Happy St. Patrick’s Day! May the Luck o’ the Irish be with ye. Arrrrr.
Sorry, sometimes when I try to speak Leprechaun, I end up going into pirate speak. It’s a condition I take very seriously, and I’m working past it one day at a time.
Anyway, on to the open thread. St. Patrick’s Day is one of those days that many people tend to celebrate, but like its other non-federal holiday counterparts, it’s not always one that’s shown up in TV. The most memorable show that’s celebrated St. Patty’s Day in my eye is How I Met Your Mother, when Barney green-suited up. So here’s a question for you, that might be kinda hard to understand, just because grammar gets in the way…
What’s your favorite episode based on a random holiday?
Not Christmas, Halloween, or Thanksgiving — those are too easy. Let’s think Easter, Arbor Day, Presidents’ Day. How about July 4th, Chinese New Year, Groundhog Day. And just so that you’re not too stumped, we’ll add Valentine’s Day and New Year’s in there, since they aren’t shown as much as the others, but they do get represented more than, say, Labor Day.
It’s a toughie, I know, and I’m not sure that I have a favorite. Though, Saved by the Bell‘s July 4th at Malibu Sands was a pretty good one, if not for the ridiculous costumes they put those pageant contestants in. Stacey Carosi was in it, though, and that’s always a downer. She was particularly whiny and mean in that episode, what with her jealousy over Kelly.
In the meantime, I leave you with a St. Patty’s Day Barney (with a less-than-festive Ted).
And remember, this St. Patty’s Day, don’t drink champagne like Ted and Barney above. Man up. Have a Guinness. Arrrrr.
UPDATE: Another thing to think about is something like Founders’ Day. Tons of shows involving schools have Founders’ Day. Some of them combine that with Homecoming. Another idea that many people celebrate? Opening day. I’m sure some random show has covered that.
See, you can get creative!
Raked 
Have you spoken to a professional about the Leprechaun/Pirate speak? I hear there are some very effective treatments available these days.
Anyway, this is a tricky one, but I have something in mind. I believe it was the last episode of the first season of Southland. It happened on Fourth of July. Cooper spends the evening building a wall in his backyard with his friend/boyfriend and when they finish, they both watch the fireworks. Halfway across town, Russel is about to head over to Salinger’s backyard party. Instead, he takes a detour to his neighbor’s to invite them over. Unfortunately, he winds up interrupting a domestic dispute, and winds up getting shot in the stomach for his hospitality. The episode ends with him lying on the concrete, looking up at the fireworks overhead.
@JC: Fantastic! That was such a great episode. Didn’t Lydia have a kickass shootout in that episode, too? I still remember the ending of that episode.
By the way, why’d they have to ruin him this season?
The Office had a pretty funny St. Patrick’s Day episode last year. Everyone dressed up for the holiday, but Jo was there and was working late so everyone felt like they had to stay. I remember Meredith was really upset (as it is her favorite holiday!). Then Michael made a big stand and told Jo he was letting his employees leave.
And I think Vampire Diaries has a Founder’s Day celebration every week, so I’m kind of over that holiday. š
Hahahaha. KM, that’s so true — and hilarious.
There’s a great Easter episode of Sports Night, when Josh Malina’s character is going home with Sabrina Lloyd’s character. He’s Jewish, so he really doesn’t know what Easter customs there are, so he tries to make eggnog. Josh Malina’s twitter icon is currently him spitting it out. Check out @JoshMalina.
How about Hurling Day from Dinosaurs? On a dinosaur’s 72nd birthday, that dinosaur would be ceremoniously thrown off a cliff into a tar pit.
Also noteworthy: Not A Father’s Day from HIMYM.
Pretty Little Liars just had a Founders Day thing! And then Gilmore Girls had a Founder’s Day. You are right, Founder’s Day is v. popular! The GG FD ep was a big one, if I recall – didn’t Rory and Dean break up (for the first time?)
@CS – I’m surprised you didn’t mention the Easter episode of NewsRadio, when the kids wouldn’t talk to Lisa at the White House Easter Egg Hunt.