It's Not Easy Being Mean, Part 3

It's Not Easy Being Mean, Part 3

British Correspondent - The Muppets have had to deal with bankruptcy, bad weather, fumigation, and both being eaten as well as eating some fairly dubious looking food. However, above all these advisories, it is the human villains that cause the greatest danger to the Muppets -- dangers, not only physical, but also of temptation, or losing themselves or selling out.

Martin Price (I thought his name was Murray?)
Of all the Muppet villains, the one which we know the least about is Martin ‘Murray Plotzki’ Price. He shows up in The Muppets Take Manhattan as the first of a long line of Hollywood producers who turn away the Muppets in their search for more singing and dancing and making people happy. Interested, instead, in making money, Martin P. (not Robinson) is a conman and a schemer and has a mildly evil looking mustache.

Kermit and gang come upon this guy on what appears to be a quiet day at the office. Gates McFadden is being secretarial (yes, she off of Star Trek--you know, the one that wasn’t the one who wore the catsuit) and sends the frog with a musical on through to meet her boss, Martin. Here he sits in an office with nice upholstery and trophies looking every bit the major Broadway producer–even down to the Ahab the Musical poster on the back wall (yes, the musical about the whale guy that wasn’t Jonah). And although he and Kermit have creative difficulties (songs AND dances....no cops, no shootings, certainly no car chases...) it seems as though Kermit’s pitch has gotten through because Martin smells a hit! However, the Muppets smell something else... a scam (hey, don’t blame the dog). Martin’s asking for $300 apiece from them, and, frankly, he should probably just receive 30 pieces of silver because his next act was sure to be betraying them.

Before he gets a chance to do this, however, he’s ever so politely interrupted by the lovely McFadden who informs him there are two policemen outside... and an old woman whose life savings he scammed out of her. Some chicken strangling, weirdo bravery, drummer ankling and a random ladder later and Murray is taken away by the police, leaving the Muppets to continue their search for a caring producer in the cut-throat world of Broadway.

Now, I know what you are thinking...Martin Price was onscreen for less than ten minutes right at the start of the movie, surely he doesn’t make the cut when it comes to Muppet villains... Am I also going to include the shaving guy, the burger man and the guy that stole Piggy’s purse? No, no... And here’s my reasoning: Martin is worth highlighting as the villain of the piece because he reflects the kind of person into which Kermit could have changed. Can I get a collective gasp of horror?

You see, for a moment, Kermit and Martin weren’t all that different. In order to break into Broadway, Kermit was determined to do anything (hey, he even read up on it and made a three part plan!). Kermit changed his appearance, donning gold chains, an afro, and a pink shirt (SALMON!). He lied, breezing into the office of Lenny Winesop and jumping on the desk with his script and his speech. He was prepared to use fraud, putting his picture on the wall at the restaurant and sending out rats with a whisper campaign. He even grew a mustache! All in all, he really was living up to the phrase, ‘If you can’t beat them, join them.’

But, unlike Martin, Kermit didn’t allow this lapse of judgment to take over his life. He was so unlike the evil producer in many more ways than they were similar. Kermit wasn’t doing this for profit; he was doing it for his friends. It wasn’t even his idea to come to New York in the first place! His motives were pure...even if his methods left him feeling uneasy. And they certainly did. Sitting in the park, Kermit admitted he felt like a phony and realised he couldn’t do it anymore. His friends were important, the show was important, but for Kermit his character and what was inside his heart was more important.

And he can act as an example to all of us. How often do we feel that we must change ourselves to get ahead, to move up in life, or to be popular? And how often does this just leave us feeling empty inside? By deciding to remain true to himself, Kermit defeated the little Martin Price inside of him...the one that resides in all of us... And instead of becoming a phony Broadway producer, Kermit found that his friends – Jenny, Piggy, and later Ronnie and the gang – left him as fulfilled as he ever needed to be.

I could go on to discuss how his amnesia becomes a metaphor of his losing and regaining his identity earlier in the movie... but I’m sure you got that already. Right?

Ruthlessness: 7 (Martin Price was going to take the Muppets money, sure, but his real ruthless side came out when he was prepared to grab a chicken by the neck and a weirdo by the nose.)

Sidekick: 5 (Martin’s secretary was beautifully played by Gates McFadden, but was not as memorable as the secretary from The Muppet Movie – Miss Tracy. However, another interesting comparison between Martin and what Kermit could have become is that Martin’s sidekick was also in Star Trek and Kermit’s sidekick Jenny later appeared in an episode...Coincidence?)

