In an exciting twist for fans of the holiday classic, David Krumholtz has reprised his role as Bernard, the beloved elf, in the latest episode of Disney Plus' The Santa Clauses.
This long-awaited return sheds light on Bernard's life since we last saw him in 2004's The Santa Claus 2, and it's clear that he's been up to quite a bit.
Krumholtz is currently also making waves on Broadway, starring in Tom Stoppard's acclaimed play, Leopoldstadt, which adds another layer to his already impressive career.
The fifth episode, titled “Chapter 5: Across the Yule-Verse,” finally addresses the mystery surrounding Bernard's abrupt disappearance from the Santa Claus franchise.
With Scott Calvin, played by Tim Allen, stepping down from his Santa duties, the show introduces a new character, Simon Chosky, portrayed by Cal Penn.
While Simon has good intentions, his misguided decisions threaten to extinguish the Christmas spirit worldwide, setting the stage for Bernard's unexpected comeback.
When Bernard reappears in this episode, both Scott and viewers are taken aback.
Scott mentions how Bernard vanished without explanation, to which Bernard reveals, “I met someone, a human.” This statement not only signifies his departure from the North Pole but hints at the possibility of elves choosing their own paths, much like Scott did when he retired as Santa.
It seems that elves can indeed step away from their roles without causing chaos at the North Pole, a refreshing revelation for fans.
As the episode unfolds, Scott comments on how Bernard has aged significantly since his last appearance.
Bernard explains that marrying a human meant he relinquished his eternal youth as an elf.
Despite being around for 1,600 years, his new life has led him to mature in ways that resonate with human experiences.
This clever narrative device allows fans to see a more relatable side of Bernard while retaining the whimsical charm that made him memorable.
Krumholtz, who has been synonymous with the character of Bernard for nearly three decades, expressed his excitement about returning to the role.
He noted that it's been a long time since he performed on stage, but he finds the experience rewarding.
He described the new series as a beautiful continuation of the story, filled with fresh perspectives on the elves and their existence.
The Santa Clauses not only revisits familiar territory but also expands on the lore surrounding Christmas and its magical figures.
Krumholtz highlighted how the show delves into the origins of these characters, exploring questions that fans have pondered for years.
Why do elves exist?
How does Santa maintain his magic?
This series promises to answer those queries while intertwining its own mythology with age-old Christmas tales.
In this pivotal fifth episode, Scott learns the truth about his own journey to becoming Kris Kringle.
The plot thickens as it's revealed that his predecessor's fall was part of a grand design, leading Scott to take on the Santa mantle—not merely due to familial pressure but as a choice guided by fate.
This retconning of events adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the franchise's continuity.
As Bernard guides Scott through the Yule-Verse, they encounter Scott's past, including a flashback to his first meeting with Santa.
This moment is crucial, as it shows that Santa had faith in Scott's potential to spread joy.
However, the old Santa also wiped Scott's memory of their encounter, leaving him unaware of his destined path until now.
The episode emphasizes that the essence of Santa Claus is rooted in the spirit of giving and joy.
Scott discovers that his waning magical abilities were not due to his inadequacies but rather a reflection of the diminishing Christmas spirit in the world.
This revelation underscores the importance of community and collective cheer during the holiday season.
The narrative cleverly positions Scott as the first human Santa, suggesting that each new Santa is chosen based on the needs of the time.
This unique perspective suggests that Santa's role evolves, adapting to the world's changing dynamics.
As technology becomes integral to modern life, Scott's human experience equips him to navigate these challenges in ways that past Santas could not.
In a heartwarming moment, Bernard reassures Scott that he has successfully embraced his role as Santa, despite his doubts.
The episode serves as a powerful reminder that even the most seasoned figures can question their worth, but with support and belief, they can rise to the occasion and fulfill their destinies.
With Krumholtz's return and the intriguing developments in The Santa Clauses, fans can look forward to more enchanting stories that breathe new life into the cherished franchise.
The show not only rekindles nostalgia but also invites viewers to explore the deeper meanings behind the magic of Christmas, making it a must-watch for the holiday season.
