by Herbie J Pilato
Anyone who reads this or any of my blogs or posts (at www.MediaBizbloggers.com orwww.TVWriter.net) knows of my fondness for the classic TV Christmas special, “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed-Reindeer.”
I have written at length about its many wonderful moments and life-lessons, one of which, however, I have not yet addressed and will do so now:
Shortly after Rudolph arrives on the Island of Misfit Toys, with his friends, Yukon Cornelius (the arctic prospector) and Herbie/Hermie (the elf who wants to be a dentist), he believes he must venture out on his own to fulfill his destiny. And he does so by breaking off a piece of land-ice, and using it as a drift-device to carry him on his way through the artic sea.
[I call his friend “Herbie/Hermie” because the name actually changes from the first half of the show to the second; it was a mishap in the production that has been documented by those associated with the special. But for the sake of this post, I will from here on in refer to him as “Hermie.”]
As Rudolph drifts across the frigid waters, he wistfully bids farewell to his dear friends, saying, “Goodbye, Cornelius. I hope you find lots of tinsel. Goodbye, Hermie. Whatever a dentist is….I hope someday you will be…the greatest.”
It is by far one of the most poignant moments in the entire special…and it says so much about Rudolph’s touching and massive heart…leaving each of us, of course, with food for thought….especially what he says to Hermie:
Without understanding in the least anything about Hermie’s intended profession, Rudolph only wants the best for his friend. Not only does Rudolph want Hermie to succeed…to find his joy…to find his bliss…but he wants Hermie to be the BEST at what he aspires to be.
It’s such an inspiring moment…and a telling lesson for us all:
To be happy for others…to wish only the best for our friends and family members…to send only good thoughts for increase and happiness of every kind.
What a true mark of integrity…what a true sign of well-wishing…what a true and joyous way to live.
Thank you, again, “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” for your continued insight, all the magic you bring to television year after year – and for being the perfect representation of just how wonderful a medium television has the power to be.
