The primary episode alone, what puppetry/storytelling brilliance, finest pilot episode for a revived traditional present ever in my view. Not solely does it observe the traditional components of Fraggle Rock completely, what it provides and updates it with is genius writing. The pilot episode, had it been a bit longer and launched as a film, I believe it will have achieved actually good, that is how good this present is. They do such an ideal job in introducing the characters and the Fraggle world multi function episode. Connecting the Fraggles, Doozers, Gorgs, People (Doc) and Sprocket to the water, superb and really intelligent so as to add within the first episode, it connects all of them. When the Fraggle 5 have been falling down the waterfall, beloved that, that’s the form of issues I needed added as a child, stuff that within the 80’s couldn’t actually be achieved. Uncle Travelling Matt asking Gobo to return with him to outer house, then uninviting him, then inviting him once more, how intelligent, what an excellent strategy to adapt the storyline from the unique pilot episode and provides it extra depth and layers, really excellent.
I used to be instantly in love with this present as quickly because it opened with “Get together In Fraggle Rock” as a lot as I missed the unique intro, I nonetheless thought this was a worthy alternative, it had gained me over by mainly altering the theme tune, how is that potential? Nonetheless, I used to be so pleased when it ended and we bought the unique intro, so intelligent to position it on the finish within the first episode, it matches higher there I imagine. The intro begins in precise outerspace, not simply Doc’s workshop window, takes it even additional, love all these updates. The unique Fraggle Rock intro is to catchy and iconic to not embrace, and after they sang that tune on the finish and it completed, I noticed I had been entranced for the entire half-hour, similar to once I was youthful. This present had held my consideration for half-hour and never as soon as did I really feel I used to be not on this world, not as soon as did one thing throw me out of the phantasm that I used to be exploring Fraggle Rock, these half-hour felt like 5 minutes. I’ve simply watched the entire sequence in two days and I plan to look at the entire thing once more this week and quite a few instances all through my lifetime as a result of that is really worthy of the Jim Henson identify. After which the final episode, all of the Fraggles within the Gorgs backyard, the tune, the messages, is it simply me or is that this not the neatest youngsters’s present that has premiered for the reason that unique again within the 80’s? A youngsters’s present that doesn’t communicate right down to children and teaches them actual values, is it me or is Fraggle Rock not the very best at it in each exhibits? All of the Fraggles carrying Junior’s plant on the finish, Sprocket catching Uncle Travelling Matt, the water returning, the ultimate shot, that is excellent, they don’t make exhibits like this anymore. Finest revived present I’ve ever seen, finest Jim Henson manufacturing in years, the continuing tales all through the entire sequence, superb, I actually like that it’s serialized, the primary one was, however this one makes it clearer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzFbeoirgvI
The primary episode made me assume it was a reboot, since Uncle Travelling Matt discovered the opening into the workshop and this appeared to have been the primary time. Second episode made me understand it was a continuation, I used to be a five-year-old child once more, when Uncle Travelling Matt talked about he had come again to outerspace. Sprocket didn’t acknowledge the Fraggles, he now lives with a brand new Doc, Fraggle’s didn’t know what outerspace was, Junior and the Fraggles aren’t actual mates from the beginning however on the identical time, it additionally seems like a continuation. That is sensible writing, I perceive why some components appear rebooted and a few a continuation, centered on a brand new viewers, respecting outdated followers, I believe The Jim Henson Firm is the very best at doing this in Hollywood. However they’ve outdone themselves as a result of they’ve achieved each completely, a reboot and a continuation, each in a single present, how is that even potential to write down and create? The reveal of the Fraggle gap into the true world, Fraggles getting into outerspace for the primary time, right now’s new audiences want these components to connect with this world, they must be a part of the journey from the start to really feel like they’re going alongside on a journey, this was the easiest way to do that.
