List of Red vs. Blue special episodes
This is a list of special episodes and public service announcements (PSAs) of the machinima comedy series Red vs. Blue. These episodes exist outside the main storyline of the series. This list is organized primarily by how Rooster Teeth Productions have labelled their videos; as a result, some PSAs may follow the format of a Special, or some videos labelled otherwise may follow a PSA or Special format, but are not categorized as such.
Public service announcements
Presented like the PSAs and end-of-episode morals of various Saturday morning cartoons, the message is Delivered out-of-character by the supposed actors of the series, though they retain their regular personalities.
PSA 1
and attempt to present a warning about weapons of mass destruction as if they were a [...], advising viewers not to fall into peer pressure. However, they are repeatedly interrupted by sniping at them.
PSA 2
explains that there will not be a new video this week (due to The Release of a Halo 2 trailer) while cleans his armor, following the events of .
PSA 3
Church and Grif provide a Point/Counterpoint session on the subject of getting a tattoo. Church argues against tattoos, while Grif argues for them. Using a bulleted list, Church notes simply that tattoos are permanent, and that all people are idiots, so therefore in ten years will regret their decision. Grif in turn counters that as long as viewers make good choices and avoid clichés such as barbed wire, band logos and Asian lettering and symbols, tattoos are cool. After attempting to display Grif's poor expertise on the subject by revealing he has the comic book character Blade tattooed to his neck, Church suggests viewers get tattoos of their "favorite online cartoon", followed by images of Strong Bad and Penny Arcade and Church taking offense.
Notably, Church's voice actor, Burnie Burns, does not have any tattoos, while Grif's voice actor, Geoff Ramsey, has many.
PSA 4
As the Reds and Blues battle in front of the Red base, Simmons declares his need to leave. Following teasing from Grif and , Simmons reveals his specific reason: to attend the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference back on Earth. As Grif demands an incredulous Donut cease fire, the Blues overhear mention of the corporation, and in turn stop shooting to approach the Reds. While Donut wonders how a single company can briefly stop a war, arrives to demand why the battle has stopped. He then reveals that he used to write speeches for Steve Ballmer, including the one Ballmer used at the last Conference, in which he chanted "Developers, developers, developers" multiple times. Due to a conflict over the exact number of times in which the word should have been repeated, Sarge was demoted to serve in Blood Gulch.
PSA 5
In a parody of the RIAA, the teams formally announce their intention to sue everybody who has ever visited the official Red vs. Blue website. As piracy of free videos is blamed for the declining sales of a then-unavailable DVD, it is said that $45 million is the expected judgment per case. Though Grif is the only one to argue against the logic of such action, his points are immediately ignored, and Church notes the intentions to sue him and other Red vs. Blue cast members in the process.
PSA 6
After an interrupted introduction, the teams complain about the number of NASA-sent space exploration rovers in the gulch, noting it would be much easier to call them using a phone instead. The rovers are seen terrorizing the inhabitants of the gulch, as is frightened by a rover's large claw, and must fend off multiple drones hitting on her. All but Grif are annoyed, as he has been able to adjust a rover to effectively make him a high-powered skateboard, and makes a ramp.
PSA 7
comes across Sarge, who is upset after learning he is in millions of dollars in tax debt to the Internal Revenue Service. attempts to offer advice, but ends up getting shot at when he suggests deducting weapons and vehicles used in their military career.
PSA 8
Unhelpful viewers tips are given on what to buy mothers for Mother's Day, beginning with a display of what could go wrong, where Grif has bought his mother, Simmons, a series of gifts the latter despises. A scene is then shown in which Caboose, as the son, has made Donut, as his mother, a coffee mug which has already been broken and left elsewhere. Satisfied with the performances, Sarge then suggests an assortment of possible gifts using a scrolling list which moves too quickly to be read.
PSA 9
Church, Donut, and Caboose present various fireworks safety tips for the 4th Of July. As the scenes progress, Caboose commonly has mistaken a grenade for another object, leading to a large explosion. The safety tips culminate in Caboose accidentally shooting Donut with a bottle rocket, played by Sheila.
PSA 10
For thanksgiving, Sarge announces his plan to outdo the turducken with his own improbably complex creation, while Grif and Church try to point out the difference between Red vs. Blue and Red and Blue states to confused viewers as the 2004 general election loomed.
PSA 11
Grif and Simmons present various tips to combat the cold and flu, though they have little expert knowledge of the subject. To supplement this, Doc appears to offer his own advice, though it becomes obvious that he considers many of the side effects of 's possession of him to be common ailments that are met with the cold and flu, along with a series of listed disgusting effects. It is revealed that Caboose has been suffering from avian influenza, from which he believes he can fly, and falls off a rock trying to demonstrate his ability. Finally, Donut advises to stay warm and avoid computer viruses. As Grif pretends to be sick himself, Sarge prepares his own unorthodox treatments.
PSA 12
Church and Simmons appear to suggest improvements to the Olympic Games to attract viewers after the boring 2006 Winter Olympics. First criticizing the new events, new ideas for games and improvements to previous ones are added by Sarge, among them the "Rocket Luge", the slalom using laser gates, and an increase in the number of polar bears.
