For some reason, this episode seems to capture the 80s zeitgeist more than most offerings of this long-running series. For one thing, it's the only Christmas-themed episode and as such, it shows us how people celebrated the holiday then. I think American society was more connected at that time, and we see it reflected in the Simons. Cecilia is throwing a big party and expects her sons to be there. Never mind the fact they're working on an important case and may not be able to attend. They've been hired by a little girl who would like her dad home for Christmas. So in a way the girl and Cecilia both want the same thing-- to be with family during this special time of the year. It's interesting the brothers are basically working for free, or else their payment will not come till later-- the girl's parents are financially strapped and it's because the dad owes a loan shark a huge sum of cash that he's disappeared.
There are some very charming moments as the main story plays out. In particular, viewers are treated to a great scene where Rick & A.J. try to reach the loan shark to appeal to his sense of "decency" (they quickly learn he is not at all decent) by pretending to be carolers at a holiday gathering. In order to get away without being hurt, they have to hide among nativity characters on a front lawn. I thought the name of the loan shark was somewhat inspired-- his name is 'Eyeball.'
The last act of the story takes the Simons to Las Vegas. It should be noted that although he is mentioned in the title, Liberace does not turn up in this story. But there is some exterior filming that was done in Vegas, so it does feel authentic. We see the brothers and Town catch up with the little girl's father at a casino. The desperate man has taken the money he made by pawning his wife's ring, and is trying to make enough gambling to pay back the loan shark. Of course, the loan shark and his goons have also arrived at the casino. Since this is a holiday show and it must have a 'happy ending,' a long shot bet comes in and there is suddenly enough money to pay off the debt. Town takes the man and the crooks back to San Diego. We learn there are no more available seats on the flight, so Rick and A.J. have to spend Christmas in Vegas listening to a lounge singer. The final shots, after they break the news to Cecilia that they will not be home in time, are bittersweet. There is a Santa Claus, there is a Liberace down the strip, and there are two brothers who have each other.
There are some very charming moments as the main story plays out. In particular, viewers are treated to a great scene where Rick & A.J. try to reach the loan shark to appeal to his sense of "decency" (they quickly learn he is not at all decent) by pretending to be carolers at a holiday gathering. In order to get away without being hurt, they have to hide among nativity characters on a front lawn. I thought the name of the loan shark was somewhat inspired-- his name is 'Eyeball.'
The last act of the story takes the Simons to Las Vegas. It should be noted that although he is mentioned in the title, Liberace does not turn up in this story. But there is some exterior filming that was done in Vegas, so it does feel authentic. We see the brothers and Town catch up with the little girl's father at a casino. The desperate man has taken the money he made by pawning his wife's ring, and is trying to make enough gambling to pay back the loan shark. Of course, the loan shark and his goons have also arrived at the casino. Since this is a holiday show and it must have a 'happy ending,' a long shot bet comes in and there is suddenly enough money to pay off the debt. Town takes the man and the crooks back to San Diego. We learn there are no more available seats on the flight, so Rick and A.J. have to spend Christmas in Vegas listening to a lounge singer. The final shots, after they break the news to Cecilia that they will not be home in time, are bittersweet. There is a Santa Claus, there is a Liberace down the strip, and there are two brothers who have each other.
