Murdoch Mysteries (2008–…): Season 9, Episode 0 - A Merry Murdoch Christmas - full transcript

Julia. The driver.

I'm sure he's seen this before.

And much more, I'd wager.

You're probably right.

It's almost Christmas.

Ladies and gentlemen,

the festivities
are about to get under way.

It's so beautiful.

Enjoying yourself?

I will be when this
bloody pantomime is over.

Thomas.



Goose, with apples and prunes.

I could have some,
if you don't mind.

Grandmother?

Rest, my dear.
You will be home soon.

[Crowd gasps 1

Something the matter, George?

I've got something in my eye.

Are you crying?

No. I'm not crying.

Did you enjoy the performance,
gentlemen?

George was crying.

It's a very touching piece,
George.

No shame
in feeling its emotions.

It's not my fault that I'm
cursed with a sensitive soul.



No doubt speaks
to your gifts as a writer.

I think you're right, Doctor.

I think that's very astute.
But I was not crying.

I'm just gonna slip out
for a wee nip.

You will not, Thomas.

Ladies and Gentlemen, if I
could have your kind attention.

It gives me great pleasure
to introduce

your hostess for this evening,
Mrs. Millicent McGowan.

Thank you all for coming.

And now I'd like
to introduce to you

to the star
of this evening's performance.

Come on stage, Mary.

I give you Miss Mary Pickford.

Treasure her now because soon
she's off to America

to try her hand
at the moving pictures.

Thank you for coming,
ladies and gentlemen.

And remember to give from your
hearts this Christmas --

Thank you, Mary.

The fate of the
Little Match Girl is sobering

but sadly not unique.

And the fate and fortunes
of Toronto's poor children

is the reason for my husband's
Christmas Gala --

his fifth, I might add.

And it is my hope that
his kindness will spur you

to make this Christmas
the best Christmas

for Toronto's
sick children and orphans.

Children, form a queue.

We have a very special guest
in attendance tonight.

Gentlemen.

Bloody showboat.

Thomas, stop being such a pill.

Mr. McGowan is one of Toronto's
greatest philanthropists.

Indulge him in his moment.

Close the door. Close the door.
Close the door.

I think something is wrong.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
boys and girls --

He's probably pickled.

I'm sorry, but there's
going to be a slight delay.

George.

Mrs. McGowan, the rest
of the presents -- They're gone.

Gone? What
are you talking about, gone?

They've been stolen.

His neck is broken.

My God.

Well, I suppose that's put
the kibosh on Christmas.

We best get an attendant
to cover him up

-before the children see.
- Right.

Well,
I wouldn't worry about that.

- George?
- I'll clear everyone off, sir.

Now, tonight's not
when we put out the presents.

Christmas Eve
is the night for that.

You understand that?

Is there something
you're hoping for?

I'd love a new doll. I've heard
there's one that talks.

Well, have you been good?

L tFY-

You try.

She tries.
What more can we ask?

As long as you try not be
bad or cruel, that's enough.

- Excuse me, sir?
- Yes?

I'm afraid
we need you to move along.

We're conducting
an investigation.

And we should get
the children home.

Of course. Of course.

All right, beautiful children.

- Happy Christmas.
- I wish you good night.

Try to sleep well.

- All right.
- Thank you, sir.

And, you know, sir,
I could give you --

I-if you wanted it, I could give
the name of a-a good barber.

T-That's really not necessary,
son.

Thank you.

St. Nick's last ride.

We've got all the names
and addresses of the guests.

Thank you, sir.
Could you drop Julia home?

'Course.

I have to stay a while longer.

Could you excuse me
just one moment?

I'll get my hat and coat.

[ Coughs 1

- Are you all right?
- Yes.

[ Coughs 1

How long
have you been like this?

I don't know.

Excuse me?

Can you take this boy with you

to The Hospital
for Sick Children?

I'll let the nuns know.

Of course.

Mrs. McGowan, I'm terribly sorry
for your loss.

He was a wonderful man.

Well, in my experience,
even wonderful men have enemies.

And all the presents.
Missing.

They were for the children --
poor children.

Mrs. McGowan, someone
wanted your husband dead.

And succeeded.

Yes. Who?

The only one that I can think of

that has a heart dark enough
to do this is Cyrus Lynch.

Cyrus Lynch.
Of Lynch Fabrications.

McGOWAN: The one and only.

Why do you say that?

He and my husband
were friends once.

And friends
can become vicious enemies.

But...

But?

But to kill a man
days before Christmas

and steal alms from the poor...

I didn't think
Mr. Lynch would go that far.

Again, terribly sorry.

We may need to speak again.

The donations were stored
in the building over there.

We only discovered they were
gone after Mr. McGowan's death.

And you didn't notice
anything unusual today?

I heard something in the woods

-before the guests arrived.
- Something?

Sounded like an animal,
but we didn't see anything.

Now, a sleigh
carrying a heavy burden

seems to have gone this way.

What's in this direction?

A few other properties.

Thank you.

Here you go.

- Happy Christmas.
- Happy Christmas.

Paper!
Get your paper!

Who killed St. Nicholas!

Constabulary baffled!
Read all about it!

The bloke could have let us know
he was taking a photograph.

That's what you look like, sir.

So, what did you find
at McGowan's?

Nothing concrete. The groundsman
seems to have heard

a disturbance of some kind.

And the name Cyrus Lynch
came up.

He's a right piece of work,
this Lynch.

Apparently he and the victim
were not the closest of friends.

Anything else?

I checked the city survey.

Mr. Lynch's home is quite near
to Mr. McGowan's.

Would it kill you
to hold the ladder, Henry?

- Come on.
- Hey, Jackson!

What do you think you're doing?

L-I'm measuring the height of
the ceiling, sir. For the tree.

The -- There will not be a tree
in here.

No tree?

Bloody Germans
and their idiotic traditions.

Jackson, get down.

Sir, a tree wouldn't be
a terrible idea.

This is a place of work,
Murdoch, not a bloody herbarium.

Well, everybody,

just popped by to wish everyone
the best of the season.

I'm off to Newfoundland.

Right, George.
Have a pleasant journey.

Sir, I hope to. if all
my connections are reliable,

I'll make it to St. Johns just
in time for the festivities.

My aunts are expecting me.

George, this arrived for you.

My aunts are going
on some journey

with a mysterious benefactor.

Hardly seems worth the trip now.

Don't worry about it,
bugalugs.

I've got plenty for you to do.