Evil appearance: 5 (He had a creepy, moustached, businessman air about him, but nothing overtly evil.)

Talking the talk: 5 (Clearly he could lead anyone on but there was nothing that witty or interesting about his business chatter.)

Likability: 1 (There was nothing to like about this guy. If you were friends with him, you know he’d swap you in a moment for a little cash.)

Returnability: 10 (Personally, I would have never invited Martin Price or Murray Plotski back...but clearly someone else thought differently as the apartment building in which Piggy lives in the world where Kermit was never born is called the ‘Murray Hotel’...where oddly enough Piggy makes a living by conning people as a fortune teller...)

Likelihood to borrow your lawnmower and sell it on ebay: 10 (Which reminds me...where IS my leafblower?)

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Muppet Comic Mondays: On the Road #1

The Muppet Show Comic Book #1

On the Road - Part 1: "Watch That Tiger"

Ryan Dosier - Roger Langridge returns his pen to his always-incredible work on "The Muppet Show Comic Book" this month with its second new installment since becoming an ongoing series (meaning, basically, that the numbering of the book won't reset after four issues).

In the new series, "On the Road," the Muppets are taking their show on a cross-country tour after the theater was accidentally demolished at the conclusion of "The Treasure of Peg Leg Wilson" arc. (Sorry for the spoiler.) Once again, Langridge proves that he knows the Muppets as well as anyone.

PLOT
The story opens just as Langridge's first Muppet Show comic did, with a report by the Muppet Newsman. It has little to do with the rest of the plot of the book, but it's hilarious.

We soon find Miss Piggy lamenting to Kermit about her fear of this "show on tour" being a back-step in her career. Kermit assures her that everything will be fine and above all, they'll have fun with it! No sooner does Kermit reassure Piggy then he goes to purchase new caravans for them to perform in. The retailer of these fine caravans tells Kermit not to open any of the wardrobes because a tiger may be lurking in them.

If that wasn't enough trouble, Fozzie tells Kermit that he's taking his act on the road too--but a different road than Kermit and company. The bear desires to stand on his own for once, which is an odd character turn for Fozzie, but it works.

The show soon gets off to a... well, a start. With a rollicking rendition of The Muppet Show theme song (with slightly altered lyrics), the show is officially off to its new road-show start.

But, of course, The Muppet Show wouldn't be The Muppet Show without chaos backstage. Rizzo is taking bets from everyone from Sam the Eagle to Swedish Chef as they wager a guess as to which caravan houses the tiger. Meanwhile, Kermit is incessantly hounded for a payment by the owner of the land where the Muppets are performing. If that wasn't enough, Statler and Waldorf's incredibly familiar cousins are attending the show.

Sketches include Veterinarian's Medical Compound, A Message From Sam the Eagle, Country Cooking with The Swedish Chef, "Whispering" performed by The Acoustic Mayhem with Sweetums and Robin, and a closing number by Miss Piggy.

Can the Muppets truly put on a road show with financial difficulties, dwindling spirits, and a missing comedian? Well... you're asking the wrong guy. I haven't read the next installment yet!

TONE
Roger Langridge has captured the tone of the Muppets as well as (if not better than) anyone who has written for them in at least a decade. Not only does his writing house Muppety wit and charm, but his artwork has never been better. The Muppets are near-perfect in Langridge's hands.

WRITING
It's amazing to me that even though they're on the road, the Muppets have never seemed more Muppety. Langridge reminds us all that sometimes you have to change the formula up a little bit to keep it fresh, that's just what happens here. The road show format allows the Muppets to be wackier and zanier than ever--and Langridge captures it brilliantly.

All of the characters are written well in this issue, but some of the most outstanding characters include Sam the Eagle, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Rizzo, and Gonzo. Kudos, Roger! You've captured them perfectly.

ART
This may be the best-drawn issue of the book yet. All of the Muppets look as good as they're written and it seems like Langridge has finally settled into his groove of drawing these characters. From facial expressions to full-body shots, Langridge has an exceptional way of harnessing the Muppet spirit on paper.

CONCLUSION

This issue is one of my favorite of The Muppet Show Comic Book so far. Everything just comes together perfectly to make a fantastic read. Chickens make pyramids, Sam Eagle preaches about the threats of gambling (while gambling himself), and a tiger mauls The Great Gonzo. This proves once again that Roger Langridge is the epitome of fantastic Muppet comic book work.

