Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Annie Sue

Written by Ryan Dosier.

ANNIE SUE

Performed by...
Louise Gold

First appearance...
The Muppet Show Episode 214 (1977)
Officially introduced in The Muppet Show Episode 302 (1978)

Most recent appearance...
Muppets Most Wanted (2014) 

Best known role...
Cute, young, talented girl pig; Miss Piggy's rival 

WHO IS ANNIE SUE?
Annie Sue is a talented young girl pig known for singing and being irresistible. She is eager and earnest and seemingly innocent. She admires Miss Piggy greatly, but Miss Piggy despises Annie Sue--mostly out of jealousy. Annie Sue first appeared in the background in Episode 214 of The Muppet Show, sporting a hot pink wig and singing with Elton John. She made a few other background appearances in Season 2, but she was not officially introduced as a character until Episode 302 guest starring Leo Sayer.

In Episode 302, Annie Sue received her biggest role she would ever get, as Miss Piggy's heated rival. Kermit hired Annie Sue, which completely tried Miss Piggy's patience. Of course, Annie Sue tries to be sweet and excited to meet Miss Piggy, but Piggy will have none of it. When Kermit refers to Annie Sue as "the Muppets' delightful little lady of song," Miss Piggy snaps. The last straw breaks when Kermit kisses Annie Sue on the cheek, and Piggy launches violently at Kermit out of anger. Thankfully, Annie Sue gets to perform "Carbon Paper" uninterrupted by Piggy's rage, a classic song for the character.

Annie Sue threatened Miss Piggy's star role again in Episode 306 when she is cast in the Melodrama sketch that Piggy usually partakes in. Unfortunately, stage fright gets the best of Annie Sue, who is too scared to go on, so Miss Piggy sweeps in to take the role. Piggy gets tied to railroad tracks and isn't saved in time... leaving Annie Sue safe and sound. One of Annie Sue's most popular numbers was her part in "The Rhyming Song" with Fozzie, Scooter, and Link Hogthrob. Annie Sue sang an entire section of the song by herself and said, "That was quite good, really" when it was over.

Unfortunately, after midway through Season 3, Annie Sue dropped significantly in importance and appearances. She was relegated completely to background appearances throughout the rest of The Muppet Show's run. Although she still appeared in quite a few episodes and major numbers, Annie Sue never had a star moment again. However, in the final episode of The Muppet Show, Annie Sue made one last ploy for Miss Piggy's hatred. After Roger Moore sings a romantic song to Miss Piggy, Annie Sue shows up as Roger's date... in true Annie Sue fashion.

Annie Sue made background appearances in The Great Muppet Caper and The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years and even in the audience of Muppets Tonight, but was never heard from again. She has appeared in many publications as well, but not onscreen since 1997. However, that will all change in 2014, when Annie Sue will appear in Muppets Most Wanted. Annie Sue has appeared in many of the trailers for the new film. This is extremely exciting news for fans of Annie Sue... and extremely frustrating news for Miss Piggy.


WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED ANNIE SUE?
Annie Sue could be developed into such a fantastic character. Not only does she fill a much-needed female role in the Muppet troupe, but she also showcases the great talent of Louise Gold. The fact that Annie Sue has no idea how Miss Piggy truly feels about her is a fantastic character trait, making her perfectly innocent and delightfully funny as well. She's a perfect foil for Miss Piggy's massive ego and could function to keep her grounded. I sincerely hope that Annie Sue's role in Muppets Most Wanted is enough to bring her out of obscurity and to develop her into something really great when matched up against the mighty Miss Piggy.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com