News Update: July 18, 2014

JULY 18, 2014

Since we didn't do a News Update last week, we missed out on sharing the video of Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy on PBS's A Capitol Fourth, which aired live on 4th of July. The performance, which saw Kermit and Piggy singing "This Land is Your Land" and Kermit performing "Rainbow Connection," was positively delightful. Steve Whitmire's enthusiasm with Kermit during both songs is infectious and wonderful. Also Tom Bergeron, Fozzie, and Animal are there, and great as ever. (Special thanks to our friend Chris Stulz for making and sharing the video.)

Archaia Comics are heading back down to Fraggle Rock with a new series of Fraggle stories. The series will be written by Kate Leth and illustrated by Jake Myler. The book is titled Fraggle Rock: Journey to the Everspring and according to Nerdist it will feature the beloved Fraggles we know as well as some new characters. Journey to the Everspring is divided into four parts, with the first issue released on October 8th. Here's hoping Archaia can capture the excellence of their first Fraggle Rock series once again!

The San Diego Comic Con is coming up next weekend, and Sesame Street is heading out for a panel! The panel is on Sunday, July 27 at 10:15am in Room 6A. The impeccable, huge Muppet fan Chris Hardwick (Nerdist) will be moderating the panel, which includes Muppet performers Eric Jacobson, Joey Mazzarino (also head writer and director), and David Rudman, as well as executive producer Carol-Lynn Parente. During the panel, they'll debut a new Season 45 episode called "Numeric Con," a parody of Comic Con itself. They'll also be premiering a new segment of the fantastic "Cookie's Crumpy Pictures" series called "Star S'mores." Color me happy (and fuzzy, and blue).

The Jim Henson Company is also going to Comic Con with a panel of their own, titled "The Jim Henson Company: Upcoming Comics with Archaia," so there will clearly be a lot of discussion of Fraggle Rock, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and The Musical Monsters of Turkey Hollow comic books. The panel will be held July 25th at 6:00pm in Room 32AB. Panelists for the Henson Company include Jeff Stokely (illustrator for The Storyteller: Witches), Jake Myler (illustrator for Fraggle Rock), Ian Herring (colorist for Tale of Sand), and Shane-Michael Vidaurri (writer and illustrator for The Storyteller: Witches). Special thanks to ToughPigs for this info!

Once again, the rumor that the Muppets are heading to Broadway with a brand new original musical has resurfaced. This time, The New York Post is reporting on it. Nothing new comes to light in this article, and really it adds nothing more to the table that we haven't known for awhile now, but it's nice to see it still being talked about.

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

Punk Rock Merit Badges: The Muppets and Alt-Rock

Dan V. - The Muppets and alternative music are two of my greatest passions. What I admire most about both is how adventurous they are. Think about it; the Muppets can pull off surrealism and sadness equally well. Meanwhile, “alternative” can mean anything from synthesizers to sitars. All caution about being “too weird” is thrown to the wind. Their unique styles speak more to me (and millions of other fans) than more traditional art ever could. And it’s also way cooler. You can’t forget that.

With that in mind, it’s not surprising that the Muppets and alternative collide quite often. Below are five of my favorite examples.

Debbie Harry on The Muppet Show
The dance-punk queen herself hosted a classic season 5 episode! She’s absolutely electric during her performances of Blondie hits “Call Me” and “One Way or Another”. However, it’s when she croons “Rainbow Connection” with Kermit that this episode shines. Debbie trades in her typical smirk for a charmingly sincere smile.

In my favorite scene, she teaches the Frog Scouts how to pogo and attain their “punk merit badges”. The Frog Scouts are so eager to become “punk” that it’s oddly heartwarming.  Their enthusiasm perfectly captures the thrill of discovering a new passion. When art connects with you (Muppets/Punk/etc.), it shapes your personality and views. I see a little of my own fandom in how excitedly they thrash on electric guitar. It’s the power of art encapsulated in just one scene! Besides, hearing Jerry Nelson shout “we think she’s real PUNK!” is pretty hilarious.