CAST
Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo the Great, Scooter, Rowlf the Dog, Dr. Teeth, Floyd Pepper, Janice, Zoot, Animal, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, Sweetums, Robin the Frog, Sam the Eagle, Rizzo the Rat, The Swedish Chef, The Newsman, Link Hogthrob, Dr. Julius Strangepork, Mister "Bags" O'Gravy, Lew Zealand, Statler and Waldorf's cousins, Thog, the Mutations, Gloat, Boppity, Mr. Weazell, Chickens, Rats, Monsters, a Sheep, and more!

Sesame Street Saturdays: Season 40 - Week 6

Shane Keating - Looks like two more episodes to summarize! Let’s-a go!

EPISODE 4206 – WING IN A SLING

STREET SCENE
Big Bird goes rollerskating out in the street, when he crashes. Chris takes him to Dr. Berger for an examination for his hurt wing. While he’s gone, he leaves The Count in charge of Hooper’s. At the doctor’s, Dr. Berger gives him an x-ray that shows he has sprained his wing bone and will need a sling. Back on the street, Chris finds The Count has been so busy counting his customers; he hasn’t filled their orders, resulting a long line of angry monsters and people. Big Bird mopes, watching everyone doing things he can’t do with a sling and sings a blues song. Elmo and Zoe play with him and show him things he can do.

Hidden Gem: Talk about in-jokes; this episode was chock full of them! Sherlock Hemlock is seen inside Hooper’s as an angry customer (with a line even, provided by Jerry!), Jerry himself is seen in the line outside Hooper’s, speaking to Chris, and two more of Jerry's characters, Herry and Mr. Johnson, are seen right by him in line. Finally, Big Bird’s x-ray lists “C. Spinney” as the radiologist.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Matthew Fox and Elmo on what bones are. Matthew shows Elmo a “funny” bone, who tells a joke even I don’t get.
• Murray and the kids rap about the letter X, but Murray stops the rap mid-way, realizing how few words start with X.
• Cartoon Cookie Monster sings about the letter X.
• Chandra Williamson sings “Reach Your Hand Up High” with some kids. (from season 31)
• A cartoon song about bugs. (from season 39)
• Zoe and the Feijoo Sisters dance the “Lamberena” (from season 39)

EPISODE 4207 – THE PLANET G

STREET SCENE

Maria helps Elmo write a story about the Planet G. In his story, he hits his golfball up to the Planet G. He rides his goldfish Dorothy to the planet, where a goose mistakes it for an egg. Zoe and friends give him another idea. He writes in a “Get Up and Go Dances” they do to get the goose to move. Oscar’s pet goat begins munching on his story until shoed away. Elmo adds the goat to his story, where it begins eating his golfball. Chris offers them some food, including some goulash, which Elmo puts in his story, trading the ball for a bowl of the meal. Elmo reads his story back to Chris and Maria.

Hidden Gem: Elmo’s crayon box reads “The Classic Crayon Factory” and features an image from the “Crayon Factory” film.  Additionally, Maria’s newspaper features an image from the classic “I-Beam” film.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Abby and Kobe Bryant explain what “miniature is.
• Cartoon Cookie sings about the letter G.
• Abby’s Flying Fairy School: While making magic macaroni art, Blogg’s full-scale macaroni dinosaur is brought alive and starts messing up the classroom.
• Rocco Fiorentino visits the street. Telly introduces him to Elmo by describing Elmo to him, since Rocco is blind. He then hatches his plan to meet everyone else, by singing “Everybody’s Song.”

Tune in next week for more rundowns, folks!

Discovering the Best of The Muppets at Their Worst, pt. 3

“There Are Times When the Muppets Aren’t Funny.”
“Yeah, But I Always Figure that’s the Writer’s Fault.”

Discovering the Best in The Muppets at Their Worst, Part Three

Justin H. Piatt - Well, here we are again. Time to review the Muppet film that has received perhaps the most criticism of all Muppet films.

I have to admit, this was difficult for me. There is so much in this movie that I love, but so much in it that I also… very much don’t love. This article will also be much more detailed than the previous two, as I feel there is more to defend… and more to criticize. Let us consider the silver lining of the Bog of Eternal Stench that is…

The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
(This could be a long one.)

