Happy Life Day

Today markeds the 45th anniversary of the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special, which aired on CBS in 1978.

While it's often ridiculed, I must confess that as a nine year old kid watching it that night, I found genuine enjoyment in its quirky charm. Even now, when I watch a really good bootleg copy from YouTube (embedded below), I can find things to like about this show.

Certain parts stand out: the most excellent animated segment, which introduced the enigmatic Boba Fett to the Star Wars universe, and some of the domestic Wookiee scenes featuring remarkably crafted Stan Winston Wookiee suits. Of course Mark Hamill's heavy makeup and Harrison Ford's attempt to maintain composure amidst the chaos are noticible too - but for the wrong reasons. I even like the Variety Show elements, especially Bea Arthur's musical performance — something I never thought I'd admit to enjoying.

However, Carrie Fisher's singing is a topic best left untouched.

Back in the days when Star Wars was the only Star Wars (alongside the Marvel comics), this bizarre artifact from the '70s was an event worth anticipating and, dare I say, celebrating. So go out and and have a great Life Day celebration, and may the Force continue to inspire all you Star Kids!