In 1978, there was a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of "Star Wars" fans suddenly cried out in terror and changed the channel.
In the annals of network broadcast television few programs have withstood the teasing, ridicule and criticism of "The Star Wars Holiday Special," that infamous 1978 show that featured several "Star Wars" stars showcased in a silly program set on the Wookie homeworld meant to keep George Lucas's smash space fantasy on people's minds until "The Empire Strikes Back" arrived two years later.