The Bad:
1.    The first thing I’ll point out is that when I first watched this movie, I liked it a lot. It wasn’t great, but it was good. Then when I watched it on DVD, I liked it even more! … But wait… I’m supposed to be listing bad points here, aren’t I? Well, this is a bad point. It’s bad because with most Muppet movies, you’re supposed to find more and more to love about the film each time you watch it. With The Muppets Wizard of Oz, I find more and more to dislike about the film each time I watch it. Sad, but true. I used to wonder why so few people enjoyed it. Now I understand, unfortunately.

2.    Miss Piggy’s “Cuddles!” I feel as uncomfortable during this as Dorothy and Pepe—Er, Toto seem to.

3.    Pepe. I like Pepe, but he’s kind of annoying here. Like he takes up too much of the movie. I really wish Rowlf had played Toto, and they had found another role for Pepe to play.

4.    “Those are my nipples.” Cringe! I know it’s been said before, but you would have been disappointed had I not brought it up, wouldn’t you?

5.    The Kalidah Critics. A great concept that was poorly executed. Rather than being funny, Statler and Waldorf are just plain mean here. Again, it was a great idea. A nice reference to the book, but… wow, you feel worse for Fozzie in this scene than at the worst moments of The Muppet Show’s first season.

6.    Dorothy’s Don King hair. Maybe it’s just not my kind of humor. Is there actually such a thing as hair humor?

7.    “What happens in Emerald City stays in Emerald City.” Not only an overused joke, but also an overused phrase, and one that disturbs me every time I hear it.

8.    Dorothy is re-born! Or rather, Osbourne. I laughed at this the first time I saw it, but since… Golly, do I hate this joke! I’m also not fond of the Muppets initially teasing Dorothy for her “table cloth” of an outfit. Although, seriously Dorothy, what were you thinking with that one?

9.    CGI-effects. The CG Wizard always bugs me. The effect is poorly done, and I think it could have been much more interesting to do it all live. A live woman, a chicken puppet, a ball of fire. And you’re telling me they couldn’t have hired a real dragon? … Oh. They couldn’t hire a real dragon? *ahem* Sorry. … Um, I’ll also add here that I don’t like the corny delivery the Wizard gives when he’s computer generated.

10.    “The Witch is In the House.” I love the scene, (I’ll delve into that more in a bit) but much of the song sounds very awkward. The lyrics sound like they were written in a hurry, sort of last minute. I know, because I’ve written songs like that. And Miss Piggy’s performance is… well, a little awkward as well. Props to Eric Jacobson for taking the song on. As far as I’m aware, Frank Oz never performed a scene like this with Miss Piggy, so Eric really had no frame of reference here. The fact that it seems like Piggy at all is very commendable.

11.    “Oh-wah-ta-foo-ly-am.” Jeez, what an awful, awful, unoriginal trick that only 3-year olds find funny. I suppose it’s kind of funny that the Flying Monkeys actually fell for it, and Crazy Harry’s “That’s comedy and magic!” line is funny, but… still… A terrible bit.

12.    Angel Marie. Great in Muppet Treasure Island, just awful here. I don’t much like it that Fozzie can take Angel Marie out just by tickling him. And the “Spank me” line? Cringe!

13.    Quentin Tarantino’s cameo. It was really pointless. Broke the pacing of the movie.

14.    Pepe’s “going cyclone” to reveal the Wizard. I don’t think it was as funny as they intended. It’s nice that “Toto” reveals the wizard for who he is, as with the actual Wizard of Oz story, but… well, I just don’t like this part. Next!

15.    Penguins are unisex? Huh? Well, maybe the joke was funny the first time you heard it, but it gets under your collar now, too, doesn’t it? Said unisex penguins are always great, though, aren’t they? Don’t worry, I’ll stop asking you questions now. … Or will I?

16.    This is the first time there has ever really been an out-and-out evil character in a Muppet movie. And the character was played by Miss Piggy, no less. This was a mistake, I think. There should always be some redeemable quality to a Muppet character (or even a character in a Muppet film). Perhaps the only character to come close to being this evil was that Martin Price guy from The Muppets Take Manhattan, and I didn’t like that scene either. (No, Mel Brooks’ character in The Muppet Movie does not count. That was just silliness!)

17.    The framing of most of the movie is very weird. I really don’t like it. Kirk Thatcher’s a brilliant writer, but his directorial style leaves much to be desired here. I will say, however, that his directing skills have greatly improved since this was made. Love his work on Muppets.com and the Give a Day, Get a Day commercials.

