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On the podcast this week, Steven and Sean are realizing that we\u2019ve got it pretty good after all. Sure, we\u2019ve got some debt and bankers aren\u2019t ever doing us any favors, but life is still worth living in the Frank Capra classic from 1946, It\u2019s a Wonderful Life.

I want to get something out of the way right at the beginning: Potter\u2019s a jerk. Just a straight-up, stone-cold, heartless bastard. He\u2019s very frustrating to watch and doesn\u2019t appear to have any redeeming qualities by the end of the film. He\u2019s just a miserly, bitter old fool. He\u2019s a great antagonist, though, I will say that. I can\u2019t think of another film villain that is so deserving of all the ill will that\u2019s aimed at him.

Yeah, I know, we should all get in the Christmas spirit. Being able to forgive others is an essential and good quality to have. I get it, but look, forgiveness should still be earned and Potter wouldn\u2019t hesitate to step on your neck if it meant making more money. My advice? Spend your time and forgiveness on someone who deserves it.

Like George Bailey, for instance. Now there\u2019s a stand-up fella. Does he have his flaws and shortcomings? Who among us doesn\u2019t? He\u2019s been dealt some unfortunate cards in life\u2014he\u2019s also been dealt some really great cards (I\u2019m looking at you, Mary)\u2014but he still does what\u2019s right. He had great dreams and wanted to be a different person, but he understands that there are people who depend on him. Despite the disappointments he\u2019s had in life, he\u2019s always there for them.

More importantly, he\u2019s like every one of us: he\u2019s still human. He\u2019s got his troubles and sometimes things get to be too much for him. We\u2019ve all felt overwhelmed in our lives. The important thing to remember is life is worth living and there\u2019s always someone out there who wants you to keep going. You\u2019re never without someone cheering you on. For George, it was his family, his town, and dear Clarence.

This is a lovely movie and a classic for a reason. If you haven\u2019t seen it, then give it a watch. It lives up to its reputation. If you\u2019ve already seen it (and possibly many, many times), then give it another watch. It\u2019s a heartwarming story about learning to love yourself.

Also, remember to ring a bell the next time you see one.

(Recorded on December 14, 2020)

Links to Stuff We Mentioned:

It\u2019s a Wonderful Life - IMDb

It\u2019s a Wonderful Life trailer - YouTube

Hallmark Channel

November Christmas - IMDb

Sam Elliott - IMDb

John Corbett - IMDb

My Big Fat Greek Wedding - IMDb

Mr. Potter - Wikipedia

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! - Wikipedia

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - IMDb

Christmas Vacation | More Movies Please! - Libsyn

Beverly D'Angelo - IMDb

Godfellas | Futurama - IMDb

The Big Bang Theory - IMDb

Jacob Marley - Wikipedia

The End | The Beatles - Wikipedia