Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: The Elvises

Today's article was written by our frequent contributor Kyle Mahoney.

THE ELVISES

Performed by...
Various

First appearance...
Muppet Classic Theater (1994)

Most recent appearance...
It’s A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (2002)

Quotes…
“Thank you, thank you very much. I’d like to thank the both of you.”

“Don’t make me use my karate on you.”

Ben Franklin: I have just discovered electricity!
Elvis: Rockin’ news! Now we can play these electric guitars!

WHO ARE THE ELVISES?
The Elvises are a group of guys who may or may not be Elvis Presley. They all look and sound and act like him, but last time we at The Muppet Mindset checked, there was only one Elvis Presley. But this doesn’t stop these guys.

The Elvises first appeared with the Muppets in Muppet Classic Theater. Due to Rizzo mishearing Gonzo state the title of the next story of "The Elves and the Shoemaker" as "The Elvises and the Shoemaker," when the titular magical creatures come to help Kermit and Robin’s shoe shop, they appear as a group of Elvises (much to Gonzo’s surprise). As in the original story the Elves make a bunch of amazing shoes for the cobbler, but since these are Elvises, they not only sang a rockin’ tune, they created a whole mess of Blue Suede Shoes. In thanks for their help, Kermit and Robin made the Elvises white sequin jump suits and, according to Rizzo, they went to Las Vegas where they play "The Big Room" at The Palace.

After their stint in Las Vegas, the Elvises returned in 1996 for the Muppets Tonight recurring segment "Great Moments in Elvis History" where amazing moments in history are retold the way god intended them… with Elvises. These moments include The Signing of the Declaration of Independence, The King and his Round Table, Elvis of Arabia, Tarzan of Graceland, Sir Elvis Newton, and the death of Elvis Ceasar.

In their last onscreen appearance, The Elvises were featured in the full version of "Moulin Scrooge" in It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie. There, they briefly sing "Jingle Bells," interrupting Miss Piggy’s big "Santa Baby" number.

WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED THE ELVISES?
One thing that makes the Elvises special is that they are solely based on a human and yet they are recurring which doesn’t happen often in the Muppets. Although they don’t do much, they are a funny group of impersonators who I wish would pop up again.

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

Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Sprocket

Written by frequent contributor Kyle Mahoney.

SPROCKET

Performed by...
Steve Whitmire (head, voice)
Karen Prell (tail, right hand)

First appearance...
Fraggle Rock Episode 101: "Beginnings" (1983)

Most recent appearance...
Muppet Treasure Island (1996)

Best known role...
Big Hairy Monster who guards the hole to outer space; Doc's pet and best friend; "Zombie Attack" High Score holder

WHO IS SPROCKET?
Sprocket is a dog who, in all productions of Fraggle Rock, is the pet and best friend of the "Doc" character. Although Sprocket is a Muppet, to everyone he meets, he is seen as a regular dog. Sprocket is able to do humanlike things that most dogs can’t, such as understand whatever language "Doc" is speaking. He is also a wiz at impressions and is known for his impersonation of Ned Shimmelfinny, during which he growls, chokes himself, then faints.

Though he is his master and spends most of his time with him, Doc is not Sprocket’s only friend. Over time, Sprocket formed friendships with the Fraggles living inside the workshop wall. Although at first he is threatened by them, he soon learns to love the little furry creatures. Sprocket's first friendly encounter with a Fraggle came about when Gobo saved him from being stuck in the Fraggle hole. After this encounter, Sprocket no longer seeing the Fraggles as a threat, but still does his best to alert his master of their presence.

Sprocket has successfully entered Fraggle Rock twice, once when Doc pulls up the floorboards and Sprocket decides to dig into the caves to look for Gobo. While there he meets all of the main species: Fraggles, Doozers, Gorgs, and even Marjory the Trash Heap (who can speak fluent dog). Sprocket returns to Fraggle Rock in a later episode simply by digging into a mound of snow while walking with Doc. This time he, Gobo, and Wrench Doozer all go exploring together.