Instead of gallivanting
across the country,

you can help Murdoch here find
out who murdered St. Nicholas.

Right. I could use the company.

I can't believe
they would just abandon me.

W-What am I gonna do now?

Higgins,
perhaps you and I could...

Spend Christmas together?

No, I don't think so,
George. I have plans.

Yes, no. Of course.

Sir, why Mr. Lynch?

Mrs. McGowan
suspects Cyrus Lynch.

Also, when I was
at the McGowans' last night,

I saw tracks heading
towards Cyrus Lynch's home.

Good eye, sir.
Do you mind if I drive?

Go ahead, George.

I get the lead on the way home.

Fair enough, sir.

Tell the policeman what you saw.

Go on, son.

I was out for a walk
on the Parker Trail last night,

and I saw something
in the woods.

The Parker Trail?

You know the one. Near where
all the rich people live.

You brought him in here
for this?

Tell him what you told me.

The thing I saw.
It was a creature.

A creature?

Yes, sir. It looked like a man.
But it wasn't.

It had horns.
And big ears.

A big-eared, horny creature?

Yes, sir.

I'll tell you what, son.

I'll get a couple of my men
to go take a look.

We wouldn't want this creature
spoiling your Christmas,

- now, would we?
- Thank you, sir.

And, one more thing.

What's that?

I, urn, found this.

It's from the beast.

Krampus.

We haven't seen him
since yesterday.

- Is that unusual?
- Very much so.

Mr. Lynch
is something of a homebody.

That is, when he's not at work.

I inquired.
He wasn't there, either.

I very much
need to speak with him.

So do I. I'm hoping to
be relieved for the holiday,

but he's disappeared.

- Is this a recent photo?
- It is.

- May I?
- Yes.

- Thank you.
- Sir.

Sir?

What have you, George?

Look at this.

"Compliments
of Alistair McGowan."

One of the stolen gifts.
Were there others?

This is the only one
I could find, sir.

It would appear Mr. Lynch
is trying to steal Christmas.

I want these distributed

to all points of exit
from Toronto.

Train stations, livery yards,
lake steamers.

We must find Cyrus Lynch.

Sir, all of those places will be
overrun by holiday travelers.

Then all the more likely someone
is to have seen him, Henry.

- Get to it.
- Yes, sir.

Constable Jackson?

It's a pity
we can't have a tree, sir.

L-It would certainly make
our task feel more festive.

They do lighten the spirit,
don't they?

Yes, sir!
You should see my family's tree.

I-It's 1O feet tall
if it was an inch.

And when all the candles
are ablaze, it is --

That's a fire hazard, isn't it?

Well, it may be, sir, but what
a fire hazard.

Please, will you talk
to the inspector?

Ready your ax, Jackson.

Ha ha!
Thank you, sir.

We're getting a tree!
Ha ha!

My mother will be marinating
the goose by now.

Already?

A goose needs to be well sauced,
Henry.

Sometimes we eat it
the night before.

- On Christmas Eve?
- I know.

But sometimes
we just can't resist.

Merry Christmas, my good man.

How about you, Henry?

I'm going to the home
of James and Helen McVie.

- They're old family friends.
- Sounds boring.

You wouldn't say that
if you laid eyes

on their daughter, Elsie,
George.

Henry Higgins -- your own
walking, talking Christmas gift.

Signed, sealed, and delivered.

Best of the season, my good man.

Well, I can't wait to get home.

They won't trim the tree
without me.

And how about you, George?

Well, I was going to go home
to Newfoundland.

Until his aunts got
a better offer.

I'm sure
they have a good reason.

You know, I-l suppose
I'll just stay in the city now,

go for a walk or something.

Although I do love a good goose.

Right.
I'm sorry, George.

But Mother insists that
Christmas be for family only.

Of course. Of course.
Who better to spend it with?

Why don't you celebrate it
with the detective?

I'm not gonna be a third wheel

at the detective and Dr. Ogden's
festivities.

So the inspector, then?

Higgins, the inspector?
Are you daft?

Anyway, what does it matter?

In the end,
it's just another day.

That's right, George.
That's...all it is.

Nothing special at all.

Merry Christmas, everybody!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Christmas!

Yes, that is
one of Mr McGowan's.

Where did you find it?

In Cyrus Lynch's home.

And Mr. Lynch?

Still unaccounted for.

I don't envy your job.

And to have to deal with
a murder before Christmas.

Murder is a vile crime,
no matter the season.

Can you tell me any more

about Mr. Lynch and
Mr. McGowan's relationship?

They were not fond
of one another.

By all accounts,
that's an understatement.

As young men,
the two were partners, but...

something happened,
and their friendship strained.

"Something"?

Millicent.

They both had designs on her,
but she chose Mr. McGowan.

They were married years ago,
were they not?

Almost 20.

Then why would Mr. Lynch
wait all of this time

to exact his revenge?

Perhaps he got tired
of hearing Mr. McGowan

be called a saint when he
clearly knew him as a sinner.

Perhaps he resented the fact

that a thief
was being treated like a king.

How was that?

Mr. McGowan was not all that
he seemed, Detective Murdoch.

Publicly, he was
a benevolent philanthropist.

And privately?

A miser.

Then how do explain all
of these presents at Christmas?

It cost him nothing.

He hardly paid his employees.

He often employed their children

for more hours
than the laws allow.

Any complaint was met
with a threat of dismissal.

We are speaking about
the same Alistair McGowan?

In the eyes of the world,

he was the embodiment
of the spirit of giving.

But the world
doesn't see everything.

Not like an accountant.

Accountants see everything.

Thank you, Mr. Rankin.

I do hope
the rest of the holiday

does allow
for more pleasant diversion.

As do I.

And how
do you celebrate it, sir?

Quietly, with my wife.

As do I...
but without the wife, sadly.

I have a home in the wilderness.

Some enjoy the gaiety;
I the tranquility.

But I do miss
the comfort of family.

- Hello, Father!
- Bobby.

Gone a little bit overboard
on the Christmas decorations,

- haven't you?
- Thomas.

It only happens once a year.

Where's John?

- Out caroling with his friends.
- Bloody hell.

I just made this.
It's called eggnog. Try it.

What do you think?

Waste of good rum.

- Father, I was wondering...
- What?

Did you see that train set
I was asking about?

What does a boy your age
want with a train set?

You don't need a toy.
You need a job.

When I was your age,
I was up a chimney.

I was only hoping that --

Your mother's side of the family
have spoiled you rotten.

Why not be thankful

for what you have
instead of whining for more?

