My dream job while I was growing up was to work for Jim Henson. It didn’t matter in what capacity, I would have swept floors for the man. I watched Sesame Street religiously as a child and as such was fascinated by puppets and puppetry. It’s interesting to note that even now as an adult, I still consider any opportunity to work for Henson Studios to be a dream job. I even sent in a résumé a few years back to the New York offices, hoping for a reply. I was elated when I received one telling me that they would keep it on file and that if I was ever in New York I should stop by. Of course, being married and somewhat settled down, it was very difficult to make the trek for a job I wasn’t sure would even exist. (To this day I wonder if it was a mistake not to go…) I always considered Jim Henson to be a genius. I was so into his work with the Muppets and still love the films “The Dark Crystal” and “Labyrinth.” So it should go without saying that I loved “The Muppet Show.”

This series gave Henson the opening to introduce adults to his world of Muppets, and allowed him to stretch his comedy muscles with humor that would appeal to children, but be aimed squarely at adults. Henson always had a rather sarcastic sense of humor and really never got to use it on “Sesame Street.” On “The Muppet Show” however, the sky was the limit.

What is sad is that Henson almost didn’t get the show off the ground. He filmed a Muppet special back in 1974, and based on its popularity, filmed a pilot for “The Muppet Show.” He shopped it around, but no one was even remotely interested. He had to take it to the U.K., where he was finally able to get backing for the series. Proving the critics wrong here in the States, “The Muppet Show” went on to make 120 episodes over 5 seasons and is still one of the top rated syndicated shows of all time. Not to mention its movie spin-offs, animated series, and later affiliation with the Disney Studios. It would be easy to say that the Muppets are amongst the most recognized characters in the world. And this all came from the imagination of one man… Jim Henson.

Unfortunately, Henson left us way to early when he succumbed to pneumonia back in 1990. I can still remember the day I heard the news, and it was the first time I ever cried over the death of someone famous. After all, he was my hero. I still have some of the magazines and articles that were published at the time, even going so far as to have a framed piece of art (from a newspaper cartoon editorial), that shows Kermit sitting on top of a globe, shedding tears. The tears are hitting the globe causing a ripple effect around the world. It’s fair to say that this is a pretty accurate assessment as to the reaction to his passing.

But on to brighter and more cheerful news. I used to have all of the episodes of “The Muppet Show” taped, but the tapes were getting worn and they only offered the edited syndicated version of the show. Now finally, the Disney studio is releasing FULL SEASON sets of my absolute favorite show ever. The 1st season is coming out this week in a glorious 4 disc set. I can finally start throwing away those old VHS tapes as this first set includes all 24 episodes from the freshman season. And these episodes have been fully restored and are not only unedited, but look absolutely beautiful. The colors are rich and the picture crystal clear. If it wasn’t for some of the clothes that the guest stars are wearing, you would swear they were filmed last week.

Speaking of the guest stars, that was one of the other really big draws for the series. Each episode had a big name guest star, the first season list containing such names as Peter Ustinov, Harvey Korman, Candice Bergen and even the great Vincent Price. Of course, they had their fair share of guests that may not be familiar to some younger audiences because they are no longer that well-known, or as the show was filmed in London, only really big in Europe. Thankfully, my age and exposure to the entertainment world allows me to recognize every single guest they ever had.

The format of “The Muppet Show”, in case you are the ONE person in the world who has never seen it, surrounds an old Vaudeville Theatre, where Kermit and the gang put on a variety show. Complete with songs and sketches, each show is tailored to fit the style of the guest that week. The humor is often very broad, and in some cases extremely corny, but they never fail to elicit a smile if not an outright laugh.

As for this 1st season set, I was beyond thrilled to see that there were some great extra features to go along with all the hysterical episodes. For Henson fans these are a huge treat, let me tell you. First up is the original Muppet pitch reel that Henson used to try and sell the show, this followed by “The Muppet Show” pilot, entitled (oddly enough) “Sex and Violence.” You have to see it to believe it. Trivia fanatics like me will enjoy the Trivia Track that you can play while watching the episodes, then sit back and check out the promotional gag reel. The box is kind of cool, too. The cover has the shape of Kermit’s torso made with a felt material on the front.

Now for those of you devoid of imagination or sense of humor, you may not find anything to your liking about a show made with puppets (Muppets!!) back in the 1970’s, but if you have children, do not… I repeat… do not let them miss out on this treasure. If you have the notion that your kids wouldn’t enjoy it, or that the series couldn’t possibly have generational appeal, just look to my daughter as an example. She’s about to turn 2, and last week I put in the first episode of “The Muppet Show.” When the show began, she started clapping and cheering “Muppets… Muppets…” Keep in mind she had never seen the show and only watched some “Sesame Street” at her sitters, yet she was totally enthralled right from the opening theme song. So, do yourself and your kids a favor. Pick up the 1st season of “The Muppet Show.” You won’t be sorry.

Now… sing with me:

It's time to play the music
It's time to light the lights
It's time to meet the Muppets
On the Muppet Show tonight

It's time to put on makeup
It's time to dress up right
It's time to raise the curtain
On the Muppet Show tonight

Why do we always come here
I guess we'll never know
It's like a kind of torture
To have to watch the show

And now lets get things started
Why don't you get things started
It's time to get things started
On the most sensational
Inspirational
Celebrational
Muppetational
This is what we call the Muppet Show!

Episodes (Guest Stars):
Juliet Prowse
Connie Stevens
Joel Grey
Ruth Buzzi
Rita Moreno
Jim Nabors
Florence Henderson
Paul Williams
Charles Aznavour
Harvey Korman
Lena Horne
Peter Ustinov
Bruce Forsyth
Sandy Duncan
Candice Bergen
Avery Schreiber
Ben Vereen
Phyllis Diller
Vincent Price
Valerie Harper
Twiggy
Ethel Merman
Kaye Ballard
Mummenschanz

Starring: Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo
Extras: Original Muppet Pitch Reel, Original Muppet Show Pilot, Muppet Morsels (Trivia Track), Season 1 Promo Gag Reel
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital Sound
Studio: Buena Vista
Release Date: 8/9/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Muppet Show: Season 1 an A+.