The special starts with Arnold on a bike seeing the city's replica of the Mayflower being ..made a city landmark. (huh?, darn tax money at work?) The School is having a Thanksgiving play (a play about the big day than happening on the day) While Gerald is talking about his perfect Thanksgiving , while Arnold is bothered by his because his Grandmother celebrates the 4th of July on Thanksgiving. (makes sense in context) Helga laments her's as well because her family annoys her. Arnold and Helga are having what they see as miserable Thanksgivings. Arnold even suggests that they have a traditionalist one but that falls flat and Helga is irritated by her family.
Arnold and Helga both give up and go outside Arnold in a quiet way and Helga in an angry rant. Meanwhile , Arnold and Helga bump into each (small city?) they bond over their awful Thanksgiving experiences. (Also,the Mayflower replica has a Titanic moment) They decide to find a better Thanksgiving (Aisle 12 at Bed, Bath and Beyond, you know in the Beyond section ) so they visit their teacher Mr.Simmons because they think he's having a perfect Thanksgiving. Though , the surprise is ,his Thanksgiving isn't going well either. (The People at the play had the same name as those in the play) Arnold and Helga than realize that Mr.Simmons had the same problem they both had and he says that he is truly thankful for what he has and loves his family (get those onions away from here) and they decide to go back to their homes.
Helga's Family , was looking for her they think she has gone missing and spent their time looking for her. (Bob was worried sick) Arnold was watching in the window and says "Happy Thanksgiving , Helga" as he returns home.
Arnold is home and he finds that his family has left the roof and his grandpa looking like the ghost of Christmas past and then he shows that the family decided to have a surprise party for Arnold with the traditional Thanksgiving foods though Arnold does hope that there are fireworks and his grandma says of course there will be and special ends with fireworks.
Is this episode Thanksgiving special worthy? Yes , yes it is It's very muted for a cartoon though Hey Arnold! was good at getting moments right. It's nice to see Hegla and Arnold getting along and also the message is interesting. That maybe there's no such thing a perfect Thanksgiving that maybe a strange tradition might not be what people see as normal but hey , it's something you have. Families come in all forms and many times people can be jerks and odd balls but maybe there's something to be thankful for anyway.
I think it's worthy of being an annual Thanksgiving special even if you never watched the show , you don't have to watch the series to understand this episode that much.