Debbie Harry as guest star was an inspired choice, but it wasn’t Jim Henson’s idea. It was actually his son Brian’s! As recounted in Brian Jay Jones’ “Jim Henson: The Biography”, Jim would ask his kids “Who excites you?” when looking for potential guest stars. 16-year-old Brian suggested the alt-rock pioneer and a classic episode was born!

Jareth the Goblin King (David Bowie) in Labyrinth
No list of Alt-Muppet moments could be complete without this iconic Labyrinth performance. Bowie’s had as many styles as the Muppet Wiki has articles, but his look here is amazing. That hair! Those high-waist pants! So beautifully 80s! Although Bowie’s songs here veer towards standard dance-pop, they’re still pretty fun. Not much else to say beyond that. As much as I love Bowie, Jareth has already been written about to death. Next!

“Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads on Muppets Tonight
Here’s something a little more obscure! “Once in a Lifetime” is already one of my favorite songs, so a Muppet rendition was a match made in nerd heaven. I’m just surprised this crossover didn’t happen earlier. Talking Heads blended existential lyrics with irresistibly catchy melodies. In other words, it’s perfect Muppet music!

Kermit struts his stuff to this new-wave classic while wearing David Byrne’s iconic “big suit.” More Talking Heads homages abound; everything from the lighting to Kermit’s movements references the classic concert film “Stop Making Sense.” You know how cool tMuppets Tonight’s existence, that’s how cool it is.
his clip is? It completely justifies

“Keep Fishin” with Weezer and the Muppets
The early 2000s weren’t a great time for either Alt Rock (Linkin Park?) or the Muppets (The Muppets' Wizard of Oz?). The “Keep Fishin” video bucked the trend; it’s still hilarious today! It takes place during a typical Muppet Show episode, with all the hijinks that that entails. Miss Piggy totally steals the show when she kidnaps drummer Patrick Wilson. At least Weezer has Animal to fill in while Pat’s tied up (literally). The video plays like a classic episode but with a modern spirit; I would so watch a new Muppet Show that looked like this.

Anyway, it’s undeniably fun to watch the Muppets head-bang to this track. “Keep Fishin” is fun, upbeat, and loud; sounds like the Muppets to me! I also buy Kermit as a Weezer fan (both are as far from “hip” as you can get).

“Do It Anyway” Ben Folds Five with the Fraggles
This video serves as a perfect intro to either the band or the Fraggles in general. The song’s message of plucky perseverance would fit perfectly in a Fraggle Rock episode. It’s also upbeat enough to “dance your cares away” to. In the video, Gobo and the gang travel through a Fraggle hole and ambush a Ben Folds Five recording session. The band’s oddly eager to let them jam out; not exactly a typical response to breaking-and-entering. Like in the Weezer video, it’s so much fun to see these characters interact with the band.

Appearances by other famous Muppet fans (Chris Hardwick! Anna Kendrick! Rob Corddry!) make this a must-see. Hearing Dave Goelz reprise his role as Uncle Travelling Matt is just icing on the cake.

There are way more alt moments in Muppets history (R.E.M. on Sesame Street, Creature Shop work in music videos), but these are just my personal favorites. You can add more in the comments – unless you’re not as PUNK as Debbie Harry.

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

Muppetology 101 - Intro to Fraggle Botany

Abigail Maughan - The realm of Fraggle Rock has a vast amount of biodiversity, not only in its heterotrophic life forms, but also in its autotrophic ones. Today we’re going to be studying some of the most notable plant specimens exclusive to Fraggle Rock. There are quite a bit of them, so let’s get started! We’ll be breaking this lesson into two sections—deadly plants, and everything else.

DEADLY PLANTS—


“BIZARRE KILLER PLANTS*”
* The most official name we’re given for the species comes from the Storyteller Fraggle.

SEEN IN: Episode 202: Boober Rock
LOCATION: The Caves of Boredom (or the Caves of Forgetfulness, depending on who you ask.)
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: Large pinkish-purple flowers with twisty green vines
DANGEROUS ABILITY: The flowers release a gas that when inhaled causes the unfortunate victim to forget first personal details, then their entire identities, before eventually reducing them to an unresponsive, catatonic state, having forgotten motor skills and language.
SURVIVAL TIPS: The Fraggle Five survived their encounter with these plants thanks to the strongly-scented laundry cleaner Boober Fraggle conveniently brought along, which allowed them to regain their bearings and flee. The Storyteller also recommends writing down your intentions before going there, in case you forget. Just don’t forget how to read, which is entirely possible. Avoiding the location all together seems like the best survival tip of all.

