BLOGS
Halloween is a special time in TV land, where shows go crazy with spooky, scary theme episodes unencumbered by the heartwarming tinge required of Christmas episodes. No, Halloween episodes tend to just be fun departures, and we're generally big fans of them. This year, Castle kicked off the week's festivities with last night's awesome, Firefly-referencing episode, and upcoming previews show 30 Rock and The Office getting into the game later this week as well. So, in honor of all the Halloween excitement on TV right now, we thought we'd look back at our ten favorite Halloween episodes of years past.
10. Bones, "Mummy in the Maze" (2007)
Not only do we get to see the cast in their Halloween costumes -- including Brennan as Wonder Woman and Booth as a nerdy "Squint" -- they have to wear them while they do their bone-analyzing business, investigate two mummified women left in Halloween-themed locations and trying to prevent a third girl from being killed.
9. Supernatural, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester" (2008)
When Halloween fun turns deadly (razor blades in candy, bobbing for apples in boiling water), Sam and Dean discover a witch's hex bags at the scene of each crime. The angels believe she's trying to raise Samhain, a demon who's one of the 66 seals that will raise Lucifer, and want to nuke the town, but the brothers convince them to let them handle it. They fail to stop Samhain from rising, but masks made of blood keep them alive long enough to exorcise the bastard.
8. South Park, "Korn's Groovy Pirate Ghost Mystery" (1999)
The rock-metal band Korn. Scooby-Doo's Mystery Machine. Pirate Ghosts. An inflatable Antonio Banderas doll. Robocop's ED-209. Necrophilia. What do all of these things have in common? Absolutely nothing, and yet they all fit together in this hilarious episode of South Park, which combines the gang's sick and twisted revenge on the fifth-graders with Korn's Scooby-Doo-style adventures, for some reason.
7. Freaks and Geeks, "Tricks and Treats"
There are a lot of great things about this episode -- Bill Haverchuck's costumed Bionic Woman one-man show in his bedroom, Neal's "I'm looking for Chaplin; only seeing Hitler" line while applying his Groucho mustache, Mama Weir's perfectly dorky "Monster Mash" rendition -- but it's the way that Lindsay's apprehension about rebelling with her new freak friends and blowing off her good girl handing-out-candy duties for the first time, and the consequences of that rebellion, were handled in that cuts-you-to-the-core way that only this show could, that elevates it to legendary status.
6. The Simpsons, "Treehouse of Horror VI"
A lot of the early Treehouse of Horrors are great, but this one is by far the weirdest and most memorable of them all. The first part, "Attack of the 50-Foot Eyesores," sees all of Springfield's advertising statues come to life to attack the town's inhabitants, and is resolved with Lisa and Paula Anka killing them all with a catchy duet. The second has Groundskeeper Willie terrorizing children in their dreams like a Scottish Freddie Krueger that turns into a giant bagpipe spider, which is somehow even more terrifying than regular Freddie Krueger, but it's the third installment that really had everyone "WTF?!"-ing from their couches. In it, Homer hides from Patty and Selma behind a bookcase and somehow enters a 3-D world and becomes trapped inside a Tron-like existence for a little while. Which was trippy enough, but when he finally busted out through a black hole, he entered the real, live action world, and walked down the sidewalk as a 3-D computer generated Homer, whimpering as regular humans gave him strange looks. Then he found a cake store and loved his new life, of course, as would we all.
5. The Big Bang Theory, "The Middle Earth Paradigm"
Noteworthy for also being the episode that brought us Penny and Leonard's first (very drunken, on her part) kiss, the episode had a lot of great little gems in it. In preparation for Penny's "Boy-Girl" Halloween party -- the boys' first co-ed event in a while -- Wolowitz filled his Peter Pan costume's quiver full of condoms, Sheldon dressed as the layman-confusing Doppler Effect, Koothrappali went as Thor (because what? He has to go as an Indian god?), and Leonard endeared himself to all of us by going as Frodo, a choice which, after kissing Penny in front of her caveman ex-boyfriend, enabled him to taunt "That's how we roll in the Shire." Also, Koothrappali got to have sex with one of Penny's friends, just for being "such a good listener." Heh.
