Halloween is fast approaching so I thought this would be a great time to sit down and reminiscence about some of our favorite Halloween TV memories.

RAE: First I’d to thank Ducky, from Ducky Does TV, for being our special guest. Welcome, Ducky! He’ll be taking P-C’s place in this Sound Off as P-C, Dr. Frankenstein’s latest victim patient, is off learning how to use his body part replacements.

No discussion of Halloween TV would be complete without including It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! I don’t think I’ve actually watched it in years but I did recently see the Adult Swim version of it and that’s MUST SEE TV.

But my favorite Halloween episode ever has to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s “Fear, Itself.” Not only do we get a classic demon moment at the end, it also has some great character moments while they all grapple with the manifestation of their fears. Plus there’s this line said by Buffy that I always think about when passing by Pumpkin Patches in October, “I was just thinking about the life of a pumpkin. Grow up in the sun, happily entwined with others, and then someone comes along, cuts you open, and rips your guts out.”

So, what’s your favorite? Should I warn you that my next favorite is a Dawson’s Creek episode? How’s that for scary?

DUCKY: Wow Rae, really with the Dawson’s shout out? I swear it’s just because Pacey is on the brain with being cast on Grey’s Anatomy and all. I can’t touch that one. Obviously It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a standard classic… I mean who didn’t want to just sit in a pumpkin patch cuddled up next to another boy in the dark in elementary school?

Buffy’s “Fear, Itself” is such a great episode. Not only did it have the whole gang together, er, separated for most… it had Anya in the Bunny costume and that’s sincerely the best! Buffy’s early Halloween episode which I think was just called “Halloween” where we got Soldier Xander for the first time was fun but I remember SMG overacting toward the end… though I was a sucker for some Buffy and Angel so seriously who wouldn’t have wanted to stay the fair maiden?

I need to think…

JUST JODY: Ah right! Anya in the Bunny suit. Classic.

R: HEY! Don’t pick on Dawson’s.

JJ: Ha. I’m betting Rae would list that DC episode as one of her favourites even if we weren’t having a Halloween discussion. I thought it would even be before Buffy on the list!

R: Heh. No, no, no. DC doesn’t come before Buffy in the Halloween department! I mean look how perfect their episodes are when compiled into one video:

JJ: Well, all is as it should be then.

R: Buffy’s “Halloween” is great too. Especially since it ends up being important so many times later… who knew Xander could pick up so much about being soldier in one night? Plus, it has the one of my favorite Buffy moments of all times… Oz’s reaction to seeing Willow in her original costume.

GREG: It’s true about the soldier thing. I jumped into Buffy around the time that Angel died and there were numerous times later in the series when I was completely clueless as to what they were referring to before I saw the episode years later.

JJ: And that is the awesomeness of Buffy. Little tiny things can matter 5 years later.

SPADADA: Buffy was always so good at the Halloween episodes. Outside of those and classic Roseanne, of course, I think I’d have to go with How I Met Your Mother’s “Slutty Pumpkin” episode.

R: Oh man. I forgot how awesome that episode is… “Flightsuit up!” That’s a perfect follow-up too since it is actually a play on It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! There’s even a moment, when Ted thinks he’s found the Slutty Pumpkin (wearing a penguin suit) that the acapella group is humming “Linus and Lucy.”

S: Since I know you’re dying to tell us, which Dawson’s Creek episode, Rae?

R: Heh. I actually like all of the various Halloween episodes that DC did but my favorite is “Four Scary Stories” in which Joey, Pacey, and Jack are telling each other scary stories of things that have happened to them. I just love the way it’s directed and how each of the different stories has a tie back to other scary movies/stories. Plus, they did a good job in making the stories creepy if not hide-under-the-covers scary.

D: Wait, is Dawson’s “Four Scary Stories” the one where they keep doing the POV shots outside the house? It would help if I watched the clip you provided… Watching… darn the clip doesn’t tell me if it’s the same one I remember. I remember there being one that was actually pretty creepy. Searching the Dawson’s Creek guide, I think it’s this episode from Season 1 entitled “The Scare” because I vaguely remember some serial killer aspect at the house.