In 1987, Sprocket accompanied Doc to Grizzly Farms in A Muppet Family Christmas to spend a nice quiet Christmas in the country. After the Muppets arrive, Doc is asks Sprocket if the weird creatures are anything like the Fraggles, to which Sprocket replies with a "kind of" hand gesture. He has a spotlight moment when Rowlf the Dog arrives and the two have a conversation by barking (it helps to know a second language). Later, The Swedish Chef tries to cook Sprocket, thinking he's the Christmas turkey. At the very end, Sprocket is seen washing dishes with some fellow named Jim Henson, who suggests Sprocket dry.

Sprocket has made many other, non-descript appearances without Doc by his side. In The Jim Henson Hour we learn Sprocket is a member of the OMD, The Organization of Muppet Dogs. And in the Dog City special, Sprocket gets thrown out of a bar. He also appeared with Traveling Matt at The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years to represent Fraggle Rock. Sprocket also appeared in The Muppets at Walt Disney World, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and Muppet Treasure Island as a background Muppet.

WHY DOES FRAGGLE ROCK NEED SPROCKET?
Because every man needs a best friend, and every Fraggle as well. Sprocket was the connecting tissue between the world of Fraggle Rock and the world of “Outer Space.” Without Sprocket, the Fraggles never would have been discovered by Doc, and vice versa. Sprocket is important because he is an example of a magnificently performed pantomime character who is both comical and realistic at once. Sprocket is a crucial part of Fraggle Rock, and it's very hard to imagine the show without him.

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

Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Mew

Today's article was written by our frequent contributor Kyle Mahoney.

MEW

Performed by...
Steve Whitmire (1986)
Nigel Plaskitt (1994)

First Appearance...
The Christmas Toy (1986)

Last Appearance...
The Secret Life of Toys (1994)

Best Known Role...
Cat toy; Old friend, dear friend, friend who has gone away

WHO IS MEW?
Mew is a simple cat toy made to look like a mouse who appeared in the 1986 TV special The Christmas Toy and the subsequent series The Secret Life of Toys. His owner is Wee-Gee the Cat and he resides in the playroom with the rest of the children’s toys. He is small and has no arms or legs, just wheels which he uses to somehow propel himself. Mew isn’t hated among the kids' toys, but in a way is treated as a lower class citizen for being a cat toy. Upon arrival to any gathering, all toys will say “Pew it’s Mew!” in unison, in reference to the scent of cat nip that he emits (being a cat toy and all).

Mew’s best friend in the playroom is Rugby Tiger, even though he will make fun of Mew and the scent of catnip causes him to sneeze. But it’s because of Mew that the rest of the toys go out to save Rugby after he leaves in the playroom. While trying to help Rugby, Mew discovers Meteora: Queen of the Asteroids and develops a crush on her.  He also has the ability to mimic Wee-Gee which saves the rescue team from being discovered after Meteora begins knocking things down.

While returning to the playroom, Mew is discovered out of his spot by Mr. and Mrs. Jones and is therefore frozen forever. Instead of the Joneses bringing him to the playroom, they put him in the cat’s bed near the Christmas tree. Rugby leaves the playroom and goes to say a final goodbye to his friend who has stood by his side no matter how much of an abusive, one-sided relationship they shared. According to Mew being frozen was very dark and cold, but after Rugby showed his true feelings for Mew and admitting that he was beginning to like the scent of Cat Nip, it got brighter and warmer, and then he woke up. On Christmas morning, we see the Wee-Gee got a new cat toy, whose name also happens to be Mew.

Mew appeared in the series The Secret Life of Toys which featured some of the characters from the special, but also added new ones. Mew had changed in design and in performance. Instead of his wheels he was given arms and legs and he was now performed by Nigel Plaskitt instead of Steve Whitmire. Although Mew was not as criticized for his smell and his social status among the toys, the others would still comment on his stench and refer to him as a cat toy.

WHY DO WE NEED MEW?

Without Mew, Rugby would have successfully gotten into Meteora’s box under the Christmas Tree and the entire Toy Community’s cover would have been revealed leading to every toy becoming frozen forever. He acts as Rugby’s sense of reason, and maybe because he leads a much harder life as a cat toy, he has just about the same wisdom as Balthazar the Teddy Bear.

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

How To... Make School More Muppety

Kyle Mahoney - As the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year approaches, our minds think of very specific things: New shoes, autumn, essays, and, of course, MUPPETS.