The best way this sequence connects all of the worlds, I believe that’s my favorite half, as a toddler, I nonetheless bear in mind how in awe I used to be when these worlds related, when Doc lastly met the Fraggles on the very finish, that blew my thoughts. For outdated followers its fan service, for brand spanking new followers, it’s thoughts blowing, it helps them imagine Fraggles exists of their world too. It makes them imagine someplace of their home there is likely to be a hidden Fraggle gap, that leads by way of Fraggle Rock into the unknown universe to be explored behind the Gorgs citadel. That’s what made me hook up with the Fraggles and its messages a lot as a child, that perception that this was all actual and the way in which this exhibits handles the connecting of those worlds is sensible. When the Ditzies mild up Fraggle Rock after which come out into the Gorgs backyard by way of the properly and light-weight over Junior, that’s so stunning. That’s the kind of issues I needed to see as slightly child however as an grownup now perceive why I couldn’t have it, it simply makes this entire world really feel much more actual now. You know the way believing that the potential of Star Wars may really exist makes it much more particular, that’s how I really feel about Fraggle Rock. That is how children right now will really feel, if this present can get children to imagine they will really discover a gap main into the world of Fraggle Rock, this present has achieved its job. And because it appears to have saved long-time followers drawn into this world, which is more durable, I believe meaning this present has succeeded, how can it haven’t?
At one level, in direction of the center of the sequence, I used to be on the sting of my seat for therefore lengthy, the suspense was killing me. When Cotterpin Doozer spoke to Doc by way of the speaker I jumped up from my couch, did that actually simply occur? 5-year-old me would have been fascinated about that for days, as of late most likely the identical. Then just a few episodes later, Cotterpin Doozer comes throughout the doorway into outerspace and drives proper by way of it, I hit my head on the ceiling. Then once I thought I couldn’t bounce any greater, seconds later, the Trash-Heap reveals Junk Metropolis! Are Goblins stealing radishes from the Gorgs backyard at night time? Then earlier than my pleasure may come down from seeing that stunning shot of Boober misplaced inside a mountain of trash, we’re then taken again to Cotterpin Doozer strolling on high of a sleeping Sprocket contained in the workshop, I’ve been ready years to see a Doozer get this far. When my pleasure calmed down and I noticed that there was a risk that Doc would stroll in, mainly Doozers uncovered to People I turned so nervous, I used to be on the sting of my seat, as if I used to be watching a thriller film. I’m so invested on this present, on this world, these nerves, those self same nerves I’d have had as a toddler if a Doozer was ready to be uncovered to a human, I nonetheless bought these at 35 years outdated. I used to be sweating, shifting nervously, at one level I even needed to get up, the suspense was an excessive amount of, what a enjoyable journey.
For me the one factor I cherish most from rising up with Fraggle Rock is the messaging I acquired from it at such a younger age. When the thoughts is being programmed, that is when these concepts must be inserted, for larger impression sooner or later, for that I’m very grateful to Fraggle Rock (unique). This new return Again To The Rock is simply as highly effective, robust and intelligent and this time round much more related and I believe even braver. Educating good classes by way of enjoyable leisure is the easiest way to make use of tv, Fraggle Rock is aimed on the youthful crowd, while The Darkish Crystal expands on these concepts however for a extra fashionable viewers and now the worlds appear to be colliding? The Jim Henson Firm you’re geniuses, caring for these properties for therefore lengthy, to convey them again on this vogue, such a worthy funding for everyone concerned, even the viewers watching.