4. The Office, "Halloween"
This was early on in the second season, when the show was finally, slowly, coming into its own, and the kernels for the greatness that it blossomed into later that year are definitely at work here. Jim and Pam put an inflated version of Dwight's resume on Monster.com, and prankish hilarity ensued; every woman in the office dressed as a cat, which was a nice little jab at the laziness that goes with that costume; Dwight's makeup with his Sith Lord costume was just way too good, and there were other little things, but it was a scene in Michael's office where the paper-maché head on his costume kept telling him to fire Dwight and Dwight's simultaneous freakout and indictment of said paper-maché head that made it a truly special Office Halloween episode.
3. Roseanne, "Halloween IV"
Roseanne always treated Halloween episodes like big events, and they're all some of the series' strongest episodes, but this Christmas Carol-inspired one is the most fun, with Roseanne traveling back to the Halloween party where she (played by a very young Sara Rue) met Dan as a teenager and terrorized his then-girlfriend, a Halloween Present where Dan dressed as a headless Marie Antoinette, and Jackie as his severed royal head, and a Halloween Future in which Roseanne has turned into a fun-hating, man-pleasing Stepford wife who does the unthinkable -- hands out toothbrushes to trick 'r treaters. Needless to say, she vows never to refuse to celebrate Halloween again at the end.
2. How I Met Your Mother, "Slutty Pumpkin" (2005)
Every year, there's a party on Ted's building's roof, and four years ago, Ted met the perfect girl. She was dressed like a sexy jack-o-lantern, with inappropriately placed holes, and she even gave Ted her number on a candy bar... which Lily accidentally gave to a trick-or-treater. So now, every year, just like Linus in the Peanuts Halloween special, Ted, dressed as a hanging chad (it was timely four years earlier), waits for this one girl to come back. Meanwhile, Barney tries to get Ted to move on, and changes costumes regularly so that if he strikes out with a woman, he can try again. Brilliant!
1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Halloween" / "Fear, Itself" (Tie)
As a series based entirely around killing vampires and demons, any episode of this show could probably qualify, but of the few that actually took place on Halloween, these two are the best. The first had Buffy and Co. -- and the rest of the town -- buy cursed costumes, turning them into whatever they were dressed as: a helpless damsel (Buffy), a soldier (Xander) and a ghost (Willow). They flee real vampires (including the trying-to-help Angel) until Giles convinces the curser, an old pal, to reverse the spell. Two years later, a fear demon is accidentally invoked at a Halloween party, turning a haunted maze into a real house of horrors, and we see Giles shed his festive poncho and sombrero in order to cut through the wall with a chainsaw and save the day again.
Your favorite Halloween episodes? Reminisce a little in the comments, why don't you? It's (sort of) the holidays!
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The Buffy eps & HIMYM ep were GREAT! "The Hughleys" did a Halloween-centric every season it was on; they were hilarious. One year Shelley Duvall & John Astin guest starred as owners of a creepy mansion.
the NCIS episode where Abby is dressed up as Marilyn Monroe is a great one... Actually, most Halloween episodes of NCIS are strong.
ITA on the Bones... I was bummed there wasn't really a Halloween ep this year.
#2 is my favorite!
Wanted to throw in my two cents and let you know that Fancast.com has put together an amazing collection of Halloween entertainment, from the Charlie Brown special to zombie movies, Elvira-hosted flicks, Vincent Price films, B-movies and offerings from the suspense master Alfred Hitchcock.
There're also special Halloween episodes of TV shows like Friends, Melrose Place (the original), Veronica Mars, Gilmore Girls - and, of course, a bunch of Treehouse of Horror episodes from The Simpsons.
Check it out: http://www.fancast.com/specials/halloween
how how HOW do you mention fear itself and NOT mention anya showing up in a bunny outfit???
