Statler & Waldorf on movies.com

I'm surprised that so many people are upset about this "hiatus." Disney kicked Steve and Dave out of their jobs and caused massive angry upheaveal in the Muppet fan community with a usually mediocre five-minute web show. I'm thrilled that it's on hiatus, and I hope it never comes back!

I want to see Dave and Steve get their jobs back, and I want to see Victor and Drew -- two incredibly talented puppeteers -- get jobs in the next Muppet project that are worthy of their time...and ours.

(And, yes, I know no one here was saying anything in favor of the bad things associated with FtB. I'm just pointing out that there are things to be happy about here as well!)

(gives a high five to Chilly Down agreeing what he is saying)

(gives a tsk tsk for wanting something Muppet to get squashed)

Personally I wouldn't mind seeing Statler and Waldorf recast with new performers. I wasn't thrilled with Steve, Dave nor Victor Yerrid's character interpretations.

However I do think Drew Massey did a fine job in the role.


During the run of these S&W shorts, I learned that they were written by Jim Lewis and 2 freelance writers under his supervision. Lewis (as I was told) is not considered an employee of the MHC. I guess most writers wouldn't be.

I know they are not, I'm speaking on behalf on Massey and Yerrid. If Disney were desperate to keep the show going, they would bring back Steve and Dave.

I'm surprised that so many people are upset about this "hiatus." The show had a good run (and it may actual be back). For a free web-show with the production values that it did, I'm surprised it kept going as long as it did. It ran bi-weekly for well over a year. It had more episodes than "Muppets Tonight" and "The Jim Henson Hour" ever did. It deserves a break. If it comes back that's great. But if not, it's was still nice while it was around.

Well said! I am surprised there were more episodes than Muppets Tonight. You tend to forget when it's on the Internet.

It was a short internet show that nobody ever saw (except the Muppet-obsessed). And now we have met the end of MHC's plan to do anything with the Muppets.

Yesterday's Christmas CD release marks the very last release with a holiday tear.

Earlier this summer, I would have agreed with you, Marky. But then this Christmas CD came out of nowhere--with the right performers, no less!

In other words, just because Disney is bad at letting Muppet fans know what's going on, doesn't mean that nothing's going on.

Also, for those mourning the loss of the show, it may be encouraging to know that Movies.com sent out an automated e-mail saying that "Statler and Waldorf may be making other appearances soon at Movies.com" (I'm paraphrasing from memory). So while FtB may not be back, S & W will pop up here and there for various things.

HEAE!!! here!!! well sayed Chilly! *claps*

Thanks for the news Chilly Down!

Okay, I stand corrected.

They've put out a CD (where they didn't even need to pull the puppets out of their foam-paper cocoons). And they've said that they may pop up on a site no one goes to, which is newsworthy. Apparently. I'll let Di$ney's track record predict the materialization of that. Now if you'll excus me, I think I'll order some Muppet stuff from the Di$ney site.

...doh!

I'm not arguing with you, Marky! I think overall Disney's handling of the Muppets has been abysmal. I'm just pointing out a couple of things that indicate that the situation might be a little less dire than it at first seems.

I hope you're right. I really do.
Maybe an exec will go "Hey... what are we doing with the Muppets? Nothing? Well let's get on that!"

I mean, I've never, ever thought it's a question of whether or not Di$ney can give them a comeback. They've got the best entertainment marketing resources in the world! And they've done such an amazing job with so many other things!

whoops....

sorry.

No need for apologies, Barry. You shared your opinion, and Marky shared his.

And I agree with Marky that Disney could do something really phenomenal with the Muppets if they wanted to!

Yes, a second that, no need for apologies!

yes..yes they could..exactly..it's not like they don't have money or anything.

That's why I call them Di$ney sometimes.
It's me thowing a "get off the wallet" symbol, and not some angry, cynical success-hating, commie message.
Cuz, like, money's good, and a company that gets rich creating positive things isn't evil, it's one I'd love to work for. Tried to work for. Aren't working for, but hey, dig this Scooter winky thingy...

How come I have not been able to view the episodes lately? When I click Play, nothing really happens, I get a white box on my screen.