Fraggle’s meditate! That Mokey and Pink meditation scene is a superb instance to elucidate the whole lot so excellent with this present. It’s instructing such necessary, priceless classes in such intelligent methods. Then we get Pink’s model of what meditation is for her, so intelligent, so clever. Then Mokey and Pink maintain palms and meditate collectively that they’re underwater, I by no means knew I needed to see this, Fraggles swimming underwater, so stunning. These are such good and powerful messages to be instructing however in a enjoyable approach that’s intelligent for grownup viewers and simply entertaining for kids at the moment. As they develop up, they understand how robust these messages are and since (even unknowingly to them) they will join it by way of robust recollections from their childhood, makes it simpler for them to perform the objectives they need for the life they need, it’s all so deep. That is the facility TV can have, particularly on younger minds, that is the helpful approach to make use of it, helpful for the kids. Wembley goes into Fraggle politics and it explains that facet of life to children, one thing not dealt as strongly within the unique in my view, such intelligent writing. The episode details vs instinct, how related and the way excellent for Fraggle Rock, these are the messages they should get throughout to their viewers. The truth that they don’t make anybody on both facet really feel unhealthy or within the fallacious goes completely with the Fraggle Rock type of narratives, research either side, that’s the proper reply, Fraggle Rock bought it proper, we will all study from this present, youngsters and adults. That is genius writing, that is Jerry Juhl writing expertise, these writers really have the at most respect from me. All of them need to win writing awards, this type of storytelling shouldn’t be discovered anymore. “Nature therapeutic nature”, that’s most likely the cleverest factor I’ve ever heard, I want that message was in my thoughts once I was little watching the unique, that is so highly effective.
Songs are an important aspect to the Fraggle’s, not simply good songs, intelligent songs, intelligent songs that make you assume with out realizing, identical applies to the storytelling and on each fronts Fraggle Rock: Again to The Rock succeeded. Nice storytelling and superb music, fortunately the soundtrack to the present is accessible for buy, all of the songs are so highly effective, similar to the unique. This new present options each outdated songs from the unique and new songs, and all of them go collectively completely, the brand new ones are simply as superb, I particularly just like the final one. Music is essential and I like that most of the outdated songs have been introduced again, the phrases in these songs are simply so highly effective. And the brand new songs, they’re additionally as highly effective and simply as stunning, I can’t wait to hear to those over and over.
This new up to date world is so true to the unique, it feels so actual and if it does for me, it actually should for kids. One of the best half is, all of the issues that “bothered” me as a toddler have been mounted. One thing I actually like, is the truth that it’s talked about very early that the Doozers like that the Fraggles eat there Doozer constructions. As a child I bear in mind I discovered the Doozers boring and thought the Fraggles have been bullies, the way in which they simply ate their building artwork and broke the whole lot after which simply didn’t appear to care. I bear in mind my six-year-old thoughts really pondering, I just like the Fraggles however they’re so imply to the Doozers for no purpose and I resented them slightly, made me pleased that Junior Gorg would terrify them, serves them proper. All through the unique, the Doozers on completely different events remark that they like that the Fraggles eat their constructions however for therefore lengthy, I didn’t understand that. So, I’m glad this one fixes that downside by making it clear from the very begin, very intelligent, I hadn’t even remembered that till watching the present over the weekend.
Fraggles and Doozer youngsters, this makes me so pleased, that is the form of good, intelligent replace a reboot ought to get. As a child I puzzled why the one Fraggle child solely appeared within the credit, we by no means noticed any Fraggle youngsters and I puzzled why. Now within the reboot, the outdated followers are pleased, as a result of wanting one thing for therefore lengthy, as foolish because it is likely to be, makes the entire thing extra necessary, since you waited for it. This new technology is not going to should marvel this, as an grownup I simply assume it’s enjoyable and dealt with appropriately, as a child it gained’t make them query that facet of this world, I do know it is going to, this bothered me and my sisters lots as we grew up, it wasn’t simply me, the place have been the Fraggle youngsters? A brighter Fraggle Rock, that’s one thing else I bear in mind pondering of as a child, I bear in mind pondering it’s a lot enjoyable, so many colors however the caves are so darkish, this new technology now get this shiny, extra vibrant wanting model, a lot simpler to maintain a younger minds consideration.