As I’m sure most of you can relate, I've been cramming as many Muppets into my summer as possible by watching DVDs, listening to music and burning through my savings by buying Muppet stuff. But as the school year approaches people wonder how they can keep Muppety while also going to classes, doing homework, and dealing with (dramatic pause) people.

But with these five easy steps you can have the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, Muppetational school year ever.

1.   Muppet School Supplies: During your classes you will be using pencils, pens, folders, binders, pencil cases, and lots of other stuff. So do your best to stock up on these items featuring Muppets and Sesame Street characters. And if you are a collector of sorts maybe even your Dinosaurs School Kit! Looking at the beautiful faces of Jim Henson’s creations will make learning even easier!

2.   Muppet Music: This one is a no-brainer. When walking to and from school or to and from classes, just pop in your headphones and listen to the songs you’ve been listening to all summer. These songs will get you amped and ready for education!

3.   Sesame Street: It’s educational... so watch it.

4.   Clubs/Events/Performances: If you are part of a club and need an event to raise funds remember that everyone loves a Muppet movie! Don’t be afraid to host movie nights, many of your classmates will come. Many schools also have performance events where students can show off their stuff. Feel free to be a performer in these events and show off your love of Henson by singing or re-enacting.

5.   Get creative when assigned projects: Many teachers/professors in recent years have been giving students the option to choose their own topics for their papers/projects as long as they stay within the general assignment. This is especially used in Communications and Media classes. But whenever possible try and use the Muppets to help get you better grades.

With these five tips I can 100% guarantee that you will shoot to the top of your class and become valedictorian on your first day of school.*

The Muppet Mindset can not be held responsible for the academic standing of it’s readers--let alone its writers. In addition to the tips above, determination, a good work ethic, brown-nosing, and many other things are the key to getting good grades at school. None of these tips are proven to work, so please don't assume such. Also, don't tell your teachers, parents, or school administrators where you got any of these ideas. We can't handle another lawsuit.

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

Muppet Retro Reviews: Kermit Unpigged

Kyle Mahoney - The same year as Muppet Classic Theatre was released, Jim Henson Records released its last album entitled Kermit Unpigged, a pun on the commonly used phrase "unplugged," meaning acoustic. This album had the Muppets singing duets with various 90s celebrities.

The album has a storyline to it, similar to Bert and Ernie's Sing Along (1975). Kermit and the rest of the Muppets, except Miss Piggy go to the recording studio to record their latest album and they happen upon Ernestine, the front desk lady played by Lily Tomlin who gives them confusing instructions on how to get to their recording booth. They Muppets all go their separate ways looking for the booth.

Kermit soon gets a call from Miss Piggy who wants to talk about their relationship, which leads to the first song "She Drives Me Crazy." This was the main song used in advertisements and was the only song to receive a music video featuring a slew of celebrity cameos. After an argument about who drives who crazy more, Piggy hangs up.

A distraught Kermit walks into the recording booth of Vince Gil who helps him forget his issues by just laying back and watching the clouds in the sky by singing the song "Daydream." In another studio, Rizzo and several rats are playing around when Clifford informs them that the studio belongs to George Benson. He walks in on them and instead of kicking the rodents out, he allows them to stay and sings a duet of "On Broadway" with Clifford and the rats who so happen to live under Broadway.

Kermit comes across a familiar face from The Muppet Show: Linda Ronstadt, who back in 1980 had quite the crush on Kermit. Her feelings are still intact as she politely forces Kermit to sing "All I Have To Do Is Dream," a sweet, lilting ballad.

Miss Piggy eventually gets to the studio and to no surprise begins looking for Kermit. Instead of finding him, she stumbles into the booth of Ozzy Osbourne. He invites her in and begins to sing "Born to be Wild," and at first she is hesitant but decides to get into it. Afterward, a hungry Rizzo happens upon "Jimmy's Buffet" but Gonzo soon tells him the sad truth. Rizzo goes down the hall to a door labeled "Meatloaf" and Gonzo goes inside. Jimmy tells Gonzo about his extraterrestrial adventures through the song "Mr. Spaceman," perhaps this was part of the inspiration for Muppets from Space.

