‘St. Denis Medical’ Recap: ‘Ho-Ho-Hollo’

12/18/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

ST. DENIS MEDICAL -- "Ho-Ho-Hollo" Episode 106 -- Pictured: (l-r) David Paymer as Bob, Allison Tolman as Alex -- (Photo by: NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 106 of ‘St. Denis Medical’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

If there is one particular lesson that has been making the rounds in holiday specials this year, it would have to be… that the holidays aren’t magical and aren’t filled with miracles. We simply hold onto that idea to have a little joy during the season, especially when we need it. But those specials are making it clear that full escapism isn’t always a good idea and there’s more value to be found in acknowledging the truth about the season and in the memories, we make with those we love. Which is making for some unique holiday stories this season, and well… that lesson and realism are of note today, because they were everywhere to be found in the holiday episode of St. Denis Medical on NBC. For ‘Ho-Ho-Hollo’ took place on Christmas Eve at our new favorite hospital, and rather than try and offer up that lesson or rehash it, this story just acknowledged its existence and went right into the realism of the season.

Wherein people are still in need of healing. Sometimes because they do really, stupid, stuff. As was the case with the patient that Matt and Doctor Bruce dealt with. For they were tasked with helping a man dressed up as Santa Claus, who managed to fit an engagement ring onto his South Pole, in the hopes of surprising his hopeful fiancé when she unwrapped her gift, and well… it got stuck… and this was a tough one for this duo to handle. Mainly because that ring had to come off, and the tool needed was miles away and maybe, on its way. Which meant, Matt and Bruce had to improvise and plan and practice how to potentially get that thing off. Which led to some hilarious moments, some involving a samurai sword and a month’s worth hot dogs, so, thank heavens that tool arrived on time to wrap up a supremely realistic story about how holiday magic just doesn’t exist.

Not to mention, we actually saw some of the worst parts of humanity on display in this tale, courtesy of Doctor Ron and Alex’s patient. But it sure didn’t seem as though Bob’s journey was going to take us down a dark path. For this sweet grandfather had his family at his side as he battled cancer and some bumps and bruises since he took a spill, and that kind of love and unity is joyous to see. Except when it is a lie. Because Bob did not have cancer, and he was lying to his family… to keep them around. Which left Bob and Alex curious what to do with such information, since he was clearly manipulating people. But there was little they could do, because of the law, and because how someone lives their life is their own prerogative. But the fact that Bob had a GoFundMe, prompted the duo to step in and demand he speak some truth, or be exposed as a fraud because that was breaking the law in its own right.

Which made for some powerful storylines for certain. That did remind us of how the season is not what we want it to be, and that’s okay. Because we cannot control or fix the world, we can only do our part and be the best people we can be. And it was nice to see a show explore that in its holiday episode and showcase how we can do little things to make the season special and wondrous. Which was handled by Joyce and Serena’s storyline. Since Joyce wanted the hospital’s social media presence to grow and enlisted Serena’s help in that, and they could not agree on any particular way to make that happen at first. But eventually, they found compromise and brought forth unity and fun. Which reminded us that sometimes… we just need to work together during the season and have a little fun in doing so, to brighten days.

We also learned that we should always remember that the season isn’t easy for all, and that we should always make efforts to be kind and open. To help those who don’t get the perfect celebration feel wanted and welcome, which Alex did here for Doctor Ron since his family was in Austin. All of which made for a heartwarming ending to this holiday special, one that was brilliant in nature. Since it was indeed real and raw and didn’t sugarcoat the truth about the season, keeping in line with the push to express that. Yet, it still found a way to be endearing and inspiring through its own heartfelt moments, to make this a true holiday special. Not to mention, it was so funny, and it was a real treat to see comedy legend David Paymer drop by as Bob, and well… this was just a lovely holiday episode, one that offered enough good tidings and cheer to keep us content until the show returns in 2025. Until next time.

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