@@VinceHagenbeek aren’t all the Muppet Movies non-canon? They’re movies with the Muppets playing parts, they even do ‘behind the scenes’ segments where the Muppets talk about playing themselves.
@@rhodiumveil7072 Makes sense, especially when you talk about The Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island. Has anyone also seen Muppets Haunted Mansion yet?
@@VinceHagenbeek I have, both Miss Piggy and Bunsen Honeydew complain about how small their cameos are, seemingly confirming that it is completely fictional in Muppets canon
Gonzo has probably been my fave since childhood, though it rotates between him, Kermit, and Fozzie. it is a family TRADITION to watch Muppet Christmas Carol at least ONCE during the Christmas season. me and my sisters quote the Gonzo and Rizzo bits all the time. and he looks down right ADORABLE in that dress. the dude is as much of a fashion ICON as Miss Piggy.
Honestly, “Gonzo is the new Kermit” is a sentiment I can get behind. Vogel’s Kermit DOES bother me, so if Goelz really is the last OG, give his characters the forefront. A special for each one of them until he’s ready to hang it up or passes on.
Yeah. Of the original core 5 muppeteers (Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Jerry Nelson, and Richard Hunt) only 2 are still alive (Frank and Dave) and 1 is still with the muppets (Dave) he really should be the new front man because Vogel’s Kermit is just so off, and they have horribly forgotten how to write for Piggy and Fozzie and many more.
Vogel is perfectly fine. Yes, it does sound weird, but that's only because he's new at doing Kermit and I imagine the voice will be honed in as he gets more and more experience.
@@garrettcarter5622 yes but no. See here’s the thing, firstly he’s not new.. he’s been playing Kermit for more than 4 years now so he’s not exactly new.. he may have only had a few new projects since taking over the role but he has had plenty of downtime to keep working on it. Secondly even before he took it over he should have been getting trained as at least back in the 90s they were always training new puppeteers to fill in when the older ones eventually couldn’t be as present. Lastly and most importantly.. Kermit is more than a voice. He is a character with a personality that I haven’t seen since 2015. Kermits personality is completely devoid when he is performed by Vogel (who is a great puppeteer just not as Kermit) and that’s the biggest problem with modern muppets, as much as I love and miss th classic characters these aren’t characters that you can pass the torch down and expect them to remain the same they are going to change, Steve Whitmires Kermit is very different from Jim’s but the soul remained similar enough that it didn’t affect the overall work, however Vogel’s Kermit lacks depth, and personality. Frank Oz has even pointed it out in a recent interview! And again I want to say Vogel is great! His work as Constantine and Uncle Deadly is incredible.. but there is sgomething blocking him from connecting to Kermit and adapting him into his new form. (Deadlys a great example he used to just be creepy but lately he has become far more queer coded which is a fun and new idea that doesn’t detract from who deadly was but elevates who he is now… he needs to find that with Kermit…)
@@februaryschneck "he should have been getting trained" Thats neither his fault nor anyone at Disney/Muppet Studios. If rumors are to be believed, Steve Whitmire didn't want an understudy which is a problem with Muppets since you might have to pass on the role to another person at any moment.
Gonzo as Gonzorella just made me realize HE ONLY HAS 3 FINGERS. HAS HE ALWAYS HAD ONLY THREE FINGERS?! PS- Gonzo Dickens is PEAK Gonzo and if seeing him doesn't make you feel warm and fuzzy inside I don't know what will.
The first time I ever saw the muppets was in the original movie and I just remember Gonzo hopping up and down in the back of the studebaker saying he was "hopping mad" and I knew immediately he'd be one of my favorite characters ever.
