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EIGHT {8} SIMPLE RULES {A.K.A. 8 SIMPLE RULES FOR DATING MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER}: A VERY C.J. CHRISTMAS (TV)

Summary

One in this series, formerly known as "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter," about the attempts of Paul Hennessy's wife and children to make new lives for themselves following his unexpected death.

C.J. plans to take his annual trip to Las Vegas for Christmas, explaining that when he was a child his parents would always go off on a Christmas trip and leave him behind with a nanny, and feels he never had a “real Christmas.” However, Cate shows him an old Christmas photograph from her childhood and talks about how the family used to make a big occasion of Christmas, with a big tree and all manner of Christmas paraphernalia. They convince C.J. to stay home this year so they can give him the Christmas he never had. Meanwhile, Rory starts dating Rebecca, a girl from a very wealthy family, and he insists that despite her upbringing she is essentially normal. C.J. talks the family into purchasing an enormous Christmas tree, which they have difficulty getting into the house and decorating. However, it ends up looking very impressive, although C.J. is still unsatisfied, and Cate feels obliged to recreate her childhood Christmas for him, complete with all manner of decorations and Christmas trappings.

Rebecca gets Rory a nice jacket as a present, and Bridget advises him to get her something better in return, although he fears he can’t afford it. C.J. continues to get the family to add more to their Christmas scene, even including a band of carolers. Rory speaks to Jim about his dilemma with Rebecca, and Jim relates a story from his youth about getting Rory’s grandmother a small but effective gift, explaining that “thoughtfulness” is more important than price. C.J. hits on one of the carolers and discovers that she is also planning on spending her Christmas in Las Vegas. She invites him along and at first he declines, but then her comments make him feel guilty and undeserving of the lavish Christmas the family has prepared for him, causing him to change his mind.

On Christmas morning, the family awaits C.J. so they can complete their celebration, but find that he has already gone and left a note. They are outraged at his apparent disregard for their kindness, but Cate advises them that they should simply enjoy their Christmas regardless. Meanwhile, C.J. enjoys himself in Las Vegas at first, but soon feels guilty about abandoning the family. That night, Rebecca visits the house, confused as to why Rory decided to break up with her. He explains he was worried that the present he got for her would disappoint her, but she claims that she would still like Rory anyway. It turns out his present to her is a dolphin stuffed animal, which she adores due to her love for dolphins. This display earns Rory a kiss from her. C.J. comes home as the family is having Christmas dinner, and he overhears Cate telling them that despite everything, C.J. is a helpful part of the family and they shouldn’t be angry at him. He reveals himself and stumbles through an apology to them, explaining that he left them because he felt overwhelmed by their kindness. They forgive him after a brief food fight, and they take the Christmas photograph of the family that C.J. always wanted. Includes commercials.

Details

  • NETWORK: ABC
  • DATE: December 17, 2004 8:00 PM
  • RUNNING TIME: 0:30:00
  • COLOR/B&W: Color
  • CATALOG ID: B:85585
  • GENRE: Comedy
  • SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy
  • SERIES RUN: ABC - TV series, 2002-2005
  • COMMERCIALS:
    • TV – Commercials – Energizer batteries
    • TV – Commercials – Epson photo printers
    • TV – Commercials – Ford automobiles
    • TV – Commercials – GM automobiles
    • TV – Commercials – JCPenney department stores
    • TV – Commercials – K-Mart department stores
    • TV – Commercials – Kohl’s department stores
    • TV – Commercials – Plavix heart medication
    • TV – Commercials – Tic Tac breathmints
    • TV – Commercials – Triaminic cough medicine
    • TV – Commercials – “A Series of Unfortunate Events” motion picture
    • TV – Commercials – “Fat Albert” motion picture
    • TV – Commercials – “Shrek 2” home video release
    • TV – Commercials – “The Princess Diaries 2” home video release
    • TV – Promos – “20/20”
    • TV – Promos – “Alias”
    • TV – Promos – “Complete Savages”
    • TV – Promos – “Supernanny”
    • TV – Promos – “The Bachelorette”

CREDITS

  • Judd Pillot … Executive Producer
  • John Peaslee … Executive Producer
  • Tom Shadyac … Executive Producer
  • Michael Bostick … Executive Producer
  • James Widdoes … Executive Producer, Director
  • Steve Baldikoski … Co-Executive Producer
  • Rob Hanning … Co-Executive Producer
  • Seth Kurland … Co-Executive Producer
  • Martin Weiss … Co-Executive Producer
  • Kathy Ann Stumpe … Co-Executive Producer, Writer
  • Hayes Jackson … Supervising Producer
  • Bonnie Kallman … Supervising Producer
  • Paul Ciancarelli … Producer
  • David DiPietro … Producer
  • Alan Padula … Producer
  • Seth M. Katz … Associate Producer
  • Tracy Gamble … Consulting Producer, Created by
  • W. Bruce Cameron … Based on the book by
  • Steve Hampton … Music by
  • John Adair … Music by
  • Katey Sagal … Cast, Cate Hennessy
  • Kaley Cuoco … Cast, Bridget Hennessy
  • Amy Davidson … Cast, Kerry Hennessy
  • Martin Spanjers … Cast, Rory Hennessy
  • James Garner … Cast, Jim Egan
  • David Spade … Cast, C.J. Barnes
  • Sarah Rafferty … Cast, Danielle
  • Kimberly McConnell … Cast, Rebecca
  • David Garry … Cast, Robert
  • Michael Kostroff … Cast, Photographer