G: That’s the same episode that came to mind for me when Rae said DC. The one where they pick up the girl at the convenience store and they think the boyfriend left behind is a killer.

JJ: I do agree that “Four Scary Stories” is the best of the DC Halloween eps. And I enjoyed the season 6 one the first time I saw it (where Dawson throws a party on the set) but it doesn’t hold up for repeat viewings. The part that I remember about episode is that Dawson thinks he’s seeing a ghost. Which is of course not true, but I enjoyed it the first time. But then once you know what’s going on, it’s not as good.

R: “Four Scary Stories” does it too but, yeah, you might be thinking of that one, Ducky. Also one of my favorites because Dawson scares the poo-poo out of Joey by pretending to be the serial killer.

The one thing that I really remember from the Dawson’s Creek season 6 Halloween episode is Audrey hiding in the coffin at the party. Random, I know.

Spads, what are these classic Roseanne Halloween episodes and why don’t I remember them? Is my memory fading already? I demand a clip!

S: Here’s a good one, official even! But this is the first one they did and the one I always think of. So awesome.

R: Oooh. Those are fantastic. Great costumes in those. Aww, they make me wish I was dressing up this year.

D: The Roseanne episodes were always great. They were something to look forward to like when you knew every season of the early Cosby Show would have a group lipsynching moment. Spads, the clip you provided for Roseanne’s Season 3 episode is one of my all time favorites. I loved that the kids had some seriously gruesome outfits.

JJ: I do recall loving the Rosanne Halloween eps. There was one where they made their home in a haunted house that was really great.

G: The Roseanne S2 Halloween episode is a classic. HIMYM and Buffy too.

The only other show I can think of that hasn’t made the list yet is The Simpsons. Although I don’t watch the show on a regular basis, their Halloween episodes are a tradition.

R: My favorite Simpsons Halloween episode is the one where Homer enters the third dimension, “Treehouse of Horror VI.” I also love that the names in The Simpsons credits are always some “scary” version on their Halloween episodes.

Also, that is not what you said when we discussed this in person, Greg!

D: Is it wrong that I can’t stand The Simpsons. When I was 14-25 maybe it was great but that show needs to STOP! Still, I have a love for them somewhere in my heart and the Treehouse of Horror’s are always AMAZING!

R: It’s not wrong. Except for special episodes, I don’t watch the show anymore myself. I don’t hate ‘em but I do feel that it lost it’s luster a long time ago. (Sorry Simpsons fans!)

G: That’s right, I forgot Ugly Betty - the first episode I ever saw:

D: OMG, why do I NOT watch this show. I almost spit when I realized it was Marc. And Wilhemina’s reaction… Genius!

R: Hahaha. I love Marc.

Wait. You do NOT watch this show, Ducky?! (I say that knowing JJ doesn’t watch either.) This was the episode that convinced Greg to watch so that’s a great clip to help draw you in.

D: So to change the thread back to another show… Remember Growing Pains had Halloween episodes? I always loved them as a kid. It’s hard to think back to the early ones now that I’m in my 30s. You Can’t Do That On Television always had fun halloween episodes too. I think there was even one where Moose and Lisa pretended to be each other which was guaranteed a laugh.

I think this my be my favorite random non-specific Halloween memory though… the Halloween episodes of DANCE PARTY USA! For those of you not 33-35 and not from the Northeast you may not know what this show was but it was a NJ dance show that went semi-big and for all the holiday’s they would do a week long costume party basically. So there was Princess and Rob dancing for 30 minutes in let’s say Madonna and George Michael outfits. God I hearted that show! Sadly it got big press when Kelly Ripa revealed she used to be on it. Ugh, those were not the years I’m talking about though I do remember her and that hideously big permed NJ/Mall hair!

R: I had to go read about Growing Pains because I couldn’t remember their Halloween episodes and found this clip.

LOVE IT.

