When JIM HENSON left us 33yrs ago today, Disney Imagineers sent this drawing

[Auggie]

20. It's, uh, lame

Last edited Wed May 17, 2023, 08:30 PM - Edit history (1)

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

The Muppets work best in sketch comedy.

As noted upthread, early efforts included appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, Sesame Street, and 1976's The Muppet Show -- sketch comedy. It made them stars. Innovation, masterful puppetry, character design and characterization was Henson's focus! Quirky, quick humor, some so groan-inducing you can't help but smile. Catch The Muppet Show reruns on Disney+ and you'll see.

What doesn't work -- or is hugely challenging to make work -- was/is relationship humor among cast regulars (Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, etc) that could play out in a full 90 minute storyline or over 8 episodes or more. Jason Segal made it worse by adding pathos in his 2011 film. Only about 15 minutes is worth watching.

I like the ABC effort, Muppets 2015, because it drew upon that sketch comedy formula and was actually funny. I believe ABC didn't give it time to fully develop and cancelled it too soon.

I don't know where to start with Muppets Mayhem. I watched episode three the other night and fell asleep half-way through. Booor-ing.