18.    The movie also has some story and pacing issues. There’s some confusion about what exactly Dorothy wants. Is she going to Oz to get home or to become a star? If it’s to become a star, why does she suddenly realize she wants to go home? If it’s to go home, why is she singing on the Wizard’s show? Well, I won’t worry about it anymore. I’ll just put this out of my mind whenever I watch the movie, and just enjoy the following…

The Good:
1.    While I wouldn’t list this as a good point, and would have overlooked it entirely, but I wanted to defend Ashanti. Many have a problem with her in this movie. I don’t understand that. I don’t see anything wrong with her performance. I don’t love the casting decision, but it certainly wasn’t a bad one. She interacts well with the Muppets, better than some of the guests on The Muppet Show. … Anyway, I don’t want to spend a lot of time here. Just wanted to point out that I’m pro-Ashanti in this movie.

2.    “The National Weather Bureau has raised the twister alert from right-foot green, to right-foot yellow.” Funny line!

3.    Pepe. Sure, he’s listed as a bad thing, but his wit adds a lot to the movie for me… Yes, at the same time that he annoys me. But, who can resist a proud nudist? And one who’s so very naughty, okay. You did catch that off-color joke about the teddy bear, didn’t you? You didn’t? Well, perhaps you should watch the movie again.

4.    The Dark Side of the Moon reference. For those of you who have actually experienced Dark Side of the Rainbow, I must say… isn’t it just creepy? Um, unfortunately it doesn’t really work with the Muppet version… Line’s still funny, though. As is the “’80s band” summary.

5.    This film follows the original story much better than pretty much any other version of the Wizard of Oz released. And the Munchkins being played by rats was a nice touch, since it allowed Rizzo more screen time while keeping certain story elements intact. (Go read the book if you don’t know why this is so. ‘Tis good.) In addition, LOVE the Munchkin jingle! “Calling all Munchkins! Let’s do lunchkins!”

6.    I like how much fun Kermit seems to have playing the Scarecrow. In fact, I think Kermit, Gonzo and Fozzie are all wonderfully cast as the Scarecrow, Tin Thing and Cowardly Lion. But then, who else would you cast? (I know, I know. Scooter as the Scarecrow. Crazy Harry as Tin Thing. Sam the Eagle as Cowardly Lion. I know, I know.) I also love the design of each character. Very well done, Muppet Workshop or Puppet Heap or whoever was making the puppets at this time. And this is really the first time since The Great Muppet Caper that the three were used as a team again. Love that.

7.    HA! The value of Fozzie’s wallet is increased by the fact that it’s Velcro. *giggle*

8.    Evil bunnies. Evil bunnies should be everywhere in the Muppet universe. Just wish they had popped up again later in the movie, maybe to help fight against the Wicked Witch.

9.    “When I’m With You.” I like this song. Kinda catchy, sweet, fun. And, hey! The Muppets are singing again! Whoo-hoo! And I always crack up over the line “Cashmere is washable!” It’s so random, pointless, and perfect. Pepe: “I don’t have any rhymes for this, okay, so… Cashmere is washable!”

10.    Poppyfields. Groovy, baby! The Electric Mayhem’s song, though lacking in the lyrics department, was fun. And the scene’s also kinda funny.

11.    The secondary Muppet casting. I love Scooter, Bunsen, Beaker and Sam at Emerald City. Perhaps Sam is not the funniest here, but he is well cast. And the initial introduction of Scooter as the “Wizard” is pretty funny. And when are Bunsen and Beaker’s experiments unfunny? … Oh, right. When they involve Kelly Osbourne.

12.    Frank Oz reference. Fanboy says: “Ack! Kermit just said Frank Oz’s name! Eeeeeeeee!” (Freak out; faint; die)

13.    Johnny and Sal as the Wicked Witch’s main henchmen. Hilarious! And love that Johnny’s kind of in love with the Wicked Witch of the West. “No, sugar patch! How could it be?”

14.    Love Fozzie’s volunteering Kermit to stop the Wicked Witch! Poor Kermit. Typical Fozzie. Love it!

15.    “The Witch is in the House.” I love the scene! The song is awkward, but the scene is really amazing. I love all the Flying Monkeys, the lighting is great. The action is good. When I first saw this, it made me think, “Yes, I do want to work for the Muppets.” I should also point out that the Flying Monkeys are great throughout (most) of the film.