Ebenezen

I heard that, Margaret.

Good.

All of the presents had been
stored in Mr. McGowan's barn.

Mr. Lynch had ample time
and opportunity to remove them.

So you think he did it?

We found one of the presents
from Mr. McGowan's

in Mr. Lynch's home.

And still no sign of Mr. Lynch.

So he killed Mr. McGowan,
and now he's in hiding?

So it would seem.

I'll get it.

It's arrived. Excellent.

- Come in. Come in. Come in.
- William?

- There's hardly room.
- Don't be silly.

There's always room
for a Christmas tree.

I'm not usually
a sentimental sort,

but I have kept these things
since childhood.

- I thought that was broken.
- I fixed it.

Were you humming?

Me? No.

Full of surprises.

Merry Christmas.

Can I help you, sir?

Yes.

Do you have, anything like
a-a small duck or a capon?

Smallest I got is four pounds.
And it's spoken for.

What about a turkey?

10's the least.

Nothing for a single person?

On Christmas? Hardly.

There's never anything for
a single person on Christmas.

Right.
Thank you.

Hey, hey.
Wait, wait, wait, wait....

I got these.

I'll take them.

Great.

That'll be 75 cents.

75 cents?!

Holiday prices.

Merry Christmas.

Never ever sneak up on a man.

Why are you here?

- Just looking around.
- So you believe me?

I'm simply taking a walk.

Besides, it was
just your imagination.

If you thought that,

you wouldn't
be snooping around here.

What kind of animal
track do you think that is?

I don't know.
But I think you do.

Right, you lot!
Get off yer backsides!

We are going to find this man.

Well, of course we are, sir.

I'm glad you're showing
some confidence, Jackson,

because until he's behind bars
all leave is canceled!

Canceled?
Sir, what about Elsie?

Please, sir -- It's Christmas.

You want Christmas?
Find St. Nick's killer.

I want my Christmas.
I promised my mother --

Hang Christmas.
I wanted Elsie.

You know what?
This might not be so bad.

What are you talking about?

Well, we'll spend Christmas
together.

The three lads!
We'll make a go of it.

Sure.

Right?

I have another job
for you, George.

Please take Henry and Jackson
down to Sullivan Street.

Mr. Lynch has a warehouse there.
Perhaps he's stashed something.

Yes, of course.

George?

Sir,
do you and Dr. Ogden...

What are you doing
for Christmas?

- Do you have any plans?
- None at all.

- Really? Well, I was asking --
- And we couldn't be happier.

We spend so little time alone
together

that a day with nothing more
than each other's company

is all we want.

Yes. Of course.

Of course. Right, then.
Off we go.

- George?
- Sir?

Could you?

My sausages.

Merry Christmas.
Best of the season.

- Happy Christmas, ma'am.
- Jackson.

- Merry Christmas.
- He's getting half annoying.

- Just half?
- Happy Christmas.

- Merry Christmas, sir.
- Cut it out, Jackson.

You're an officer of the law,
man. Not an elf.

More like an oaf.

Very good, Henry.

You there!

Merry Christmas.
Got ya.

- God, grant us patience.
- Merry Christmas.

Jackson!

I could feign an illness.

You think the
inspector is gonna believe that?

You should see her, George --

Fellows. Look.
The McGowan presents.

Well, how do we know
they're from his house?

Ha.

Look at this.

- It's a sled.
- Not just any sled.

And it's a sleigh, by the way.
But see.

"Slugger." Yeah.

I built this and donated it
to Mr. McGowan's cause.

Gentlemen, we are starting
on the road back to Christmas.

And here we are for you,
my princess.

- Merry Christmas.
- Merry Christmas.

Thank you, my darling.
Thank you.

And for you, sir,

I believe this is a razor
since you're starting to shave.

Merry Christmas.

Excuse me, sir?
A word, please?

Of course, sonny.
What is it?

You were at the McGowan house
the other night, were you not?

Indeed.
We spoke, yes.

May I ask
where you got these presents?

I have important work
to do here. Do you mind?

- Excuse me? sir.
- What? What?

What's your name?

Isn't it apparent?
It's Kris Kringle.

Sir, you need to come with us.

Why?

We believe these presents
might be...stolen property.

Stolen property?
How dare you.

Come off it, you old coot.

I will not go willingly.
What do you think of that?

Aaaaaaaaah!

Let me go!
I said let me go!

I've never -- I've never
been treated like this.

Bloody hell.

You are the stupidest police
I've ever encountered!

- Murdoch?
- Come this way.

- One step ahead of you, sir.
- Let me go!

Good luck, sir.

- Mary Pickford.
- This isn't right.

All he was doing
was handing out presents.

Excuse me,
but this is police business.

You can't put him in jail.
Not before Christmas.

I can do whatever I choose,
young lady.

Now, you go home.

Bloody Match Girl.

I'll ask you once
again, sir. What is your name?

It's, Kris Kringle.

But some prefer to call me,...Santa -- Santa Claus.

Yes.
Yes, I-l understood that part.

So you just happened to find
those presents

in that warehouse.

L-I did take the presents...

but only to give them
to the children.

I was planning to deliver them
on Christmas Eve, naturally.

But then...
I had second thoughts.

Why is that?

Well, look at those children.

They have no homes,
much less a chimney.

What is your connection
to Mr. Lynch?

I have none.

Alistair McGowan?

Mnh.

Then how did you come to be
in his home?

I know of all Christmas events.

Good thing I was there.
The children needed me.

And now you are in possession

of Mr. McGowan's
stolen Christmas gifts.

- Well --
- Again, I ask you,

what is your connection
to Mr. Lynch?

I have...

none.

I'm going to give you a moment
to reconsider that answer.

Okay.

We only found a small portion
of the presents.

There could be caches
scattered throughout the city.

So...we could find them?
Like an Easter egg hunt?

It's the wrong holiday, Jackson.

That's not exactly true,
Higgins.

In some cultures --
the Finns, for example --

hiding eggs
is not unique to Easter.

It is, indeed, part
of their Christmas tradition.

- Thank you, George.
- Sir.

In spite of the man
we have in custo--

Latvians, also, in Latvia.
Sir.

Thank you. I spite of the man
that we have in custody,

Cyrus Lynch
remains our primary suspect.

He didn't do it.

Doctor?

Mr. McGowan's neck was snapped.

His body was also transported
after death.

Given the relative sizes
of the two men,

it's unlikely Mr. Lynch
could have done it.

Well, he may have had
an accomplice.

