Xmas TV

In TV land, it has become a custom to have a Christmas episode of a TV show. These often just have Christmas in the background, with seasonal decorations on the set. But Christmas offers a chance to explore different themes, and there have been some cracking Christmas episodes. Here are some of my favourites:

4. Damned if you do: House, Season 1
What is it about this episode of the medical maverick that makes it so fantastic? Well, it was only the fifth episode of the hit medical drama, and it utilised the talents of Hugh Laurie to their fullest. His piano playing of silent night is enough to make the most hardened TV viewer feel immense pleasure, as we see a little into how the team spend their Christmas. A fantastic episode of one of the most refreshing shows in TV.

3. Bartlet for America: The West Wing, Season 3
The first of The West Wing episodes on the list, and my third favourite episode of the series. This sees the administration in the middle of the fervour for having kept the President’s Multiple Sclerosis secret, and Leo is on trial for his part in it. John Spence is magnificent as Leo, as we learn of his relapse: Leo was an alcoholic, and got drunk after meeting with some potential party donors. The script was fantastic, as we slowly learn what happened, as Sorkin examines the psyche of an alcoholic, with why they do what they do. This is all done through a series of flashbacks, from before the Presidential run to the end of the campaign. The end of the episode hits the hardest, as Bartlet thanks Leo for everything, reducing this rock of a man to tears through kindness.

2. The Christmas Show: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
The show only got commissioned for one season, and this was its best episode, but it is still one fantastic show. From the comedy of the Nazi Santa to the sadness of the New Orleans orchestra, this is one of the finest episodes of TV ever written, and one of the best Christmas shows ever made. The plot follows Matt Albie (Matthew Perry) deciding the write a Christmas show for Studio 60. Amongst the way we have Jordan (Amanda Peet) going for a pre-natal exam with Danny (Bradley Whitford), and Danny revealing his feelings for Jordan. A mix of comedy and drama, the episode convinced TV executives to give the show a full season: and rightly so.

1. Noel, The West Wing: Season 2
Following the events of the season 1 cliff-hanger, where the president and his entourage are shot at by gunmen, the administration is shaken. However, none more so that deputy chief of staff Josh Lyman (played by the fantastic Bradley Whitford), who is given an appointment with a psychologist. After a re-telling of a story where the staff realise Josh’s condition, which includes a shouting match a the President, Josh reluctantly accepts he needs help after he smashes a window with his hand. Aaron Sorkin expertly weaves a story that is both funny and touching, and if were not for the fantastic ‘Two Cathedrals’ episode, this has a shout for the best ever episodes of one of TV’s finest shows. The episode contains some of the most heart jerking lines ever spoken on TV, spoken by the great John Spencer:

"This guy's walking down the street when he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep he can't get out. A doctor passes by and the guy shouts up: "Hey, you! Can you help me out? " The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a priest comes along and the guy shouts up: " Father, I'm down in this hole. Can you help me out? " The priest writes out a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a friend walks by: " Hey, Joe, it's me. Can you help me out? " And the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says, "Are you stupid? Now we're both down here. " The friend says: "Yeah, but I've been down here before and I know the way out. ""


Merry Christmas to all my readers (that’s probably just 4 or 5 people, but the sentiment is there all the same)

Union Boy

For those of you who are lucky enough to read Leeds Student, there is a sketch every week entitled 'Union Boy' (Or Union Girl when we have alternated it). It is written by an anonymous member of the LS team. Last week, I was asked to attempt a version. The usual writer wrote it before I could submit my attempt, but for my first piece 0f satire, it isn't bad.

Therefore, for your viewing pleasure, I will paste that attempt here. Enjoy!

Well guys and gals, the LUU AGM swung into action this week, with a er...full house of 17 people in the audience. The meeting was so well supported that over a quarter of the audience were LS reporters.

That aside, it was one mighty fine shindig, with audit reports, an LUU reviews and a ban on debating the merits of being affiliated with the NUS. That's ok though, as that affiliation only cost the Union £47,214 last year, so it's not that important.

Nonetheless, it appears that the Union is in fine financial health, with a growing budget surplus. However, the Exec must be annoyed ... they could have forgone having their salaries cut and still had plenty of pocket money left over the buy plenty of giant globes to float around campus.

The referendum kicks off this week, and as you can see, yours truly – LS – is fully behind the motions, offering a democracy special. Actually, we've been going through the motion this week, interviewing real politicians such as David Milliband and Jack Straw.

The Referendum has never been afraid of controversial motions, and some of these will surely raise the hackles of a few on campus. However, some members of the Union must be hoping that the students are silly enough to pass one, as they will be able to make their first foray into the national media. But with all that attention, will they forget body beautiful Union girl?