16.    “The agony of de-feet!” Yes, Johnny. It is a great pun.

17.    “Do you know what I do to pests?” “You welcome us as part of an unconventional multispecies family?” You know something? I love Rizzo. I don’t think I realized just how funny he was until I started writing this series of articles. Steve Whitmire, you are indeed a genius with that rat. “Eh, Munchkin, actually.”

18.    Quentin Tarantino’s cameo. Do you have any idea how much good is also bad in this movie? Wow. Well, anyway, I really do like the scene itself. I love Kermit’s reaction to Tarantino. And his excitement over affordable entertainment reminds me of The Muppet Show days.

19.    Jeffrey Tambor. (Hey! I wrote Tamboy again!) The very awkward yet pompous nerd that the Wizard turns out to be is a great character. And the revealing of the wig is pretty darn funny.

20.    Piggy’s flirting with Kermit at the end. Dunno. Just like it.

21.    And, finally, the ending makes ya feel good, don’t it? And, no, not just because it’s the end (Stop that, you Kalidah critics!). No, Dorothy reaches her dream, the Muppets get to sing and dance and celebrate as they do best. Okay, so the song’s not the greatest, but it’s still a nice little ending.

Well, initially I was going to make this a four-part series, and I was going to review Hey, Cinderella! Initially, because I remembered disliking it. Then I just re-watched the show and… well, now I guess I like it. Most of it. I still have problems with it, such as how the main focus of the program is entirely on the humans rather than the Muppets. In fact, you could have left the Muppets out altogether and tell basically the same story (couldn’t do that with Muppet Treasure Island, all ye nay-sayers!). However, I don’t think this is enough to base a review on… even though I just did review it.

Wow. This turned out to be a lot longer than I intended it to be. So I guess I’ll stop writing now.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

New Muppet Badges and More with Walt Disney World on Facebook!

Walt Disney World is obviously the happiest place on earth (unless of course you're a bakery that Cookie Monster has wandered into), but did you know they also have the happiest Facebook Profile on earth as well? Well... that might not be true, but, starting today, for Muppet fans it is pretty darn chipper.

Disney debuted a brand new "Give a Day" section to their Facebook profile. And who is the first Disney character you see on this brand-spanking-new page? Why, none other than Sam Eagle, of course (of course?)! Sam is the first of Disney's "Volunteer Spotlights," a selected volunteer who has an incredible story to tell about their volunteering experience. I don't know what makes Sam's story so heroic, but it does have a nice quote from him: "Painting the house red, white, and blue."

But that's not terribly exciting is it? Well, lucky for you there's more! The site also features some really cool "badges" that you can attach to your own Facebook profile or to your blog or other website (see Gonzo and chicken at right).

Did I mention these badges are completely free and look absolutely gorgeous? Because they are. And they do. Yet another reason for Muppet fans to be proud of the job Disney is doing with our favorite fuzzy friends. We're finally seeing some new, quality poser puppet pictures featuring more than just Kermit and Miss Piggy. It's truly a wonderful time to be a Muppet fan.

The Facebook profile also features all of the Muppet TV commercials in one convenient location (as if having them all on The Muppet Mindset wasn't convenient enough for you...). Yet another reason to check out this neat addition to the Muppet "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day." promotion timeline!

So have you volunteered yet? Do you have any interest in volunteering yet? If not, what the heck do these Muppets have to do to inspire you? They're working their non-existent rear ends off here!Give 'em a break, eh? After all... they've been volunteering since September!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

A Little Bit Bert

NEWS UPDATE: January 20, 2010

According to TVShowsonDVD.com, The Jim Henson Company is releasing The Animal Show and Song of the Cloud Forest on DVD on April 13th, 2010. The Animal Show DVD will feature five episodes of the show, "Zebra and Lion," "Tiger and Tiger Beetle," "Raccoon and Polar Bear," "Chimpanzee and Hyena," and "Grizzly Bear and Hedgehog." The Song of the Cloud Forest DVD will include a bonus episode of Fraggle Rock ("River of Life") and two bonus episodes of The Animal Show ("Owl and Frog" and "Kangaroo and Frog").

If you missed Sesame Street's appearance on Cake Boss on Monday, the full episode is now online on TLC's website. Now you too can see Cookie Monster freak out when he receives a giant cookie!

We will return to our Weekly Muppet Wednesday schedule next week.

