It’s the
Easter Beagle Charlie Brown
Here’s a Peanuts special that’s a major favorite in my
family, one that we always make sure to watch around Easter. Now, I can’t really speak for my whole family
on why we love it so much, but personally, I say it’s great for how
it brings out a lot of endearment from how the gang gets ready
for Easter.
There’s a fun side story of Snoopy struggling to get Woodstock a bird house with the bird’s nest constantly getting flooded by rain. This further shows Snoopy’s friendly side of stopping at nothing to make his little friend happy. We also have Lucy as the enjoyable little sneak she is who forms a plan to find all the eggs in the egg hunt by rigging it, only for it to backfire later on. Plus, the scenes of the gang going to the mall have some enjoyable factors to them. Most of it comes from jabs at commercialism whenever the kids comment on how the mall’s advertising Christmas when it’s nearly Easter. It’s a little exaggerated, but it is accurate to how real stores advertise Christmas way too early, and how holidays like Easter are treated as less important compared to others.
These moments are executed to feel big and interesting from the distinct characters living through them, but then we have two particular subplots. One of them demonstrates an interesting part of Peppermint Patty and Marcie’s dynamic where one tries to teach their friend something, and the other just can’t get it. In this case, Peppermint Patty is trying to teach Marcie how to color Easter eggs, but Marcie just keeps doing the wrong thing which ruins the eggs. It’s always fun to watch how many wrong ways Marcie cooks the eggs. Plus, even when she learns the eggs need to be boiled, she puts them in a boiling pot by breaking the shells, making egg soup. These are fun on their own, but what makes these scenes major highlights of the special are how Marcie’s attempts are capped off by a hilarious scream from Peppermint Patty. Their parts of the special are so enjoyable, my family quotes them all the time.
The other strongest part of the special is the main plot involving Linus telling everyone about the Easter Beagle coming to give out Easter eggs. Some may see this as an Easter-related rehash of “It’s the Great Pumpkin.” While it is very similar, right down to Sally relating Linus’ claims to those about the Great Pumpkin, there are ways this plot stands out on its own. Despite being wrong about holiday figures before and many kids ridiculing his talk of the Easter Beagle, it’s great of how Linus still holds onto his beliefs. It also makes for a deep internal conflict for Sally. She has doubts about the Easter Beagle, but still brings herself to believe in him because of her respect for Linus. This is the kind of stuff that gets you to contemplate life, which gives the special value.
What really makes this plot stand out though is how it expands on the childhood fantasy message of “Great Pumpkin.” While the earlier special showed that while some fantasies don’t come true no matter how much you believe, this special shows a more positive side of the idea. Snoopy arrives as the Easter Beagle giving out eggs to everyone, as well as closure to practically all the subplots, and it’s honestly a pretty powerful and heartwarming climax.
So, we’re ultimately left with a positive message that dreams truly are worth believing in, one that I feel is appropriate for the time of year. With a great portrayal of little moments as big and interesting, memorable character moments, and heartwarming messages, it’s pretty clear why this Peanuts special is a huge favorite.
There’s a fun side story of Snoopy struggling to get Woodstock a bird house with the bird’s nest constantly getting flooded by rain. This further shows Snoopy’s friendly side of stopping at nothing to make his little friend happy. We also have Lucy as the enjoyable little sneak she is who forms a plan to find all the eggs in the egg hunt by rigging it, only for it to backfire later on. Plus, the scenes of the gang going to the mall have some enjoyable factors to them. Most of it comes from jabs at commercialism whenever the kids comment on how the mall’s advertising Christmas when it’s nearly Easter. It’s a little exaggerated, but it is accurate to how real stores advertise Christmas way too early, and how holidays like Easter are treated as less important compared to others.
These moments are executed to feel big and interesting from the distinct characters living through them, but then we have two particular subplots. One of them demonstrates an interesting part of Peppermint Patty and Marcie’s dynamic where one tries to teach their friend something, and the other just can’t get it. In this case, Peppermint Patty is trying to teach Marcie how to color Easter eggs, but Marcie just keeps doing the wrong thing which ruins the eggs. It’s always fun to watch how many wrong ways Marcie cooks the eggs. Plus, even when she learns the eggs need to be boiled, she puts them in a boiling pot by breaking the shells, making egg soup. These are fun on their own, but what makes these scenes major highlights of the special are how Marcie’s attempts are capped off by a hilarious scream from Peppermint Patty. Their parts of the special are so enjoyable, my family quotes them all the time.
The other strongest part of the special is the main plot involving Linus telling everyone about the Easter Beagle coming to give out Easter eggs. Some may see this as an Easter-related rehash of “It’s the Great Pumpkin.” While it is very similar, right down to Sally relating Linus’ claims to those about the Great Pumpkin, there are ways this plot stands out on its own. Despite being wrong about holiday figures before and many kids ridiculing his talk of the Easter Beagle, it’s great of how Linus still holds onto his beliefs. It also makes for a deep internal conflict for Sally. She has doubts about the Easter Beagle, but still brings herself to believe in him because of her respect for Linus. This is the kind of stuff that gets you to contemplate life, which gives the special value.
What really makes this plot stand out though is how it expands on the childhood fantasy message of “Great Pumpkin.” While the earlier special showed that while some fantasies don’t come true no matter how much you believe, this special shows a more positive side of the idea. Snoopy arrives as the Easter Beagle giving out eggs to everyone, as well as closure to practically all the subplots, and it’s honestly a pretty powerful and heartwarming climax.
So, we’re ultimately left with a positive message that dreams truly are worth believing in, one that I feel is appropriate for the time of year. With a great portrayal of little moments as big and interesting, memorable character moments, and heartwarming messages, it’s pretty clear why this Peanuts special is a huge favorite.
Highly Recommended
Ranking
- There’s No Time for Love Charlie Brown
- It’s the Easter Beagle Charlie Brown
- You’re Not Elected Charlie Brown
- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
- Play it Again Charlie Brown
- It’s a Mystery Charlie Brown
Be sure to stay tuned for the review of the next special which is yet another holiday special from this decade, "Be My Valentine Charlie Brown."
If you would like to check out other Peanuts special reviews on this blog, click here for the guide made especially for them.
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