Way I see it all Muppet movies are technically “non-canon” the muppet show and the other shows where they just put on shows and have guest stars are set in real life. But in my opinion all the movies where they tell origin stories, have celebrity cameos, break the 4th wall and contain contradicting information then it’s the Muppets making a movie. Acting, sometimes as fictional versions of themselves. So you can say that Muppets from Space is just a movie where the Muppets decide to make a film pretending Gonzo was an alien
The sad part about "Goelz being the last original Muppet" is that Frank Oz (Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Animal, Cookie Monster, Bert, Grover, and Sam the Eagle) is still alive and well. Oz has even gone on to say that he would be happy to come back to the Muppets. Disney just doesn't want him. Honestly, I don't hate Matt Vogel's Kermit, it sounds a little 'fakey' but, Steve Whitmire didn't sound like Jim Henson either. I would like to see some of the original performers' characters develop more (like Gonzo, Fozzie, etc.) I thought that the Halloween special was really good, but as said by Dr. Bunsen Honeydew IN THE SPECIAL: "Oh Beakie, I was so hoping we would get a bigger cameo." Basically, more character development for original characters but don't rely on it for the sake of the plot.
The bunsen and beaker joke was referencing a cut scene with Bunsen, Beaker, Van Neuter and mulch, where they were looking inside of Gonzo’s head trying to see if there was any fear inside. (Gonzo and the Ghost Host also get a reference to it as well.)
Wait people were concerned about baby gonzo wearing a dress? He's a weird guy, maybe there isn't a deep reason he wants to wear one, maybe he just wanted to? Gonzo is Gonzo, he tries new things, does stuff nobody expects because that's who he is! It's actually a great message. More people need to be true to themselves like Gonzo!
Was so excited Muppets haunted Mansion was Gonzocentric! Only thing missing was Rizzo by his side along with Pepé. Another great Distory, Dan! Keep up the amazing work!
To be fair, “Muppets From Space” wasn’t the first Muppet production to imply that Gonzo was an alien. The song he sings in “The Muppet Movie”, ‘I’m Going to Go Back There Someday’, has lyrics that seem to indicate a possible extraterrestrial origin.
Gonzo is and always will be my favorite Muppet, he’s such a great character and I love all the hijinks he gets into in stuff like Great Muppet Caper and Treasure Island
I liked muppets from space. I grew up with that. It sucked that Gonzo felt alone. It made me feel sad. I honestly loved that Gonzo’s “family” came to take him back and he says that he isn’t alone, he has his friends
You know Gonzo once put on a dress in the original muppet show series. So this is entirely in character for him in fact he's done crazier and more problematic! He's juggled a baby grand piano, shoots himself semi regularly out of a cannon, has intament relations with chickens, and almost shot kermit's nephew Robin out of a cannon! He almost shot a five year old out of a cannon if Kermit hadn't intervened and your mad about him putting on a dress and heels? I'm so done!
The issue is that the message and delivery is obnoxious at best. Let's not forget that Rizzo was completely out of character. He wouldn't help Gonzo in that endeavor. He would mock the living crap out of him. Plus, it already looks like Generation Alpha is going to grow up in a world where dogs are able to tell the males and females apart better than humans. Do you not see how sad that is?
Gonzo was always my favorite Muppet. The moment that stands out for me is him singing "I"m Going to Go Back There Someday" in The Muppet Movie. You see that there's a wistful, melancholy side to him. That underneath all the weirdness and crazy stunts, he's an outsider who just wants to belong. I really related to that.
Dave Goelz had to be convinced by Henson to become a Muppeteer. He originated in the workshop, but Henson saw something in him and his ability to perform. Goelz doubted himself, doubted his ability, doubted that he was good enough. If you watch Gonzo and his character development on screen, it lines up perfectly with Goelz. Shy, meek, a little weird, but still willing to put himself out there, all the way to this confident guy who proudly lets his freak flag fly. As a shy guy racked with doubt my whole life myself, Gonzo has always meant the world to me.
@@megelizabeth9492 back in Henson’s day, when Goelz stepped in to the role, they referred to themselves as Muppeteers. It’s only a relatively recent thing that they called themselves performers. Starting with the new generation of performers who felt it trivialised their work, though Frank Oz often still refers to what he used to do as being a Muppeteer.