PSA 13
The characters give some tips on how to survive the rising price of gasoline, such as the alternative of milk, though it is more expensive.
PSA 14
Grif, Simmons and Sarge share their plans for a zombie invasion with Doc, while the Blue Team pretends to be zombies to capture the Red flag.
PSA 15
Church and Grif introduce a series of common mistakes made by moviegoers. Each of the situations features the characters at a movie theater watching the Halo Wars preview. In Situation #1, Andy complains loudly about the previews. In Situation #2, Caboose drinks too much of a small soda and needs to go to the bathroom, but the others won't let him out into the aisle. Later, he needs to go again, but eventually says he doesn't need to anymore, implying that he has wet himself. In Situation #3, Grif's sister annoys everyone by talking on her cell phone. It turns out she is talking to Doc, who is in the same theater. Finally, in Situation #4, Tucker's alien baby causes a racket, causing Simmons to berate Tucker. The baby responds by tearing out Simmons' spine. The PSA ends with Church describing his intent to go to a movie and videotape it. He and Grif then ironically lament that people who talk during the movie, "ruin the industry".
PSA 16
Grif and Simmons complain of the constantly advancing state of current technology, seemingly rendering each device obsolete shortly after release. Sarge argues that the best way for a gadget to remain high-tech is to never make it into the public's hands. Some examples are HHD DWDD BVD players and MP 48's. According to Sarge, you should contribute money to item that will "never exist, and hopfully never will".
Specials
These videos usually feature the cast in-character and may make reference to recent events of the main storyline, but are generally considered non-canon.
Special 1
The two teams gather in the Red Base to watch the Halo 2 E3 2003 trailer, and comment on it.
Special 2
Tucker and Church go to the 2003 Machinima Film Festival in New York City.
Special 3
Sarge gathers the teams to make an announcement about the upcoming campaign: that it’s going to be great.
Special 4
Church and Grif present a series of comparisons between real life and the Internet.
Special 5
Celebrating Christmas 2004 in the wasteland without Church, the teams reminisce about the previous Christmas, and how he ruined it for them all.
Special 6
The teams prepare for the 2005 Sundance Film Festival.
Special 7
Members of the gulch compete in Halo 2 against Bungie Studios, and are defeated.
Special 8
The Blue Team traipse through the new maps of Halo 2 in order to find their parked car.
Special 9
Grif attempts to leave with Simmons to see the launch of the Xbox 360, only to be sidetracked by Sarge.
Special 10
The teams try to come up with resolutions for the first annual "Blood Gulch Resolution-off" as the new year approches The winners will be the team with the best resolutions; the losers will actually have to follow through with their resolutions. The Blues eventually attack when they realise they have little chance of winning.
DVD videos
These videos are only available on the season DVDs of Red vs. Blue. Note that this list includes only full episodes, so most Easter Eggs are omitted.
St. Patrick's Day Video
Donut attempts to convince and Tucker that they must pinch him for not wearing green armor on St. Patrick's Day. Available on the DVD.
Flag Day Video
In a similar video to the St. Patrick’s Day Video, Donut now tries to convince Doc and Tucker that he is allowed to pinch them for not having a flag on Flag Day. He then suggests such festive games as "raise the flagpole". Available on the DVD.
Lost Campaign Ads
In a parody of the 2004 U.S. Presidential Election, two campaign ads for Church and one for Sarge have the characters promising improvements to the canyon, or attacking one another. Available on the DVD.
Custom Videos
In response to the frequent requests by fans for custom videos made for specific events, the cast of Red vs. Blue prepare generic videos for different situations. Available on the DVD.
Microsoft/Bungie episodes
Go For Launch
In anticipation of the release of Halo 2, this video was released on Bungie’s website. In it, Sarge shows a video of supposed improvements to vehicles, weapons, and bases in reference to their actual updates in the new game, though they are either ineffective or make things worse from the viewpoint of a soldier defending himself.
The Full Circle
After the launch of the Xbox 360, the teams have to deal with various strangers walking through the battle looking to use the console’s special online features. Released exclusively on the Xbox Live Marketplace for download.
Holidays video
Simmons and Grif attempt to wish their viewers a Merry Christmas, but Doc warns them to be politically correct in order not to offend those who do not celebrate Christmas, and succeeds in convincing Simmons. Sarge ignores these warnings, but cannot complete his greeting due to various Xbox 360 features interrupting him, as the video was originally released for download to the console.
Halo 3 Public Beta video
Released in high-definition on the Xbox Live Marketplace and on the general site, Simmons and Sarge, in an attempt to calm down avid fans waiting for the public Beta test of Halo 3, play them a video introduction in which the cast of Red vs. Blue welcome them to the Beta, and point out many of its features as well as possible problems.
Halo 3 Zune video
Available on limited edition Halo 3 branded Microsoft Zune media devices, this video was also created with the Halo 3 Beta engine. The cast go over the various functions of the Zune, though they lament how the local radio stations (in particular three ran by Sarge, Tucker and Doc) they can receive have poor content, and the pictures they can share are only of Sarge injuring Church over and over again.
