The highly anticipated “Christmas with The Aquabats!” episode finally aired earlier this morning on The Hub Network and after being hyped up the past few weeks it was nice to know that the episode met if not exceeded the hype. While borrowing a bit from tropes of Christmas specials that came before it The Aquabats made sure to infuse it with their own brand of silliness as well to help maintain a fresh and entertaining aura. After getting lost on their way to Mt. Slushington to perform at the annual Christmas tree lighting event The Aquabats end up in East Krampton and things only get weirder out from there.
As a general warning, spoilers lie ahead. The Bats end up being accosted by the villagers in a scene very reminiscent of something from Invasion of the Body Snatchers upon even mentioning Christmas. Luckily they are saved by Marco, played by the popular and hilarious viner Jordan Burt, and informed of the situation in East Krampton. From there the Krampus, played by SNL alum Rob Smigel, comes through on a hunt for our heroes but Marco and Jimmy the Robot’s quick thinking are able to distract him for the time being. Then we find out Marco still celebrates Christmas in secret before going into a song and dance number with Ricky Fitness. Unfortunately for our heroes they end up getting caught by the Christmas police due to some bumbling from the Bat Commander.
As things begin to look bleak while on trial for their crimes, to be punished by 2000 lashes, Santa comes in to save the day! Santa, portrayed by Matt Walsh of Veep, is both hilarious and charismatic in his interpretation of Santa. At one point he and the Krampus duke it out with some wrestling with Santa putting on some Hulk Hoganesque theatrics. Upon knocking out the Krampus everyone in East Krampton is free to celebrate Christmas again and all is well. Well almost everything, The Aquabats ask for a bit of Christmas magic to help them make it to the tree lighting ceremony before the episode ends with their song “Christmas is Awesome”.
Overall this may have been one of the best episodes of The Aquabats! Super Show! and I don’t say that lightly. I am an avid fan of the show and there are only 2 or 3 episodes that come close to the utter hilariousness of “Christmas with The Aquabats!” A holiday special that will have high replay value for years to come, I mean who can say no to Santa punching the Krampus straight in the throat to shut him up? I know I can’t! Perhaps the best highlight may have been the Japanese Christmas tree commercial. I still have no idea what was going on in those 45 seconds but I loved it. Definitely a must watch episode, fan of the show or not.