At any rate,

Cyrus Lynch remains a person of
interest in this investigation.

The "Lynchpin," as it were.

Lynchpin.

Back to work, gentlemen.

I have someone
that I would like you to meet.

- Wh0?
- Well, he --

You'll see.

Hello.
I'm Dr. Julia Ogden.

And you are?

Kringle. Kris Kringle.

And you have to let me out
of here.

May I talk to you
for just one moment?

Could we do that
a little later, please?

This is my busy time.

And the elves,
if they're left alone too long,

-they tend to get fractious.
- I see.

Yeah.

- So you believe that you are --
- And the -- A-And the --

And -- And -- And the reindeer,
someone has to look after them.

And you know who
that someone is,

don't you?

Well, you have to get me out
of here.

All right.

Well, is there someone you know
that I could talk to?

I can't release you

unless there's someone
to surrender you to.

My wife.

Good.
And how can I find her?

She's some distance north
of here.

It's a big city, George.

We won't find a man
who doesn't want to be found.

Especially a man of means.
He could be anywhere.

He could be in New York City.
Or halfway to San Francisco.

Can't believe
we're gonna miss Christmas

because
of the inspector's stupid id--

George,
why the hell did you kick me?

- Evening, Inspector.
- Evening lads.

- Not at home?
- I decided I could use a few

before I can face
what the missus has got planned.

Why?
What's that, sir?

She wants us to bob
for bloody apples.

That sounds like fun, sir.

Dunking my head
into a bucket of ice-cold water

is not what I consider fun,
Jackson.

I hate this bloody season.

At least at New Year's,
all you've got to do

is get drunk and kiss the wife.

What about Easter, sir?

Don't get me started
on that bloody ghost story.

Fancy another one?

I should get home.

Yes. Busy day.
Killer to find and all that.

I hope that's not sarcasm
I'm detecting, Higgins.

I wouldn't dream of it, sir.

- What about you, Crabtree?
- I'll have another, sir.

Good lad.

Landlord, two pints and two
chasers. And keep them coming.

Sir, I feel like
you're missing the whole...

spirit of the season.

Let me tell you about the season

that's supposedly full of good.

It still contains
its fair share of evil.

What do you mean, sir?

Crabtree.

It's a holiday for hypocrites.

A holiday where the godless
can feel pious.

Where the greedy
can pretend to be generous.

I'd be happy if the whole thing
never existed.

I'll see you tomorrow,
George Crabtree.

Woman of the house!

Thomas! Honestly...

Come here, Margaret.

That's enough of that.

Spend Christmas together?

No, I don't think so,
George.

- I have plans.
- I'm sorry, George.

But Mother insists that
Christmas be for family only.

A day with nothing more
than each other's company

is all we want.

BUTCHER".
On Christmas? Hardly.

There's never anything for
a single person on Christmas.

I'd be happy if
the whole thing never existed.

Sir! What is it?

There's something in the woods!
It was coming after me!

"Something"?
What do you mean, something?

A creature.

And it was carrying a body
as if it was a feather pillow.

A creature?

Horns on his head.
Blood-red eyes.

Where is this creature now?

In the woods. That way.

If I was you, I'd get help.

Hello!

Is anyone there?

Inspector Brackenreid.

I'm not releasing him.

That's not why I'm here.

Even though you would
if you had a heart.

What do you want?

I'm assisting in a charity drive

for the city's orphans and
The Hospital for Sick Children.

I was hoping some
of the constables could help

with the procuring of donations.

Well, we are attempting to solve

a murder and a robbery
at the McGowan Mansion.

I know, sir, but if you fail,
the children could use help.

Maybe you should try
the fire department.

Sir, a moment?

What is it, Crabtree?

Sir, I saw something unusual
last night.

Well, you'd had a few.

L-I know, but, sir, I saw...

I saw some tracks in the woods.

What did they look like?

Like nothing
I'd ever seen before.

They weren't quite human,
a little bit like a paw,

but, at the same time,
like no animal I've ever seen.

I am running out of time!
You are destroying Christmas!

Sir, I have no choice.

You are so sure, aren't you?

Excuse me?

How can you be convinced
that I am not who I say I am?

Bloody Christmas. They're
supposed to be solving a murder.

Sir, they're merely
exchanging gifts.

- Come on. Let's go.
- Where?

The mayor's making a speech.

All ranking city officials
are to be in attendance.

I'm a ranking city official now?

No, and you're never likely to
be, but I could use the company.

Higgins, you twit! What are you
doing with that bloody tree?!

Detective Murdoch
said it would be all right.

Put down the tree
and find Mr. Lynch.

Not here, Jackson.
Come --

Sorry.

Come about. Come on.

Excuse me, sir. Sorry.
Watch out.

Sorry, sir..

Thank you for coming.
Your generosity

is the real message
of the spirit of Christmas.

To think that
the citizens of Toronto --

Thank you, Miss Pickford.

To reiterate what our own
Little Match Girl was saying,

I thank you all
for donating to our cause.

All our hearts were saddened

by the untimely demise
of Mr. McGowan,

a man who spread joy
for so many years.

It seemed the spirit
of Christmas had passed us by.

But you rose
and took up the torch.

And the man who held it firmest
was none other than Cyrus Lynch.

Since the death of Mr. McGowan,

I have been in communication
with Mr. Lynch,

who has helped spearhead this
drive with a sizable donation.

The city of Toronto

owes him a debt of gratitude.

It would seem
Mr. Lynch is alive and well.

And now he's playing
at being St. Bloody Nick.

A perverse motive, but
that could explain the murder.

...to give a gift
to the city of Toronto.

And it gives me great honor
to unveil it today.

- Good Lord.
- That's bloody Lynch.

Get back, everyone!
Get back!

Everybody, back.

This is terrible.
This is not good at all.

Why didn't you inform us

that you were in contact
with Cyrus Lynch?

- We were looking for him.
- I didn't know that.

There were posters
all over town.

I've been very busy coordinating
this charity drive.

I don't have time
to be looking at posters.

Mr. Mayor, what did you believe
was in the crate?

I was told
it was a likeness of myself.

And you thought
it would be a good idea

to unveil it
at this celebration.

Every little bit counts.

My Lord, the carnage.
All our efforts, up in smoke.

Sir, when did you last see
Cyrus Lynch?

I never saw him.

The only means
of our communication

was through a third party.

- Who was?
- I have no idea.

All I can say is that once
the presents started to arrive,

I had no reason to believe
anything was amiss.

Mr. Mayor,
it's time to control the damage.

