Red Sleigh Down
"Red Sleigh Down" | |
---|---|
South Park episode | |
Episode no. | Season 6 Episode 17 |
Directed by | Trey Parker |
Written by | Trey Parker |
Production code | 617 |
Original air date | December 11, 2002 |
"Red Sleigh Down" is episode 96 of the Comedy Central series South Park. It originally aired on December 11, 2002.
In the episode, Cartman has to score one big "nice" on Santa's list to be eligible for Christmas presents. He recruits Santa, Mr. Hankey, and Jesus in a desperate attempt to bring Christmas to the downtrodden citizens of Iraq. Things go awry and when Santa is shot down in Iraq, Jesus comes to his aid.
Because fans were so upset over his absence throughout the season, this episode is notable for the return of Kenny from his death in season five. The title and episode parody the films Black Hawk Down and Three Kings, and Lethal Weapon is referenced during an interrogation scene.
Plot
With the use of
Taking a backup sled, they seek out
As they make their way back to the sleigh, Jesus is shot dead by one Iraqi captor. Outraged, Santa kills the soldier, and proceeds to blast his way out. Back on the sleigh, Santa flies the children back to South Park, but not before covering Iraq in Christmas decorations.
Much to the town's delight, Jimmy finally finishes his song and switches on the Christmas tree, only for the lights to then blow a fuse. At that moment though, Santa flies past the tree and magically restores them.
Santa returns the boys home, hoping that people will always remember Jesus on this day. He gives the children all Haibo dogs as thanks, but Cartman is disgusted, as he wanted to be the only kid owning one and have his friends envy him. Kenny then shows up out of nowhere (his first appearance since "Kenny Dies"), though the three seem unfazed by this.
Production
This episode came from the idea of Black Hawk Down with Santa Claus.[1] The creators had always planned to bring Kenny back in the last episode due to fan demand to see more Kenny, but they killed off Jesus (who dies to save Santa) the idea being that's why at Christmas time we think about Jesus.[1]
Santa's house in the North Pole is Superman's Fortress of Solitude from Superman II.[1]
Home media
"Red Sleigh Down", along with the sixteen other episodes from South Park's sixth season, were released on a three-disc DVD set in the United States on October 11, 2005. The sets included brief audio commentaries by Parker and Stone for each episode. IGN gave the season a rating of 9/10.[2]
The episode was also included on the DVD compilation Christmas Time in South Park.[3]
References
- ^ a b c Trey Parker (March 2005). South Park: The Complete Sixth Season: "Red Sleigh Down" (DVD Audio Commentary). Paramount Home Entertainment.
- News Corporation. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
- ^ Michelle Zoromski (November 20, 2007). "Christmas Time in South Park". IGN. News Corporation. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
External links
- "Red Sleigh Down" Full episode at South Park Studios
- "Red Sleigh Down" at IMDb