# "Rudolph" T.V. Special **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** cartoons-animation\ **Created:** [December 1, 2000, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518 "2000-12-01T04:15:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![pldennison](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@pldennison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pldennison)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2000, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/21 "2000-12-01T18:56:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Ukulele Ike \* > \*\*Hey! My FATHER’S name was Hymie! \*\* “Oh, I’m just wild about Hymie, and he’s just wild about me! Oh, I’m just wild about Hymie, and he’s just wild about, cannot live without, he’s just wild about me! H-Y-M-I-E! H-Y-M-I-E-H-Y-M-I-E! Hymieeeeee!” –D. Duck ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2000, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/22 "2000-12-01T19:03:38Z")
Actually, the dolls’s name was Hoosier. She was deemed a misfit because, instead of “Mommy!”, she said “Daddy!”. After all, would you give your daughter a “Hoosier Daddy” doll? Actually, maybe I just made that up. ---
**Author:** ![Inky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/7feea3/32.png) [@Inky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inky_1)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2000, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/23 "2000-12-01T20:08:37Z")
I have it on good authority that the misfit doll was a boy doll trapped in a girl doll’s body. And as for the elf guy, I have him pegged as “Hermie” myself. ---
**Author:** ![City\_Gent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a87d85/32.png) [@City\_Gent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/City_Gent)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2000, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/24 "2000-12-01T20:32:33Z")
Was it just me, or did the “Abominible (sic) Snowmonster” scare holy hell out of anyone else? As a young’un, I was in such pants-shitting terror of him that I would refuse to let my parents turn the TV back on once he made his appearance. Happened every year until I was at least…who am I kidding, it still happens. Oh, and it is definitely “Hermey” ---
**Author:** ![MovieMogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f08c70/32.png) [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2000, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/25 "2000-12-01T20:35:11Z")
The IMDB lists him as Hermey ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2000, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/26 "2000-12-01T21:30:11Z")
Rudolph’s voice was so cute. 🙂 “Okay, King Moonracer!” And the little reindeer who couldn’t fly… One question _I_ have: how does the father Reindeer (Donner?) originally cover up Rudolph’s nose? Hitting him on the nose? Ah I call child abuse on that…😃 ---
**Author:** ![Anake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/97f17d/32.png) [@Anake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anake)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2000, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/27 "2000-12-01T21:38:58Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Zoggie \* > \*\*One question _I_ have: how does the father Reindeer (Donner?) originally cover up Rudolph’s nose? Hitting him on the nose? Ah I call child abuse on that…😃 \*\* I believe in the cartoon he scraped some mud from the cave ground and put it on Rudolph’s blinking nose. I always thought Donner was a bastard, the way he treated his own son. Plus, Rudolph’s mom (does she have a name?) never backed Rudolph up. From, Anake PS: It’s Hermie. ---
**Author:** ![minlokwat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minlokwat/32/2844_2.png) [@minlokwat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minlokwat)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2000, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/28 "2000-12-01T23:42:12Z")
Anyone catch the sinister assassination plot at the end of the cartoon? (Just like the Munchkin suicide on the Wizard of Oz, only different.) At the end of the cartoon, Santa is flying on his sled and an elf is seen releasing all of the newly-rescued misfit toys. The elf gives either a parachute or umbrella-like device --which works just as well in the cartoons-- to all of the toys. Then the elf comes to a bird. The bird had previously indicated an inability to fly which was the cause of his/her misfit status. The elf equips all of the other toys with some means of flight except for this one particular toy (watch it and you’ll see) who no doubt plummets to an untimely and gruesome death. While it is possible that during the interim, the bird somehow acquired the ability to fly, that scenario seems highly unlikely. Any other eagle-eyed observers notice this nefarious twist of events? ---
**Author:** ![DrFidelius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drfidelius/32/3447_2.png) [@DrFidelius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrFidelius)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2000, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/29 "2000-12-02T01:55:59Z")
FWIW, I have long thought that the doll was a lesbian. Either that or a cross-dresser. ---
**Author:** ![Astroboy14](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/df705f/32.png) [@Astroboy14](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Astroboy14)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2000, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/30 "2000-12-02T03:28:30Z")
**City Gent** , not only did the 'bumble scare the hell out of me as a child… I _still_ get goosebumps whenever I see **Rudolph**!! ---
**Author:** ![DAVEW0071](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e19b73/32.png) [@DAVEW0071](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DAVEW0071)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2000, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/31 "2000-12-02T03:39:48Z")
Well, we have it on videotape, and it’s traditional to watch it every Christmas season. It’s also traditional for Dad (i.e. me) to corrupt the show with my own interpretive salvos. During the Misfit Toy Song, when they get to the part that goes, “A scooter for Jimmy, a dolly for Sue. The kind that will even say, How do you do” I always sing, “The kind that will even say, Up yer wazoo.” In a gravelly, Brooklyn truck driver voice. This, in my estimation, makes the doll a real misfit. Not only that, but I have noticed the assassination plot. I have even gone so far as to make pleading noises when each toy is tossed out of the sleigh and scream piteously as they plummet. It sure livens up the evening and somehow brings the true meaning of Christmas home to my loved ones. I always thought the elf’s name was Herbie, but I defer to the DVD and the IMdB. Also the CIA, the FBI and the FDIC. ---