That Mantor would have scared me a lot as a child watching Fraggle Rock, a superb scare, an thrilling one, one the unique by no means actually gave me. I at all times bear in mind hoping to someday see the Fraggles get in actual hazard, the Gorgs terrified me however I knew they‘d by no means kill the Fraggles, this Mantor however, that might have scared the radishes proper out of little six-year-old me, I actually believed the Fraggle have been in actual hazard from an precise unhealthy creature. When Pink had her flashback to a earlier episode, for a child that may be a reminiscence that in addition they bear in mind, makes them really feel this can be a journey they’re on collectively, so I actually like that, I do know the impact it will have had on my creativeness had I been 5 once more. The truth that the storyline with the water is introduced again each on occasion, retaining the entire thing collectively as one lengthy narrative, so intelligent, all of the worlds related, the storylines related, it’s a journey, I’m so on board. The best way the Fraggles now all run and escape in full view, all of it seems so actual, Gobo climbing out of Fraggle Rock and strolling in direction of Junior, all of the Fraggle working from Junior and hiding underneath the bridge, this all seems unbelievable and so real looking. You imagine this world can exist, whilst an grownup, think about a toddler’s thoughts rising up being influenced by these tales they imagine are actual. Linked to their world due to the Doc aspect of the present, that’s the way it labored on my thoughts once I was little… and now too as a result of the reboot succeeded in what it’s meant to do.
The characters, each single one among them is so particular and so necessary to the Rock, so glad all of the outdated favourites returned, and each single new one may be very welcomed, particularly the blue large Viking Fraggle, I need merchandise. I used to be capable of keep within the phantasm, all my mates returned, they didn’t seem to be new puppets, they felt like outdated mates returning, meaning The Jim Henson Firm captured the magic. Gobo is ideal, so properly recast, superb, true chief of the Fraggles, it’s him, no query about that, that’s what I wish to really feel from these characters. If I needed to make an inventory of my 5 favorite Muppets of all time, Mokey now makes that checklist, not the unique Mokey, this one. That’s exhausting to perform, not only a recast accepted, however a recast that has modified an inventory that has solely been altered twice in my thoughts, as soon as within the early 2000’s with Pepe and the early 2010’s with Uncle Lethal. Not solely do I settle for this recast, not solely can she hold me within the phantasm that she is Mokey, she’s raised so excessive on my checklist, the place’s my haired-up Mokey merchandise? I assumed I wouldn’t be capable to imagine that is Mokey, not till I noticed her along with her hair down, I used to be within the phantasm inside seconds of the primary episode. Afterward, we do see her along with her hair down, and it did give me that childhood feeling yet again, I met Mokey twice this sequence, by way of the emotions I had from childhood reborn, Deja vu with an outdated pal twice. “As soon as a fowl checked out me and I used to be like can I management birds now?”
Karen Prell is Pink, nothing has modified in any respect, from all of them, she’s the one that almost all makes me really feel like the unique Fraggle Rock adventures had simply taken place days earlier inside this timeline, that’s simply Pink palms down, the one which retains me within the phantasm the strongest. The extra I develop up, the funnier I discover Boober, the extra I relate to him. As a child I really didn’t like Boober or Mokey for that matter, I discovered them boring however Boober he simply didn’t belong, he simply complained, he ought to simply transfer to a cave of his personal, that was my mentality as a child. As an grownup, I settle for Boober a lot, as a result of I can relate simply as a lot. This time round although, I don’t really feel Boober provides off that vibe to younger youngsters, being an grownup I’m unsure, however there’s extra of a younger thoughts enjoyable likability to him this time round. Seeing as that is Dave Goelz, it’s additionally one of many strongest characters to maintain me within the phantasm that this world is actual. Boober doesn’t sound precisely just like the Boober my baby thoughts remembers, but it surely nonetheless appears like Boober, I’m certain my voice has modified to since I final noticed him so a few years in the past. Boober appears like he’s simply matured, his voice has modified barely in any case these years. Wembley, he’s grown up and matured a bit, that approach he doesn’t feels completely different to me, that’s my mentality so I can keep within the phantasm while watching this present. The brand new recast for Wembley is simply as superb as all of the others. When it’s an unique character it’s simpler, while you’re doing an imitation of another person’s character it’s even more durable and he nails it, so very proficient. The factor is I don’t need an imitation of Wembley, I need Wembley. These Steve Whitmire Wembley noises, if I heard these, I’d get a sense I missed out on this time round. Wembley was so good, I used to be capable of keep within the phantasm, although I needed to fake however I assumed that was going to break the present for me, so grateful at how properly Wembley was recast however I don’t desire a recast, I need Steve Whitmire. As a fan from childhood, I wish to really feel each childhood emotion potential and as excellent because the present is, for me personally, Steve Whitmire’s Wembley would have made this so particular, I simply haven’t any phrases to elucidate it.