Gentlemen, I have to go.

Inspector Brackenreid,

my office will be in contact
later this afternoon.

I have a task for you.

There will be many
in our fair city

who will not see Christmas
this year.

And they'd be very disappointed
not to get to see that statue.

Mr. Mayor, what did I tell you

about talking to the police
on your own?

You have to eat something.

I heard what happened
at City Hall.

Yes. It was terrible.

The world needs me. You know
that, don't you, Constable?

I can't help you.

Yes, you can.

You know it's wrong to keep me
in this cell, don't you?

And I know something else, too.

What's that?

You have the spirit
of Christmas within you.

And you do know who I truly am.

Eat something. Please.

And we've been
instructed by the mayor's office

to do whatever we can
to bring in gifts and donations.

Are we still looking
for the stolen presents, sir?

- Yes, Higgins.
- And the murderer, sir?

We're the police, Crabtree.
What do you think?

Right.

Right, then.
Get to it.

And, Jackson,
you're not on holiday yet.

Yes, sir.

Murdoch.
What have you got?

Julia's examining the body, sir.

But it's safe to say that
Lynch didn't kill McGowan?

We don't know that.

Sirs?
Even if Lynch was the murderer,

somebody's killed him now,
so we have another crime.

- What are you still doing here?
- Sir, I think my efforts

are better spent here
on the investigation.

All right, Crabtree.
What do you think?

I think a third party
killed McGowan and Lynch.

And why would they do that?

It would appear, sirs,

for the sole purpose
of destroying Christmas.

Gentlemen. My office.

Krampus.

Who?

Kram-pus.

Krampus. With a "K."

I'm sorry, sir, I don't follow.

When I was a boy
back in Yorkshire...

...my father told me
the story of Krampus.

Krampus is a creature

that emerges from the woods
at Christmastime.

But he didn't bring gifts
to children; He punished them.

And if he was in a particularly
foul mood, he devoured them.

- Devoured them, sir?
- Yes.

In fact, he punished
all who celebrated Christmas.

So, did he devour adults,
as well?

I don't know.

I mean, I suppose
if you had to choose

between devouring a child or
some old person, you would --

All right.
That's enough, George.

Sir, you believe this Krampus
is responsible for our murders.

Mock me if you want, Murdoch,

but I'll tell you this --
I've seen him.

When I was a boy, he appeared
at my bedroom window.

You had a nightmare as a child.

But I hardly think
it responsible

for two murders in Toronto
today.

How do we kill it?

According to my father,
Krampus can't be killed.

I knew it.

And I think he's here now.

Sir?

Yesterday,
I was walking through the woods,

and I felt its presence, just
like I did all those years ago.

All right, sir.

Would you be willing to describe
this presence?

Don't be smart, Murdoch!

All right, let me see.

All I remember
is the glowing eyes,

the beastly feet, and the horns.

- Crabtree saw the same.
- George?

Well, sir, not to the same level
of detail as the inspector.

But I did see...
some very unusual tracks.

Where was this?

On Bell's Bridge.

A tramp had reported seeing
a-a-a huge figure

carrying a body over its
shoulder through the woods.

That body could have been
that of Mr. Lynch.

- Did you see this body?
- No.

- Did you see the "beast?"
- No.

Did you see anything to support
this Krampus notion?

Well, sir, as I said,
I-l did see the tracks.

What about this?

That looks very much
like a goat's horn.

Like a horn. But, perhaps,
not simply a goat's horn.

Respectfully, sir, there is
no such thing as Krampus.

No such thing as St. Nick.

No such thing as the Ghost
of Christmas past or elves --

Please don't say that, sir.

There's no Kris Kringle.

Not you, too, Doctor.

I was coming by to see
how he was faring.

Did someone let him out?

Not without your authority,
Julia.

Maybe his elves rescued him.

Jackson, what are you doing?

Decorating the station, sir.

Well, stop it.
We've got two murderers to find.

And possibly a monster.

- My God.
- George?

Don't get him started.

A monster?

Despite how he was found,

it seems Mr. Lynch died in
the same fashion as Mr. McGowan.

A snapped neck.

So it seems likely that the same
person murdered both of them.

It's possible.

And I found these scratch marks
on his body.

He was clawed.

That makes sense.

Inspector?

The inspector seems to believe

that supernatural forces
are at work here.

I see.

Whereas I prefer to stay
in the real world.

Whoa.

I just don't feel
like celebrating this year.

I can understand that,
Mrs. McGowan.

Thank you for seeing me.

Of course. I'm just not sure
how I can help.

I take it you've heard about
the unfortunate circumstance

that befell Mr. Lynch.

I have.

And you still believe
him to be responsible

for your husband's death?

I do.

I hate to trouble you with this,
but...

I'll need you to account
for your whereabouts.

You're not seriously
suggesting...

ls everything all right?

I take it you've heard about
the death of our prime suspect.

I have.
And I must admit surprise.

I was of the sincere belief

that Cyrus Lynch was responsible
for the death of Mr. McGowan.

We both were.

Well, thank you.
If you think of anyone else...

Of course.

Robert Kratchet.

You should talk
to Robert Kratchet.

Hi, sir.
Can I borrow your hat?

I'm sorry, miss,
but I only have the one.

Aah!!

No!
Aah! Aah!

Aah!

Please, let me in!

I'm being attacked!

"I Knockin
_Aah! 91

I was chief of operations
at McGowan Manufacturing

for almost 1O years.

Not anymore.

Was Mr. McGowan
unsatisfied with your work?

He didn't fire me.
I left.

On.
Why?

You know what he did this year?

He docked our wages
so he could buy more presents.

The only thing
Alistair McGowan ever did

was make himself look good
at other's expense.

A number of the lads and myself

were making the move
to Lynch Fabrications.

McGowan's chief competitor?

But did McGowan know about this?

Mr. Lynch walked into our plant
and offered up the jobs himself.

Must have heard that McGowan
was docking our wages.

Struck while the iron was hot.

And how did Mr. McGowan react?

The two of them actually got
into a fight on the shop floor.

No?

Mr. McGowan
got the better of him.

You don't seem upset
by Mr. McGowan's murder.

As far as I'm concerned, the old
skinflint got what he deserved.

And how do you feel
about Mr. Lynch's death?

As long as the job he promised
is still waiting for me,

that's all that matters.

Ma'am.
Please.

Would you like
to make a donation?

Anything helps, really.

Ma'am, could you please help?

What would be the point?

It'll just get stolen.