Fun fact! When I was little Gonzo was my favorite muppet to the point where I wanted to marry him when I grew up. The fact that I'm a lesbian now honestly leaves a lot to unpack there but Gonzo will always hold a special place in my heart as a result
I've always ADORED Christmas Carol Gonzo and he'll forever hold a place in my heart!! He's probably one of my favorite muppets that I can actually see a lot of myself in-- us little weird whatevers gotta stick together!!! :)
I've not seen a lot of your content, but you talking about that Muppet babies episode where Gonzo wears a dress and the "controversy" that surrounded it was just brilliant!
Regarding the Gonzo in a dress situation, I can see the push back possibly being because of the presentation. The way it's written, they highlight it and make it an issue the other characters questioned. Gonzo's weirdness is part of his character and has traditionally not been questioned as "is this okay?". The other Muppets just accept him for the lovable weirdo he is. By highlighting it in the way they did here, they went against this and created a "problem" where there was none. Gonzo has always done things off the beaten path and embraced his unique weirdness as a positive. Him in a dress is just a normal Tuesday and that's how it should be treated.
I agree with u: it shouldn’t be a problem it definitely isn’t. But remember it’s muppet BABIES. Babies/ toddlers naturally find things confusing that they’re not used to . I’d personally think of it as gonzo ( as a baby) working up to embracing his gonzality lol sort of an origin story for how his whole attitude is today . Ik not everyone is a fan of muppets from space and it’s fine to have preferences like that I totally respect that. But just know that embracing who u r doesn’t mean u can’t feel alone. I’ve embraced the fact I was autistic since elementary school but still didn’t feel complete cuz I wasn’t really friends with anyone else on the spectrum. Self acceptance isn’t just “ oh it’s okay to be the way I am boom everything is fixed.” Knowing it’s ok is just the first step , self acceptance ( and acceptance of others) is an ongoing journey.
Honestly, so many things have been about Kermit and Miss Piggy relationship for so long, I welcome anything about anyone else. And really, Gonzo is the best anyway.
My favorite gonzo appearance is in the muppets Christmas carol when rizzo kisses him on the nose, and they just stare at each other after. Its so awkward i love it.
My favorite Gonzo moment was the Christmas morning when I came out to see a stuffed Gonzo and a Rawlf puppet under the tree. Always loved tweeking that Gonzos nose with the plastic bubble inside.
my favorite memory of my last Disney World trip was meeting these two adorable kids, a boy and a girl, on the Lilly Belle. The boy sees a girl walk by dressed as Mal from disenchanted and tells me he went as her for Halloween the he pointed and loudly proclaims "that's my short daddy! My tall daddy is over there!" I just thought 'Wow these kids are awesome!'
Two things to say here. One, thank you for telling me about the Muppets Haunted Mansion. I went onto Disney+ to watch it as soon as you mentioned it. Two, there needs to be an episode of Foolish Mortals about the Muppets Haunted Mansion Special.
Gonzo is my favorite Weirdo and I love him forever. If he was allowed to be weird, then for sure I could too, right? He was and is very important to me.
It's a show meant for toddlers. Maybe, just that crap isn't something they need to see. Maybe they don't need to be told "see, boys can wear dresses too. Why don't you put one on." Plus, Rizzo was completely out of character.
As an enby trans person i seriously welcome gonzo as a fellow whatever. He’s honestly been a huge inspiration to me since forever. He kinda helped me accept me, for me. Be who you want to be my fellow whatevers! I love ya, and have a wonderful day! 💜
My favorite Gonzo moment is his song in the original Muppet Movie; there's just something about it that's so beautifully nostalgic, melancholy, and comforting all at the same time. I want it in my funeral.
My favorite Gonzo moment is in Muppet Christmas Carol when he brings the frozen Rizzo inside and a chicken in a fancy headdress walks by him. He seemed very interested in that chicken. I don't blame him.
0:32 “Kermit is a frog, Fozzie Bear is a pig, wait…” Don’t worry; I do that too! Mostly with writing. As for the video itself, Gonzo has always been my favorite Muppet. My favorite Gonzo-related media/role? Probably Christmas Carol and Treasure Island, but Haunted Mansion is getting up there now too! 13:10 Oh! Here's how they came up with the idea, straight from Dave Goelz from an interview circa 2011: "When I went on the Today Show a few years ago, his eyes malfunctioned. During the bit, I realized that only one eye was opening. It was a fantastic expression. We made it into a funny thing because it just happened on live television. I immediately asked the Workshop if we could incorporate that, and eventually, when they built some more Gonzos, they did do it. So I have the ability to open one eye separately, and it gives you a very perplexed, crazy expression that I love." Also, nice words about the, “Gonzo in a dress,” piece. I honestly loved what it represented, and that it was done with my favorite Muppet.