After I was little, I discovered Uncle Travelling Matt so humorous but fascinating with how he noticed the world, my little younger mind was so proud that I used to be smarter than him, I may spot his errors when describing what human issues are used for. 5-year-old me at all times hoped to both discover a Fraggle gap or stumble upon Uncle Travelling Matt strolling round while exterior. As I grew up, I discover him so entertaining, he’s been my favorite Fraggle for therefore lengthy and on this new present not solely did he return completely however I really feel we bought the closest to traditional Jim Henson sketches in a very long time. All his scenes in outerspace, so foolish and Muppety. This really applies to the entire present, it’s so Muppety, and sure scenes really really feel like sketches straight out from the unique The Muppet Present, such because the tune Fraggle Lagoon. “Scientific jargon… dry stuff meets moist stuff” Uncle Travelling Matt is hilarious, the entire sequence is, which may be very intelligent, nice writing, I’m amazed on the writing employees. Uncle Travelling Matt now sends different stuff versus simply letters again to Gobo from outerspace, what an ideal replace. The Uncle Travelling Matt segments are so intelligent and humorous, he ought to have his personal Tik-Tok Account.
The Minstrel, dealt with completely, higher than I ever thought potential, what a intelligent concept, I can get on board with this, particularly as a result of it’s the easiest way, while you consider the backstage scenario. I used to be so desperate to see how this character was dealt with, I really anticipated him to be retired however deep down didn’t need that however knew that with out Jim Henson I couldn’t settle for that character from anybody. Properly seems I can, the particular modifications they made to the look and even the identify, I as a fan going through that downside, this was the one strategy to repair that, they gave me what I didn’t even know was a risk. I like that “Cantus” is on this present, the easiest way to convey this character again, this present did the whole lot completely, I can’t stress that sufficient. So many returning faces such because the Storyteller, the World’s Oldest Fraggle, Giant Marvin and so many new ones, I loved all the brand new Fraggles all the way in which from Lyle to the massive new Viking Fraggle and the magical white-haired tail- glowing Fraggle. I’m so glad that this time round characters stick round, not like the unique they don’t disappear, as a toddler you haven’t any concept what number of creatures, I wanted had stayed dwelling inside Fraggle Rock, largely as a result of I felt unhappy that they weren’t there with all people as a result of the remainder of the caves appeared so lonely. That’s one other improved replace I like from this new present, I actually like that that the Fraggle species has been expanded on extra this time round. We’ve got extra outstanding completely different teams of Fraggles dwelling throughout the caves such because the Mergelles and the day sleeping/dream dwelling Fraggles, what a cool idea, nice concept. This time across the caves don’t appear so empty, there’s extra life, extra Fraggles, there’ solely two extra Fraggle’s I’d wish to see dwelling in these caves. There must be a Steve Whitmire Wembley Fraggle and a brand new imply and grumpy Frank Oz Fraggle, this world wants a Frank Oz Fraggle.
The Trash-Heap scared me a lot once I was little, extra so than the Gorgs, this time round, I don’t assume she comes throughout as scary. Marjory The Trash-Heap was the one one that actually by way of me off, the voice is so completely different however nonetheless by some means, I managed to remain within the phantasm, she felt just like the pile of trash I grew up with. The Trash-Heap feels precisely the identical, she simply sounds and appears youthful, I wouldn’t be stunned if the Trash-Heap ages backwards. Philo and Gunge appear fully the identical, I actually like these two characters, I bear in mind when one nearly bought eaten on Dinosaurs, that was so scary for me once I was little. The brand new Doc, she had some fairly large footwear to fill, that’s not your workshop, that’s not your canine, however she instantly gained me over. She’s even worthy of the identify Doc, I actually like that the actress treats Sprocket like an actual Canine (similar to Gerry Parkes did) and never a puppet. She additionally doesn’t communicate down, or act as if she’s in a youngsters’s present, she performs the half respectfully, which provides a lot, as a result of for kids she is their foremost connection into this world. Excellent casting for a brand new Doc, I’m high-quality along with her shifting in, being Sprocket’s new proprietor and even taking the identify Doc, it was all dealt with so properly. Sprocket, I do know that isn’t Steve Whitmire, it bothers me however since Sprocket doesn’t “communicate”, it’s really easy to fall into the phantasm and that for me is unquestionably Sprocket, though I do know it’s not. The Doozers have been up to date even higher than I may have imagined, the brand new expertise, their funnier, not as boring, makes me wish to watch episodes from the Doozer animated present and even seek out classic Doozer toys on Ebay.
Junior Gorg’s introductions within the first episode, strolling out like an enormous scary intimitading monster, solely to right away be distracted and goofy, then chasing the Fraggles within the backyard, smartest thing I’ve ever seen. The brand new modernized chase scenes look so actual, it’s stunning to look at. When Junior Gorg stood as much as his father to guard the Fraggles proper to their water, so superb. Though this can be a recast, which I at all times knew must be the case and although he seems fairly completely different from the unique, much less scary wanting, it nonetheless seems like Junior Gorg. We’ve seen Fraggles return right here and there each on occasion, Doozers bought their very own animated spinoff present, The Muppets and Sesame Road by no means left, however the Gorgs, they hadn’t been seen since 1987! So Ma and Pa Gorg are hand puppets proper? I used to be questioning all through why they didn’t come out of the home, it wasn’t till I actually centered that I noticed the distinction in dimension between them and Junior Gorg, you may’t even inform, I used to be simply particularly looking for this. I laughed as a result of I felt foolish that I had not realized earlier, I used to be misplaced on this world, I forgot it was a present, and was not pondering of the behind-the-scenes stuff, I used to be centered on what’s on display. If that occurred to me, you will be certain youngsters will certainly be misplaced in that world. I bear in mind as a child watching Dinosaurs, pondering if they’ve so many alternative Dinosaurs why do they solely use the identical ones over and over as completely different characters? Ultimately I noticed the opposite Dinosaurs have been hand puppets, however when your misplaced in that world, as whether it is actual, that’s not even an possibility, that’s what this new technology will get to expertise now.
Bushes with lights, that’s precisely the form of issues that ought to make up this a part of their world, so intelligent. I actually like that there’s extra life within the Gorg backyard now, I like the speaking vegetation. I wish to reside in that backyard, I need Fraggles working round, speaking vegetation, mild up bushes, what a gorgeous world to go to, glad this group was capable of take us again there in any case these years. The Jim Henson Firm is superb at reviving their outdated properties, they do it precisely completely appropriately achieved. The Darkish Crystal: Age of Resistance that premiered on Netflix in 2019 is one other Masterpiece, which in my thoughts, is similar world wherein Fraggle Rock is predicated on, so what an amazingly cared for Henson Universe they’ve created. A narrative is being instructed to completely different generational age teams, all by way of completely different properties, telling their very own story, however mixed telling a good greater one. As a toddler grows up watching and studying from the Doozer Animated present, they will then proceed studying that message at a extra superior degree by way of Fraggle Rock and as they carry on getting older they will uncover the worlds and messaging’s of The Darkish Crystal and, Labyrinth, The Story Teller, it’s all related. It’s one lengthy ongoing story, growing on the identical age tempo as their viewers, genius.
This new sequence is so spectacular, in my thoughts, it deserves a standing Fraggle ovation, this has all been completely achieved.
by Nicholas Napoli