Oh, You Can’t Do That On Television did have some great ones!! Man, I loved that show.

I do remember Dance Party USA. We didn’t get it in Germany but I loved watching it when I was visiting my grandparents in Maine. Haha. So funny. I can’t find a Halloween clip from it but watching clips on YouTube is giving me major 80s flashbacks.

S: DANCE PARTY USA! Oh, Ducky. I remember. Not the Halloween episodes, but the show.

I don’t remember Halloween specific You Can’t Do That On Television either, but I certainly remember Christine (aka Moose cuz she was not as skinny as everyone else, though certainly not fat) and Lisa and I could see them dressing up as each other being good for a laugh.

JJ: Who didn’t love You Can’t Do That on Television? It was filmed here in Ottawa, and I got to go in the lockers while on a set tour in college! We also got to touch the slime.

That show was kind of Halloween-y every week what with all that slime, and the spooky font title.

I will add another vote for It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown as the number 1 Halloween special of als time. As for regular shows, here’s a few of my fave’s that came to mind…

• Buffy the Vampire Slayer, “Halloween” – This is my favourite after Charlie Brown. I just love the Scoobies in their various alter egos.
• Friends, “The One With the Halloween Party” – Ross as sputnik, Phoebe as super girl, Monica as catwoman, Chandler as a big rabbit! The arm wrestling match, and best of all Sean Penn! Excellent. See, Bunny suits are great on any show.



• Beverly Hills 90210, “Halloween” – Oh this is classic cheese. Donna in her mermaid outfit is too much.
• The Simpson’s, “Treehouse of Horror” (1st one) – I don’t watch The Simpsons anymore either, but as Greg said, their Halloween episodes are a tradition. The very first one will always be my favourite.

S: Aww. Dylan and Brenda as Bonnie and Clyde!

R: Yes. I knew you’d come through with the Friends and 90210 episodes, Jo! Those were classics. I love Donna in her mermaid outfit.

S: When looking for a clip from the 90210 ep Jody mentioned I found this old commercial. Hahaahaa! I had stopped watching the show long before this episode so I found it pretty enjoyable. Dylan as “Born in the USA” era Springsteen for the win!

R: Ok, I remembered more! The Facts of Life’s “The Halloween Show” when Natalie tricks the girls into thinking Mrs. Garrett has started killing people and cooking them. Or, later, the “Come Back to the Truck Stop Natalie Green, Natalie Green” episode which had a young George Clooney.

Then there was one of my favorite sitcoms, Two Guys And A Girl… they actually had a couple of great Halloween episodes. The guys always had funny costumes. In this episode, “Halloween 2: Mind Over Body” the “electric” credits were beyond awesome and the switched brain thing was hilarious. Berg calling Sharon’s body his best costume ever? Nathan Fillion (as Johnny) and Ryan Reynolds (as Sharon) were great. Man. Someone needs to put those two in a movie together. Why is this show not out on DVD yet?

S: And I can’t believe we forgot “President Evil“. (OK, certainly not a great episode of VM, but since it is their only Halloween ep, it deserves mentioning.)

R: I was always sad that there wasn’t a better Halloween episode of Veronica Mars but I guess Veronica dressed up enough as it was. Same with Alias.

JODY: Alias did have a Halloween episode. In season 1 - “Doppelganger” - Syd & Francie (or really just Francie) throw a Halloween party. Sydney was Alice in Wonderland and I think Francie was a cheerleader?

But really, every episode of Alias was Halloween!

R: No, I know… I meant that it wasn’t a more elaborate Halloween episode. But, yes, how could they possibly out do her usual outfits.

S: What about Cupid’s “Meat Market”? And, umm, The Office Halloween episode.

Can’t wait for this year!

R: Speaking of this year, what previews have you all seen for upcoming Halloween episodes?

I just saw the preview for next week’s Bones episode and it looks hilarious. Cat Woman vs Wonder Woman?? I saw another one too but I can’t remember what it was… oh it looked like Chuck was going to be Halloween themed as well.

