THE RED GREEN SHOW'S SURPRISING COSTUME HISTORY 

Here at Possum Lodge, we're all about flannel, duct tape, and the relentless pursuit of "good enough." Fashion isn't exactly our strong suit. Red's uniform of a flannel shirt, khaki pants, and that field maneuvers cap is as unchanging as his advice. Harold is a monument to nerd-chic. The rest of the lodge members look like they just emerged from a 20-year fishing trip.

Which is why it's so jarring—and hilarious—when the men of Possum Lake ditch their plaid and suspenders for something a little more... theatrical.

But before we dig into The Possum Lodge costume closet, let's look at why people dress up in the first place. It’s a tradition almost as old as duct tape itself (almost).

A BRIEF HISTORY ON DRESSING UP 

Humans have been wearing costumes for thousands of years, and not just for Halloween.

Ancient Beginnings: It all started with theater. In ancient Greece, actors wore exaggerated masks and robes to portray different characters—gods, heroes, or comedic fools—so the audience in the back row of the amphitheater could tell who was who.

• Medieval Mayhem: During the Middle Ages, festivals like Carnival became a time for wild celebration before the solemn period of Lent. People would wear masks and costumes to hide their identities, break social rules, and cause a bit of mischief.
• The Rise of the Masquerade: By the Renaissance and into the 18th century, masquerade balls became the height of elite entertainment. These weren't just parties; they were elaborate events where a mask and costume allowed nobles and commoners to mingle (and gossip) anonymously.
• Modern Fun: In the 20th century, two major trends took over. First, Halloween evolved from a spooky, pagan-inspired ritual into a neighborhood costume party. Second, science fiction and comic conventions gave birth to "cosplay" (a portmanteau of "costume play"), where fans create incredibly detailed outfits to celebrate their favorite characters, such as Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg famously dressing up as Red and Harold in a Parody video in response to being inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2018. 

From a Greek mask to a $1,000 superhero suit, dressing up has always been about transformation, escapism, and good old-fashioned fun.

Which brings us back to Possum Lake.

COSTUMES AT POSSUM LAKE 

For a show so grounded in its flannel-clad reality, The Red Green Show had a few golden moments where the cast went all out. These episodes are rare, which makes them even funnier. Here are the ones to hunt down:

"THE DRIVING TEST" (Season 5, Episode 2) 16:30-17:37

This is perhaps the most famous costume gag in the series. When Red loses his driver's license, he comes up with a classic handyman solution: get someone else to take the test for him. The "someone," of course, is Harold.

The episode's high point is seeing the lanky, perpetually nervous Harold Green attempting to impersonate his uncle. He dons the full Red Green uniform: flannel shirt, red and green suspenders, and the iconic cap pulled down low. His awkward attempt to mimic Red's "manly" slouch and gruff demeanor in front of the driving inspector is pure comedic gold.

"CURSE OF THE MUMMY" (Season 9, Episode 9) 11:38-12:30 19:58-21:10

You know a plan is going sideways when it starts at the local museum. In this episode, a collection of Egyptian artifacts is temporarily stored at the Possum Lodge. Left to their own devices, Red and Mike Hamar do what lodge members do best: "monkey around" with things they shouldn't.

The episode's title and plot are a dead giveaway. It features Red and Mike playing with the priceless relics, culminating in a gag involving a mummy and its sarcophagus. It’s a perfect example of the lodge members' juvenile humor—they’re given ancient history and immediately turn it into a prop for a gag.

"TOE THE LINE" (Season 15, Episode 18) 13:20-14:25 /18:45-20:31

In one of the final episodes of the entire series, the show delivers some of its most bizarre costume moments. As the lodge members try to help Harold prepare for his impending marriage, the high-strung nerd ends up in a few... compromising outfits, including drag.

"SASQUATCH" (Season 15, Episode 15) 12:23-14:18

According to eagle-eyed fans, this episode features Harold in a full "Lady Sasquatch" costume. It’s a fittingly absurd moment for a character who spent 15 seasons being the butt of the lodge's jokes, finally embracing the chaos in the most spectacular way possible as bait to lure in Sasquatch so Red can take a picture..

While The Red Green Show will always be remembered for its duct tape innovations and manly advice, these rare costume moments show a different side of the lodge. They prove that even for the men of Possum Lake, there’s a time and a place to be someone (or something) else.

...Just make sure you can still reach your duct tape.

Keep your stick on the ice.