The Adults Meet Mr. Snuffleupagus

[bigbird]

I'm sure somebody here can describe to me the episode in which the adults on Sesame Street FINALLY meet Snuffy. By that time, I did not really tune in too much as I was getting somewhat older and was more attracted to a more mature kind of programming. Was Mr. Hooper still alive in the episode? How did it finally come about? Seeing is believing...what was their reaction after all the years they were telling Big Bird that Snuffy was an "imaginary friend"?

 

[sesameguy]

It's a great episode (2096),and it thankfully was included in the "Unpaved" series. Mr. Hooper had passed away by this time, but virtually every other grownup on the street at the time was there.

It's hard to describe the moment. Essentially, the human cast is shown staring in awe and wonder at something. Then we cut to a long shot to show that the people are staring at Snuffy. They slowly walk up and begin patting Snuffy. Almost as if to say "Welcome" and "Are you really real?" at the same time.

Big Bird comes in triumphant. "At last! I told you there was a Snuffle-Upagus, but you didn't believe me!" After the grownups get over the shock, Susan speaks.

Susan: "Big Bird, you have a right to be angry."
BB: "I do?"
Susan: "Sure. After all this time and we didn't believe you - that must have been really hard for you."
BB: "Well, yeah, it was."
Susan: "Well Big Bird, from the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize."
Bob: "Big Bird, from now on, we're going to believe anything you tell us. We promise."
Snuffy: "Maybe we should get that in writing."

The show ends with Big Bird formally introducing everybody to Snuffy and a "group hug" with TV host Phil Donahue joining in. (He was on the street earlier getting his toaster fixed).

The backstory is that this scene was partly written to adress the issue of abuse and how important it is for children to know that they will be believed if they need to be.

 

[SesameMike]

The adults finally met Snuffy in the playground area. Big Bird was outside the door, debating to go in there -- think "ooh, I can't look". Finally, BB decides to enter, but before doing so he says to the camera something like "But I feel like I just lost my best friend."

Note that as part of the plan, it was none other than Elmo who agreed to hold Snuffy's trunk, er, snuffle to keep him from walking away per the usual routine up until that time. There was some recent discussion about this; while it wasn't Elmo's first appearance, I thought I'd heard that this was the first time Kevin Clash did Elmo and/or the first time he was referred to by name (was Baby Monster his earlier moniker?) Anyone know for certain?

 

[bigbird]

I wish I could have seen that episode in its entirety

 

[Daffyfan4ever]

I know what you mean. I remember seeing it years ago, but I don't remember too much about it. To be honest, I can't even remember Elmo appearing in that one. I do remember Phil Donahue's appearance though. I'm glad Sesameguy posted the lines of dialogue there. It sounds like a beautiful scene. I wish I could remember it better. Now I sound like Forgetful Jones. Lol.

 

[MuppetDude]

While it wasn't Elmo's first appearance, I thought I'd heard that this was the first time Kevin Clash did Elmo and/or the first time he was referred to by name (was Baby Monster his earlier moniker?) Anyone know for certain?

The earliest I've seen him referred to by name is in a 1981 book, "The SS Circus of Opposites" (which also contains what may be the earliest illustrations of the Honkers, and even Pearl and Deena appear).