CLINGING CREEPERS

SEEN IN: Episode 311: The Burden, the Beanbarrow, and the Bright Bouquet
LOCATION: Table Rock Cavern
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: Mobile, bumpy, asparagus-like vines of varying widths
DANGEROUS ABILITY: Despite moving somewhat slowly, they wrap themselves around Fraggles to entangle and strangle them.
SURVIVAL TIPS: The scent of fresh flowers wards Clinging Creepers away, and the Fraggles have organized the Clinging Creepers Emergency Flower Defense League for this very purpose. Having flowers on you or as a companion (like Lanford the plant to Red Fraggle) is also handy.


SINGING CACTI

 SEEN IN: Episode 411: Wonder Mountain
LOCATION: around Wonder Mountain
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: Eyeless cactus creatures with limbs and mouths.
DANGEROUS ABILITY: Singing their inexplicably hypnotic song "Do the Sashay" entrances passersby, who become, as Mokey Fraggle's Wonder Mountain guide book simply puts it, "trapped forever."
SURVIVAL TIPS: Wear earplugs when near them, as Mokey Fraggle did to save Red Fraggle when she fell into their trap, and as they both did when leading the pursuing Avalanche Monster into the pack to save their skins. Better yet, don’t go anywhere near them at all, as they only appear to activate when provoked.

In any environment, deadly and aggressive plants and animals will evolve, and seeing that Fraggle Rock is no exception to this natural law is somewhat satisfying. The intelligence and aptitude of Fraggles has enabled them to survive, thrive, and coexist with these predatory plants. Fortunately, not all plants in Fraggle Rock need to be avoided, as we’ll see next.

PLANTS THAT AREN’T INHERENTLY DANGEROUS—


NIGHT-BLOOMING YELLOW-LEAVED DEATHWORT

FIRST SIGHTING: Episode 220: A Cave of One’s Own
LOCATION: One lives in Mokey and Red’s bedroom.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: A bumpy, brownish-green head with a toothy mouth, similar to a Venus flytrap, on top of a springy stem with mottled green and yellow leaves. Can also sprout pink-spotted flowers.
CHARACTERISTICS: The living habits of the sentient Deathwort in the wild are unclear, as the only one we’ve seen, Mokey Fraggle’s pet Lanford, is domesticated... sort of. If judging off of Lanford, they appear to be temperamental, stubborn, and mischievous, but intelligent and loyal to their friends. Strangers, enemies, and Red Fraggle, however, would do well to stay away.
UNIQUE ABILITIES: The plants become covered in red spots and must undergo a brief hibernation before flowering. And by “brief,” I do mean as short as approximately one minute and 45 seconds. They communicate using guttural vocalizations, and can understand both Fraggles and other plants.


THE NIRVANA TREE

SEEN IN: Episode 511: The Gorg Who Would Be King
LOCATION: A corner of the Gorgs’ garden
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: Thin golden trunk and branches with golden leaves
IMPORTANCE: According to Gorg culture, the King of the Universe sustains his position until all of the leaves fall off of the Nirvana Tree. After that, the new heir, whoever that may be, takes over.
UNIQUE ABILITIES: In our only sighting of the magic tree, Junior Gorg, reluctant to step up to the job, eats the tree’s last leaf and is immediately shrunken to the size of a Fraggle. He then makes a trip through Fraggle Rock, and is restored to his normal size once he realizes the expansiveness and interconnectivity of the world he lives in. So, in a roundabout way, the Nirvana Tree is responsible for the end of the enmity between the Gorgs and the Fraggles.

