Our take
A rare outing for the town's most hapless salesman, and a Christmas episode that keeps going for a whole year. Watching a polite guest overstay his welcome month after month is a sound comic idea, and the cast of regulars gets plenty to do. It runs out of steam before the end. The real subject is a kind woman who cannot say no, and Gil's endless good-natured mooching makes him more sympathetic than he has any right to be.
What happens
At a holiday ice show starring the skater Elvis Stojko, Homer dives into a brawl on the rink, and Marge hurries the family off to do their Christmas shopping instead. At the department store, Gil, working as Santa, gives Lisa the last sold-out Malibu Stacy toy, not knowing his boss had put it aside for his own daughter, and Gil is sacked. Feeling sorry for him, the Simpsons invite him to Christmas dinner. He never leaves. Unable to say no, Marge lets Gil stay on through Valentine's Day, St Patrick's Day and beyond, sponging off the family for eleven months, until he lands a top job selling property in Scottsdale and moves out. Marge realises she has never been able to disappoint anyone. Seeking closure, she follows him there, and at last overcomes her fear of letting people down and says no.
Can the kids watch it?
Fine for most children from about eight; the BBFC rated it 12 on DVD, so check with younger ones.