And Happy Christmas to you, too.

I've not had a single donation.

I put these in myself.

Higgins, Krampus is winning.

Who's Krampus?
What are you talking about?

The inspector believes that
there is a malevolent spirit

loose on the streets of Toronto,
and its sole aim...

...is to ruin Christmas.

The inspector said that?

Yes, he did.

And look.
He's right.

Constable George Crabtree.

I'm sorry.
No more questions, gentlemen.

This man
needs medical attention.

He's taken a blow to the head.

We should take him
to the hospital.

Sir, what happened?

I was closing up for the night.
I...

I heard a noise.

Something was destroying
the carousel.

- Something?
- It wasn't human.

It was a foul-smelling creature.

It walked on two legs,
but it wasn't a man.

I turned to run,
but it struck me from behind.

And you told
those reporters that?

People need to know!

William, I have to take him.

- Sir, did you hear that?
- I did.

- Do you believe me now?
- No, George.

- I do not.
- Sir.

Krampus.

Krampus.

G-Gentlemen, gentlemen.

- One at a time. Please.
- Detective, is the city safe?

As safe as it ever was.

Well, how can you say that?

We have two murders
and a beast roaming the streets.

We are investigating the deaths
of Mr. Lynch and Mr. McGowan,

and we will come
to a conclusion.

And what about the beast?

Gentlemen, I highly doubt

that a beast is wandering
the streets of Toronto,

and so should you.

That's all for now.

Thank you.

How did this Krampus
arrange passage?

Have you checked
the steamship lines?

You called for me?

I did, indeed,
Constable Jackson.

I know what you did.

I don't know what you're...

You released Mr. Kringle.

L-I did not.
I...

Well, he...

Urn

I'm not a fool, Jackson,
so don't play me for one.

I don't think it's in his nature
to cause harm, ma'am.

I know you mean well,

but you're not qualified
to make that judgment.

Now come with me.

- Can't we just let him go?
- Jackson!

Christmas is
my favorite time of year.

Yet now
it doesn't feel the same.

Well, two murders
just days before the holidays

do tend to dampen
the Christmas spirit.

- There he is.
- Sir!

'Sir!
-69! Go!

- Stop! You there!
- Stop!

St-- Whoa!

Jackson.

Are you all right?

Yes, Doctor.

You know what they say
about dashing in the snow --

Head over heels you go.

Very good, Doctor.

George!

- George!
- Sir.

Is this your doing?

Sir, he remains
a viable suspect.

No, it does not.

George, we would be much closer
to solving this case

if you and the inspector would
reign in your flights of fancy.

Sir.

Take this.

As you can see, the boy
you sent us is doing well.

He'll be released soon?

A woman from the orphanage
is coming for him.

Is it always so chilly in here?

We do our best.

But when a chill wind blows,

well, it plays havoc
on our ability

to care for the early borns.

I'm sure.

You know, my husband,
Detective William Murdoch,

is quite an ingenious man.

He may be able to help you.

Thank you.

We'd appreciate
any help we can get.

It has nothing to do with who
Mr. McGowan did or didn't cheat.

Krampus is responsible
for all this.

I'm sorry, sir,

but I find it difficult
to believe that a demon --

You believe in the existence
of good, do you not?

- Of course.
- Well, then you can believe

in the spirit of evil.

You can believe
that someone can hate Christmas.

Well, all people
are capable of hating something,

so that is possible,
but Christmas?

There are plenty of reasons
to hate Christmas, Murdoch.

The poor hate Christmas,
the lonely hate Christmas,

the greedy hate Christmas,
and I hate Christmas.

Sir.

Every year
when I was a young boy,

I asked for one small present --

a figure
of a Prussian cavalry officer.

And every year, nothing.

I know my father tried,

but every year, your face
got rubbed deeper in it.

For a lot of people,
Christmas isn't St. Nick.

It's Krampus.

I doubt very much
that Krampus --

Christmas is nothing but greed
and crushing disappointments.

It's the time of Krampus.

But it doesn't have to be.

I just wish the whole bloody
holiday would go away.

Sir...

Christmas is worth saving.

It really is.

I have some specimen containers
that would be suitable.

Wonderful.

I'll have someone
bring them over.

This is going to work perfectly.

And don't you be late tonight.

It is Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas.

This is the best you could do?

People are skint.

- Skint?
- Tapped out.

Without money.

The bleakest Christmas
on record.

And during your term
in office, sir. What a pity.

And Happy Christmas to you, too,
Inspector.

Right, you lot,
get back to work.

And you two
are not excluded either.

Right, everyone.

Go home.

Home, sir?

You heard me, Higgins.

Now clear off
before I change my mind.

Inspector?

We're not gonna find him
tonight, Murdoch.

We'll pick it up
after the holidays.

Merry Christmas, sir!

Quite.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Tomorrow's gonna be
my lucky day.

George, can you help me
pack up this box?

And accompany me home?

Really, sir?

Thank you, sir!

- I-l didn't mean --
- Sir, that is wonderful.

I thought my Christmas Eve
was gonna be bleak.

But your place at the Windsor
is just lovely.

And the food is to die for.

And Dr. Ogden, sir --
She is lovely company.

Really, I think
that's important.

And very attractive.
I mean, as are you.

I'm sure if you asked any lady,
they would say as much.

Julia?

Julia, where are you?
I've brought a...

Unwrap me, William.

-...visitor.
- Good gracious!

Sir, I-I-I should go.

No. George.

I think
the moment may have passed.

George, would you like
a breast or a leg?

Whichever's appropriate.

- Thank you.
- George.

Why are you
wearing only one sock?

Well, the other
is hanging on the tree, sir.

- The tree?
- Yes.

Well, you don't have a hearth,

so I thought
that would be the best pla--

Do you not hang your stockings
at Christmas?

Well...

Well, you must.

Are we supposed
to put something in them?

I have no idea.

And is he staying over?

I believe
that's the expectation.

Let's make the best of it,
shall we?

Looks wonderful, George.

And now...

William.

They're quite strong, sir.

I'm sure
it can easily be corrected.

Would you like a sherry, George?

This could take a while.

Another mint, Doctor?

I'm fine.

William, how much longer?

This should do it.

Perhaps you
overcompensated, sir.

Something must have caused
a short circuit somehow.

I'll ring down to the desk,

see if they can replace
the fuse.

I may pop out
for a brief constitutional.

And for goodness' sake, William,

keep your hands off the lights.

Father, did you see

that train set
I was asking about?

It's not fair!
It's not fair!