KNOBBLIES AND THE TREE OF LIFE

SEEN IN: Episode 506: Beyond the Pond
LOCATION: The tree resides in Merggle Lake, with roots stretching through several underwater tunnels all the way to the Fraggle Pond, much to the annoyance of the pond’s users, namely Red Fraggle.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: The gnarled pink roots found in the pond are known as Knobblies, and they lead to a massive tree with twisted brown branches.
IMPORTANCE: The immense Great Tree, also known as the Tree of Life, is the home of a marine Fraggle-like species with flippered tails called Merggles. The Merggles’ prophetess Merboo describes the tree as “the center of all life, and the probe into the unknown.”
UNIQUE ABILITES: The roots are capable of transmitting telepathic messages to and from whoever touches them.
WEAKNESS: As Red learns, then later regrets and remedies, the plant can be killed with Kohlrabi juice.

RADISHES

SEEN IN: The radish, or Raphanus sativus, is the most vital plant in all of Fraggle Rock, and is seen in some form in virtually every single episode.
LOCATION: Grown in the Gorgs’ garden. Also the only plant on this particular list to exist outside the realm of Fraggle Rock.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: Red spherical vegetable with single root stretching out the bottom. Green leaves grow above the ground for photosynthesis and convenient pulling purposes.
IMPORTANCE TO FRAGGLES: Inadvertently discovered by a young Traveling Matt, radishes replaced mushrooms as the primary food source of the Fraggles. A majority of Fraggle culinary dishes and treats are made from radishes, such the coveted Radish Bar snacks. Mokey Fraggle is one of the designated collectors of the vegetable.
IMPORTANCE TO DOOZERS: Doozers collect radishes by their own means, grind them up, and mold them into building material. The Fraggles eat the finished constructions, allowing the Doozers more space to build, showing symbiosis at work.
IMPORTANCE TO GORGS: Gorgs supply the radishes, but rely on them as well, for the plant is a crucial ingredient in Anti-Vanishing Cream, which Gorgs must apply regularly to stop themselves from physically disappearing from the top downward.
The radish is arguably the best, or at least the most clear, example of the innate interdependency that Fraggle Rock illustrates so frequently. As Junior Gorg so eloquently puts it, “It all fits together!”

The flora of Fraggle Rock serves many purposes, from providing food to inspiring tales and traditions. Fraggle Rock is such a unique and wondrous place, that examining the diversity of all its life forms, even the ones without dialogue, provides real insight into the creative minds behind this amazing ecosystem. The landscape of Fraggle Rock isn’t a sterile, Styrofoam backdrop; it’s a rich, vibrant world.





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

"Doozers" Series Review

Dan Sanchez - After all these years the Doozers are back in high-tech CG form thanks to The Jim Henson Company, DHX MEDIA, and Hulu. Doozers is the first original programming Hulu has created for their Hulu Kids brand and on Friday they released the first seven of 52 episodes with plans to release three more new episodes every third Friday moving forward.

Today, I sat down with my 13 month-old daughter, a Fraggle Rock fan in her own right, to watch these seven episodes. Within the first seconds of the program we were whisked away to a Smurfs-like eco-friendly environment known as Doozer Creek, via a theme song that is vaguely reminiscent of the original Fraggle Rock tune in both beat and chord structure (sing the original Fraggle Rock theme along with this and you won’t miss a beat). FYI: check out the corresponding “Doozer Creek” app for your smart phone, you won’t regret it.

This new series, aimed at preschoolers, focuses on a group of four bright young Doozers known as the Pod Squad; Spike, Daisy Wheel, Flex, and Molly Bolt (nice to see they are still naming Doozers after tools, machinery and such). Each episode, just shy of 12 minutes, follows the “Squad” through daily lessons, adventures and design challenges at home, school, and even while at play. Along the way, the Pod Squad demonstrates problem solving skills, team work, the use of their imagination, some ingenuity, and positive communication all while still having fun.

Yes, I said it, fun. These Doozers aren’t the no nonsense 6” green creatures of our youth. They aren’t fixated with building geometric Doozer Stick (though they're called Radish Sticks in this series) architecture to feed Fraggles; no, this new batch of Doozers have progressed. They are inspired by nature and the world around them utilizing such in their designs and constructions. Also, the Doozers don’t solely build and design anymore; they’ve expanded their ambitions and have become bakers, doctors, professors, artists,
and much more. Some Doozers even wear clothes!

