Ash Wednesday: Bruce Campbell is not your parents Santa!
It’s Ash Wednesday everyone. At 1428 Elm, this is the day where we celebrate all things Bruce Campbell. Since the holiday season is in full swing, this week’s topic is how Bruce aka Santa, helped the Librarians save Christmas.
“Somebody jacked Santa’s ride.” – Santa Claus aka Nick
Not Your Parents Nick
Who would have ever thought Bruce Campbell would play the “King of the North Pole”, Santa Claus? Probably not a lot of people, however, in 2014 on TNT’s show, The Librarians, he played good ‘ole Saint Nick. It seems incredulous but it isn’t.
See, his most popular role isn’t a guy who brings happiness and joy to people unless you relish tons of blood and beheading Deadites with a chainsaw. So, his name wouldn’t immediately spring to mind if you’re a casting director looking for an actor to play the jolly old guy in a red suit.
However — and there is NO surprise here — he’s wonderful as Father Christmas. Don’t expect your parents Santa. Campbell’s portrayal is anything but the traditional portrait of the white haired, portly fellow with a long ZZ Top beard.
Santa Style
He turns that image of Claus upside down. Wearing a stylishly tailored three-piece suit (complete with the Campbell trademark pocket poof) and immaculately coiffed silver hair he is definitely a more modern depiction of the popular historical character. Jonathan Frakes, otherwise known as Will Riker from Star Trek: The Next Generation , directed this episode.
His skillfulness as a director and Campbell’s playful approach packs a one-two punch that makes this story really shine. Frankly, and I realize I am waxing rhapsodic about Bruce as an actor but his performance is heartfelt.
Once again, he brings that sincerity and honesty he showcases so well in one of my favorite movies of his, Bubba Ho-Tep. There’s so much he gets to do that it showcases his range.
Since the plot revolves around Santa not having his talisman (his hat) and being kidnapped by a nefarious organization, the Serpent Brotherhood fronted by Max Headroom’s Matt Frewer, we learn a few new things about St. Nick.
— Courtesy of TNT
Santa’s Many Faces
The man in the red suit performs his acts of good will every Christmas Eve. However, this particular incarnation of Claus cannot function properly if he isn’t wearing his hat. This object bestows upon him the power to convince people to do the right thing as well as give people a very important gift which we will discuss later.
Because he’s missing that critical piece of headgear, he morphs into different versions of Santa. In order to keep track of who he is at any given point in time, he always refers to himself in the third person. At one point, he becomes Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Nicholas wields a staff like a wizard and whenever he points it, the person that is the subject of the trajectory will find a toy in their particular brand of footwear. This reminds me of the Dutch version of Saint Nick who would leave toys in children’s wooden shoes.
Then when he’s in a bar, Claus transforms into Odin — the original Santa. Who knew? This is where Campbell pulls out all the stops in his performance. Odin is like a grown man at a fraternity party.
Inspired craziness, he cracks mugs over his head and says things like “Odin needs more beer!” It’s truly comical and Bruce plays this version of Saint Nick to the hilt.
The Gift of Hope
The final showdown is where the tears will flow. I didn’t expect to cry so in this respect, this episode felt like it was directed by Steven Moffat of Doctor Who.
Being deprived of his talisman and poisoned by mistletoe, has drained Santa to the point of being very sick. He is not able to perform his Christmas Eve duties. So, he turns to the Librarians for assistance.
Eve Baird (played by Rebecca Romijn) is chosen because she was born on Christmas Eve. She is the only one who could bring hope to the world thus saving it from plunging into chaos.
In a very touching scene, Baird takes the weakened Santa’s hands and the transfer of power is complete. When Campbell looks into her eyes and very soulfully says, “Now, go. Give them back the gift of hope,” you feel as if you want to stand up and say, “Let’s do this Nick!”
Twas the Night Before Christmas
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- Recap and review of What We Do in the Shadows season 5 episode 8: The Roast
- Classic SpongeBob episodes to binge for Halloween
- Highlights and review of What We Do in the Shadows season 5 episode 7: Hybrid Creatures
When Eve arrives back after helping a multitude of people, there’s an exchange between her and Santa that will melt your heart. Throughout the episode, Baird would not allow Claus to complete his trilogy of ho’s.
Upon seeing her again, Campbell says two of the familiar ho’s but Romijn halts him. Then she winks. The look that he gives her could make Scrooge weak in the knees.
If you’re in the mood for a fun, intelligently scripted, skillfully directed and wonderfully acted bit of unusual holiday fare, then check out this episode of The Librarians, S01 E04, Santa’s Midnight Run. Trust me when I say this, Bruce Campbell is MORE than Ash Williams.
Next: Ash Wednesday: Bruce Campbell – I am not Daniel Day Lewis