When a group of bank robbing Santas are doublecrossed by their own wheelman, a father plans on giving the ultimate Christmas present to his son. Meanwhile, Fraser receives a rather unexpected guest to help him with the case.

Detailed Overview

When a gang of Santa Clauses hold up a bank, Fraser and Ray attempt to enlist the assistance of the one person who saw one of the burglars unmasked. When he refuses to co-operate despite tremendous danger, Fraser determines that the young man is bitterly protecting his own father -- the driver of the bank robber's getaway car. The father robbed the bank to provide for his son but, disillusioned by the dishonesty he witnessed, the young man now wants nothing more to do with his father.

Further investigation by Fraser and Ray leads them to discover that the father has double-crossed his partners -- a double-cross he can't possibly pull off and live. Fraser must determine the man's plan and stop him before he and his co-conspirators go up in a giant fireball, taking Fraser and Ray with them. In order to do this, Fraser must make the wheelman understand the most valuable gift a father can give to his son -- an example of how to be a man.

Meanwhile, Detectives Huey and Gardino are continuing their investigation by hauling down to the precinct every department store Santa in town.

Music

STEAMING
Sarah McLachlan, "Touch"
(c) 1989 Arista Records, Inc.
AL-8594
During car chase; Ray and cops go after Porter

HENRY MARTIN * and RUMBOLDT
Figgy Duff, "Figgy Duff -- A Retrospective 1974-93"
Amber Music
CD 0250325
'Henry Martin' (music only) is heard during the bank robbery, and then again (vocals) during dramatic warehouse sequence as Porter sets up trap; 'Rumboldt' is heard during the shootout in the alley.

* - This song is part of the First due South Soundtrack.

Interesting Trivia

• William Sydney Porter is the real name of author O. Henry. If you watch closely, the boys park near the 'O Henry Giftstore' at the beginning of the episode.
• This is the first episode that Fraser Sr.'s ghost appears in the show.
• This is also the first episode that Ray's father's ghost appears in the show. He appears again in "Victoria's Secret" and "North."
• Ivan Labelle appears in this episode as one of the Elves the Duck Boys bring into the station. He'll show up again later in the episode "Victoria's Secret" as a vacuum cleaner repairman.
• The RCW 139 license plate appears on the station wagon used by the bank robbers to make their getaway.

Original Broadcast Information

• Canada / United States: December 15, 1994

Other Cool Links

• The DueSies Project
• Episode Title Origins
• Fan Episode Reviews
• Filming Locations