**Author:** ![Gilligan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Gilligan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gilligan)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2000, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/32 "2000-12-02T03:43:39Z")
I just hope Mad TV airs “Raging Rudolph” again this year. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2000, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/33 "2000-12-02T04:17:01Z")
Yes, Donner wouldn’t win father of the year award. The red haired doll’s problems were “psychological”? That just sounds a bit odd- being that this is a kid’s TV special. Are we reading into this a bit much, or is Rudolph more profound than we thought? Oh! And remember the head elf, who was so obsequious around Santa, but a real dictator with the other elves? “Thank you, Santa!..That sounded TERRIBLE! The tenor section was weak!” Real ass kisser. 🙂 If it comes on again this year, I have to watch it. Its been so many years! ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2000, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/34 "2000-12-02T15:40:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Anake \* > **Plus, Rudolph’s mom (does she have a name?) never backed Rudolph up.** Maybe she was Olive? The other reindeer? OK, the elf was Hermie, I give up. My daughter says so. ---
**Author:** ![monkeylucifer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@monkeylucifer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monkeylucifer)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2000, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/35 "2000-12-02T17:22:12Z")
Unfortunately, the doll is not named. If you check out the [website](http://www.playingmantis.com/ml/news_details.asp?MyArea=ct&articleid=317) for the newly released action figures from the show, you can see that the doll comes packaged with Rudolph, and is refered to as “the Misfit Doll”. Hermey comes with dentist’s tools and pulled teeth from the [Bumble](http://pages.map.com/starwars/rumble/) ([Bumble sold seperately](http://www.playingmantis.com/ml/news_details.asp?MyArea=ct&articleid=316))!!! If you want to learn more about Bumbles and elfs who wish to be dentists, then visit your local library and check out _[The Enchanted World of Rankin/Bass](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0964954281/ref=cm_mp_wl/107-0417248-1185337?colid=2CX1GG5VI8FMB)_. Man, how I live for moments such as this, when my normally useless knowledge sees a brief shining moment in the sun. ---
**Author:** ![Beruang](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/77aa72/32.png) [@Beruang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beruang)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2000, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/36 "2000-12-04T03:59:55Z")
Hermie. Definitely. I thought it was “King Moon_raiser_.” The doll is manic-depressive. Watch her mood swings. That makes her a misfit. “A Cowboy Who Rides An Ostrich” would be a kick-ass name for a rock ‘n’ roll band. The annual airing of “Rudolph” on CBS marks the OFFICIAL start of the Christmas season. This year it’s on Tuesday, December 5. Silver and gold, silver and gold… ---
**Author:** ![Beadalin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Beadalin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beadalin)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2000, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/37 "2000-12-05T22:37:26Z")
It’s going to be on CBS tonight! WOO HOO! Also, I just bought the Yukon Cornelius and Rudolph figurines (Rudolph’s nose lights up!) and the elf is listed as “Hermey” on the back of the boxes. I always thought it was Herbie, but I guess not. ---
**Author:** ![minlokwat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minlokwat/32/2844_2.png) [@minlokwat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minlokwat)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2000, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/38 "2000-12-06T00:01:21Z")
Yes it’s on tonight, CBS 8:00 EST. It just occurred to me that we really should have included some SPOILER warnings in this thread. You know… just in case. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![BurnMeUp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@BurnMeUp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BurnMeUp)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2000, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/39 "2000-12-06T00:04:39Z")
I always thought the “Dentist” angle was a thinly veiled term for homosexuality. Like when Hermie and Rudolf meet and Hermie says “you don’t mind that i’m … a dentist” with his effeminate voice… it’s don’t ask don’t tell time for Rudolf and Hermie ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2000, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518/40 "2000-12-06T02:10:42Z")
So many things i never picked up. Lets ask Esprix what he thinks of Hermie. (Yes, HerMIE.) Also it was pretty sexist, but in a laughable way. “Mrs. Donner wanted to go too, but Donner said, ' **No** , this was men’s work.” And… “They figured they’d best get the womenfolk back to Chrimastown.” Plus Rudolph’s mom never had her own name. Paraphrasing there a bit. I guess reindeer never had a liberation movement. My dad was making fun of the movie- since it was a bit hokey looking…but still, its a classic! And I did notice the bit with the owl at the end. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-t-v-special/43518.md?page=3)