Synopsis: Mokey makes a brand new pal who takes benefit of her, and because of this she beings to shrink.
Unique air date: Might 13, 1985
This may be the darkest episode of Fraggle Rock. And that’s saying so much for a present that featured an episode the place two characters almost suffocate to demise.
Dying appears to loom over Fraggle Rock near-constantly, however we not often see direct indicators of emotional abuse. Positive, Pa Gorg treats his son like grime, but it surely not often goes above a sitcom-level of hazard. We will virtually all the time giggle it off, however not a lot on the subject of Begoony.
Mokey randomly comes throughout this rabbit-like creature named Begoony who cries and moans and thinks himself to be nugatory. Mokey, all the time the folks pleaser, takes pity on him and volunteers to be his pal. And actually, that’s the precise Fraggly factor to do. However Begoony doesn’t appear content material with having a brand new pal – he needs a brand new plaything to maintain.
Over the course of the episode, Begoony calls Mokey, who goes wide-eyed like she’s in a trance and instantly goes to him, abandoning her associates. Every time she does it, she shrinks a bit extra. When Begoony magically builds a bit home, he makes an attempt to lure tiny Mokey inside.
It’s arduous not to take a look at this episode via the lens of an abusive relationship. Begoony manipulates via emotion, acts selfishly with out the slightest consideration for Mokey’s emotions, entraps her towards her will, and goes so far as to have an effect on her physiology with out her consent. He doesn’t appear to be doing it maliciously, however his intentions are most definitely amoral.
Fortunately, Mokey is supplied with a secret weapon. her Begoony relationship via this lens, it’s satisfying to see that Pink’s acquired her again, actually preventing the abuser whereas Mokey wrestles along with her feelings. It’s tough to flee a poisonous relationship, however having a supportive pal in your nook is the primary spark in making it potential.
In the long run, Mokey stands up for herself and will get again to her full peak. In a special story, Begoony would’ve discovered his lesson and turn out to be a greater pal to Mokey, however right here his story simply kind of… ends. Because it seems, that’s a bit extra true-to-life. Abusers don’t change in a single day, and so they particularly don’t simply because somebody stands as much as them. Sadly, it’s way more sophisticated ending the cycle of abuse.
Fortunately, it appears Begoony did search out assist and finally change his methods. Not less than, that’s what I select to consider after seeing him (or, technically precisely, the identical puppet) pop up in Muppet Christmas Carol, Muppet Treasure Island, and Mopatop’s Store. And most just lately reimagined as “Bongo” in Fraggle Rock: Again to the Rock, who’s fortunately not an abuser, however does disguise in Boober’s pantry consuming all his radishes. Looks like we acquired our joyful ending in any case.
If you happen to or anybody is experiencing abuse, please contact the Nationwide Home Violence Hotline at thehotline.org or by calling 800-799-7233.
Strongest Second: Truthfully, the theme is a troublesome one, however the metaphor is dealt with so nicely, particularly for an all-ages present. Fraggle Rock co-creator Jocelyn Stevenson wrote this episode, and she or he knocked it out of the park.
Weakest Second: Touring Matt’s postcard is a bit shoehorned in. He’s hiding in a toy room watching two youngsters play with Barbie dolls. And wow is it disturbing to consider this tiny grownup man hiding out and secretly watching kids inside their very own house.
MVF (Most Precious Fraggle): Everybody wants a pal like Pink Fraggle, who’ll beat the crap out of a rabbit in your protection.
First Look Of…: The Inkspots! I’m genuinely shocked to be taught that we’ve made it virtually to the top of season 3 earlier than seeing these little guys.
Musical Spotlight: The one tune within the episode is “I’d Give My Soul,” which is good and disturbing and type of a bop. Plus, it’s acquired Inkspots!
Coolest Puppetry Impact: It’s genuinely unbelievable seeing the assorted methods Mokey appears to be altering sizes. Utilizing differently-sized puppets, inexperienced display screen, and even the simplicity of Kathy Mullen dropping her arm down a number of inches. Plus, what an important use of the Doozer-sized Mokey puppet usually reserved for operating across the Gorgs’ backyard.
One Extra Factor…: The Fraggle 5 are placing on a puppet present, which is delightfully meta. And spectacular seeing the puppeteers carry out the Fraggle puppets and the Fraggles’ puppets on the similar time.
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by Joe Hennes – [email protected]
