Plus, the Count is so much less creepy and scary than he used to be, say back in the 80s. And, you're right Snowthy, vampire cartoons are huge now. The biggest charm of the Count is that is so harmless. He's actually one of the sager/wiser (though slightly crazy) people on The Street. I think I know what you are referring to with Oscar. He is kinda negative and nasty, but theres also a reason he's lasted all these years so successfully. He has many layers. Probably one of the more complex and rounded characters. He teaches that there are some people with very different points of view and we should be challenged to love and respect them unconditionally as best as we can. He's also not totally awful. He is never mean-spirited and would never actually hurt anyone. He's just a tricky pessimist. He's kinda the opposite of Ernie. Ernie is an optimistic prankster with good intentions. And Oscar is just so funny...he's like that grumpy old uncle of the family. I think what makes SS so successful is that the neighborhood has been inhabited by so many types of people and personalities and that reflects the real world. They always talk about how the show (at least they used to more) reflects real like situations and conflicts. The characters on SS aren't perfect, aren't without problems and don't always get along, but they do their best. Oscar is just one of those that is stubborn and difficult to reason with...I know a lot of people like that and I love them anyway. I learned to...thanks, Sesame Street!