17: The Non-Canon Special
“Incidentally, a happy Christmas to all of you at home!”
Due to tone, fourth wall breaking, strange appearances, or other spikes in Weird Level, special episodes of regular series for the holiday season or other events may not “count” in the official timeline, being included among spinoffs even if they appear in the series’ home medium.
The most notorious example in geek culture is of course the Star Wars Holiday Special. Despite Boba Fett making his debut in the animated section and some other elements being included in Legends and even the modern canon (notably Fett’s tuning-fork rifle being the basis for The Mandalorian’s ranged weapon of choice, and mention of Life Day in the premiere) it’s still very very not counted. In another universe, perhaps Lucasfilm kept a tighter grip on things or they only made the animated section and Star Wars Holiday Specials became a much-loved tradition... And it could still happen!
Less extremely, the above quote comes from the Christmas Day 1965 Doctor Who episode The Feast Of Steven, as William Hartnell led a toast for the Doctor’s companions and then turned to the camera to toast the audience as well. It’s an oddity, but nothing compared to the continuity issues of the 30th anniversary Children In Need telethon special Dimensions In Time which featured a crossover with EastEnders - it has since been established that each show exists as a TV show in the other show’s setting.
So the session nearest Christmas might be a good time to get a bit relaxed with continuity, in keeping with the partying festive spirit.
My plan for Sounds Like Hell involved adorable talking animals. Which might still happen in season two, if I’m feeling weird enough.
Due to tone, fourth wall breaking, strange appearances, or other spikes in Weird Level, special episodes of regular series for the holiday season or other events may not “count” in the official timeline, being included among spinoffs even if they appear in the series’ home medium.
The most notorious example in geek culture is of course the Star Wars Holiday Special. Despite Boba Fett making his debut in the animated section and some other elements being included in Legends and even the modern canon (notably Fett’s tuning-fork rifle being the basis for The Mandalorian’s ranged weapon of choice, and mention of Life Day in the premiere) it’s still very very not counted. In another universe, perhaps Lucasfilm kept a tighter grip on things or they only made the animated section and Star Wars Holiday Specials became a much-loved tradition... And it could still happen!
Less extremely, the above quote comes from the Christmas Day 1965 Doctor Who episode The Feast Of Steven, as William Hartnell led a toast for the Doctor’s companions and then turned to the camera to toast the audience as well. It’s an oddity, but nothing compared to the continuity issues of the 30th anniversary Children In Need telethon special Dimensions In Time which featured a crossover with EastEnders - it has since been established that each show exists as a TV show in the other show’s setting.
So the session nearest Christmas might be a good time to get a bit relaxed with continuity, in keeping with the partying festive spirit.
My plan for Sounds Like Hell involved adorable talking animals. Which might still happen in season two, if I’m feeling weird enough.
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