Today's Special

This was a show that was very cute and funny. I was about 7 or 8 when it was on. I can remember the characters Jodie and Jeff, Sam the security guard and Muffy the mouse. It was pretty funny, the stuff that they would do when the store closed down. The show was all about a mannequin who came to life when a magic hat was placed on his head. I think the store was supposed to be in Canada. One episode I remember well, was when they decided to have a Cafe' on the roof, and it started to rain. All the bread sticks got wet! As with the last person's comments, no one that I have asked remembers the show either. I think this was one of the first shows I watched on Nickelodeon. Hopefully, someday, they can recover the series, and bring it out on DVD for children today.

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.

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!

Today's Special was a childhood favourite of mine. The show took place late at night in a Simpsons Sears store. Run by a puppet night watch man named Sam Crenshaw and his computer 'TXL', the show revolved around a mannequin named Jeff. Late at night Jeff would come to life and learn new things along with Muffy the Mouse and Toy Department Clerk Jodie. However if Jeff ever left the store, or his hat fell off, he would become a mannequin again. By placing his hat on his heat and reciting the magic words "Hocus Pocus Alama Gocus" Jeff would come back to life.

Like most children's shows, you learn along with the show. Each episode of Today's Special had Today's Special.. a word that would be featured in the episode that you would learn about. If I remember correctly, the woman that played Jodie went on to become a news anchor for CBS and CBC news.

For the longest time I could not figure out why no one else remembered this show. Finally I asked my mom and turns out I was only like 2 1/2 years old when I watched it (I'm 19 now). I do not remember any certain episode really well, but I remember Jeff coming to life with the plaid hat and what the store looked like. And after reading "Hocus Pocus Alamgocus" that has come back to me too! It's too bad so few remember it. Most only know shows like Fraggle Rock and Zoobileezoo. Kids shows really just aren't what they used to be.

By the way, anyone know how many years Today's Special went for? I watched it on PBS since I never had cable.