The Doozers have also stepped up their tech knowhow and have a seemingly innate aptitude for IT. The Pod Squad are outfitted with newer imaginative tech more relatable to today’s digital world and the contemporary youth. For instance, Molly Bolt and Spike each utilize touch screen devices, the whole squad wears wrist communicators, Flex has a mulit-functional “Doo-Driver,” Daisy has a ladybug inspired jet pack and a pair on “Animal-oculars” that give her the sight of various types of animals. I guess they somehow figured out how to hydroelectrically power all their handheld devices over the past couple decades.

The artists and animators did an astounding job bringing these characters to life. The style is smooth and engaging without being too “dumbed-down” for its intended pre-school audience. My daughter was immediately immersed in this colorfully charming universe and was dancing along to all the music the whole time we watched.

The interstitial montage segments within each episode features memorable and upbeat music that you and your kids will be singing as you work from here on out. And, as with all Henson experiences, the show includes some fun for the adults too; i.e. The Doozers shop at the “Doozer Depot” for supplies, tools and other mechanisms are integrated into the Doozer’s clothing (Prof. Gimbal’s tie is a monkey wrench), there is also some fun everyday-life moments in each episode (watch for a great “wasn’t me” moment between Daisy Wheel, Flex, and Spike in Episode 3 - Detective Doozers).

My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed Doozers and are eager to see more. At the end of each episode the Pod Squad chants, “There’s nothing to it when you do, do, do it,” and by golly The Jim Henson Company has done it again. So, if you’re a parent, if you liked Fraggle Rock, The Smurfs, or even Bob the Builder; Doozers is right up your alley, or should I say down at your rock; Fraggle Rock.

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

Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: The Storyteller Fraggle

Written by Abigail Maughan.

THE STORYTELLER FRAGGLE

Performed by...
Terry Angus
Richard Hunt (first appearance)

First appearance...
Fraggle Rock Episode 108: The Terrible Tunnel (1983)

Most recent appearance...
Fraggle Rock Episode 513: Change of Address (1987)

Best known role...
Balladeer historian of Fraggle Rock

WHO IS THE STORYTELLER?
The Storyteller Fraggle, known by no other name, is exactly that. It is her job to collect and tell all the tales of Fraggle Rock through the ages and perform them for anyone willing to listen and learn, most notably the Fraggle Five. Her biggest pet peeve is when Fraggles leave halfway through her stories. She is talented and knowledgeable in her craft, if a bit eccentric.

The Storyteller’s debut came in the season one episode The Terrible Tunnel, in which she was performed by Richard Hunt for the first and only time. In her introductory episode, she recites the legend of the mysterious Terrible Tunnel through a spooky song, suitably frightening the Fraggle Five, some of whom just happen to stumble across it later in the episode. When they report back to her with their story of surviving it, the Storyteller adjusts her song accordingly.

Throughout the show’s second season, the Storyteller made several sporadic appearances, performed here and forever onward by Terry Angus. In the first of these, an episode called Boober Rock, she told Mokey, Gobo, and Red why and how to save Boober from the Caves of Forgetfulness. She presided over the Glory Song ceremony in The Day the Music Died, and in Boober’s Quiet Day, she was among many who unwittingly aided Sidebottom in publicly humiliating Boober.

The Storyteller has an unrequited infatuation with Gobo’s uncle, Travelling Matt. She swoons at the very mention of his name and repeatedly goes into great detail describing his physique. According to the flashback episodes, Born to Wander and The Riddle of Rhyming Rock, where Matt and the Storyteller are seen as children, these feelings have been present since she was very young. The young Storyteller is clueless little Matt’s only friend and source of encouragement, giving him faith and confidence in his exploring abilities when his own uncle will give him none. She also hugs, paws, and gazes at him frequently, so why Matt doesn’t notice her affection toward him is a mystery.