Everyone gets a present!
Everyone but me!

I made thee a present.

I don't want
something stupid and homemade.

I tried my best, son.

I hate you!

HeY, you there!
Stop!

There's somewhere I have to be.

Well, hold up a minute.

I'm in a tremendous hurry.

You should be in custody.

What? Bah!

I can't be.

Not tonight.

Surely you must understand
who I am.

Sir, why do you insist
on this ruse?

How can you believe
you are who you say you are?

And why do you believe I'm not?

To use your parlance,
I certainly fit the profile.

And answer me this.

I overheard
one of your constables

say you were searching
for Krampus.

If you can believe in him,
why can't you believe in me?

Well, you make
a good point there, I suppose.

But you stole presents.

Is that
in the spirit of Christmas?

I did not steal presents!

They were my presents.

I did see a man carry a load
of presents into the warehouse.

A man?
What man?

Never saw him before in my life.

Sir, could you come with me?

I'm tremendously busy.

I promise I won't keep you long,
but I will give you a chance.

A chance?
At what?

To save Christmas.

His -- His chin's
a little broader.

And you're certain
this is the man

you saw deposit the gifts
in Mr. Lynch's warehouse?

Yes.
Y-Y-Yes it is.

George, this could be
Robert Kratchet --

recently in the employ of none
other than Alistair McGowan.

So he's our man?

Let's not jump to conclusions
just yet.

Thank you.

Let's pay Mr. Kratchet a visit,
shall we?

Right.

I'll get my sock.

And where are you going?

It's very late. The constable
said I could leave.

Please.
Look at me.

I'm hale and hearty,
and I can assure you

I am no danger to myself
or to anyone else.

I promise you that.

- You're quite certain?
- Yes, I am.

Now, please.
I have to go.

Both you and I have
important work to do tonight.

All right.
Let's go catch a thief.

And a murderer.

That, too.

And you are on the naughty list.

I did wonder.

[ Sighs 1

Where are the presents?
Did we have a break-in?

No.

- Then what?
- The boys.

What did they do?

No, no.
It's not like that.

They took their toys
and presents

and marched down
to the orphanage.

They said they had enough things

and they wanted to give them
to the poor children.

I have never been so proud.

My boys are better men than me.

What are you talking about,
Thomas?

Do you know what I did at
Christmas when I was their age?

I told my father
how much I hated him.

That's why Krampus came calling.

You know
Krampus is not real.

That's what they say.

Where are you going?

To make things right.

It's Christmas Eve.

I'm well aware of that,
Mr. Kratchet.

- Please answer the question.
- I delivered

the presents
to Mr. Lynch's warehouse.

- What of it?
- They were stolen.

No, they weren't.

Mrs. McGowan found them
in her house.

After Mr. McGowan's murder.

But why deliver them
to Lynch's warehouse?

She said they were to aid
Mr. Lynch's charity drive.

I had no reason to believe
otherwise.

- Why would she do that?
- I don't know.

Perhaps she, unlike her husband,
had a good heart.

Detective,
I honestly didn't know

I was doing something wrong.

Sorry to trouble you,
Mr. Kratchet.

Merry Christmas.

Why would she help
her husband's rival?

She was a charitable soul, sir.

I'd be inclined to believe that,
George,

were it not for the timing.

Mr. Lynch's gift drive
hadn't been announced yet.

She only
had Mr. Kratchet do that

in order to implicate Mr. Lynch
in her husband's murder.

So she did it?

You're jumping again, George.

North on Yonge Street, driver.

With pleasure, sir.

Mrs. McGowan?

Millicent?

What are we doing here?

Doing what the inspector
always says to do.

Following the money.

Just a few files

Rankin was disinclined to share
with us, sir.

Aha!

What is it?

We know that Mr. McGowan
and Mr. Lynch were partners

who eventually parted ways.

But Mr. Rankin
didn't tell us about this.

I've been chasing after you lot
halfway across bloody Toronto.

Nice of you to join us, sir.
We have it.

They were all partners, sir.
McGowan, Lynch, and Rankin.

At the very beginning, yes,

Mr. Rankin was an equal partner

in the very first company
that the three of them formed.

But when the business
started off slowly,

Mr. Rankin wanted out.

So he sold his shares in their
company to them for $100.

Not a wise move.

Mr. McGowan and Mr. Lynch

built it up
to a million-dollar enterprise

before they parted ways.

And Mr. Rankin?

The best
that they could offer him

was a position
as a salaried employee.

Enough to make a man
very, very bitter.

He watched his friends getting
richer and richer every day

while he continued on
as a poorly paid bookkeeper.

Is Millicent McGowan involved?

I've found no evidence
to link her to any of this.

So she's innocent?

That's
jumping to conclusions, Doctor.

Mr. Rankin would be up
to answer this question,

if we knew where to find him.

Bring the sleigh around, George.

Mr. Rankin has a home
just outside the city limits.

Well, let's go and deliver
him some festive cheer.

Sir! Look out for that stump!

Whoa, whoa.

Sirs, look.

- They're animal tracks, George.
- Sir, it's not just an animal.

I'm telling you these are
the same tracks I saw

when that old tramp saw
the beast on the bridge.

But you didn't see the beast.
You said so yourself.

L-I smelled it, sir.
There was hideous smell.

Fine. You stay here.
We'll handle this.

Let's get a move on, Crabtree.

Sir, what if Krampus
is in there?

Then we tell him
he's not welcome.

Mr. Rankin!

Toronto Constabulary!

Shh. William, listen.

You all right?

Yes, yes, I think so.

Julia, wait.

- Who did this to you?
- It wasn't a "who."

Where's Mr. Rankin?

McGOWAN: I have no idea.

Who brought you here?

It was a monster. It had horns
and had horrible red eyes.

I have no time for fairy tales,
Mrs. McGowan.

- The truth.
- That's what I'm telling you.

- Julia, leave her.
- McGOWAN:

Let's find Mr. Rankin first.

We'll split up.

Beware of the beast.

Crikey.

Krampus?

Krampus?

'- Aah!

Hello?

Hello?

Sirs! Doctor!

Come look at this.

Right.
We best split up.

Why?

I sure this bugger knows this
maze like the back of his hand.

If he was here,
he's probably long gone.

Besides, if we split up,
he'll pick us off one by one.

- George, he's an accountant.
- Sir, he could be Krampus!

There is no such thing
as Krampus!

What are you talking about?

I'll explain later.
Let's go.

William!

William,
I think I saw something.

