Monday, January 23, 2012

Muppet Marathon


My family has a new-found love; watching old episodes of The Muppet Show. We've borrowed seasons one, two and three from the library and introduced our kids to this gem of a show. It's like nothing that is televised today. I'd even go as far to call it wholesome. I've never been a fan of wholesome, and perhaps this show doesn't quite fit that description, but compared to what passes for kids' shows today, it's downright pure. Yet, everyone in the family (even me with my less than vanilla and mainstream tastes) can find something to enjoy.

The recent release of a new Muppet Movie piqued our children's interest in rediscovering this old series. As much as I despise relying on Hollywood as a mechanism to spark my children's love of something new, there have been some instances when a good movie has opened the door to even new worlds of books for kids. And that's a success as far as I'm concerned.

Our newest family game is to list our absolute favorite and absolute least favorite Muppet. Some of the favorites in our household include Kermit, Rolph the dog, the crotchety old guys in the balcony (Statler and Waldorf), Animal, the Swedish Chef, Beaker and Doctor Bunsen Honeydew. Miss Piggy consistently ranks as least favorite. I understand why that's so, although I find it a shame that the sole leading female Muppet is so easily despised. It's one of the shows great weaknesses.

On top of the great Muppet performances, it's kind of fun to watch the famous stars of the 1970's and 80's sing along with the characters. They never tried to steal the show from the Muppets, but graciously played their goofy roles and displayed low-key versions of their prodigious talents to help fill up the air-time for this variety show.

I wish something like The Muppet Show still existed today. Would you watch? And by the way, who is your favorite and least favorite Muppet?

5 comments:

Wynter said...

We love the Muppets! For me it's tie between Miss Piggy (she is pink, after all) and the Sweedish Chef.

Michelle Polaris said...

Oooh, I'm glad someone votes for Miss Piggy as favorite. Pink!!!!!

Paige Tyler said...

Love the Muppets! Especially KErmit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and Animal! Can't wait to se the movie!

*hugs*
Paige

Hot Ash Romance Novels said...

I love Muppet movies too! I caught bits of the shows as my daughter was growing up and watching the originals. Yeah, yeah, I'm old.

It was always a great feeling when you can trust your kids to be entertained without one of those "Mommy, what's that?" questions.

Callie Croix said...

I don't know if my kids have ever seen the Muppets. Will have to remedy that and see what they think!