I've been in love with The Great Gonzo for as long as I can remember. Seriously. The fact that he keeps withstanding everything, including PHYSICAL pain, is that he listens to his own heart at ALL advice and NO complaints. He sometimes asked the triumph of being his own self, and that makes me want to love him as much as Kermit.
I remember suggesting an evolution of Gonzo video a while back after seeing how different he was on The Muppet Show so thank you for doing this video Dan. The best version of Gonzo has to be the Muppets Christmas Carol one, he's brilliant and bounces off Rizzo so well.
Gonzo has always been hands-down my favorite! At the risk of sounding lame, I always felt like I was weird growing up, but Gonzo always made me feel better b/c he didn't just accept that he was different, he EMBRACED it fully and enjoyed anything life threw at him, he was always fearless & just rolled with the punches. I have a serious soft spot in my heart for the little guy - thank you so much for doing this video! Brought a reminiscent smile to my face today! :-)
When I first heard the idea of Gonzo being a trans character I was like WHAT? But then I remembered he dressed like the Blue Fairy in the original 80s Muppet Babies & he (under the management of Scooter) performed a female impersonation act on The Muppet Show. Then they brought it up again in the new Muppet Babies, I thought why not? I accept Gonzo as a trans Muppet. :p
@@pookiepooh Maybe not, but I can see where they got the idea. People (like myself) experiment with labels & ideas until they find a comfortable existence. Some trans people do experiment with how they dress.
After a long and stressful work week, unwinding with a glass of wine and learning about the evolution of our beloved Gonzo is making my Friday night so much better.
DAN!! I can’t believe you missed out on one of the best Gonzos (not to mention the other masterpiece) from Muppets Classic Theater!! Gonzo as Rumpelstiltskin!! It was like giving a Brother’s Grimm aesthetic mixed with Aughra’s aesthetic!
When I was little girl, I thought that Gonzo was a type of animal named weirdo, because of the original Muppet Babies Saturday morning TV show. 😂📺👶🏻🐸🐷🐻
Gonzo has always been my number 1 favorite Muppet hands down. Any moment of his from Muppet Treasure Island is gold👏🏻This is probably my favorite evolution video you've ever done.
Wow, so much Gonzo appreciation! Did you know he also got a close-up freeze in the anti-drug story; Cartoon All Stars to the Rescue? No joke, it was baby Gonzo in an artist outfit, showing that he drew the backgrounds for the Rollercoaster scene! I still love this story strangely even if iiid was just made as part of a just say no revolution. Also your Little speech about Gonzo teaching us to be ourselves is just so sweet! i thought that was great too!
My favorite Gonzo moments are, its a three-way tie between jumping a motorcycle into Statler and Waldorf's box, the flower pot dance in the _Muppet Vision 3-D_ pre-show, or "TAXIIIIII!!!!" And let the record show that there is a Muppets comic strip where Gonzo walks past the men's and women's restrooms to use the "whatever" bathroom
"People got upset with gonzo in a dress" despite the fact he's worn a dress MULTIPLE times. And no one gave a crap when Rizzo is CLEARLY WEARING A SKIRT IN THE SAME SCENE. KERMIT HAS DRESSED IN WOMEN'S CLOTHES BEFORE, EVEN WRESTLED AS A FEMALE WRESTLER. FOZZIE DRESSED AS MISS PIGGY TO IMPRESS HIS MOM. YOU'RE GETTING MAD OVER A PUPPET WITH PING PONG BALLS FOR EYES AND WIRES DANGLING FROM IT'S WRIST PEOPLE.
Well, it's important, because are constantly processing their environment, and if something is being treated as special and they mimicked that behavior, then they could be expected being treated as special.
