Jim Henson and Elmo

[Snuffylover]

I know Elmo became a popular charachter, performed by Kevin Clash, in 1985, just 5 years before Jim Henson's death. Also during these years Jim Henson's charachters did get to work with Elmo. Guy Smiley, Ernie, and Kermit. Kermit worked with him the most, and I think Jim's Ernie and Guy Smiley were only in a skit with Elmo one time a piece. I wonder what Jim thought of Elmo? Like if you sat him down during those years and asked him what exactly his opinion was of the charachter I wonder what he'd say. Also I wonder what he would think of the tremondous popularity the charachter has taken on during the years since his death. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GonzoLeaper]

Hmm- interesting question. It is cool to see the sketches where Kermit and Elmo interact on Sesame Street. And of course, there are a few with Ernie and Elmo- which one has Guy Smiley and Elmo though? I know all 4 of them are in the "Do De Rubber Duck" song though, which is really cool!
I think Jim would probably, for the most part, have been cool with Elmo's rise in popularity because Sesame Street was never totally his thing to begin with- though he certainly believed strongly in it and obviously enjoyed providing the Muppets for it. But I do wonder if he might not have started questioning Elmo's overarching prominence in regards to storylines and such- he did seem to be pretty concerned about quality in his work.
It's hard to know for sure- I wonder if this question has come up to Brian and Lisa Henson before.

 

[dwmckim]

I don't think Jim would have had any negative thoughts. For one Elmo was definately rising in popularity but wasn't suffocating or at the point where the show was All About Elmo yet. Second, while Jim was alive, Elmo was still a hilarious, funny, engaging character. I can't imagine Jim having any other thoughts other than "how great that Kevin's got his star character. He totally has earned it."

 

[Drtooth]

I don't think Jim would have had any negative thoughts. For one Elmo was definately rising in popularity but wasn't suffocating or at the point where the show was All About Elmo yet. Second, while Jim was alive, Elmo was still a hilarious, funny, engaging character. I can't imagine Jim having any other thoughts other than "how great that Kevin's got his star character. He totally has earned it."

That's how I feel too. Don't forget, this was also a time when certain writers were working on the show as well. Elmo had some great material in those days. Check out the video "Monster Hits!" He spent the entire run of the exclusive footage trying to open the award ceremony's envelope before its time, and in such a 3 year old kid's manner too. I'm sure that if Jim were still around we'd still have Elmo, but something would be different. Sure, he would have been quieted down, but not in the manner he is today.

We'd see a LOT more of his annoyance at Rocko... that's for sure. And more episodes like the one where Zoe kept playing games that either squashed him, disoriented him, or hit him in the face.

 

[Convincing John]

We'd see a LOT more of his annoyance at Rocko... that's for sure. And more episodes like the one where Zoe kept playing games that either squashed him, disoriented him, or hit him in the face.

...plus many, many more "Happy Caps" episodes.

Convincing John

 

[Drtooth]

...plus many, many more "Happy Caps" episodes.

That was an epic episode. it was SO epic that I had to immortalize it.

But that's the stuff I'm talking about. Real Jim Henson style humor out of the character, and less talking about feet or games or something for 15 minutes.

 

[zns]

I seriously doubt Jim would have any negative thoughts about not just Elmo, but the rest of the show as well if he could see it today. Jim always said that he supported whatever the workshop did in order to keep the show going and that he would remain a part of it for as long as he lived, which was totoally true. I think he would fully understand why Sesame Street would have to aim mostly at the three-year-olds and keep the show going for as long as it stayed on the air, which is now 41 years.