First of all, I got a great shock when I discovered that Elmo was played by a black hulking fellow. Well, not hulking, but a big guy for sure, probably six foot two hundred pound guy. It was fun to see behind the scenes and see who played all of the puppets. Big Bird and Oscar are played by the same guy. Kermit and Ernie, likewise. The show itself started in 1969, making it some 32 years that it's been on the air. It's just an all around great show.
It's educational, it's fun, and it teaches kids about life. From what I saw of the documentary, the producers and actors in the show really make that third element an important part of their vision. I mean, it's educational, certainly. They're always doing the ABC's and counting and stuff. I remember learning my ABC's through Sesame Street. And it's fun, well that's pretty much undeniable. You can't help but laugh at Bert and Ernie's good natured ribbing, and Oscar's crabby attitude. But it teaches kids about life. Some people may say, come on, a tv show that teaches kids about life? Get outta here! But it really does. They deal with real issues. And they deal with them in a way that kids can understand. They showed a particularly poignant moment, when Big Bird found out that the grocery store guy died. Big Bird didn't even know what death was. "But that's so sad", he pondered to himself as he came to terms with the (real life) loss of his friend. Other things too, such as the big hurricane that wrecked Big Bird's nest. And the marriage of Maria. The message that the show tries to send with each show is that friends help each other, and all the good stuff like that. And how can you argue with a philosophy like that? And it does this "do good" "feel good" type stuff without being sappy or cloying, as many other shows are wont to. And the funny, well, you know what? This show's pretty much got everything! And it does it all well! Music, comedy, drama, and education. Brilliant. Let's forget all about primetime crap, and all watch Sesame Street!
As for my personal memories of the show, I can't help but remember Snuffalufagus. I couldn't believe that they didn't have anything on the A&E thing about the hairy elephant. I think they really fell down there. I mean, this guy was an essential part of the show! Well, at least when I watched he was. I don't think he's there anymore. They also used to have this orange dog that scared the hell out of me. And I remember the Count! He was awesome. I liked Elmo, and Cookie Monster. I was never a big Grover fan. But the best, was Bert and Ernie. I loved those guys. Totally awesome. So was Kermit. Kermit was unbeatable. And Oscar the Grouch....you know, I think I pretty much styled myself after my buddy Oscar, as most of my friends will know.
Anything that you watch from such an early age will leave an indelible mark on you. It's inevitable. I usually think that this is a bad thing, but maybe for this one I'll make an exception. I can't really think of anything bad to say about the show. It's just great tv. And great memories.