Intentionally Blank Pure Muppet "Muppet Movies"— Intentionally Blank Ep. 142
Feb 21, 2024
Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells discuss their favorite Muppet characters and movies, including Muppets in Space and A Christmas Carol. They explore non-Muppet muppet movies like Dark Crystal and Fraggle Rock, while also touching on legacy sequels and the impact of iconic characters like Kermit.
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Midnight Theater Memory
- Brandon describes seeing The Muppets Take Manhattan (and other Muppet films) late at night with friends and laughing uproariously.
- He links that shared theater experience to why he fondly remembers Muppets from Space despite its flaws.
The Newt Principle
- Brandon introduces the "Newt principle": killing or erasing an important character between films undermines earlier emotional arcs.
- He argues that Muppets Most Wanted undercut the first film's emotional investment by acting like it never mattered.
Movies vs. TV Muppet Modes
- The hosts contrast two Muppet modes: character-driven emotional arcs in the movies versus archetypal, chaotic TV Muppet humor.
- They note the films shift characters from archetypes into deeper backstories across sequels.