Anyone here have Elmo kind of grow on you?

[Drtooth]

Well, he's never really grown on me. I have always liked him as a character, but it's just the hype surrounding him that is annoying to me. But You can't really blame them because that need the money...

..and the ratings and the publicity. Thanks Nick Jr.

I completely agree with that statement. I always liked Elmo, up until the big Elmo focus since the Tickle Me stuff (I blame Rosie O'Donnel for that one)... I said it before, hype and overexposure kill characters. Look at Pooh. A fine literary character, and a great bunch of Disney short films and movies... but then in the 90's up until recently he was on EVERYTHING. You go to a Disney store, and you woundn't even see Mickey or Donald... just Pooh dressed up as a million different things. That really clouded his legacy of the brilliant children's books, and wonderful animated projects, including that TV series.

Personally, I like Elmo a lot better OFF of Sesame Street where Kevin can let loose. Like on Hollywood Squares where he learned a new word, or Scrubs when he was hitting on "Jo." Little dude's a pervert! improvisation from Muppet handlers at their best. And we all know where we would be without Muppet improv... no "HiiiYAAAs", faints, or stuff like that.

 

[JLG]

I grew up with Elmo too. My memories of life start at age three, which was 1985/86, Elmo's breakout year as a character. So for me he's always been there.
I always liked the little guy. But I was just as ticked off as any older fan when Elmo's World elbowed its way in.

But mainly it's that at some point in the late 90s, Kevin Clash's performance of the character changed in subtle ways that for me make Elmo less endearing. Earlier, he was portrayed as a rather straightforward little kid. But when all the overhype started, he seemed to evolve a more assertive, loud personality that's just less likeable. Even his voice is different--it used to be quieter and more whispery.

The Shoe Fairy: I assume you're referring to Elmo's reaction to Rocko? Yes! Those are great! I happened to catch the show a few days ago (hardly ever get the chance) and Zoe brought Rocko out again. I was happy to see that Elmo still hasn't exactly warmed up to him. It's very funny how something about Zoe's pet rock just ticks him the heck off. It's a side of him we don't see too often. It's probably very true to life in reflecting some little kids' frustration with their friends giving life to inanimate objects.
"Rocko is a ROCK!"

 

[antsamthompson9]

I don't hate Elmo at all. Maybe because I grew up with him. Also, you people need to understand that, as Drtooth said, Elmo can be pretty entertaining when he does'nt have to deal with Sesame Workshop. Have you seen the interviews he does on talk shows? If not, you should watch them on YouTube. Here's two examples: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxW6-_Qx1JA and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY_sl1R3KJQ.

 

[CensoredAlso]

Elmo can be pretty entertaining when he does'nt have to deal with Sesame Workshop.

The thing is, some of the jokes Elmo does away from Sesame Street probably would have been done in similar form on the show years ago when it wasn't concerned with being "kiddie."

I don't hate Elmo at all. Maybe because I grew up with him.

Many older fans grew up with Elmo too; they just remember when the show was more of an ensemble piece, instead of Elmo taking most of the attention.

 

[SSLFan]

I have a love/hate thing for Elmo. Heck, I grew up with him, and he's my second favorite. From old clips I've seen, I agree with heralde, that Elmo was much more funnier and sweeter. I LOVED his voice back then. It seemed like ever since Season 29(post Tickle Me era) , it began to change; and the new puppet creeps me out. I liked the puppet from the early 90's best. The only other problem I have with Elmo is his overexposure, like so many others.
But I think Mr. Clash is doing a great job with him, especially off the street.

 

[CensoredAlso]

But I think Mr. Clash is doing a great job with him, especially off the street.

Oh I think Elmo was in great form at the William Patterson event! Which I think proves it's not really Elmo that's the problem, but just how the show itself has become more childish (as opposed to childlike).

 

[Redsonga]

Not really, I still feel the same way about him I did when I was little:
"That's okay...Where are Big Bird, Snuffy, Grover and Telly?" *goes off to find them, leaving Elmo alone*

 

[SSLFan]

Not really, I still feel the same way about him I did when I was little:
"That's okay...Where are Big Bird, Snuffy, Grover and Telly?" *goes off to find them, leaving Elmo alone*

ROFL. Can't say I felt thay way. Lol

As long as my favorite appeared on the show, which was Big Bird, I didn't really care all too much. I didnt even pay no mind how popular Elmo was. I always thought Big Bird was the popular one...boy was I wrong.
Lol.

 

[Redsonga]

ROFL. Can't say I felt thay way. Lol

As long as my favorite appeared on the show, which was Big Bird, I didn't really care all too much. I didnt even pay no mind how popular Elmo was. I always thought Big Bird was the popular one...boy was I wrong.
Lol.

Not me, I have always been anti-up staging with the characters, even when I was little..so it is not just a 'older fan' mindset with me

 

[SSLFan]

Yeah. I definately agree with you on that. No character has a right to upstage another. That goes for Elmo, Big Bird, or anyone I think.