The Muppets
Created by:
Bob Kushell
Bill Prady
2015-
Comedy
ABC
TV-PG
When most people think of the Muppets, they think of childhood. It gives them the warm and fuzzies. Well, ABC has different ideas. The network’s new show, “The Muppets,” is an updated version of Jim Henson’s creations. These Muppets have adult jobs and responsibilities. So, the take is a bit sharper, but the charm’s still there. All you have to do is pay attention to find it.
In this primetime show, the Muppets produce, write, and star in “Up Late with Miss Piggy,” a late-night talk show. So, it’s a show within a show. It’s very “30 Rock” meets “The Office.” The first five minutes of the first episode say it all. I immediately felt like the material was in good hands, because every joke is true to the characters. If they had to work behind the scenes of a late-night talk show, this is how they would behave. For instance, during a production meeting at the beginning of the series, Kermit (the executive producer) is focused. No one else is. Some of his staff don’t even know where they are. (An AA meeting, perhaps?) Later on, when he sees Piggy coming his way, he says to Scooter, “Hey, it’s too late for me. Save yourself.”
This version of Kermit is a little more world-weary, but everyone surrounding him still reacts to him in the same way. At one point, he responds to a dancing sketch proposal for the show by saying, “I hate everything about it.” One character makes a delayed and confused comment in response. The other characters barely blink.
In addition, Kermit and Piggy are no longer dating. (Gasp!) He’s dating another pig instead. It’s not quite true to the Kermit of old, but, much to my surprise, it works just fine. You’d think that Piggy would be the one dating another frog out of spite, but Kermit’s actions are explained fairly well, mostly via a flashback to their breakup. And that’s indicative of almost everything in this show. It requires thought and planning to execute. Things don’t just happen. (On a related note, Fozzie Bear is dating, too. But he’s dating a human. There’s also a joke about him being on a dating site. Get it? Plus, when he’s at dinner, we find out that he likes salmon … of course.)
Another thing that “The Muppets” does well is incorporate guest stars into its storylines. That, after all, is a part of its tradition. Unlike in, say, “Empire,” the guest stars here are well-chosen and used appropriately. One of the best examples of that is the use of Elizabeth Banks, who plays herself in the first episode. She and Piggy have a combative relationship, which is the result of a failed “Hunger Games” promotion they filmed together. Again, the writers thought this out.
In addition to Kermit as the executive producer, many of your other Muppet favorites have roles that make sense. Piggy is the host, of course. Fozzie is the warm-up comedian for the show. Gonzo is the head writer, and Pepe the King Prawn is a part of his team. Scooter is Kermit’s assistant, and, of course, Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem are the band. If the Muppets have to grow up, this is who you’d think they’d become.
So, while some fans of the Muppets may balk at this more adult presentation of Henson’s vision, you can’t deny how smart it is. Also, there’s still a sweetness to it. They apologize and reflect on their mistakes at times. For example, Kermit says this after being a bit too harsh: “I really am an insensitive toad.”
“The Muppets” has energy, rhythm, pace, and great puppetry. It’s shot like any other contemporary behind-the-scenes comedy, and it’s convincing in its portrayal. It certainly works for this long-time fan.
Verdict: Very Good
About: (Source: the muppets)
The Muppets return to primetime with a contemporary, documentary-style show. For the first time ever, a series will explore the Muppets’ personal lives and relationships, both at home and at work, as well as romances, breakups, achievements, disappointments, wants and desires. This is a more adult, new Muppet series, for “kids” of all ages.
