The David S. Pumpkins Halloween Special

The David S. Pumpkins Halloween Special is an animated half-hour holiday special created by NBC, which aired in October of 2017. The quirky and outlandish character of David S. Pumpkins, originally featured in a Saturday Night Live skit, is brilliantly brought to life by the versatile acting prowess of Tom Hanks. Tom Hanks not only gives his voice to the eccentric main character but also makes a special on-camera introduction.

Primarily aimed at a younger audience, the show seeks to embody and contribute to the spirit of Halloween with its mixture of light-hearted spooky themes, slapstick humor, and fun-loving sense of adventure. There is an underlying layer of humor and references that will be appreciated by adults and avid SNL fans as well, making it enjoyable for a wider audience.

The story revolves around David S. Pumpkins and his two skeleton sidekicks. They mysteriously occupy 73 out of 100 floors of a haunted skyscraper on Halloween night. Each floor presents varied, and intentionally nonsensical, Halloween-themed surprises. The enigmatic figure of David S. Pumpkins, his inexplicable existence, and antics create a surreal yet endearing atmosphere that adds to the charm of the show.

Set in a suburban neighborhood, the story kicks off with the central character of Kevin (voiced by Lexi Underwood), a young boy who is skeptical about the authenticity and thrill of Halloween. With a tinge of coming-of-age elements, the plot captures how Kevin’s perspectives on Halloween change over the course of his eerie encounters. His journey is filled with mystifying experiences, laughter-inducing moments and infuses a sense of wonder and excitement towards the Halloween tradition.

Award-winning actor Peter Dinklage lends his voice to the mysterious character of the Narrator. His versatile vocal performance adds a distinct layer of suspense and intrigue, providing the necessary storytelling transitions while keeping viewers engaged.

The animation style is lively, colorful, and plays on classic Halloween symbols like pumpkins, ghosts, skeletons, and witches. Bright and vivid hues are beautifully contrasted with the dark, spooky undertones typical of Halloween. The character design, especially David S. Pumpkins with his trademark pumpkin suit, is distinctive and visually engaging. Tom Hanks' famous dance moves from the original SNL skit are carefully transposed into the animated version, pleasing the fans of the original sketch.

The special broadens the quirky humor of the original SNL skit and places David S. Pumpkins into the wider context of Halloween celebrations. The unexpected and unpredictable antics of David S. Pumpkins coupled with his bizarre catchphrases keeps the spirit of absurdity and comedy alive throughout the special.

Moreover, the program also makes an effort to focus on the true essence of Halloween as a holiday of fun, mystery, and community, rather than merely being about scares or candy. Kevin's swiftly changing attitudes towards Halloween act as a vehicle to reflect on the holiday's joy and community spirit. The narrative incorporates ideas of friendship, courage, and the magic of believing in the unexpected, making it a worthwhile watch for the holiday season.

An eclectic mix of music contributes to the overall vibe of the special. The musical score incorporates a range of styles, from eerie Halloween-themed pieces to upbeat numbers, notably the unforgettable theme, “Any Questions?” that was also part of the original SNL skit.

The David S. Pumpkins Halloween Special is, in essence, a whimsical, amusing journey through the phenomenon of Halloween in the company of one of the most anomalously memorable characters from recent television. Constructed from a recipe of eeriness, comedy, wonder, and a generous dash of absurdity, it is an animated spectacle that manages to delight, confuse, and ultimately charm its viewers into the spirit of Halloween.