Continuing my countdown of the Top Ten TV shows ever made.
6: The Muppet Show
I still remember where I was on May 16th 1990, the day Jim Henson died. My English class was participating in a special journalism day. We had been excused all other lessons and were busy writing our own newspaper. As is usually the case in modern media, our investigative journalism went only so far as listening to the news on the radio and copying whatever stories they went with.
I think it was just after lunch when they announced Henson had died. It affected me profoundly. The muppets were a huge part of my cultural landscape growing up, and each of it’s wonderful characters were tattooed on my soul. When we got our first VHS video recorder I carefully recorded every episode and watched them over and over until the tape wore out (a level of dedication which would not be repeated until my teenage years when I developed a healthy preoccupation with certain parts of the film “Weird Science”).
By all accounts Henson was a gentle and peaceful man, and this was reflected in his creative output. Even the briefest analysis of the Muppets reveals an underlying beauty and warmth which has rarely been seen since it passed. And the show was bloody funny too. Henson’s long time partner in puppetry, Frank Oz, was a exceptionally skilled comic and his creations; Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear to name but two; are worthy additions to any comedy hall of fame.
I wrote Jim Henson’s obituary that day, and had to pretend to my classmates that I wasn’t crying while I did it. Looking him up on wikipedia I’ve discovered that he died of streptococcus pneumonia, the same disease that took Joseph. Somehow that means something to me, but I’m not sure what.
His creations live on of course, now owned by the Disney corporation. And while they still exhibit the odd flashes of brilliance (Muppets from Space), they are now merely puppets. The life force has somehow been sucked out of them. If you have time take a look at this account of Jim Henson’s funeral. If it doesn’t bring a lump to your throat then nothing will.
The Time : Sometime during 1978
The Place : An appallingly scruffy student house in Headingley
The Occasion : A quick sunday lunchtime slurp at The Oak.
So I called round for the six lads who lived in those appallingly scruffy student digs in order to partake of some of Tetley’s most excellent ale of a Sunday lunch, and bearing in mind that pubs only opened for two hours on a Sunday in those halcyon days - time was of the essence if you were to fit in the maximum liquid quantity.
I walked in the shared living room to find them all sat on the floor transfixed in front of a tv set, refusing to move, even for Mr Tetley.
The reason ?
The first series of The Muppet Show to be shown in the UK, 12 noon on a Sunday lunchtime - it buggered up our appointment with Mr Tetley for six weeks, and I’d like to say it was worth it.
OK, maybe it was worth it.
Gary’s last blog post..Goodbye, goodbye, we’re leaving you goodbye…
I absolutely loved The Muppets - Beaker in particular and Pigs In Space. Fond and many are my memories of sitting round the tv at my grandparents (they had a colour one which was paid for by putting 50 pence pieces in the slot) almost crying with laughter at their escapades. I always felt a bit sorry for Gonzo though and Fozzy - just once I wanted someone to laugh at his jokes.
Waldorf and Steadtler (don’t think I’ve spelt that right) became role models in terms of how to live my life.
My only critiscism is that there wasn’t more of a crossover between the occupants of Sesame St and The Muppets as I absolutely loved The Count and Oscar The Grouch and felt there should have been more of them on our screens - The Count in particular.
Does anyone remember Dinosaurs? Probably after Jim Henson, but still a fantastic Henson production and one of my favourite series of all time. Haven’t been able to track it down.
Also just got a series of the Storyteller which I am looking forward to.
Loved everything Henson
Sam’s last blog post..Waiting….
PS - I still have The Muppet Show double LP, Fozzy bear telling jokes on roller skates.
You have to use your imagination of course.
Gary’s last blog post..Goodbye, goodbye, we’re leaving you goodbye…
I have the first two seasons on DVD and I really should sit down and re-watch them at some point.
Avitable’s last blog post..Fuck Monday already!
I remember the Muppet Show. Great choice.
jason’s last blog post..BOW: The BusyDad Blog
The Muppet Show was a big part of my life growing up. It was “family time” in front of the TV set once a week. I still remember how hard my dad would laugh at the stuff I didn’t quite get yet - the show of course was peppered with bits of more adult humor.
Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog are probably the greatest “romantic” characters ever created for television, in my opinion.
And who could forget the Swedish Chef! Bork bork bork!
Kristina’s last blog post..Riding that endorphin high
now the muppets were class,
Xbox4NappyRash’s last blog post..Arrival
This is the first show on your list with which I agree, wholeheartedly, and I too was taken to tears when I heard of Henson’s death. I couldn’t wait to pass on the joy of the Muppet Show and the rest of Henson’s creations to my own children, who in turn have loved them and will pass them on.
April’s last blog post..Weekend Wrap-Up
@ The muppets: loved em. I was only 6 when Henson died, but I’ve seen my share.
@ Sam: take a look here: Dinosaurs .
Those are at least the first three episodes. I loved this show.
‘Not the mama!!!’hahaha
Arjan’s last blog post..Braaaaaaaaaaaains!
Love the Muppets. I remember the day he died as well. Sad.
Whit’s last blog post..From Poet to Pimp
Finally, we have a show we can agree on. The Meppets were genius and the stellar line-up of guests has made for truly memorable television viewing.
Ed (zoesdad)’s last blog post..Virgin Ears
Umm. That’s Muppets.
Ed (zoesdad)’s last blog post..Demoralizing Dad—The Piano Showdown
Good stuff!
Donna’s last blog post..Miss Guided
Muppet Show, Genius, simple Genius!!
:)
Dinosaurs? Yet another great show.
Let us not forget,
“Dance your cares away
Worry’s for another day
Let the music play …”
So many great character came out of that man!
I still have the People Magazine with the article of his death!
I cried for hours! Yep I admit it!
:)
Jeff S’s last blog post..New Bathroom?
Love, love, love the Muppets. We have the first and second seasons on DVD and I think the third comes out in May. I’m looking forward to it.
One of our favorite clips is the Muppet versions of Henson, Oz and Nelson….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rg0VTiL6YUE
Brandon’s last blog post..Quick Question - Would You Listen To My Show?
I miss the muppets. I still remember Debbie Harry appearing with them. God she looked stunning, much more so than with her regular band. And I loved the two old guys who just slagged everything off. I wonder if it’s on a budge DVD somewhere? Dudelet’s never seen them…
(un)relaxeddad’s last blog post..Crikey, is that the time?
I loved Sunday nights with the Muppet Show. Sigh. Jim Henson was kind of amazing wasn’t he. Sighhh.
Jo Beaufoix’s last blog post..Bad Mummy and birthdays
I can remember watching the first muppet movie with you in the early days of our relationship, and thinking I can’t go far wrong with a guy who says this is one of his favourite films