Deck the Tank with boughs of holly, fa la la la la, la la la la. This week’s Shark Tank trades its usual steely-eyed seriousness for something… slightly less serious, as the set transformed into a winter wonderland. Yes, folks, it’s a holiday-themed episode, which means festive pitches, potential stocking stuffers, and maybe even a little eggnog-fueled negotiating (one can dream).
First up, the Gnome Advent Calendar, a product so niche, it’s either pure genius or destined for the Island of Misfit Toys. Will the Sharks embrace the gnome-mania, or will they deem it too, well, gnome-ish? Then there’s Coordinates apparel. Because nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a shirt emblazoned with your geographic coordinates, apparently. One wonders if the Sharks will be able to pinpoint the market for this one, or if they’ll get lost along the way.
Next, Wildcoat, purveyors of all-weather dog gear, attempts to convince the Sharks that Fido needs the latest in canine outerwear. Will they bite on the pitch, or will they leave the pups out in the cold? Finally, Snow Scholars hope to make learning as fun as a snowball fight with their winter-themed educational products. Can they convince the Sharks to invest in a little educational blizzard, or will their dreams melt away like a snowman in July?
Ultimately, this holiday episode offers a bit of sugary escapism from the usual cutthroat capitalism. Whether the products sink or swim, the festive atmosphere is likely to bring a touch of warmth to even the most Scrooge-like viewers. Just try not to get tinsel in your teeth.
Shark Tank airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
