Episode 202: Zero Mostel

The Muppet Show
Guest	Zero Mostel
Production	May 31 - June 2, 1977
Premiere	December 1977
(TRANSCRIPT)

Kermit doesn't have the payroll money ($27.14), but Muppet Theater owner J.P. Grosse says he'll give him the money if he puts "good old-fashioned entertainment" back in the show -- meaning lady wrestlers. Only one shows up, an old (but very tough) lady named Granny the Gouger. Miss Piggy refuses to wrestle, so Kermit is forced to appear, disguised as "The Mysterious Ms. Mask." When Granny body slams him, however, an enraged Piggy knocks her out.

Songs/Sketches

• Cold Open: Zero doesn't know if he is eating or being eaten
• Theme Song

Waldorf: "Oh, please let them be funny this once!"

Gonzo's horn shoot sparks out.

• The concert pianist cancels, so Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem play Chopin's "Polonaise in A Flat."
• Zero, as a king, sings "What Do the Simple Folk Do?" to the Queen.
• At the Dance: Tennis
• UK Spot: Kermit and Sam in the prop room.
• Muppet Labs Magnetic Carrots
• Sam the Eagle gives Zero a lecture on dignity, so Zero makes fun of Sam behind his back.
• Zoot plays "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes."
• Zero Mostel recites a poem about his fears, known as "Fears of Zero."
• Animal plays a drum solo.
• Kermit, disguised as Ms. Mask, enters a lady wrestling match with Granny the Gouger.

Notes

• This is the first of three consecutive episodes where a different female performer auditioned. The performer in this episode was Richenda Carey, who performed the voice of the Queen (a full-bodied, female version of the Featherstone puppet). She didn't perform the puppetry.

• Although J.P. Grosse plays an important role in the plot, he does not appear in this episode.

• This is one of two cold opens that begin with Scooter outside of the Guest Star's Dressing Room.

• Zero Mostel died in September 1977, three months after he filmed this episode, and before it aired.

• Beaker makes his debut in this episode.

Cast

Muppets:

Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Scooter, Rowlf the Dog, Statler, Waldorf, Sam the Eagle, Dr. Teeth, Floyd Pepper, Zoot, Animal, The Queen, Muppy, Whatnots, Granny the Gouger, Crazy Harry, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Beaker, Behemoth, Beautiful Day Monster, Mean Mama, Blue Frackle

Background Muppets:

Janice, Steel Rabbit, Timmy Monster, Shakey Sanchez, Purple Heap, Green Heap, Snerfs

Performers

Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog, Rowlf, Dr. Teeth, Waldorf, Girl Dancer, and Tennis Balls

Frank Oz as Miss Piggy, Sam the Eagle, Fozzie Bear, Animal, and Whatnot Dancers

Jerry Nelson as Granny the Gouger, Floyd Pepper, Crazy Harry, Behemoth, and Beautiful Day Monster

Richard Hunt as Scooter, Statler, Beaker, Whatnot Dancers, and Blue Frackle

Dave Goelz as Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot, Muppy, Marvin, Whatnot Dancer, and Big Mama

Richenda Carey as Queen (voice)

Edits

• On CTS, the UK skit that takes place in the prop room is cut.

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