TOTALLY classic buffy moment
Hell yes to Buffy's "Fear, Itself." I love that episode. It has one of my favorite endings to any Buffy episode ever, with the little demon! And Anya in her bunny suit! Actually, I think I should go watch it in honor of the holiday.
Oh, and although it just aired, I think that Mad Men's "The Gypsy and the Hobo" deserves a place on this list. It was brilliant. "So, who are you supposed to be?"
I must agree with Chelsea: "Hell yes to Buffy's 'Fear, Itself,'" if only for this from Xander. "Who's a little fear demon? You are!"
For a second I was afraid you guys were going to completely forget Buffy, but seeing those episodes, two of my favorite from the entire show, at number one, made my day.
Xander: "Who's the little fear demon? Come on, who's the little fear demon?"
Giles: "Don't taunt the fear demon."
Xander: "Why? Can he hurt me?"
Giles: "No, it's just... tacky."
I'm thrilled to Supernatural's only Halloween episode make the list .. but I have to say that I 100% agree with the BtVS episodes being at the top .. they were brilliantly done.
I think Charmed "All Halliwell's Eve" from season 3 should make the list.
How about Buffy's "Hush"?
Gotta add my vote to the overwhelming Buffy love!!
I'm personally fond of Friends, "TOW The Halloween Party." Chandler in a pink bunny suit, Ross as Spudnik...even creepy Sean Penn. Friends did holidays well, and this one was pretty funny.
I think one of my favourite scenes of Buffy, ever, was when Buffy walked in on Giles in the sombrero. And then they both just stared at each other.
2 Guys and a Girl had some great Halloween eps
I was just reminiscing on Facebook about how much I love the Halloween episodes from 'Roseanne.' The one where Roseanne gets Dan's potential-future-boss to join in on a prank, and even the one with Gay Fred. Classics, all of them.
I have to give the edge in the "Treehouse of Horror" series to part 5, which includes "The Shinning", Homer's time traveling toaster, and the cannibal schoolteachers, not to mention Groundskeeper Willie constantly being stabbed in the back with an axe.
Um...vintage 90210 when Brenda and Dylan go as Bonnie and Clyde and Kelly totally dresses like a whore and almost gets date raped and Steve busts in and saves her? Classic.
How can you not love "FEAR ME!!!" It still makes he giggle even after all this time. Word to the nth degree over 3-D Homer too.
Just wanted to add that the cake store live action Homer goes into is not just a cake shop, but a porno-graphic cake shop.
"Fear, itself" is hilarious.
But my favorite Halloween episodes have to be from "Two Guys and a Girl." Especially the one where the serial killer kills the whole cast. I love that the promos for the next week were just pictures of the empty sets.
I have to agree with Drew THOH V is better than THOH VI. A few years ago I watched the Shining, and I was amazed that The Shinning managed to cover pretty much the whole story in like 7 minutes. Plus "No TV and No Beer, make Homer something something..".
I loved Castle's Firefly/Serenity costume (also his daughter's "There are no cows in space")!
The only thing approaching that level of good would be if he came out in a Captain Hammer t-shirt.
Halloween was a GREAT episode and probably deserves its place, but Fear Itself stunk (probably because I found Anya to be a great big yawn and it was a precusor to all the heavy stuff that eventually tore the Scoobies apart and led to the uninspired last two seasons). Supernatural should be MUCH, MUCH higer.
I only wish this list was longer so it could have included one of my more recent faves...Chuck vs. the Sandworm. Ellie & Awesome as Adam and Eve, Sarah in the CIA made Princess Leia costume, Harry Tang dressed up as a cowbowy, and of course...Chuck and Morgan as the Sandworm from Dune. Best line from Tang: "Are you and Grimes still wearing that stupid space penis costume?"
But I have to agree with the Buffy episodes taking the #1 slot, especially Fear Itself if only because it entails one of my favorite costumes courtesy of Oz.
Xander - What are you supposed to be?
Oz reveals a 'Hello my name is...God' sticker on his lapel.
Another vote for Treehouse of Horror V. Best wedding advice ever.
Sassinak, I was just about to add that myself - Its just not possible to mention "Fear Itself" without talking about Anya's Bunny costume.
