AsifZamir
Today's Special (1981 – 1987) was produced in Toronto, Canada by TV Ontario. Today's Special is a children's show and is about a mannequin named Jeff that comes alive at night. He is brought to work each night with employee Jodie. He becomes alive when Muffy the mouse says ""Hocus pocus alimagocus!" Jeff has a special hat that when it comes off he is turned right back into a mannequin. The episodes main themes, based in the earlier seasons, were on a tangible object such as a costume or hat and then developed to more complex themes such as wishes and magic and even alcoholism.The cast features two puppets; Muffy the mouse and Sam Crenshaw the security guard, as well as two life actors. Jeff Hyslop acts as Jeff and Nerene Virgin acts as Jodie. Today's Special brought fame to Jeff Hyslop's career as well as The Phantom of the Opera, the production that toured around Canada. There are smaller scripts set in the episodes that include quizzes, miming, nursery rhymes and narration of stories. Robyn Hayle narrates these short films. Robyn was also the voice of TXL the computer, in the computer room on Today's Special. Today's Special is a fun enjoyable series bringing intrigue and magic with it.
clarkeinvestigations
This was a favorite show of mine growing up. My brother and I would watch it every day and wait for the "balloon" episode. I wish it would come out in a box DVD set for my daughter, or at least come on the reruns. If anyone ever finds it, please let us know where we can get it. One of my favorite things with the show was how Jeff didn't have any common sense. He would do things like brush his teeth with a hair brush, then we would yell at the TV saying he was doing it wrong. It was also funny to hear the Canadian accents. Jeff was always saying, "I'm sorry" to Jody, but it was pronounced, "sawrey". It's a great show and maybe it will come back on reruns someday.
jootsyfruit
Today's Special is an under-rated, top quality children's show, the likes of which are not exposed to today's children which is a shame. I remember watching this in the 1980s and although I made fun of it as a kid (only to look cool while watching it) I liked it then and in retrospect, I see how excellent this show is.The show consisted of Jeff (mannequin), Jodie (department store display builder), Sam (night watchman) and Muffy Mouse (rhyming mouse resident). Jeff Hyslop was a triple threat star, with a marvelous singing voice and dancing ability. The fact he starred in this makes this show above what is offered on TV today. Directed at children, the dialogue and stories never talked DOWN to them and dealt with issues like moving, disability, honesty and even alcoholism with sensitivity and respect to kids. As a Canadian, I especially liked the references to our country's culture too. I can still sing the songs and the only regret I would have is that this show is not available for my future kids. I hope someone at TVO will wake up and resurrect Today's Special.My favorite memories include Jeff taking a bite out of a lemon and when Muffy's butterfly, Hazel died. By the way, the dialogue was incredibly witty... some truly funny moments occurred throughout the 7 year run!
Joshua White
Anyone else remember this song?Gertrude ol' girl My hearts in a whirl 'Cause these goodbyes Are hard to combine. I'll try not to cry As we say goodbye.
Sam and Jody sang that at the car dealership when Sam was trading in his old car for a newer model. The dealer rolled his eyes, but for Sam and the kids at home, this was serious trauma! I guess that's why I still remember it. Oh, but it ended happily. Sam got the new car and Jody bought back the old one.