Question Regarding The Count von Count's Early Vampiric Powers

[jeremystclair]

I know that originally count von count had some more sinister elements such as more of an evil laugh and used hypnotism powers. What was the progression with that being removed as after he used hypnotism in his first appearance he apparently didn't use it again till a season later with his evil laugh being removed after 2 or 3 sketches before he used his hypnotism again. There's also the early mail skit which he has a bit of vampiric elements

 

[Muppet Master]

There was, of course, the infamous skit with Bert & Ernie and the blocks. Then, I recall another one where Count was Grover's waiter serving him hot dogs. I'm sure they slowly phased out his hypnotizing powers shortly after parents sent angry letters.

Nowadays, the Count can hardly even be called sinister or scary, if he even appears at all.

 

[groverandgrapes]

One of my theories is that parents started writing complaints about their children being scared of the count and that is why they made him more kid friendly.

 

[LittleJerry92]

I really am not convinced the Count’s personality change came from angry letters. It could be possible, sure, but there isn’t anything to otherwise back up that being the possible case.

I’m more just convinced it’s a case of the fact that the crew of Sesame Workshop were experimenting around with his character and maybe the hypnosis thing just got old quickly.

 

[CL1FFXD]

I think the Count's old vampiric powers were just experimental character traits that never really latched onto him.

 

[LittleJerry92]

Yup, how I feel 100%.

 

[YellowYahooey]

I found the sketch with Count ordering hot dogs hilarious, especially when Grover eventually caught on to his tactic and Count used a hypnotism spell to make Grover deliver more hot dogs. Grover gave in, and repeatedly delivered hot dogs so fast until he passed out.

I find hypnotism was used in many TV shows, especially Saturday morning cartoons. I do know it was used in Shirt Tales, Richie Rich, and maybe even Scooby-Doo. I bet Smurfs and maybe even Monchhichis even had hypnotism featured in some episodes (makes sense, since those series involves heavy use of magic spells and wizardry).

Hypnotism was even depicted in a fantasy scene in one episode of Arthur.