Thursday, December 22

Ed the Sock’s Fromage 2005

Much Music, 8 pm and 10 pm

The music videos that are in heavy rotation on Much Music are generally pretty base, but for some absurd reason the network’s youthful sycophants (they call them VJs) appear to be wilfully blind to the suck. Thank goodness, then, for Ed the Sock. The cantankerous, nay, irascible garment with the bug eyes, green hair and lit cigar can always be relied upon to tell it like it is. For several years now, Ed has been doing just that in reference to the videos he believes have been the among the year’s cheesiest. Cheese, fromage, get the connection?

Anyway, a short time spent watching Much Music Countdown indicates that Ed (or does he prefer Mr. Sock?) has plenty of material to choose from in 2005. From 50 Cent to Britney Spears by route of Canadian rock “musicians” Theory of a Deadman, the ground is ripe. Long may the sock rock. Even if you aren’t a fan of the puppet and his brand of humour, you’ll be hard pressed to avoid this program if you tune in to Much Music between Christmas and New Year’s. The special is slated to be rebroadcast at least three times a day, every day.

Sunday, December 25

The Queen’s Christmas Message

CBC, 12 noon and 11 pm

Unlike George Bush, who is betrayed by his awkward diction, the Queen is capable of captivating tens of millions via the incredible powers of television. Well, maybe that number is closer to tens than millions, but Her Majesty’s annual speech to the Commonwealth is a Christmas tradition. One has to wonder though, what will she speak about this year?

For the Royal Family it has been a year remarkably bereft of scandal (save Harry’s Nazi costume incident) or tragedy and we shouldn’t expect too much time spent on Charles and Camilla’s nuptials. The July bombings in London are sure to merit some reference, and who knows, Lizzie Windsor might even make mention of her time in Jasper this spring.

Sunday, December 25

A Beachcombers Christmas

CBC, 8 pm

Here’s a tale that might resonate in Jasper given recent events. The classic CBC series is back in movie format, with SCTV alumnus Dave Thomas starring as the hapless new owner of Molly’s Reach. In order to raise funds for the community, Thomas’ character arranges an exhibition game against ex-NHLers. Naturally, shenanigans ensue and, in all likelhood, all ends well in the spirit of the season. This special also stars former Vancouver Canucks Jyrki Lumme and Kirk McLean, as well as one Dave “Tiger” Williams. No word if Chuck Barker makes a cameo appearance for the opening shift.

SPECIAL TIMES!

Hockey Night in Canada

CBC, Friday 5 pm, Wednesday 5:30 pm

Ron, Don and friends aren’t working Christmas Eve, so instead we get two games Friday night, and another one on Wednesday. On the 23rd, Boston is in Toronto followed by the Flames taking on the Canucks. As for Wednesday’s bonus matchup, Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins are shown live all across the country for the first time as they play the Toronto Maple Leafs.