REVIEW: ‘Solar Opposites’ Holiday Special is an Absolute Gift

Adult animation is full swing these days, especially in the U.S, with hit series like Castlevania, Rick & Morty, and new introductions like Hit-Monkey, and one of my personal favorites, Solar Opposites available on a number of platforms. Now the latter just celebrated its second season earlier in the year and news that the series has been extended by another two seasons. So why not kick this season off with a bang and watch the Solar Opposites Holiday Special with a few laughs from your favorite misfit alien family.

Solar Opposites, a show about four aliens who crash-land on Earth and are now attempting to assimilate into American society while trying to fix their ship before their pupa transforms into their final phase and terraforms the planet. The team, comprised of Korvo (Justin Roiland), Terry (Thomas Middleditch), Yumyulack (Sean Giambrone), and Jesse (Mary Mack), combine the comedy of viewing human culture through the eyes of extraterrestrials while using their sci-fi technology to cope with the throes of modern life.

Now it’s time for the Solar Opposite Holiday Special and the one off 30 minute episode packs it all in. With their unique brand of aggressively enthusiastic vigor, confusion over pop culture references, and insanely good comedy viewers are in for a jolly treat.

The episode itself centers around the alien crew competing to experience, and max out on their holiday cheer each for their own benefits. For Korvo it’s the strict tradition, and adhering to the rules that’s floating his boat, while Yumyulack’s bloodlust knows no bounds as he rejoices in humiliating the carcass of the dead Christmas tree they keep in their house as an example of their superiority.

The night takes a turn for the worst after watching the family decides to watch Jingle All The Way. No, not because it’s a poor film, but rather they decide to live it by utilizing some sci-fi alien tech. Later when they collectively agree to bail on the experience they realize the dangerous ramifications, they’ve lost their Christmas spirit. So buckle up as these Schlorpians fight through a barrage of Christmas montages and references for your enjoyment.

If you enjoyed the first two seasons of Solar Opposites chances are you will go nuts for this latest addition. If you weren’t particular sold on the show and feel it parallels Rick & Morty too closely then this won’t be your cup of tea either.

Now listen, Roiland and crew go hard on Christmas, and they will absolutely challenge your traditions, and pop culture comforts. There are so many references, and examples I want to give here, but let’s just say they may desecrate some of your childhood favorite films. I was howling, this show is just beyond ridiculous and I can’t stand how much it makes me laugh.

The comedic pairing of Roiland, Middleditch, Giambrone, and Mack continues to flow so naturally and it’s fantastic to see this formula continue to yield results.

Be prepared to have your traditions rocked, as the Solar Opposites Holiday Special invades your screen this Thanksgiving week. Roiland and crew reimagine holiday pop culture with hilarious results. See how many references you can find, the episode is packed with them. Sadly it’s only a 30 minute special, it left me eager for more!

The Solar Opposites Holiday Special is available now exclusively on HULU.