A Little Bit Bert

Justin H. Piatt - I never identified with Bert. I never understood the character. I could get Oscar. Who hasn’t been a grouch? Ernie was who I wanted to be, and at times I very much am. Grover is a sweet, good-natured, wonderful character that I admire and love. I could identify with almost any Muppet… except Bert.

Then, a few years ago, I realized who this character was, why he worked, and that I truly did identify with him. Perhaps everyone can. I gained a new appreciation for who Bert is. And I—like you and everyone else— am a little bit Bert.

Bert is a surprisingly complex character, despite his initially being perhaps the simplest, most uninteresting of Muppets on Sesame Street. When he was first introduced to the world, Bert was nothing more than the straight man. An old stick in the mud, whose only personality trait was to be dull. But there is so much more to him than that. And here’s why I can relate to Bert.

Though considered a “stick in the mud,” Bert actually can never resist a good game. I identify with this aspect of Bert’s personality – his initial reluctance to join in on a game or one of Ernie’s other activities. For me, I want to join in, but am frequently too shy to do so. With Bert, I think he’d like to do both. He wants the peace and quiet to enjoy his book, but can’t help it when he realizes just how much fun Ernie is having. At the last wedding I attended, I didn’t dance. I didn’t dance until the very last song I was there to hear. In this, I am a little bit Bert.

Bert has his obsessions. His love of pigeons, his fondness of paper clips and bottle caps. Oatmeal. I don’t know if anyone on Sesame Street has ever really questioned Bert’s love of these things, but they certainly don’t share it. Well, I do. Not specifically his love of paper clips and such, but I identify with the love of something unpopular. The “nerd” aspect of Bert’s personality, if you will, in which he preaches the greatness of paper clips, the wonder of bottle caps, the majesty of pigeons, and the oatmealness of oatmeal. All things which are generally considered “uncool” that Bert can’t help but claim otherwise.

I think this is something all Muppet fans can relate to. We are frequently among the “misunderstood.” The “nerds.” Very few under the age of thirty have any sort of appreciation for the Muppets. Muppet fans are very much a minority, even with the recent rise in their popularity. Perhaps Bert expressed this best in his song “I Wish I Had a Friend to Play with Me.” Acknowledging that he knew of no one who shared his interests, he reflected what we all feel at times: A sense of loneliness in our attachment to the Muppets, and a feeling of being out of place at times because of it. But, we know what we love and what we love… is oatmeal. Er, Muppets. We’re not ashamed of it, just as Bert is not ashamed of what he loves most. In this, I am a little bit Bert.

There is much more to Bert to discuss, but this is what I learn from him. This is how I am Bert. Now, how are you a little bit Bert?

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

It's Not Easy Being Mean, Part 2

It's Not Easy Being Mean

British Correspondent - From wicked witches to bitter bankers (try saying that three times fast) the Muppet Villians have always held a strong position within the world in which the Muppets live...Wait? Did I say have always held a strong position? I meant have been held IN a strong prison. The interesting thing about them all, however, is that they are just so very interesting!

Nicky Holiday
In the 1980s, it was a simpler time. Back then, artists were known for their artistry and the illustrious designer Lady Holiday was renowned for her amazing style and flawless presentation. Gaining such a celebrity status in the 80s surely meant you had talent and panache (and perhaps just a hint of décolletage). Having grown up in a rich, upper-class family and under the constantly growing shadow of his sister, it’s little wonder that Nicky Holiday squandered the family inheritance, but unlike today when such behaviour would have gained him an instant cult following and a reality TV programme (*cough* Kim Kardashian *cough*), Nicky probably remained relatively unknown. In fact, his own sister dismisses him as mere "plot exposition." Poor child.

His attention seeking and a need to be noticed are evident from the first mention of Nicky Holiday in The Great Muppet Caper as a box of flowered-socks are delivered. Seeking to be noticed, even if just for his family to start criticising his choice of socks, seems to be a motivating factor for Nicky, and it seems to be this motivation that leads him to become a jewel thief. Stealing from his sister would certainly accomplish many of his apparent needs: Attention seeking, a need to bring his sister down, a feeling of taking back control, perhaps a desire to take-away the fame and things that he feels he deserves after his sister has grown up the "good" and "successful" one of the family.

