Columns

Consume This: The Muppet Show

The Muppet Show has to be one of the greatest television shows of all time. Despite its rather dated material, it still retains humor and can raise laughs from me even now. I’ve heard rumors that people have been talking about a new version of the show, but whoever decides to pick it up has a high standard to hold. Recently I purchased the first three seasons on DVD; they can be picked up from Amazon for decent prices.

During my vacation in Washington, D.C., I had the amazing fortune to see a traveling exhibit in the Smithsonian all about the imagination and world of Jim Henson.  The man was a genius. Everything from his original television commercials to the Dark Crystal was on display. The exhibit also had a ton of Henson’s original sketches and concept drawings, which was really cool to see.  But even looking at all of that, I still have to believe that the Muppet Show was the key achievement. It was the catalyst for all the puppetry innovations and creativity from the Henson company for years to come.

The character design was terrific; from Kermit to Miss Piggy, even to Scooter, the PA who was ostensibly the nephew of the theatre’s owner. But the interaction between the human guests and the Muppets is something that I can’t think I’ve seen coming before the advent of the Muppet Show.

I really enjoy the Muppet Show – it really isn’t what would be considered a sketch show these days.  The entire show was tied together by a crisis backstage, really making it something unique: not a sketch show, not a sitcom – just good. And as for Jim Henson’s contributions to culture and entertainment, the Muppet Show is a very important part, but let’s not forget Sesame Street and all the magic that his puppeteering philosophy has created.

I leave you with Big Bird singing “It’s Not Easy Being Green” at Jim Henson’s memorial.