Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Bug

Written by Michael Wermuth.

BUG

Performed by...
Joey Mazzarino

Most notable appearance...
The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (1999)

Best known role...
Huxley's right-hand man--err... bug.

WHO IS BUG?
Bug is one of the most prominent characters in The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland. He works (somewhat reluctantly) for the villainous Huxley. Bug is Huxley's most prominent minion in Grouchland. His duties include flying Huxley's helicopter, playing games with Huxley by himself (and Huxley still wins, despite not playing), making Huxley's breakfast, telling Huxley what the newspaper says about him (since Huxley can't read), and assisting with Huxley's musical number (and marveling at his singing voice). Though often mistreated by his boss, Bug often talks in a rather pleasant tone.

At first, Bug has no problem assisting Huxley with stealing items from the residents of Grouchland. But then when Elmo goes in search of his blanket, Bug and the Pesties are sent to pose as construction workers so they can lead Elmo into a different direction. Bug tells Elmo the alternate route, but then after Elmo thanks Bug and gives him a hug, Bug starts to have a change in heart. When Elmo finally arrives at Huxley's castle and Huxley decides to destroy the blanket, it gets sucked into a vacuum and into the hands of Bug, who then decides to give the blanket back to Elmo. Huxley pleads to Bug, promising to give back everything he had stolen, but Bug just remarks "less talking, more giving!", and then Huxley starts berating Bug, telling him that he's fired (not that Bug cares now).

WHY DOES SESAME STREET NEED BUG?

The bad guy always needs a sidekick, especially a comical sidekick. And besides, if it weren't for Bug, Elmo wouldn't have gotten his blanket back (which we haven't seen since the movie). Bug is one of the bright spots and a great character in an otherwise lackluster movie.

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