The Great Muppet Survey: Lucas Ervin

Answers from Lucas Ervin

1.   Who are your three favorite characters from The Muppet Show, Muppets Tonight, The Jim Henson Hour, the Muppet movies, etc. and why?
It’s obvious that Kermit is the greatest on The Muppet Show, but I’d have to say Fozzie, Floyd and Rowlf. Fozzie was incredibly sweet, Floyd had a fantastic singing voice and I loved watching Rowlf play the piano... but what all three of them had in common was that they were really good at being incredibly funny without trying too hard.

2.   Who are your three favorite characters from Sesame Street and why?
Ernie, since he’s just so sweet and lovable; Cookie Monster, because he’s hilariously impulsive; and Kermit the Frog, who was the perfect teacher.

3.   Who are your three favorite characters from Fraggle Rock and why? 
Wembley, I feel like I’m the most like him... Mokey, because she was bubbly, poetic, motherly, funny and just a tad bit air-headed without seeming unintelligent... Convincing John and Cantus are tied here, because they’re both very unique to the show; I loved how Convincing John was just wild and all over the place, like a combination of a used car salesman and Krusty the Clown. Cantus was fantastic for being quite silly in displaying wisdom.

4.   What is your favorite television program starring any of Jim Henson's creations (e.g. The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Dinosaurs, etc.) and why?
While The Muppet Show means the world to me, Fraggle Rock teaches you everything you’ll ever need to be a decent, honest person in life. I think every kid should be made to watch that program at some point.

5.   What is your favorite Muppet movie and why?
The Muppet Movie. The first film encapsulates everything the Muppets stand for.

6.   What is your favorite Muppet/Sesame/Fraggle song and why?
"We’re Not Gonna Stop" from The Muppets at Walt Disney World, "Do The Rubber Duck" by Ernie on Sesame Street, and "The Rock Goes On" from Fraggle Rock.

7.   If you could have dinner with any living Muppet performer who would you choose and why?
Frank Oz. Even if he’s somewhat quiet and distant, I still would be sitting there in awe of everything this guy has accomplished.

8.   If you could tell Jim Henson one thing, what would it be?
Can I give Kermit a hug?

9.   If the President called you and asked to discuss Muppet projects, what would you tell him was the "Greatest Muppet Moment of All Time"? 
Seeing all the Muppet characters holding hands as they’re about to go on stage and sing Rainbow Connection with Kermit and Piggy in The Muppets. There is no greater underdog story out there than these wild but loving characters doing their best to put on a show.

10.   What's the name of that song?
Just an Old Fashioned Love Song

11.   If a judge ruled that Grover had to be your personal assistant for a month, what jobs would you have him do?
Grover is just a puppet. Next.

12.   In your opinion, what is the worst Muppet production ever made?
I’d have to say Muppets Tonight… it’s the worst in that it’s the most detrimental of all projects. Here is where we see the decline in central characters and disrespect towards the franchise that Jim worked so hard to build, and because of this loss of focus, the projects that came after were more and more difficult to watch, all the way up until 2009’s Bohemian Rhapsody video.

13.   Who is one celebrity you would love to see cameo in the next Muppet movie?
I’d love to see Steve Carell. He has this amazing discipline about himself when he’s being funny.

14.   If you could take a picture with any Muppet, who would you choose and how would you pose? 
With Lew Zealand, and with both of us freeze-framed at throwing boomerang fish.

15.   What is your favorite piece of Muppet merchandise that you own? (Feel free to include a picture!)
I’ve got plenty of neat Muppet stuff but my Palisades collection shelf is still my favorite thing.

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