THE MUPPET SHOW: SEASON TWO
(not rated)
MOVIE: **** (out of 5)
DVD EXPERIENCE: **** (out of 5)
STARRING
Jim Henson
Frank Oz
David Goelz
Jerry Nelson
Richard Hunt
Studio: Disney
Created by: Jim Henson
BY KEVIN CARR
I’ve been waiting two years for the release of another season of the classic television show “The Muppet Show.” I remember watching this show as a child and falling in love with the Muppets, thrilled to discover that they had a life beyond that of “Sesame Street.”
The second season isn’t as fresh as the first one, but for a second try at such a unique premise, it was definitely enjoyable. The guest stars have been stepped up a notch. Instead of seeing names that I don’t even recognize, the Muppets are joined with more notable figures. However, looking at the show almost thirty years down the road, it does become a parade of dead superstars like Zero Mostel, George Burns, Don Knotts and Peter Sellers.
The show shines in its more innovative sketches and songs. Even something as simple as chickens pecking out music on a piano is brilliant. Other more thoughtful spots include an interesting take on the classic rock songs “For What It’s Worth” and “Time in a Bottle.” There are a few too many simple production numbers with no real catch and a few too many old predictable jokes. Still, even almost 30 years later, the Muppets are fun to watch.
In the special features, there’s a bonus episode of the Muppets’ Valentines Day special, which isn’t all that special. However, there’s some contemporary interviews with the Muppets about their careers, and that’s kind of fun to watch.