God, there are soooo many fabulous Gonzo moments, it would take an hour for me to sift through just the ones from the movies. Especially Muppet Christmas Carol, which I ADORE. But for all his zany antics, the first Gonzo moment that popped into my head was his singing I'm Going to Go Back There Someday. So simple and beautiful and emotional; it still makes me cry.
I grew up with only the OG Muppet movie, The Great Muppet Caper, and Muppets from Space all on VHS. These were my childhood and Muppets from Space was always was my favorite growing up. So that movie always has a special soft spot in my heart.
Act Naturally is my absolute favourite Gonzo bit. That performance has stuck with me for 25 years. Back when I first rented Muppet Treasures on vhs from Blockbuster.
My favorite Gonzo moment is when Gonzo as The Tin Man acts like a big brother to Fozzie as The Cowardly Lion by holding his arms out just to help Fozzie walk over that creepy creeky bridge in The Muppets Wizard of Oz. Not a favorite Muppet Movie, but a favorite Muppet Moment.
OMG I SAW THIS AND FREAKED OUT!!! I’m obsessed with the muppets and can’t wait to watch the video!! I’m also super excited to watch the New Haunted Mansion!! ❤️
Gonzo is my favorite Muppet! I especially loved him thanks to Muppet Babies, he was the funniest and most entertaining of the bunch. And as someone who's always been a bet odd, I've always identified with the Weirdo. :) My favorite with Gonzo was the 1980s Muppet Babies episode The Weirdo Zone where all the others try to find the weirdness inside of them to understand Gonzo better.
I was introduced the muppets by my mom and she always loves gonzo so I have always had a little bias by her but she also really really made me appreciate and love him. My favorite moment will probably always been in the muppets ABC show when he is flying around backstage stuck to a rope. I'm so glad gonzo has always been how he is because it made me think that somewhere people or a person will always except your weird lovely self.
Nice. My biggest introduction to the Muppets in general AND the Christmas Carol story was the Muppet Christmas Carol. It's still my favorite Christmas Carol, though admittingly, nostalgia may play a factor.
2:00 now I'm imagining Jim tossing out puppets like Oprah giving away cars. I think my favorite Gonzo moment of all time is the Madeline Kahn episode. There's some really funny parts, but also really genuine emotions.
That's basically how we got Elmo as we know him; Richard Hunt, frustrated that he just couldn't seem to get the character to work, tossed the puppet to Kevin Clash and basically said, "here, you try and get something out of this"
My fav Gonzo is "Muppet Classic Theatre" where he is a host with Rizzo again, but also plays some on-stage characters. He's a little more zany in that one compared to Christmas Carol, which is great, but I love CC too and plan to watch it again this season. I think it's important to mention Rizzo because the two are often paired together and play off of each other well
Question: What is Sweetums? What is Thog? What is Behemoth? He is the only Muppet out of the main group to not be a identifiable animal, but why is Gonzo the only abstract Muppet who's species everyone is so hung up on?
(For complete transparency, this isn't my observation. I think the Kermitment podcast pointed it out during their episode on The Great Santa Claus Switch.)
i think it matters much more for gonzo bc so much of gonzo's character is built around his Otherness, his strangeness, his uniqueness. he was always a "whatever" from the beginning and they constantly bring attention to it; meanwhile muppets like sweetums and thog have more broad usages, usually used for comedy based around how big they are. barely anyone mentions that they are strange at all. gonzo's purpose is much more focused on how he is an Other, that he's weird and strange. i think that's why people care so much, at least personally.
Gonzo in a dress is one of the most adorable things ever Also, The Muppets Christmas Carol is my favorite muppet movie and one of my favorite movies in general
I first fell in love with Gonzo when I was a kid and the Muppets reboot movie was in Cinemas. I went to watch it with my mom and when they convinced him to leave his job as the king of plumbing so he blew up the company was hilarious! After that I was hooked and watched every possible muppet media I could find. And interestingly I came out as non-binary a few months before Gonzorella aired so it feels like my journey and his were linked. I love Gonzo to pieces and am totally on board with him becoming the new Kermit 💙