Next, Kermit finds Don Henley who decides to sing the classic "Bein' Green" with Kermit. After Don leaves, Kermit is left alone and begins to sing an acoustic version of "Wild Thing" on a ukulele. Animal and Floyd walk in and Animal begins to take control of the song. Floyd takes the vocals and it is one of the last full vocal performances of Floyd by Jerry Nelson (and it's great).

Floyd and Animal leave and Robin comes in the studio with his uncle. The two decide to enjoy the alone time and sing "Can't Get Along Without You." This is once again a beautiful performance by Jerry Nelson and perhaps the best track on the album--a really underrated Muppet song. In the final song, all of the Muppets are finally in the right booth and they record the Beatles classic: "All Together Now." After the song the Muppets begin to leave as the secretary ask who is paying and they all scatter out of the studio leaving Kermit to pay the bill.

This album is a great example of the vocal performances of the early 90s Muppet performers. Steve Whitmire had perfectly gotten his Kermit down and, as previously stated, it was one of the last singing performances of Jerry Nelson as Robin and Floyd. This also was one of the rare pre-Muppets Tonight performances of Clifford; especially since 1994 was one the heights of Elmo's popularity.

Kermit Unpigged isn't one of the most remembered Muppet moments, nor is it the best thing to ever happen to the Muppets. But it is fun, catchy, and a treat to listen to in its entirety or just for one song.

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

Muppet Retro Reviews: Muppet Classic Theater

Kyle Mahoney - Muppet Classic Theater was a straight to VHS feature-length production released in 1994. In a similar vein to the previously released film The Muppet Christmas Carol, the Muppets are retelling classic stories. It takes place in the Muppet Theater where Gonzo and Rizzo once again become the narrators as the rest of the gang act the story on stage.

The six stories told are The Three Little Pigs, The Midas Touch, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, (followed by a brief intermission) then Rumpelstilskin, The Emperor’s New Clothes, and The Elves and the Shoemaker. This production was significant in that it was one of Bill Barretta’s first Muppet productions. This also was the debut of some Muppets Tonight faces: Andy Pig, Randy Pig, and the Elvises.

Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Rizzo, Fozzie, and even Robin the Frog each take the stage, some in several roles, bringing their own flair and classic breaking the fourth wall into these timeless tales. Each story featured one original song by Philip Balsam, Dennis Lee (both of Fraggle Rock fame), Mark Radice, and Michael and Patricia Silversher.

Some of the best moments of the video include Miss Piggy sending the Big Bad Wolf into orbit via fireworks, Gonzo (as a Satyr) taking a nap in King Kermit’s rose bush, and Norman the Ox thwarting another wolf. Other hilarious moments are Piggy finding out Rumplestiltskin's name by looking at the name his mother had sewn into his clothes, Robin revealing that Emperor Fozzie was scammed and is in his underpants, and lastly the Elvis Elves receiving Sequin Jumpsuits as thanks.

One of the writers, Jim Lewis, had this to say about the project:

"My personal favorite among my own projects is Muppet Classic Theater which I co-wrote with Bill Prady. It was done relatively soon after Jim's passing, and it was in many ways a re-gathering of the clan. It was fun. Plus it's just silly, with no great message. I'm fond of it and hope it sees the light of DVD someday."

Although Muppet Classic Theater has only been released on VHS, you can watch it all right HERE with this link to Part 1.

All in all Muppet Classic Theater is an absolute delight. The songs are catchy and the script is fantastic in giving the Muppets their classic humor while also giving respect to the original stories.

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

The Most Annoying Things About Being a Muppet Fan

Kyle Mahoney - Awhile back, I was chatting with the Mindset's own Ryan Dosier about obnoxious things that happen to us as Muppet fans. I decided that it should be put into an article so all Muppet fans could revel in the annoyance. I even asked other Muppet fans for their submissions. If you would like to submit more annoying things for a future article, email us at muppetmindset@gmail.com. Anyway... here it is!