Is it him?

I don't know.
It was something!

- Something?
- Yes, something.

What in God's name
are you saying?

Dr. Ogden?

- Sir?
- Yes?

I'm seeing more of the tracks.

I see them, too, George.

Don't worry.
It's just a ruse.

If it is,
it's a bloody good one.

Doctor?

Doctor?

You should not have followed me.

Krampus...

You know what happens now.

Dinner.

You're not real.
You're nothing but a fairy tale.

A stupid fable.
An old wives' tale.

Murdoch!

Follow my voice!
I've got him!

- George!
- Sir?

Find Julia!

I've seen the beast.

Sir, there is no beast.

Bloody hell,
Murdoch. I know that.

But as far as I'm concerned,

a man who dresses like a beast
is as good as one.

I suppose
I can't argue with that.

Follow me.

Doctor!

Doctor!

Julia.

George...

Are you all right?

I think so.

- Who did this to you?
- I really didn't see.

But they ran that way.

Are you sure you're all right?

- Yes, go.
- You stay here.

Sir.

Stop!

Oi! Stop!

- Find Julia.
- Be careful, Murdoch.

Hello?

Hello?

Krampus?

Millicent!
Stop what you're doing!

McGOWAN:
Aren't you clever?

You're a murderer, Millicent.

I had no choice.

My husband was robbing me blind,

giving his money away
to layabouts.

There are
three police officers here.

- You'll never get away with it.
- McGOWAN: I think I will.

Unless you can walk
through fire.

Don't!

Pity they don't seem
to be working.

Poor Little Match Girl.

You need a hand, Doctor?

I think I have it covered.

I always enjoy
a good Christmas punch.

So do I, Inspector.
So do I.

"Stop!

Let go, or I'll kill you.

I very much doubt that.

Mr. Rankin said
that my husband was going broke.

That he was going to put me
in poverty.

You hardly look poor.

And giving away
what's rightfully mine

to the undeserving?!
I'd had enough!

Your husband
was a cheat and thief.

But he had plenty of money
to live on.

And plenty for you.
I saw his books.

That's not what Mr. Rankin said.

He played you like an old piano,
ma'am.

And made you an accessory
to two murders.

I had nothing to do with
Mr. Lynch's murder, I swear.

Well, then, we'll have to settle

for your part
in killing your husband.

You've caused
enough trouble, Mr. Rankin.

Don't suppose
you want to hear my side.

Not particularly, no.

- You lied!
- Mrs. McGowan!

- Mrs. McGowan!
- Get her off me!

You told me he was broke!

I lied.

You lied!
I helped you kill my husband!

You wouldn't have done it
if you didn't want to.

You were just going to leave me
there, weren't you?

You were never coming back
for me.

Why would I?
You were as bad as he was.

As all of them were.

She's worse than I am.

I doubt that. You tried
to terrorize an entire city.

A city overrun
with greed and false cheer.

It deserved it.
You all deserve it.

And you wallow

in vice and depravity
and cruelty to your fellow man

and dress yourselves up
all in false piety

and reward yourselves
on Christmas Day.

I am Krampus, and I hate all
those who celebrate Christmas.

I hate what it stands for.
It's a holiday for hypocrites.

Where the godless
can pretend to be pious.

The greedy can pretend
to be generous.

People like me,
we end up with nothing.

You throw crumbs at our feet,

and we're supposed to be
grateful.

I hate it!

You know what?

I feel sorry for you.

- And why's that?
- You'd feel better

if you measured Christmas
by what you can give,

not what you can get.

At least you'll have a warm
Christmas Eve in the cells.

Be grateful for that.

Merry Christmas, Doctor.

Merry Christmas, Detective.

I imagine George will be waiting
by the tree.

George?

Where is he?

I have no idea.

"Thank you for Christmas Eve.

Enjoy your morning.
Much appreciation.

George Crabtree."

Oranges.

Lovely.

What is this?

A rib spreader.

Yours was getting old and rusty.

- Overuse, I imagine.
- Thank you.

And I had this made
especially for you.

My hat?

For the tree.

Thank you.

- Shall we go to the hospital?
- In a moment.

You don't need that.

We should go.

How did you find a toy store
open so late on Christmas Eve?

- It wasn't exactly "open."
- Wha--

I broke in.

I did leave enough
to cover the cost.

I gonna nip out for a bit.

I highly doubt
the pubs are open today.

I'm not going to the pub.

The boys are on a bit
of a mission this morning.

I thought I'd pitch in.
I'll see you at lunchtime.

They're called incubators.

They deliver
a safe, regulated heat.

My husband assures me they'll
work and save many lives.

Thank you.

Thank Miss Pickford.
She's your champion.

Anyone who helps us
with our work is a champion.

Thank you, Detective Murdoch
and Dr. Ogden.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.
There you go.

Merry Christmas.

- Lads.
- Sir!

I thought you'd be home
with your family.

I'll have plenty of time
for family later today.

- Merry Christmas.
- Where's Higgins?

The lure of Elsie McVie
was too much.

Can't blame the lad for trying.

Thank you for coming, Inspector.

You know, Christmastime is a
special time when we can all --

Jackson, enough.
I'm here, aren't I?

Indeed you are, Inspector.

Who wants this big one?

It really is a special time,
isn't it?

Charitable donations,
doing something good.

It's as though you can
truly feel the magic of --

Where did that came from?

I think I have an idea.

Do you, now,
Great Detective?

And I think
she needs arresting.

No! No! No, William!

We're running low.

I can see that.

Looks like the mighty Higgins
struck out.

Higgins!

Best of the season.

And to you, George.

So, Elsie McVie...

Spoken for already, apparently.

- That's a shame, Henry.
- It's okay.

The camera provided
a more flattering picture

than the reality.

- Well, come join us.
- I will,

but first there is someone
I'd like you to meet.

Surprise!
Merry Christmas, Georgie!

Aunt Azalia!

Aunt Ivy!
I thought --

We pulled a fast one on you.
Merry Christmas, Georgie.

Sir!
My aunts! They came!

Yes, I see that.

Hello, ladies.

Well, it appears
we've arrived too late.

Yes, sir. More children
than presents, I'm afraid.

What about those?

Good gracious.
Where did those come from?

Does it matter?

Christmas truly is here.

Aunt Azalia!

All right,
who doesn't have a present yet?

Here's a lovely one for you.

There ya go.

Thank you, thank you, to you.

And to you, merry Christmas.

Did you see that?

See what?

You saw him.
I know you did.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!