Super Bad Santa

After a terrible episode a couple weeks ago (see Future Shock,) it's good to see Nip/Tuck back on it's mark last night, even if it did require channeling Bad Santa to undo the damage.

Dr. McNamara, experiencing his first holidays post-family, turns to the bottle to ease his loneliness and despair, which leads to some of this season's funniest moments. First Sean messes up a G-spot enhancement, leaving the patient with spontaneous orgasms ("I can't even show my face in spin class again!") Then, desparate to find any form of holiday joy, he volunteers to play Santa for kids at the mall, but instead plays Bad Santa - drunk, impatient and lacking any tact, Sean winds up getting serviced by one of Santa's little helpers.

Musically, the scene is set with a standard (Andy Williams' "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,") letting us think we're getting standard Christmas fare, but then the downtempo instrumental "Sunshine Christmas" signals some of Sean's downward spiral. Alvin and the Chipmunks then provide the comedic background for the (Bad) Santa scenes.

Fun Fact: That was Charles Haid playing Sean's homeless angel 'Reefer,' remembered best for his gruff portrayal of Officer Renko on Hill Street Blues, but more recently has been directing Nip/Tuck episodes (three so far this season.)

Playlist: Nip/Tuck - Episode 413
1. "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" - Andy Williams - Sean goes overboard Christmas shopping for the family with Matt
2. "Joy To The World" - Stephen Metcalf - Sean performs a clitoris enhancement on Caroline
3. "Sunshine Christmas" - Billy Paul Williams - Sean buys a new suit and runs into Reefer on his way to the office
4. "Santa Baby" - Eartha Kitt - Sean operates on a Santa Claus whose boots have been melted to his skin
5. "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)" - Alvin & The Chipmunks - Sean plays a naughty Santa for kids at the mall
6. "Up On The Housetop" - Alvin & The Chipmunks - Christian catches Sean in sexual congress with Merrily
7. "Silent Night" - Otto Sieben - James talks to Chiyo on the phone and is informed by Sean that she and Reefer will be the only ones in recovery for Christmas Eve
8. "The Little Drummer Boy" - Harry Simeone Chorale - Michelle finds Reefer after James has removed his organs/they dispose of the body
Tracklisting compiled by Avalon at niptuckforum.com

Previously: Future Shock (Episode 411)

tags: playlist, music, soundtrack, niptuck, andy williams, chipmunks, christmas, bad santa, charles haid, rhapsody