Untitled Mini-series
On July 31, 2007, an unnamed, five-episode series premiered on five retail websites, including those of Best Buy, Circuit City, and Gamestop. These episodes detail the Red Team's transition from Halo 2 to Halo 3; Sarge introduces his men to the new graphics, weapons, and vehicles. Segments are intermixed with comments made by Church and Tucker, who are spying on their activities.
Why Are We Here Again?
The Legendary Edition of Halo 3 contains a bonus disc with vast amount of extra content, including a special re-release of Episode 1 using the same audio, but re-filmed on the Valhalla map in the Halo 3 multiplayer. As the disc containing the video was available to all ages, every swear word was subsequently bleeped.
Special events
These videos were created for special causes, such as DVDs included with magazines, concerts, or expositions, that are otherwise unlisted.
Computer Gaming World DVD video
Church and Grif explain that, before Red vs. Blue was created, Computer Gaming World included a previous Rooster Teeth video on a DVD and people began visiting their website. Wishing to take advantage of the visitors, they went through multiple ideas for a series, mostly clichéd film genres, before settling on Red vs. Blue.
Barenaked Ladies concert videos
Front Row
Church complains about his poor seats for the concert, and begins to heckle Simmons in the front row.
Midshow
Church and Tucker introduce a guide to concert-going etiquette.
Sublime
Church and Simmons attempt to greet the audience, but are interrupted by obvious attempts at subliminal messaging.
2004 Penny Arcade Exposition video
The crew runs into obstacles while trying to film an introduction to the convention.
Electronic Gaming Monthly DVD videos
The Way We Were
The Red vs. Blue cast display stories of Red and Blue battles from throughout history.
Point/Counterpoint: Celebrating the Holidays
In another Point/Counterpoint debate, Church argues against celebrating Christmas, while Grif argues for it.
Total Request Live video
Damien Fahey is visiting the Blue team, and tries to talk Church into letting him drive Sheila, when the Reds show up to berate Church for not following the MTV formula. Created to introduce a music video on the show, as part of a special segment done on Rooster Teeth Productions.
Forbes.com video
At Grif's annoyance, Sarge uses his opportunity on the Forbes.com website to push his new video gaming/money making service, with testimonials by Church and Doc.
http://www.forbes.com/video/?video=fvn/games/de_redbl121106
Silverlight video
This video features Scott Guthrie, the General Manager for Microsoft Silverlight. Sarge was expecting Scott to attack the Blue Team but since Sarge considers General Managers as pencil-necked weaklings he decided to paint Donut blue. Scott briefly explains the features of Silverlight before being shown around Blood Gulch. On encountering Donut they let Scott shoot Donut thinking that he would miss. They were surprised to find out that being a General Manager had a lot in common to shooting Donut: being accurate (shooting Donut in the visor), knowlegdable (knowing it was Donut), having fun (shooting Donut in the first place) and being thorough (shooting Donut again then using a rocket launcher on him).
News post on episode - http://nikon.bungie.org/news.html?item=18056
Silverlight projects - http://channel9.msdn.com/playground/wpfe/
Scott Guthrie's blog - http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archive/2007/03/05/video-of-scott-guthrie-shooting-private-donut-and-some-good-asp-net-ajax-links.aspx
Video itself (Note requires Silverlight player to watch) - http://channel9.msdn.com/playground/wpfe/rvbplayer/
EIEF video
Church, Grif, and Caboose all prepare to head to Scotland for the EIEF festival. Church asks Grif and Caboose to research Scotland so that they do not seem like tourists. When they are unable to find any satisfactory information, Church gets Head Quarters to send them an expert.
European Machinima Festival video
Church and Tucker introduce a series of RvB videos designed for different countries in Europe (and Japan) and comment on them.
Heroic Map Pack
The group journeys through the newest Halo 3 maps. They get a grand tour with Guilty sparks stunt double. On this one, They explore foundry, rat's nest, and standoff. In foundry, They created a mancannon. Caboose thinks he created Standoff. And in rat's nest, they Find out about the bases, and Sarge finds a turrent that he claims for himself to use on the blues.
Joke episodes
Episode 28.5
Released on April Fool's Day and the anniversary of Red vs. Blue's first episode, the episode begins with Grif and Donut crying over the graves of Sarge and Simmons, following the events of . Sarge appears and explains that he had only been napping, and had escaped by eating his way out of the ground with his spoon. Simmons' ghost appears to give the Red team a warning, but Donut shoots and kills him, explaining that Simmons' ghost is actually "Ol' Man Caboose". Tucker and Doc appear and announce their engagement, over which a French-speaking Lopez, apparently in love with Tucker, laments. Church awakes and realizes that this episode had apparently been merely a dream, when he finds himself confronted by the French-speaking Lopez.
Episode 45.9
Available only to sponsors or on the Season 3 DVD and produced solely by Gustavo Sorola while the rest of the production crew had been out of town. This episode continues or replaces the events of , though is non-canon, and features paper cutouts as characters while portraying Simmons as a hero.