Parents need to know that this holiday special incorporates the subtle and ageless humor of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz, and is appropriate for all ages. Though it focuses on an important Christian holiday there is no real depiction of faith, just more secular traditions like trying on Easter bonnets and dyeing Easter eggs. Though the titular beagle brightens almost everyone's Easter morning, poor old Charlie Brown is still left out.
Positive messages:Quirky friends demonstrate affection and perseverance. A dig at holiday consumerism is included, as is an acknowledgement of the often-glossed-over feeling of holiday blues.
Disappointed there was no Great Pumpkin? This one's for you.
Linus' belief in the Easter Beagle is sort of a rehashed and even sillier Great Pumpkin, i.e., a lot of pomp and circumstance with no delivery. But then in the end, Snoopy comes through.
Some good Peppermint Patty and Marcie silliness make this a seasonal winner.