Ep 1. Holiday Bizarre #2

In the Season 4 premiere of "Oddities," titled "Holiday Bizarre #2," the captivating world of Obscura Antiques & Oddities in New York City once again opens its doors to an array of eccentric customers and even stranger items. This episode delves into the unique and sometimes bizarre artifacts that find their way into the shop during the holiday season, making for an intriguing and eclectic mix of stories.

The episode begins with a festive atmosphere as the Obscura team prepares to embrace the holiday spirit. Mike Zohn, Evan Michelson, and Ryan Matthew are brimming with excitement as they await the arrival of customers who are seeking peculiar and offbeat curiosities for their holiday shopping. From antique ornaments to peculiar novelties, the team is prepared to deliver the perfect holiday oddity.

One of the intriguing items that catches the attention of the Obscura crew is a pair of taxidermy squirrels dressed as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, discovered by a customer during their holiday decorating endeavors. Both Mike and Evan are instantly fascinated by the juxtaposition of the festive attire with the preserved animal bodies. As they delve into the item's history and significance, they aim to determine its value and the potential impact it could have on the store's ambiance and aesthetic.

Meanwhile, a customer named Todd stumbles upon an enchanting and rare piece—a beautifully preserved Victorian wreath made entirely of human hair. The Obscura team is captivated by the delicacy and artistry displayed in this Victorian mourning tradition. As they meticulously explore the wreath's history, they encounter an unforeseen challenge when they realize the fragility of the hair wreath. This sets off a race against time to preserve and display this macabre artifact as Todd ponders whether to part ways with it or keep it as an addition to his personal collection.

In another intriguing segment of the episode, a man named Rick visits Obscura Antiques & Oddities in search of a unique and one-of-a-kind gift for his wife. Struggling to find the perfect present, Rick stumbles upon a beautifully articulated human skeleton. The team takes on the challenge of transforming this medical specimen into a truly remarkable gift for Rick's wife. They meticulously clean, prepare, and accessorize the skeleton, turning it into a stunning and unusual piece of decor. However, the ethical implications of selling human remains loom, creating a moral dilemma that forces the Obscura team to reconsider their options.

As the busy holiday season continues, a potential seller, Gwen, brings in a mysterious and somewhat controversial item—a subincised skull. The crew is initially perplexed by the idea of this unusual skull modification, a practice originating from specific indigenous cultures. Intrigued by its cultural significance and artistic value, they delve deeper into its history and the potential market for such an artifact. The team must navigate the delicate balance between respecting cultural heritage and offering unique items to their customers in their quest to determine the skull's rightful place and value within the oddities community.

Throughout the episode, the Obscura crew is reminded that the holiday season unveils not only the more whimsical and curious aspects of their business but also the ethical challenges they face. As they encounter a diverse range of customers and oddities, they are forced to reflect on their own personal beliefs and professional standards.

"Holiday Bizarre #2" of "Oddities" serves as a captivating introduction to the thrilling fourth season, exploring the eccentricities of the holiday season and the fascinating artifacts that find their way into Obscura Antiques & Oddities. From taxidermy squirrels in Santa suits to subincised skulls, this episode offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the bizarre and enchanting world of oddities.