Thoughts on Season 35 Episode 4: Alan Goes on Vacation.
Pros.
1 Venus Williams introducing her favorite SS memory, the song for the number 12, The Ladybug's Picnic.
2 The arrival of Natalie.
a. It brings in new blood as a new human character.
b. It harkens back to the chain of command we used to have.
I.e.: Mr. Hooper and David, David and Gina, etc.
3 Natalie.
She has this soft mousey speaking voice, but a good singing voice.
4 The segment where Hoots the Owl returned.
Jimmy's family's moving away and he's a little unsure of the move. Hoots comes and shows him that everything's gonna be all right.
5 Bert and Ernie are playing house, with Bert guessing what role Ernie's playing.
Steve Whitmire was voicing Ernie, and it sounded very much like Frank was voicing Bert. Must be from seasons gone by.
6 Trash Gordon.
This is gonna be the standard ending for Season 35 episodes, and it looks like we'll get a new character with each ending for the different adventure/endings.
Cons.
1 Letter D Cookie segment was the same. Though I did get to see it from the beginning.
Favorite Quote: "Me love to run fingers through alphabet."
2 Counting Organ 17 segment was the same.
3 Elmo's World: Bugs was the same. Though there was a nice subtle joke where the ladybug left, and Elmo said that it had to go to a picnic.
Hope this helps and have a good day.