The eternally hapless and bumbling Charlie Brown tries to muster up the courage to talk to a little red-haired girl who he has developed a massive crush on. The precocious Linus and scrappy tomboy Peppermint Patty try to help Charlie out, but only compound the severity of an already dire situation. Charles M. Schulz's sharp script astutely nails the bittersweet angst of unrequited love and shows in a realistic, yet humorous and lighthearted manner just how mean or nice kids can be to each other. Charlie's Brown's anguish and awkwardness about confronting the little red-haired girl is funny, touching, and totally relatable. It's this latter element of universal pathos which in turn makes this particular show so sweet and special. Who hasn't had a crush on someone, but was afraid to talk to that person out of the fear that you would make a fool of ourself? Schulz had an uncanny knack for tapping into stuff that we all immediately know and understand in a way that was humane, amusing, and engaging. Of course, we also get several nice gags (for example, Peppermint Patty is blithely oblivious to the fact that Snoopy is really a dog!), but it's Schulz's trademark wit and warmth which makes this show and the other Peanuts TV specials so effective and enjoyable. Kudos are also in order for Vince Guaraldi's jaunty jazz score. And the lovely upbeat conclusion is a joy to behold. Essential viewing for Peanuts fans.