Review: The Muppets "Bear Left Then Bear Write"

the muppets "Bear Left then Bear Write" 

In the third episode of the muppets, we are introduced to a few new things: Rowlf's Tavern, which is across the street from the studio, Gonzo is trying online dating (where's Camilla?), and Miss Piggy does not like being embarrassed on live tv (no matter how funny).

This episode felt more muppety than the first two. It showed a lot more muppet interactions and story lines. Christina Applegate makes a great guest star and has a story line that doesn't just fizzle out like the Nick Offerman story. Gonzo also gets a complete story as well. It seems that the show can handle two guest stars, but when they hit three, things start getting a little off-balance. 

It seems weird to make the conscience decision to not include chickens and penguins and talking food in this muppet universe. Those characters, especially Camilla, are integral to the Muppets. We all known Gonzo has a girlfriend named Camilla and we're okay that she's a chicken. I'm not sure it makes it any more of a funny plot line if Gonzo is online dating. Why can't he just be dating on a Chicken Website or something? Anywho, Gonzo and Camilla have been together for a long time and it's a little odd not to get an explanation of why they Camilla has just disappeared. 

I like Rowlf's Tavern a lot. It's fun to see Rowlf and the other Muppets outside the studio. Can't wait to see more of it! I also really liked seeing the pie revenge with Miss Piggy and Scooter. It's always fun to see more Scooter. The introduction of Chip was also really funny and brought a lot of simple humor to the show.

Overall, I felt this episode captured the Muppet humor more so than the first two episodes. However, there is still one thing that has not changed. Kermit is still not Kermit. Why would he lie to Fozzie? He cares about his friends. It doens't take a life-changing situation to get Kermit to care. Let me share this, "Underneath the zaniness or perhaps standing next to it, there was a sense of decency that the characters had, about the world and to each other. [. . .] But at the core, there was always a sense of social values and decency." Jerry Juhl, one of the head writers for the Muppets, said that. I think that's what is missing from the new show.

Let's get these characters back to their core values. They can be funny and zany and goofy and pop culture icons and still be caring and decent to one another.

The Muppets Teaser Breakdown

The internet went Muppet today. Yes, it went Muppet all over the place. You can use Muppet that way, go ahead and try it. The new teaser for the much talked about ABC series had a wonderful trailer that is quickly winning people over with it's humor and close look at the unknown personal lives of the Muppets. However, I would like to add this idea of the Muppets' personal lives is not a new one. The backstage sequences of The Muppet Show were basically the personal lives of the characters. This time we get to see them in a contemporary setting dealing with contemporary problems. And it's just as delightful as expected.

Here's a breakdown of the trailer:

 

Opening shot with a bunch of Muppets and Mahna Mahna playing. Muppet fans love group shots! Look! There's Lew Zealand, the Swedish Chef, Floyd, Animal, Behemoth, Gonzo, Sam Eagle, Walter, Big Mean Carl, Sweetums, a penguin, Dr. Teeth, Dr. Julius Strangepork, Spamela Hamderson, Pops, and Kermit!

 Lower case title card. Nice. And it's a statement. It's what every Muppet fan wants to hear!

Kermit is sitting in traffic. He is just like us!

Rowlf and Scooter discuss Rowlf's surgery . . . and the cone of shame. Scooter is sporting some new threads. There's Uncle Deadly and Janice, too!

Fozzie has a girlfriend! It seems there's some hesitation with her family about interspecies dating. What would Emily Bear think? Fozzie's also wearing a different tie!

Floyd thinks handheld cameras and cut-aways to characters talking is a great idea for the show.

Gonzo, not so much. Until we cut back away to a wide shot. A great bit of humor here. There's Rizzo in the background, eating as usual.

Piggy must be shooting a show or a movie because goodness knows she wouldn't choose to wear this in public. Also, she can't remember anyone but Kermit. That blue guy on the left is Gary.

 

Kermit likes Pigs. He says it and we know it. I mean this is the second time we see Spamela Hamderson in the teaser! Look and there's Zoot and Crazy Harry!

We get to see rare and obscure Muppets?! Thank goodness! Here's Angel Marie, Sunshine (or the Thingy Thing), Chip (a muppet parody of Bill Prady, last seen in the Jim Henson Hour and Muppets From Space) some sort of Frackle-ish muppet, and Beautiful Day.

 In no way is that statement ambiguous. The Muppets are back . . . on television. It's always interesting that Disney keeps saying that the Muppets were gone. They've never been gone, just doing different things.

Uncle Deadly, Sweetums, Kermit, and the Newsman. It's great to see so many characters in just this 2 minute and 41 second teaser.

The Swedish Chef, no doubt working on a dish using power tools. Perfect.

Just look at all of those Muppets!!! Squeeeee!

Bunsen and Beaker are back! So is Wayne and Wanda!

Nothing's funnier than Miss Piggy's big moment ruined by something, in this case a pane of glass. It's also nice to hear her say that the Muppets are her family. A family in which she can't remember anyone's name. You know, except the Tooth Guy.

The band is all here!

Including that blue guy. Don't tell Piggy, but his name is Zoot.

Piggy saving face while Gonzo over hears. Also, Gonzo drinks coffee and still enjoys his chili pepper shirt!

Kermit must have let Fozzie type these title cards. Didn't he learn after Harry Belafonte was on the show? 

The Muppets are back Tuesdays, this fall. In case you had trouble reading.

More Spamela Hamderson! Also Janice! Piggy comes in and takes over this scene promptly, knocking Spamela out of the way. Good for her! Kermit mentions that perhaps Piggy has
"made my bacon-wrapped life a hell on earth." Adult indeed.

And what's a Muppet show without everyone's favorite hecklers, Statler and Waldorf! 

Clocking in at 2 minutes and 41 seconds, this teaser is jam-packed with Muppet goodness for new and old fans alike. If this is any indication of what is to come, then bring it on! It'll be fun seeing the Muppets on television again and bringing laughs to a whole new generation. It's time to play the music and it's time to light the lights this fall on ABC.

Review: Rowlf Plush

Rowlf Plush

In anticipation of Muppets Most Wanted, the Disney Store released a plush Rowlf. Now, I have to say that I have always wanted a Rowlf plush (who hasn't?) and was quite excited to hear this news.

Shortly thereafter, I made a large Muppet merchandise purchase from Disneystore.com (with a lovely cast discount). That purchase included the Rowlf plush. I eagerly placed my order and waited for the magical box to show up at my door. 

When the box came, I was so excited to see my new plush! Rowlf is amazingly large. I was quite surprised and pleased at his 16" height. His fur is super soft and looks great. His face looks fantastic with a nice shiny nose and mouth agape, in true Muppet fashion. He has a slightly flat bottom, so it's easy to prop him up anywhere in your home so guests can see him. On his left foot is the Disney Store Genuine Authentic patch. 

Of the Muppet plushes that I own, I have to say that Rowlf is one of the best. I'm pretty impressed with Bean Bunny, too. 

Final Thoughts:

Go buy one now and you'll be ticklin' the ivories in no time at all. Now you'll have a buddy to go home, read a book, have a couple of beers with, and then take for a walk.