Liza Minnelli and the Muppets work together so well, it almost seems unfair to other celebrities who’ve worked with them. She gets their sense of humor; she believes in them and treats them like real people … er, creatures; and she takes everything silly and strange they throw at her and tosses it right back while hitting every note. It is truly a tour de force performance when she guest stars on The Muppet Show, and there is little mystery why – it’s because she’s right at home with them. Her “death” scene in particular had me in stitches, so if nothing else entices you to seek out and watch this episode, look into it to hear her exclaiming a hammy, “Mmmm buh-bye!”
But it’s not just Liza with a Z who makes this episode stand out. It’s also the format – a wild (semi-)departure from the variety show format, this week’s entry is presented like a traditional television drama episode with a murder mystery through-line. And the episode’s device of incorporating the big musical numbers by making the murders take place during a play rehearsal at a theatre that looks very suspiciously like the Muppet Theater is as convenient as it is clever.
This episode also features my current favorite running gag – when the first Muppet is murdered (Dr. Julius Strangepork playing the play’s director, Fritz), Gonzo leads a big musical number where everyone dresses as angels and sends him off to the afterlife, complete with an ending where Strangepork/Fritz’s dead body ascends to the heavens. It’s so unexpected and bizarre and wonderful, and it leads to Gonzo zipping into frame every time someone dies in his angel robe and halo, attempting to lead them all in another song. It never works, but it sure cracks me up every time.
The musical numbers showcase why Liza is rightfully held in such high regard, the jokes fly as fast and as funny as ever, and the departure from our regularly sequenced format all combine to make this a truly classic episode of The Muppet Show!
Best Joke: Detective Kermit enters a darkened dressing room to look for the murderer and we hear his internal monologue say that it’s not just the darkness that scares him, it’s the creepy music they always play. A masterful fourth-wall break.
Lamest Joke: When Liza finds a knocked-out Kermit, she opines that she was worried he croaked. Kermit replies, “Well I tried to, but I was too weak.”
… Oh sorry, did I say lamest? It’s the second-best joke in the show!
MVM (Most Valuable Muppet): Kermit leads the plot and elevates himself with his hard-boiled detective role, never winding up with egg on his face.
Coolest Acting-With-Puppets Trick: There’s a moment after Scooter is murdered where Liza calls Kermit up to the dressing room. As he ascends the stairs, Liza watches his steps until he’s in frame. But there’s no way Kermit actually walked up all those stairs – Liza simply moves her head to mimic watching him do this. Subtle and simple but so spectacular.
Musical Highlight: Masterful singing, dancing, and staging make “Copacabana” a true highlight!
One More Thing…: Fun Fact from the always amazing Muppet Wiki: The episode’s murder mystery theme and film noir atmosphere garnered the attention of the Mystery Writers of America. In 1980, the Raven Award (given for outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of fiction writing ) went to The Muppet Show for the episode (submitted as “Muppet Murders”).
One More One More Thing…: During the UK bit, singing dogs are killed off one by one and it ends with Animal receiving a tomahawk to the head. Without missing a beat, Animal laughs and rasps “Still alive! Live!” Good lord, Frank, are you trying to kill me?
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by Matt Wilkie
