Original air date: October 12, 1978
I’m sure you’ve read every single Muppet Show episode review we’ve ever posted here on ToughPigs.com. But in case you haven’t, here’s a quick recap: In Season 1, we all observed the many ways in which The Muppet Show was finding its feet. Was Midlred Huxtetter a character worth keeping around? What did a guest star do? And were the Talking Houses actually funny? Season 2 was where the show started to get its acts together. Bunsen got Beaker! Episodes got plots! Elton John even showed up! But what about Season 3?
Well, it’s a little early to tell. But if the James Coco episode says anything, it’s that Season 3 is where things get so good, they start to look easy for the Muppet Show crew. Not easy for the Muppets, of course, who are thoroughly injured in a variety of ways throughout this production. But easier for the writers, the puppeteers, the crew. I’m sure it’s not easy, of course, but good writing will create that illusion.
More so than any episode I’ve watched prior, the James Coco episode relies on fans’ knowledge of the Muppets and their roles on the show. In the second act, Coco tries to bring some Broadway razzle-dazzle to the Muppets’ otherwise “dull, slow-moving” acts. To do so, he keeps forcing various unrelated dancers into the acts.
This absolutely requires us to know the problems that the Swedish Chef, Wayne, and Dr. Bob usually face. The hard work was done in Seasons 1 and 2; now it’s time to have fun. After all, this is a joke that works because, when we see the Chef, we already know he’s going to do a miserable job. We have to imagine that, when confronted by Coco’s additions, he’ll react violently, probably with some kind of weapon. We have to know that there is absolutely no way that Dr. Bob will be funny, or that Wayne will successfully sing a song. And of course, we do. The Muppet team has this under their belt at this point, and they know we’re all fully along for the ride.
And what a ride it is. I don’t want to do a play-by-play, but this episode has some amazing moments packed into twenty minutes and change. Rowlf sings “Eight Little Notes” along with the first appearance of his talking Beethoven bust. Coco sings a cute version of “Short People” with some clever camera staging.
But of course, if you want to talk about pulling out all the stops, let’s take a look at that opening number. If you’d asked me when I was a very small child what my favorite Muppet Show sketch was, I would have 100% gone with this, “Octopus’s Garden.” Of course, it’s a classic, catchy song. More importantly, the “underwater” puppetry effects are so well-done and the scene is full of weird, unexpected sea creatures. In the end, we’re at the point in the show where they built a monster flounder to chase Animal, and, based on my research, they never even used it again in any Muppet production. They built this giant monster puppet to use once. That’s confidence, folks. If only the Muppets themselves had that attitude. Guess they need more Broadway razzle-dazzle.
MVM (Most Valuable Muppet): What would happen to the ToughPigs rankings if I said that giant flounder monster? I’m in charge of this review and I say the flounder monster.
Best Joke: Sam and Floyd are such great foils for each other, and that’s so clearly on display in the backstage segment that precedes “Eight Little Notes.” When Sam threatens to quit, and Floyd says “On your way out, would you empty the garbage?” Perfect joke.
Worst Joke: The séance bit isn’t bad per se(ance), but it’s not great either. They can’t all be winners, even in an episode with a lot of winners.
Coolest Puppetry Trick: Watch the underwater “Octopus’s Garden” number. It’s pretty terrific, folks.
First Appearance Of: Rowlf’s talking Beethoven bust! Currently appearing as a Diamond Select action figure accessory, on my bookshelf next to Marvel’s Cyclops.
Musical Highlight / Most Classic Moment: As much as I love “Octopus’s Garden” and “Short People,” the real lasting classic is Rowlf and Beethoven’s “Eight Little Notes.” It’s adorable and such a Rowlf standard it would later appear on the hit Rowlf solo album Ol’ Brown Ears is Back.
Obscure Character Watch: OK, I know it’s technically just a Whatnot, but technically the blue, sunglasses-wearing Whatnot would later appear in Muppets Tonight as Zippity Zap. He’s also joined in the Short People band by Shakey Sanchez, a minor Muppet monster whose main role was being musically devoured alive by Gene the Behemoth.
Answers to the Questions in Paragraph 1: Probably should’ve tried harder to keep her, probably not do funny voices on Muppet News any more, not even once
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by Evan G