Thus, Nicky Holiday put into action a plan to steal his sister’s crowning jewel: the Baseball Diamond. This diamond, which is shaped much like a baseball (go figure) is not given a history in the movie, but presumably originated in America since almost no one in England plays baseball, suggesting that it was something Lady Holiday purchased rather than a family heirloom. However, in putting together a plan to take the diamond... Nicky Holiday never counted on one particular glittering gem that was about to fall into his path: namely, Miss Piggy.

Now, he may not have had fame, but Nicky Holiday certainly had enough money to attract plenty of women (you know the type, those tall thin creatures with the long legs, the aquiline noses, the teeth like pearls, soft skin...yeah, makes you sick to your stomach, don’t it?). Following along the diagnosis that he’s seeking to be accepted on a personal level, it’s likely that Nicky Holiday’s relationships were short-lived and unfulfilling. Then one night, out dancing at a club, he met someone who was so unlike any other woman he’d ever known. This woman was, of course, Miss Piggy. Not only was she spell-binding in a non-vapid fashion, she could also type and take short-hand and had been hired as his sister’s receptionist – note once again the need for Nicky to take that which belongs to his sister.

The Nicky Holiday/Miss Piggy chemistry is electric. Even Kermit noticed the way that she was dancing with him, and though Piggy suggested that was just “Silliness” it was clear from the start there was something between them.

The meeting between Miss Piggy and Nicky Holiday backstage at the fashion show is one of the darkest Muppet moments on film. Here, Nicky’s intensity and desire became so strong that even the usually unflappable Miss Piggy appears scared and venerable before him. To see her change from someone so in charge, to someone who feels trapped and in a situation out of her control is frightening to see, and I think this was quite a defining moment in Miss Piggy’s character development. This is also the moment in which Nicky Holiday moves from charming jewel thief to scoundrel and villain.

Nicky makes a perfect nemesis for Miss Piggy because he shares so many of the same insecurities, desires and character traits seen in the pig. He is attention seeking, with an obvious love of jewellery and money and he latches onto Miss Piggy in much the same way that Piggy latched onto Kermit in The Muppet Show. But unlike Miss Piggy, he lacks the balance of love and heart that make her work as a wonderfully rounded character. (Plus, he can’t even sing--his voice was dubbed!)

From this moment on, Nicky’s downfall is imminent as he betrays Miss Piggy, framing her for the jewel theft and making himself an instant target for the team of Muppets determined to prove Piggy’s innocence and to catch him red-handed. A lot of running, diving, and baseball catching later and Nicky Holiday is finally defeated by a pig on a hog, smashing dramatically through the windows of the Mallory Gallery and knocking Nicky to the ground.

But it is Miss Piggy’s parting words that really defeated Nicky Holiday. “That silver’s turned to iron bars, Nicky.” She proved herself strong enough to resist him and to choose the life that she wanted to lead with her frog at her side instead of being forced into his world. “Somehow, along the road I found out the difference between wrong and right... Your wrong.” She turns to Kermit. “He’s right.”

Nicky once said, “I'm a villain, it's plain and simple.” I only hope that he came to realise he wasn’t plain and simple, but rather a complicated guy with complex issues. Maybe he’ll even get a chance to redeem himself one day – maybe working as a security guard at Disney World?

As for this article, I have just one question that still remains regarding Nicky Holiday and his band of modelesque jewel thieves... “What colour are their hands now?”

Ruthlessness: 8 (He was prepared to betray the potential love of his life, but it pained him to do so. I was going to give him a six, but he got two extra points for almost reducing Miss Piggy to tears. Bad man! Bad!)

Sidekick: 8 (Marla, Carla and Darla are delicious to watch together on screen, with their evil plans and the chemistry between them and Nicky is palpable. It’s also possible that they go beyond being sidekicks, however, since it was they who forced Nicky into going ahead with the plan and not visa versa. They got an extra point for the hint of décolletage.)

Evil appearance: 5 (The flowered-socks were a trademark, but hardly frightening.)

Talking the talk: 6 (Defining yourself as a plain and simple villain, an interesting evil monologue does not make. Imagine if James Bond villains did that... James would never have had a chance to get away!)

Likability: 7 (He was incredibly likeable, until he turned against Miss Piggy. Still, his demeanour and wannabe swarveness give him a high likability factor.)

Returnability: 3 (I wouldn’t want him to return, as his story-arc is really over. He set out to prove himself, and... maybe, just maybe, he proved himself wrong.)

Likelihood to date your sister and never call her back: 10 (Yeah, you won’t be hearing from him, sorry Sis.)

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier