All riiiight!
Let's get this Off the Cuff Review started with a most positutevly rockin' salute to Disney+. For bringing back the essence of what Muppet Television has been missing.
The Muppets Mayhem - Airing May 10th on Disney Plus
(Image Credit: Disney Plus)
The Muppet Studios and Disney+ have expungulated 10 episodes with joy and whimsy while still telling a solid story, even if it falls into a few obvious tropes.
The voice cast of the Electric Mayhem are near matches in most cases. At times I felt as if Jim Henson was coming through those pearly whites playing the ivory keys. Bill Buretta not only performed as the periodontal player Dr. Teeth but also was one of the show's developers. So he understood what the essence of what the Mayhem had to be.
Sgt. Floyd Pepper played by Matt Vogel again is spot on! I hope the hardcore Muppet community gives Vogel some slack after playing this character versus his take on a certain amphibian Muppet.
Janice's character has really evolved over the years and her performer David Rudman, yes Janice has been traditionally portrayed by men, did a Fur-Shure groovy job.
Zoot and Lips bring in the brashicality in the horns section. Both equally as bit characters and running jokes. Zoot played by Veteran Muppetier Dave Golez at 76 hasn't missed a beat with his classic character. Lips the smooth saxophonist is hilarious and I do believe that his performer Peter Linz will save the World.
Then there is Animal, the heartbeat of the group. He is just as loveable and wild as ever. Eric Johnson really knows his character and how to play with Animal's physicality and deliver emotion through the wild drummer.
Oh yeah there are some human supporting cast (see tropes)
The Muppets Mayhem - Track 5 "Break on Through"(Disney/Mitch Haaseth)
ANIMAL, LILLY SINGH, JANICE, ZOOT, TAHJ MOWRY, FLOYD PEPPER, ANDERS HOLM, DR. TEETH, LIPS
(Image Credit: Disney Plus)
Characters you say?
Yes this isn't just a silly slapstick show about "getting the band back together"
That will happen eventually but throughout 10 episodes we get the backstory on some of the Mayhem. Once again in recent media, it uses the found family story.
Speaking of character, the sets are well crafted and if you look closely you'll see nods to other Muppet Media and BLANTANT in-your-face references too!
Are there other Muppets?
Yes and No. Yes, there are a few new muppet characters. But if you are looking for a frog or bear or pig or whatever, you won't find them. There is an out of left-field classic Muppet cameo that is tastefully put in but doesn't steal the scene.
THE CAMEOS
WOW! This show is full of cameos, I wouldn't say to Muppet Movie level. This is a show with a most masterful musicality so the amount of cameos are near Blues Brothers status! I mean if Weird Al Yankovic can pop out during a marshmallow-induced trip at Joshua Tree, anyone can show up.
SOMETHING ABOUT MUSIC YOU SAY?
VERY MUCHLY SO! The Electric Mayhem has always been the premiere Muppet Musicians. So this show has to show it off! Smartly the first musical scene is done with the 40+ year-old classic CAN YOU PICTURE THAT? The rest of the show is all new music with a few covers interjected as needed.
On the whole this is a great one day binge (like I did). Perfect at any time! Having a good day, MAYHEM. Stuck at home sick, MAYHEM! Realizing that your family legacy has all but come to a stop and you must pick up the torch before it all comes crashing down and you are a disappointment to Mommy and Daddy? MAYHEM!
This show, I truly believe this to be one of the best Muppet media we have in recent years on par with The Muppets (2011) hoping this will bring in a new Muppet renaissance.
MUPPETS MAYHEM
5 OUT OF 5 CUFFLINKS
(It's a Muppet show in today's world with a Muppet shows heart and sensibility)
I most abbsophonticly must just my salutations to the OPDH for bequeathing me this platform of a most prestigical prowess to share my thoughts with you.
Be excellent to each other. - Tom Craven