S: BONES! That was the show that did the photo session in their Halloween costumes in “TV Guide.” David Boreanez looked so cute in his nerdy get-up!

Yes, next week’s Chuck has some Halloween stuff going on (I guess the holiday means a lot to Chuck and Morgan) and it was written by Phil Klemmer! (Costume spoilers.)

R: I should mention that CBS has a bunch of Halloween stuff coming up this week and the next. In Ghost Whisperer’s episode this Friday, Melinda discovers a haunted Underworld (you can take your own journey into the Underworld online). The gang of Big Bang Theory will be dressing up on Monday and I’m sure they’ll have some appropriately nerdy/geeky costumes. NCIS’ 100th episode involves a ghost ship and CSI: NY promises to be scary this week too with an episode directed by Gremlins’ director, Joe Dante. Heck, even The Price Is Right is getting into the Halloween spirit. Check out these awesome pictures of the decorated set.

S: Also, Episode 1.06 of Journeyman is Halloween-themed and called “Keepers.” And ABC’s description of the October 31st episode of Pushing Daisies says that “Halloween brings the ghosts of Olive’s and Ned’s pasts back to haunt them.”

R: Aww, a PD Halloween could be AWESOME.

JJ: Interesting that the ladies on Chuck are wearing basically nothing, but the guys are fully clothed. Come on… equality for the sexes! I want naked men too! And damn those 2 for looking so amazing in basically nothing.

R: I concur! Sexual objectification for all!!

That’s what you meant, right?

JJ: Of course that’s what I meant!

R: Alright boys and girls, time to wrap this up. Any last words? What costume from a TV Halloween episode that you wish you could recreate for yourselves? What people should definitely be watching next Wednesday night?

D: It’s hard to tell people what to watch next Wednesday night because there aren’t many shows on with Halloween type specials that night. If you’re watching something new, I’d go with Pushing Daisies which will be somewhat Halloweeny but I would head over to AMC and watch the original Halloween by John Carpenter which to this day is still one of the scariest things I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Can still give me the chills and will never EVER be anything less than the best horror film and the best independent film ever made!

If I had a costume to wear from any television show, I think that I would like to somehow go as Herman Munster or Vicki from Small Wonder!

R: Haha. Somehow I think you’d be a perfect Vicki, D.

S: Can. Not. Stop. Laughing. Ducky as Vicki makes my day. Me? I think I could rock Betty dressed as a butterfly.

I don’t know about Wednesday, but Bones (on Tuesday) is the Halloween episode I am most looking forward to. If I watched Big Bang Theory (Monday) I would probably be excited about that too.

R: And, awww, you’d be great as Betty the Butterfly!

D: Do you know how bad I want to go as Marc as Betty in poncho?

R: Now see, I’d pay you to do that.

JJ: OK, now I can’t stop laughing! That would be ABSOLUTELY perfect!

Yikes! Poltergeist is on on Halloween night! I think that’s the movie that scared me the most. Brothers & Sisters is having a Halloween ep. on Sunday which could be pretty good. So that’s probably the one I’m looking forward to the most at this point.

And of course there’s It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on Tuesday, and The Simpson’s “Treehouse of Horror XVII” next Sunday.

G: I love NCIS so I’m looking forward to that (even though Abbey is Halloween personified all the time).

JJ: Need some celeb./TV costume ideas??

• Regular folks dressed up as celebs (ROTFL at the solo Angelina costume!)
• And the celebs dressed up in various costumes
• Celeb costumes before they were stars (This one is worth including for JJ & GG alone!)

They must have known I was looking for ideas.

R: Oh my. Jerry O’Connell as Elmo is pretty funny.

Those are some great ideas, Jo. And a perfect place to end. Hope everyone has a very spooky Halloween! Remember to come back and share your CANDY, CANDY, CANDY with us!

We talked about a lot of Halloween TV here but did we miss your favorite? If so, reminds us in the comments below.

Note: If you are interested in participating in our Sound Offs or have an idea for a future Sound Off, please let us know.