Another Christmastime movie that is often parodied or looted from for television episodes is Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life. Though not always limited to Christmas episodes, this movie has provided many a writing team with an easy script and many actors the chance to either tug our heartstrings or make us wet ourselves laughing.
Genre Interpretations
Doctor Who – “Turn Left”
The newest episode on our list, “Turn Left” distinguishes itself by not being a stale rehash of the Wonderful Life premise and instead delivering one of the most interesting and effecting episodes of the season.
Supernatural – “What Is and What Should Never Be”
In the original, an angel shows George Bailey a different life in order to help him, but Wonderful Life episodes sometimes give the motivation a sinister bent. After all, whenever a djinn is involved you know to expect some evil shenanigans.
Smallville – “Apocalypse”
You wouldn’t think Superman would need convincing that he’s important to the world, but… well… there you go.
1 • Clint Harris said:
December 19th, 2008 at 1:15 pm, permalink
As much as I honestly love this movie, I wouldn’t mind seeing a version where the world was actually better off if the protagonist never existed.
“Whaddya mean my brother drowned?!”
“You weren’t there to save him, George. But look on the bright side, World War II never happened either! All because of you.”