If you enjoyed any episode from Brandi’s 10 best Christmas episodes of the past 10 years or so, then you better make sure you’re sitting down at 9/8c tonight to watch an all new RAISING HOPE, “Toy Story.”  It easily ranks as one of my favorite episodes of the year, and makes a strong case for inclusion on any “Top 10 Christmas episode of all time” list!

When extenuating circumstances (read: Hope Chance’s unfortunate luck of having a serial killer for a mother) cause the family to be excluded from the church’s live nativity, Virginia sets out to make a better, more real live nativity of her own.  Martha Plimpton is fantastic in this episode as she sings and celebrates her way through the holiday season, enjoying the idea that the true meaning of Christmas is a family of wisemen that will respond to your roman candle signal, no matter where they are, or what they’re doing.  Garrett Dillahaunt, meanwhile, continues his march up my mental “best people on TV” list, as Burt celebrates the holidays by taking advantage of the parents who wait too long for the “it” gift at Christmas.  He lets Jimmy in on the scheme this year, and together they realize that family is more important than anything, no matter what a snotty baby doll will net you in cold hard cash!  The supporting cast is ridiculous as ever, and the show continues to be one of the best things on TV. The episode was not only hysterical, it made me all teary-eyed because the Chances are just crazy enough that I feel like they’re my own family!  Do yourself a favor, and give this episode, well, a Chance!

RAISING HOPE, “Toy Story” airs tonight on FOX at 9/8c!