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(Episode 69, 12/17/1989)

You may think that two It's a Wonderful Life parodies on this "best" list makes those of us at Techtite.com either the biggest fans of that film, or perhaps the biggest detractors. Maybe the truth is somewhere in between. I liked that movie but not enough to watch it every Christmas...unless it's followed by a parody like this.

The "Bundys" over at Married...With Children have their own take on the classic Frank Capra-directed film. Bank teller Marcy (Amanda Bearse) forgets to let Al (Ed O'Neil) into the bank, to get the money he needs for Christmas Eve shopping. The Bundy holiday goes downhill from there. When trying to at least fix the front doorbell, Al gives the classic "It's a Wonderful Life" line of how he wishes he were never born...only to get an electric shock while trying to fix the doorbell. Who should help him back on his feet but his guardian angel, played by special guest star Sam Kinison. Seriously; just that name alone should tell you why this episode is on anyone's Most Unforgettable Holiday TV Episodes list. Al Bundy's guardian angel is Sam Kinison? Funny...!

Al's angel is out to get some wings, which as the story goes, can only be received when he shows Al a reason to love his life...as a Bundy. He tries this with the Wonderful Life approach, of showing Al how his family would be without him. Turns out they would be in the same house, but they'd also be the perfect family. Peg married Ted McGinley, who is the perfect husband (muse not that Ted would later become series regular Jefferson Darcy; here, he's just "the perfect husband"). Peg is suddenly the perfect housewife. Kelly and Bud are perfect children. Kelly's smart. Bud is cool. Al's angel laments that he'll never get wings: his mission was to show Al a reason to live, and he can't think of one. Al disagrees! His family thinks they'll live the perfect life while he's lived such a bad one? No way! Al gets sent back to his real life and while everything is as it once was, Al's even happier he's a Bundy.

Down to the Final Two, starting with one of the all-time holiday classics.