Tue, May 10, 2005
Disney, the company—2:16 PM
Thanks to alert reader AC (whose initials may be the same as those Anonymous Cowards you keep hearing from, but I promise he isn't them!) passed along this link to a write-up in Britain's "Times" about the chances for Jim Henson's Muppet Show to retain its anarchic flair under the watchful eye of its new corporate parent, Disney. It includes an excellent analysis of the character-weakening effect of wisecracks, which is reminiscent of my take on The Simpsons from a few days back. It also includes references to Pixar, in the context of the only good movies Disney has been associated with in years – so you can see why it's linked from this page.
The Disney Muppets: why that just isn't funny
(In fairness, even without the Pixar, I couldn't resist linking to an article that employs the phrase, "Gonzo and his battalion of chicken-wives.")
Granted, it's all speculation as to what the Muppets will turn into under Disney and how Disney's corporate stuffiness may or may not snuff their anti-establishment wit. But it's certainly in keeping with Disney's recent history to assume that there's rough road ahead. Roy Disney and his allies are entirely right that the corporation has lost the focus that began with Walt. There's less whimsy and more focus groups – a focus on the bottom line rather than the wide-eyed kid in the front row. Plus, they tried to kill Kelsey Grammer, for crying out loud!
Brandon — Tue, 5/10/05 3:09pm
Oh dear god no! Please please no! The Muppet Show and Jim Henson are inseparable. I cannot see a relaunch doing anything other than destroying the memory of something wonderful and beautiful. I really hope Disney goes with their "Muppet Babies" talk instead - they can do whatever they want with them.
Those Muppet Show DVDs are on the top of my must-have list. I've got a second generation to indoctrinate!
Bee Boy — Tue, 5/10/05 3:56pm
Yeah I remember the ABC prime time relaunch being pretty lackluster. (Mid-90s, perhaps? Someone be a dear.) As fond as I am of the approach, "Slap Ricky Gervais's name on anything and its gold!" I'm wary that even he, in a guest appearance, can liven up a focus-tested post-Teatgate Muppet Show. As a matter of fact, how could anyone hope to liven up such a show, sandwiched as it will surely be between According to Jim and The Bachelor? (Shudder.)
"Holly" — Wed, 5/11/05 12:11pm
Yeah, yeah, but everybody's going corporate these days. If you look at the link to "Christian Gear" posted by our esteemed Bee Boy, you'll find that God Himself is now advertising Himself on corporate-themed t-shirts, superimposing His Dread Name on the Ford logo, the Coca-Cola logo, etc. I am especially a fan of his use of the Tide logo, personally: http://www.mychristiangear.com/ridetide.html. If Disney makes the Muppets bland and corporate t-shirt icons, then they are humbly following in the footsteps of the Lord of Hosts, and we should be grateful for their inspired leadership.