• Everyone who sees the following pictures will put them on your Facebook wall:

• Explaining the following things to your friends:
• What exactly Fraggle Rock is
• The Muppets and Sesame Street are the kind of the same thing but kind of not
• The Disney buyout of the Muppets its affects Kermit's presence on Sesame Street
• Ernie and Bert are just friends
• Sesame Street is still okay to watch when you're into your 20s
• Coping with the cruel realities of...
• Still not being able to own Seasons 4 and 5 of The Muppet Show
• Admitting Studio DC: Almost Live and The Muppets' Wizard of Oz both happened
• Not being able to find any Fraggle Rock stuff
• People not knowing the band members of the Electric Mayhem except Animal
• Not living near any other huge Muppet fans

Fan Submissions:
"The most annoying thing about being a Muppets fan is whenever it crops up in conversation it's usually followed by someone singing Mahna Mahna and you have to pretend it's SO funny and nobody has EVER done that to you before." From launchpadmcquinn

"the assumption that Cookie Monster no longer eats cookies, only vegetables." From submarinefloats

"When you're a 20 year old muppet fan and people laugh at you because 'it's a kid's show'" from anonymous

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

Weekly Human Wednesday: Long John Silver

Today's Weekly Human Wednesday post was written by Kyle Mahoney. Kyle wishes to apologize for his long absence from writing for the Weekly Human Wednesdays series. He was stuck in a bank vault for three months with only Honey Nut Cheerios to eat. It was rough.

LONG JOHN SILVER

Performed by...
Tim Curry

Appeared in...
Muppet Treasure Island (1996)

Acquaintances and Shipmates...
Benjamina Gunn (former flame), Jim Hawkins (friend), Polly Lobster (Pet)

Best known role...
Head cook on the Hispaniola, Briefly the Captain of the Hispaniola, former first mate to Bernie Flint, the
One Legged Man.

Memorable quote(s)...
"Talking... parrots?"
"Bright as paint you are lad, bright as paint!"
"You're honest and brave and true. You didn't learn that from me."

WHO IS LONG JOHN SILVER?
Years before the adventures of Jim Hawkins, Captain Bernie Flint buried a treasure and left his crew for dead, but not all of his crew. His first mate was Long John Silver, who survived Flint's attack and vowed to get the treasure back.

Billy Bones also knows of this story, and warns Jim Hawkins, Gonzo, and Rizzo to beware the One-Legged Man, for he brings death. On the great ship Hispaniola the gang meets Long John Silver, who is the cook for the voyage and they befriend him, even after seeing his one leg and meeting his shifty pet, Polly Lobster.

It is learned that Long John Silver was able to persuade Mr. Bimble to hire the questionable crew that lies under the command of Captain Abraham Smollet. During the voyage, Long John and Jim become close friends, almost father and son. Jim eventually reveals to Long John that he was in possession of the map before being forced to give it to Smollet. After Polly Lobster, Clueless Morgan, and Mad Monty were put in the brig, Long John comes to visit to tell them his revised plan for mutiny. Silver then tricks Mr. Samuel Arrow into giving him his keys and abandons him in a lifeboat.

Soon, Jim, Gonzo, and Rizzo learn of his plans and Captain Smollet decides to let them go to the island and will leave them all there for a year or so. But Long John, being the sneaky genius he is, brings Jim along with them. On the island Jim is forced by Long John to guide the pirates to the treasure. His crew begins to turn on him when there is no treasure in the chests, but using his power of persuasion, he gets their trust back.

We also learn that in the past, Long John had a romance with Benjamina Gunn, who refers to him as "Loooooooooooooooong John." But their reunion is cut short when he threatens her former fiancé Smollet. He hangs the two lovers above the ocean and heads for where Benjamina has hidden the treasure.

During the final battle, Long John does battle with Smollet and loses quickly. He gives up his sword with honor to Jim and is brought upon the Hispaniola to be brought to trial back in England. He escapes, steals the treasure and almost makes off in a lifeboat until Jim finds him and almost blows his cover. After a heartfelt exchange, Jim tells Long John to leave, and he does. But in the very end Mr. Arrow informs the Captain that Long John took a very unsafe lifeboat, and he is later seen trying to save his treasure in his sinking little boat.

WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED LONG JOHN SILVER?
Because it would have been a very boring movie otherwise. Long John is a brilliant, filthy villain, but is still able to have a heart and still honors the friendship he made with Jim. Long John needs to be there so that there is adventure, without him then it would have been a simple mission. Long john brings the action and Tim Curry had the perfect cockney accent to make a human character as vibrant as a Muppet.

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