With Raphael at the reins- who sees he gets to because his bandanna is red- the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and April are off to the North Pole at top speed!

The turtles, followed by April with her camcorder in hand, barge into the workshop. [missing text] ...metal out of the Foot Soldiers, but the mighty Tora gets the better of them. The turtles are then [text] ...a conveyor belt where they will be crushed and gift wrapped by machines!

April, who was out of harm's way filming, reaches Santa Claus and frees him. [text] ...factory just in time.) Elves free the turtles, who resume the fight, knocking Shredder and [text] ...snow. Tora tries throwing a huge chunk of ice at the turtles, but they perform flying kicks [text] ...Tora to drop the ice block on top of himself. Shredder, seeing his plan has failed, hurried to [text] ...

Santa gives a hearty thanks to April and the turtles and offers to give them a [text] ...In New York, the turtles invite him down a sewer manhole, which Santa comments is a [text] ...usual chimneys he goes down. Before continuing his journey, Santa enjoys a cookie [text] ...the heroes and gives the turtles the perfect present, something to give April? Without [text] ...Santa, the turtles re-gift it, and it turns out to be a yellow winter coat with white trim. [text]

'Merry Christmas and a Bodacious New Year!'"

[MikeandRaph87]

I can read some of the article. Here I've transcribed the later half of the story (or at least the parts they were visible.) Yes, Tora is in it. Summary of the end of "The Gift Of The Mutants" (O. Henry reference, but it's got a happier outcome regarding presents.)

"The turtles, followed by April with her camcorder in hand, barge into the workshop. [missing text] ...metal out of the Foot Soldiers, but the mighty Tora gets the better of them. The turtles are then [text] ...a conveyor belt where they will be crushed and gift wrapped by machines!

April, who was out of harm's way filming, reaches Santa Claus and frees him. [text] ...factory just in time.) Elves free the turtles, who resume the fight, knocking Shredder and [text] ...snow. Tora tries thowing a huge chunk of ice at the turtles, but they perform flying kicks [text] ...Tora to drop the ice block on top of himself. Shredder, seeing his plan has failed, hurried to [text] ...


Santa gives a hearty thanks to April and the turtles and offers to give them a [text] ...In New York, the turtles invite him down a sewer manhole, which Santa comments is a [text] ...usual chimneys he goes down. Before continuing his jouney, Santa enjoys a cookie [text] ...the heroes and gives the turtles the perfect present, something to give April? Without [text] ...Santa, the turtles re-gift it, and it turns out to be a yellow winter coat with white trim. [text]

'Merry Christmas and a Bodacious New Year!'"

Wow,thanks dude! I thought Winters or someone had a physical copy of the thing. Bebop and Rocksteady don't appear? Tora has no explaination for his association with Shredder?

[beavercartoon]

There's not much of an explanation, but Shredder did contact Tora and I guess he offered a good price. I finished transcribing the first half of the story now too. Hope you enjoy it!

[MikeandRaph87]

There's not much of an explanation, but Shredder did contact Tora and I guess he offered a good price. I finished transcribing the first half of the story now too. Hope you enjoy it!

I guess we could see him as a Dimension X bounty hunter that could be contacted. It will work into the '87 cartoon continuity.Thanks,Norm.

[oldmanwinters]

Wow,thanks dude! I thought Winters or someone had a physical copy of the thing. Bebop and Rocksteady don't appear? Tora has no explaination for his association with Shredder?

Bebop and Rocksteady totally show up and impersonate Santa and the Elves. The aerial sleigh fight between the Turtles and B&R sounds like it could have been fun to see. Apparently, Shredder's communicator is able to easily place a call to the Traglodoon dimension to recruit Tora, who is a bounty-hunter looking for work (ala Lobo (http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Lobo)?)

I didn't snap a picture of the whole article because I want to encourage interested peeps to purchase the print issues and support future C:G issues:
http://www.cerealgeek.com/

:tlol:

[BubblyShell22]

Wow. Sounds like that would have been an awesome episode for sure. I definitely would have watched it.

[oldmanwinters]

Wow. Sounds like that would have been an awesome episode for sure. I definitely would have watched it.

Ol' Ross certainly does have a loving knowledge of the old toon's comedic tone.

[Garfield]

The Old 'Toon Didnt Have A Christmas Special Did It?

No. I don't recall one. Whew. and i'm glad for that.

[Shiro Kame]

I've seen every single episode of the original cartoon, and other than an Easter cartoon, there were no celebrations like CHristmas.

[Original TMNT Cartoon Fan]

I've seen every single episode of the original cartoon, and other than an Easter cartoon, there were no celebrations like CHristmas.

Halloween (Super Irma)