Also, the "Love-Bheits" episode of "The Venture Brothers." Everyone dressed as Star Wars characters except Hank dressed as Batman, Baron Underbheit thinking Dean is a girl, Catclops, Girl Hitler...so awesome.
While not technically a Halloween episode, Supernatural's monster movie episode felt just like one. Black and white homage to classic monster movies, plus Jensen Ackles in leiderhosen. Beautiful. Oh, and Dean explaining to Sam how he was "rehymenated" after his bout in Hell and he had to lose his virginity again.
I would like to add the My So-Called Life episode "Halloween." Retro Angela sees the ghost of Nicky Driscoll. Ricky dresses up like "everyone else." Danielle does an awesome Angela imitation. It's a must-watch every October.
Fear Itself also contains a quote that totally sums up the post-Halloween experience:
(The Scooby Gang is gorging themselves on Giles' "quality treats")
Buffy: There is no problem that can not be solved with chocolate.
Willow: I think I'm going to barf.
Buffy: Except that.
Yay for Supernatural and The Office! Two awesome shows that torture me by being on at the same time!
Amazing Stories - "Go to the Head of the Class" starring Christopher Lloyd and Mary Stewart Masterson. I don't think the story had anything to do with Halloween, but it aired (back in the day - '86?)around Halloween. I remember this being the best Halloween/scary themed show of them all. Besides out of style hairdos and clothing, I think it still would, story wise, hold up today.
Amazing Stories - "Go to the Head of the Class" starring Christopher Lloyd and Mary Stewart Masterson. I don't think the story had anything to do with Halloween, but it aired (back in the day - '86?)around Halloween. I remember this being the best Halloween/scary themed show of them all. Besides out of style hairdos and clothing, I think it still would, story wise, hold up today.
No. The best, most flawless, Halloween episode ever is "Halloweenies" from The Adventures of Pete and Pete. It pinpoints that exact moment you transition from a child to teenager, and even shades in adult maturity, and it's beautifully shot and acted all around.
That Freaks and Geeks episode is my second runner up, though.
"Girth" from Pushing Daisies; Ned visiting his dad as a young child was heartbreaking, and I love Aunt Vivian telling him he grew up into a wonderful man.
The Halloween episode of Freaks & Geeks was tremendous! As was The Slutty Pumpkin.
I remember not loving Fear Itself when I first watched it, but it does contain some hilarious moments. But Halloween I loved -- the introduction of Ethan Rayne and Willow the ghost.
Giles: "The ghost of what, exactly?"
I also always thought "Halloween" was much better than "Fear, Itself"; the latter did nothing for me.
Also seconding the mentions of the MSCL "Halloween", PD's "Girth", and "Halloweenies". Go Pete & Pete! Hell yes!
Can I suggest an honorable mention for the Facts of Life Halloween episode that spoofed The Twilight Zone...Blair's hair turned green, the Rod Serling character kept repeating Tootie's name and overenunciating it "TOO-tee." Classic 80s sitcom stuff!!
Come on, "Fear, Itself" with Anya in the Bunny costume because it was the scariest thing she could think of; Xander as James Bond just in case what happened in "Halloween" happened again; Oz as "God". Awesome to the final brilliant ending.
But how can you not include a single "South Park" episode? Nobody does Halloween like the kids from Colorado. Personal favorite, "Spooky Fish" when Stan's fish, given to him by his Aunt Flo, is killing people and his mother keeps burying the bodies in the basement thinking she is covering for Stan. How can you not include Evil Cartman?
Does anyone remember the Halloween ep from "My So Called Life?" C'mon! It was one of the best, will miss that show forever
TWOP missed the best Halloween ep of them all: the near silent "The Curse of Frank Black" from Millennium when a ghost from Frank's past offers him a deal on behalf of The Devil himself:
So what I'm asking of you is really simple. Sit back and do nothing. Anyone can do it. Hell, most people do. Take this deal, kid. Secure you and your family's future. Because the time is near and he will win. There's no way he can lose.
