Ep 12. 'Twas the Blight Before Christmas

In Home Improvement season 3 episode 12, titled 'Twas the Blight Before Christmas', Christmas is fast approaching, and Tim Taylor (played by Tim Allen) wants to outdo his neighbor, Doc Johnson (played by William O'Leary), by having the brightest and most extravagant Christmas decorations on the block. His plans are quickly derailed when his light display short circuits, causing a massive power outage that affects the entire neighborhood. As they finally get the power back on, Tim discovers that his kids' presents have been stolen. Tim, with his trusty assistant, Al Borland (played by Richard Karn), goes on a search to find the culprit and get the presents back before Christmas morning. Meanwhile, Tim's wife Jill (played by Patricia Richardson) is tasked with organizing the school's Christmas pageant, and has to deal with a sassy child actor who threatens to ruin the entire show.

The episode opens with Tim showing off his elaborate Christmas light display, consisting of a giant Santa Claus inflatable, strings of colorful lights, and flashing snowflakes. He’s convinced that he’ll be named the winner of the neighborhood decorating competition, but it soon becomes clear that his Christmas display has left the entire block without power. As they wait for the power company to restore the electricity, Tim realizes that all of his kids' Christmas presents are missing. He enlists Al's help to find the thief who stole the gifts and get them back before Christmas morning.

While Tim and Al are on their mission, Jill is dealing with the complications of the school Christmas pageant. She is in charge of organizing the event and has to deal with a sassy child actor who refuses to follow directions and threatens to ruin the show. Her frustration builds as she tries to keep the show on track, and the audience engaged.

As Tim and Al continue their search, they go to various neighbors’ houses, trying to find any leads. They have a few close calls but fail to find the thief. Meanwhile, Jill is still struggling with the unruly child actor. Tim eventually arrives at the school to help Jill with the pageant, but finds that it may not be necessary. The community has banded together to help the child actor understand the true spirit of Christmas, and the show is carried off without a hitch.

Back at home, Tim and Al finally manage to find the thief behind the stolen presents and get them back. The thief turns out to be Doc Johnson, Tim’s rival neighbor, who’s been trying to outdo him in the decorating competition. Tim confronts Doc, initiating a lighthearted argument, before the two ultimately reconcile and join in the Christmas festivities together.

As the episode closes, the Taylor family is gathered around the Christmas tree, their spirits high after a tumultuous day. Everyone is happy and content, and the entire neighborhood is lit up in festive decor, a testament to the true meaning of Christmas spirit and togetherness.