Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
You just can’t help but root for Joe Pera. The comedian’s wholly original, gentle style of amiable humor is incredibly entertaining as his unique voice distinctly stands out in a world that thrives on conformity. His new Adult Swim special, Joe Pera Helps You Find The Perfect Christmas Tree, is not only a delightful love letter to the iconic symbol of the Christmas season, it’s a weird, wonderful holiday show that’s a festive celebration of fun. Move over, Home Alone. Take a hiatus, Christmas Vacation. Joe Pera Helps You Find The Perfect Christmas Tree deserves a spot on your essential holiday viewing playlist.
While the narrative structure of the twenty-two minute comedy stays true to the title, Joe Pera’s special is about so much more than finding the perfect Christmas tree. Sure, we’re treated to insights concerning needle retention and the undeniable virtues of the scotch pine, but the special is more an off-kilter peek into the day-to-day of the character’s personal and professional life than it is a tutorial about trees. Pera tells a cohesive story through a series of connected scenes that brilliantly utilize his inherent kindness and childlike gullibility to create a random cacophony of hilarious and sometimes heart-breaking moments that evoke both laughter and sympathy.
Whether he’s having a warm conversation with his nana, discussing the majestic nature of America’s rivers over a single serving of fish with his old pal Gene, or agonizing over the possibility of his children’s choir confusing the song “Snow, Snow, Snow” with the song “Snow, Snow, Snow, Snow,” Joe Pera Helps You Find The Perfect Christmas Tree tells a simple, accessible story in a fiercely intelligent manner.
Pera’s unique brand of droll humor is on display throughout his special. His subdued enthusiasm, nerdy charm, and inherent likability compel us to root for this character, which is why Pera often makes himself the butt of the joke. The impact of the humor is heightened when it’s imbued with an emotional element. It’s not as much fun if Charlie Brown actually gets to kick the football, you know?
“Mason, what’s our deal?” Pera meekly asks when one of his students throws a wad of paper at him during choir rehearsal. “You can have Red Bulls in class, but you can’t throw stuff at me.”
It’s absurd; it’s ridiculous; and it’s just so much freaking fun to watch Joe Pera and his big ol’ unconcealed heart navigate this absurd world he’s created. Comedy is elevated by specificity, and Pera adroitly uses this fact to his advantage with exceptionally written dialogue and cleverly-crafted asides.
“A tree can’t make or break Christmas. Only people can do that. A tree’s never stood me up for Shakespeare in the Park. A tree’s never told me my coupon is no good. A tree’s never catfished me eleven times in two days. Geez, Louise. That was bad.”
You might think the absurd nature of Joe Pera Helps You Find The Perfect Christmas Tree makes it too subversive for a broader audience, but Pera’s folksy charm and aw-shucks sincerity combine to make his outstanding holiday special a treat that can be enjoyed by the entire family. You may have already found your ideal Christmas tree, but there’s still plenty of time to unwrap Joe Pera’s perfect holiday special.
Stream 'Joe Pera Helps You Find The Perfect Christmas Tree' on Adult Swim
