Mrs. Otter and I caught the Muppet portion of The Bachelorette when it aired Monday and we were both thrilled and relieved that (a) it was over in the first hour so we didn't have to waste our time with the rest of that nonsense, and (b) it didn't put the characters in the position to be misused or misrepresented.
Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie and Statler were, quite simply, THEMSELVES - their reactions were genuine and heartfelt and stayed true to the Muppet personalities we've known and loved for years without cheapening their images. Sure, Kermit zipped up Emily's dress and Piggy stomped off in a huff, but that joke would have worked just as well in 1972 or 1982 (let's not forget how much Kermit has flirted with many of the TMS guest stars - this was downright tame compared to that!).
And the context of their appearance - helping the guys loosen up and put on a variety show as a charity fundraiser - allowed them to seamlessly fit into all the action. It wasn't "The Muppets Visit Jerry Springer," it was actually quite charming and occasionally downright adorable. ("Rainbow Connection" for the win!!!)
(FOOTNOTE: One of the contestants, Aaron, is now living in California but was actually born and raised in Leitches' Creek, a rural Nova Scotia community only 90 minutes away from my hometown...that doesn't mean we're going to watch the rest of the series or root for the guy, but it's just kind of freaky...)