The fourth season episode The Riddle of Rhyming Rock was the Storyteller’s last prominent appearance. Here, Gobo Fraggle consults her in his quest to decipher the titular riddle. Things go horribly wrong when he tries to solve the riddle without listening to her full story, but she tells him how to set things straight. We last saw the Storyteller in the series’ final episode, Change of Address, when she is among a group of recurring Fraggles like herself signing off the show with the Fraggle Rock theme song.

WHY DOES FRAGGLE ROCK NEED THE STORYTELLER?
History is important in any culture, even that of the Fraggles. The Storyteller has dedicated her life to educating her fellow Fraggles in the events of the past. Without a source from which to learn of ancient mistakes and current dangers, who’s to say how lost the Fraggles would be? The Storyteller is the expert of the Rock and everything in it. She’s like the Trash Heap for non-psychological issues.

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

Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Architect Doozer

Written by Mike Baldasare.

ARCHITECT DOOZER

Performed by...
Jerry Nelson

First appearance...
Fraggle Rock Episode 208: "All Work and All Play" (1984)

Most recent appearance...
Fraggle Rock Episode 513: "Change of Address" (1987)

Best known role...
Leader of the Doozer community

Memorable quote...
"Oh it is imperative that you pay very close attention during briefings, especially this one!"

WHO IS ARCHITECT DOOZER?
The Architect Doozer, known by no other name, acts as the de facto leader of the entire Doozer community in Fraggle Rock. The Architect supervises over the designing and building of all Doozer constructions and also acts as mentor to Doozer younglings, granting them their helmets in a "graduation" ceremony. Architect Doozer first appeared in the season two episode "All Work and All Play," where he informed Cotterpin Doozer that it was time for her to study and become an actual Doozer. After much frustration and a lesson about being different, the Architect takes Cotterpin on as his apprentice.

More often than not, Architect gets frustrated by Cotterpin's youthful imagination and eagerness to revolutionize Doozer building methods and customs. Despite this, the Architect always has a genuine respect and affection for young Cotterpin. Much like Cotterpin, the Architect refused to take the helmet like other Doozers, having no interest in building, as mentioned in the episode "All Work and All Play." All Architect really wanted to do was draw, so he chose to take the drawing board instead. Originally Doozers favored circles, and it took Architect years to get some nice squares back into Doozer constructions.

In the episode "The Doozer Contest," Architect hosted a competition between Flange and Modem Doozer to see which Doozer stick tastes the best. In "Doozer Is As Doozer Does," Architect and Cotterpin save Wrench Doozer after a wicked "flooping" accident. In "Gunge the Great and Glorious," while surveying the Doozer Dome, Architect found Gunge's wild Doozer party and put a stop to it.

WHY DOES FRAGGLE ROCK NEED THE ARCHITECT DOOZER?
It's obvious that the Architect is the most important and influential of the Doozer community. It's likely that Architect builds the best building, has the best ideas, and works the hardest. He also shows that being unique in a community of individuals doing nothing but the same is sometimes more valuable than following the rules.

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

News Update: December 19, 2013

NEWS UPDATE: December 19, 2013

Cookie Monster made a few appearances on Michael Buble's 3rd Annual Christmas Special (that's actually the title) last night on NBC. The moments featuring Cookie Monster are scattered throughout the 45 minute program, sandwiched in between the likes of Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige. In the special, Cookie Monster eats all of Michael Buble's cookies, impersonates Mariah Carey, and more. You can watch the special now on NBC.com, but unfortunately there is no good way to link to just the Cookie Monster segments.

A new DVD collection of The Jimmy Dean Show has been released online. This is of course relevant to Muppet fans because it features tons of material starring Rowlf the Dog. Rowlf was perhaps as big a star as Jimmy Dean was on the show, so the DVD collection is bound to feature a lot of Rowlf. The 3-DVD set is $30, so if you're a fan of Rowlf, Jimmy Dean, or good old fashioned country music you may want to give it a purchase!

Another Fraggle Rock tribute album has been released on iTunes to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the show. The album, called Shine On is $11 and features 19 songs from Fraggle Rock performed by 19 artists I've never, ever heard of. Also, the album was apparently released in October? I guess it's not very good, or else someone probably would've promoted it. Anyway, you can listen to samples of the album and buy it on iTunes.






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