How Do You Think SW Is Handling the Use of Their Classic Muppets?

[SSLFan]

Well, after coming across this 6-month old thread, how would you say that SW has been doing with giving the classic muppets like Big Bird, Ernie, and Bert, enough screen time? With Season 39 wrapping up and all, I can say that on Big Bird's behalf, they have been doing quite well. I know he was in a lot more episodes than he was last season, the disapointing Season 38. The question is how it will all play out in the big 4-0.
I have mixed feelings on Ernie and Bert though. They do have a new segment(which I find is pretty good), but it still takes away from the muppetrey side of them. I just hope that doesn't become faded out, with kids only knowing the claymation versions and all. And in response to this:
http://forum.muppetcentral.com/showpost.php?p=644118&postcount=57

As far as stage shows are concerned, yes, Bert and Ernie are very prominent. And so is BB,to a certain extent...(F.Y.I. he plays the fire hydrant).
Believe it or not you guys, but stage shows really say a lot about where a character stands on the show. Like, if their very popular, they will more than likely get plenty of stage time, but if your not, chances are you will be reduced to also playing a SS muppet and a minor role. Or worse...even an u/s(understudy)! Understudies are the silent muppets that can be removed from the production if one of the main performers isn't able to perform. Muppets like Grover and Prairie Dawn have played understudies numerous times.

But as the topic states, how do you feel SW has been handling the problem of how to use their classic muppets?

 

[SSLFan]

I've been thinking also, since Mr. Spinney can't perform BB as good as he used too, why not just use old clips of BB(mainly from the 90's I guess)that can appear in the episodes? Like these:
http://www.sesamestreet.org/video_p...&p_p_uid=ea97a29e-1561-11dd-a62f-919b98326687
http://www.sesamestreet.org/video_p...&p_p_uid=c3a2a2c1-1552-11dd-8ea8-a3d2ac25b65b
http://www.sesamestreet.org/video_p...&p_p_uid=c1b9557a-1592-11dd-b10a-6119e86ae19b

With all the BB clips SW has had in storage all these years, there is really no excuse for not having him in every ep like Elmo, Oscar, and Cookie,etc. The same applys for Bert and Ernie, I mean, they must have thousands of vintage E&B clips.

 

[Redsonga]

And Snuffy, don't forget Snuffy and Alice!..Golly, I miss those days

 

[Drtooth]

I think we've really seen progress in the amount of Big Bird we've seen. He's in just about every other episode lately. And I do like the Ernie and Bert's great adventures, though I really think that we need balance between that segment and the puppets, classic sketches or newer ones. This season, however, marked the return of Guy Smiley in an actual street segment. he's been off the show since the 90's (in old skits especially), outside that old Do De Rubba Duck bit. And every so often, a classic character will randomly appear for an episode or two. Wolfgang was back this season too.

But check out this thread. They're even making progress with the merchandising.

 

[Ilikemuppets]

I've been thinking also, since Mr. Spinney can't perform BB as good as he used too

Well, I have to disagree there. I think he is as good as he's ever been if not the best.