Re: THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN (1984) - 'the Enneagram in the Jim Henson tradition'

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: The scientist is Dr. Bunsen Honeydew. His assistant is named Beaker. I think the eagle might be named Sam. Your typing of Kermit and Miss Piggy really helped me understand their relationship better. I always liked Beaker and the "Pigs in Space" Episodes on the show. It amazes me that this show was seen in Holland. : Somehow it doesn't seem right to call Fozzy an E4. Can't put my finger on it. With his sloppy bow tie, old-fashioned hat, and rolly-polly physique, Fozzy is not about high art, elitism, or romanticism. His humor is low brow. Maybe he is a frustrated (untalented) Robin Williams? : : : THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN (1984) - 'the Enneagram in the Jim Henson tradition' : : Psychoanalysing The Muppets: : : I've added the Muppet-characters that are not featured in this animated movie but are prominent in the tv series (early editions; must have been around 1978). : : : : E1 - The indignant old blue EAGLE : : Moralizing teacher/lecturer; formal, critical of the un-culturedness/un-controlledness of the others, serious guy. His stern/rigid behavor makes a comical contrast with the E7-ish chaotic environment of the Muppet Theatre. There is also an E4-ish elitist ('argh!') tinge. : : : : E2 - MISS PIGGY : : Pride ('Moi!'), Cleopatran jewelry addiction (seduction!), and possessive/intrusive towards the important (and suffering) man at the theatre; Kermit. Relation/emotion-hunger, 'I speed because I care!', 'I can't leave my Kermy.' Relationally jealous and hysterically agressive when rejected by Kermit. She almost seems to kidnap him. : : : : E3 - 'NO PROBLEM' SCOOTER : : The Mr.-Fix-it; nothing seems to be a problem for this quick arranger of this; 'can do' attitude. Effective and efficient. : : : : E3 - RAT : : This is a good casting for an unhealthy E3! In this movie is role playing/lying to facilitate his rush to his personal goals. Unreliable. : : : : E3 (only in this movie) - SHOW PRODUCER : : Murray Plotsky (name suggests making fun of Jewish Holywood bosses?) ; 'Let's fix it in the preview', 'I'll get $300 from each of you' : : : : E4 - KERMIT : : Nostalgic, bitter sweet, romantic songs, 'It's hard to be green', longing for distant things, compassionate with suffering of others, dissatisfied with his relation with Miss Piggy but he doesn't end it (masochistic.) There is also a masochistic element in his ambition to be the leader of the muppet theatre; it's a doomed mission with so many assorted nuts, lack of money etc. Focus on the negative side of reality; 'This show is not good enough for Broadway…there is something wrong…' : : : : E4 - FOZZY BEAR : : Tragically unsuccesful clown/comedian; he feels so sad and hopeless when he can't make people laugh, but he keeps going on and on with this doomed effort (masochism). : : : : E4 - ROLF : : The piano playing dog; completely indulging in nostalgia and romantical longing for lost loves. In the movie he longs for being home when they are in Broadway. : : : : E5 - THE NUTTY PROFESSOR : : Thick glasses, round yellow face, introverted geeky/nerdy researcher in the lab, his face shows no emotions. : : : : E5 - secret BOMBER : : In the earlier series there was a mysterious little 'Unabomber' like creature; secretly putting TNT at several places, unrolling the wire and pushing the button; with the result of muppets flying through the air and the bomber stealthily laughing. : : : : E6 counterfobic - GONZO : : Self sacrificial; 'Take Me!' (hostage crisis), optimistic Daredevil Dan - type, stunting: 'lethal weapon'-muppet. Woody Allenesque panicking when Camilla faints in this movie. : : : : E6 fobic - ASSISTANT : : The subject of the professors scientific experiments; large rounded eyes expressing fear and panick. : : : : E6 - THE SINGING VEGETABLES : : Group thinking, conformity! (By the way E6's often feel intense and many real life E6's find an outlet for these feelings with singing) : : : : E7 - STATLER AND WALLDORF : : Both laughing their heads off at the stupidies of the muppets, rude jokers. Easy talk, uneasy activity. : : : : E7 - Dr. Teeth : : Narcissistic musician; freedom lover. : : : : E7's - Saxophone player and female (long haired/huge lips) -singer : : Both colorfull jazz musicians; enjoying their improvising play and social interactions. Carefree, lighthearted. : : : : E8 - ANIMAL : : He's so excessive/agressive/primitive-instinctive that he's been chained to prevent damage. Lustful (woman-chasing) drummer of the band; large mouth with big teeth; a bit intimidating. Afraid of nothing and chasing his victims. : : : : E8 - 'XXL muppet' : : I don't know his name; but there is an extremely oversized mupped; like King Kong or a Cyclops. The earth was shaking when he walks. : : : : E9 - THE SWEDISH COOK : : E9 - THE blonde haired CAPTAIN from the 'PIGS IN SPACE' episodes : : Both are extremely narcotized/'content' and this leads them into trouble or stupidities; even to the point of giving an impression of 'dumb'ness. : : The abundance of so many different characters suggests the Muppet Show makers are likely E7's. : : Since I lost sight of the tv series 15 years ago; there must be many additional characters to add to this list. Anybody has idea's? Please post them to the forum! : : Jan

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