Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Fleet Scribbler

Today's article was written by Mike Baldasare with edits by Ryan Dosier.

FLEET SCRIBBLER

Performed by...

Jerry Nelson

First appearance...

The Muppet Show Episode 204: Rich Little (1977)

Most recent appearance...

(On-Screen) The Muppet Movie (1979)

Muppet Robin Hood #4 Comic Book (2009)

Best known role...

Gossip journalist for "The Daily Scandal"

WHO IS FLEET SCRIBBLER?

Fleet Scribbler is a very aggressive reporter for the so-called "gossip rag" The Daily Scandal. He sometimes proves to be a major annoyance to Kermit when he stops by to report on The Muppet Show. Fleet first appeared in The Muppet Show Episode 204, guest starring Rich Little. In this episode, Fleet was one of the reporters who interviewed Rich Little by the stage door.

Fleet made his only major appearance in Episode 210 guest starring George Burns, where he blackmailed his way around The Muppet Show, hassling Kermit and cavorting with Miss Piggy. Fleet Scribbler was such a dedicated and prepared reporter that he could even speak fluently to The Swedish Chef. This unreasonable reporter gave Kermit a negative headline about snooping flies and also gave Gonzo a possible headline "Gonzo Fiddles While George Burns."

Fleet's final times on The Muppet Show came in Season 3, when Kermit spoke to him on the phone in Episode 304 and in Episode 311 where he was one of the dancers who stole Fozzie's jokes during "At the Dance." Fleet's last on-screen appearance was in The Muppet Movie finale. His most recent appearance in any medium was a cameo in the fourth issue of BOOM! Studio's Muppet Robin Hood comic book.

WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED FLEET SCRIBBLER?

Fleet Scribbler has not appeared since 1979, and with reasons for why not coming all the way from the top. Head writer Jerry Juhl noted how "abrasive and awful" the character was to write for. Really, the Muppets don't need a character like Fleet Scribbler, but bringing in a goofy, unforgiving reporter type every once in awhile could provide a laugh... but we probably won't be seeing that anytime soon.

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