No 'The Curse of Frank Black' from Millennium? Hands down the single most enjoyable Halloween themed slice of television ever crafted. Shame on you :)
NCIS does good Halloween episodes. "Witch Hunt" is my personal favorite (that's the one with Abby dressed as Marilyn Monroe)
I almost forgot about the Two Guys and a Girl Halloween episodes. One had Mimi from Drew Carey as a serial killer, and one had the whole cast switching brains. Great fun.
Have to agree with NCIS Witch Hunt, just for my personal favorite product placement ever: Gibbs stomps the Roomba because "the damn thing policed the brass!"
I know they're some of the worst Halloween episodes, but this fangirl has to give a shout out to 'Body & Soul' - Will & Grace.
Jack is Hutch (David Soul) and Karen is The Body. And at the end, Jack/Hutch meets his Starsky. Awwww....
I love Buffy, and those are great episodes! I'm so glad you correctly acknowledged Buffy as #1.
Glad Supernatural made it to the list. I think it should be higher. Monster Movie should be added to the list.
Gah! I'm so glad somebody mentioned Pete & Pete! Man I miss that show...
Monster Movie! Good call, Kristin. I guess it may not count, since "Great Pumpkin" was the true Halloween episode of the season/series....but still, how can you not love a coupon-cutting, Vespa-riding, psychotic shapeshifter who talks like Dracula?? Plus Dean's classic claim of "I've been rehymenated!"
My favorite South Park Halloween episode was an early one where Kenny was turned into a zombie, because someone used Worchestershire sauce as embalming fluid.
And I'd also like to give mention to a Boy Meets World not technically a Halloween episode "And Then There Was Shawn" where a Scream like killer stalks and kills the kids in the high school during detention, leading to the memorable line after one of the first random students (of course named Kenny) was killed with a pencil through the head - which left a mark on the wall as he slid down:
"Poor Kenny. I'll always remember he was this tall."
The episode deftly spoofed many classic horror movie cliches. Jennifer Love Hewitt guest starred.
I love these kinds of episodes and shows based on Halloween theme. I love this festival and this time I also bring a special Halloween costume to celebrate in my own way. I like to Watch Halloween TV Shows for whole day and that too while dressing up like Halloween.
"That Freaks and Geeks episode is my second runner up, though."
The Freaks and Geeks episode should be higher on any list, and it's not even in the top half?
Big Bang Theory? C'mon, that's a one-joke wonder of a show (science nerds who don't know how to talk to girls--yawn); nothing about that show has ever been good. Guess what? I know some folks who like science--even some who watch Star Trek--and they've had, y'know, sex. Shhh! Don't tell anyone. It might blow the cliche.
How I Met Your Mother? Another over-rated sitcom. Nothing is that funny. (Barney is so naughty! Another yawn.)
As for BtVS, I loved "Fear, Itself," so I'm fine with it being first. Though, personally, I'm so glad you left the Anya bit out because...annoying--and that applies to anything featuring Anya and her bunny-phobia. "Halloween" wasn't the best of BtVS, though, and certainly wasn't one of the best holiday episodes of any series. Sarah Michelle Gellar was awful in it.
With the Winchesters and Melinda Gordon,pretty much everyday is Halloween.Some X-Files eps could have made the cut,as well as certain eps of"CHARMED".
Are you all on shrooms? The absolute best Halloween show of all is The Curse of Frank Black on Millennium. Nuff said.
My favorite [i]Roseanne[/i] Halloween ep, although the one you picked was good, is the one where Roseanne and Dan are trying to one-up each other over who is "the master" at scaring the other, ending when Roseanne pretends her mother is coming over to stay just to scare Dan, and then says, "The master."
Also, no love for [i]My So-Called Life[/i]'s Halloween ep? Not really scary, but a lot of fun.
Anyone remember that great Quantum Leap Halloween ep where we find out that hologram Al from the future throughout the ep is actually the Devil incarnate (the real Al didn't show up til the end, apologizing for being late). Really spooky.
Dear Friends Happy late halloween(: