Review: The Muppets – “The Ex-Factor”

Spoilers Below

There is a whole lot of information in this episode’s opening. Kristin Chenoweth is guest starring on Piggy’s show. Apparently, Kermit’s girlfriend, Denise, is a huge Chenoweth fan. Denise butts into a conversation between Piggy and Kristin in order to introduce herself. This is the first time that Piggy has met the new pig in her ex’s life and she handled it amazingly well. Especially for Piggy. We also find out that tomorrow is Denise’s birthday and Kermit didn’t get her a gift since she said she didn’t want one. Kermit’s assistant, Yolanda, pointed out that Denise does want a gift and Kermit only has 24 hours to find the perfect one.

After the show, The Electric Mayhem ask Kristin if she could sing at Floyd’s parents’ anniversary party. Since she had so much fun singing on the show and she’s free, she accepts the invitation. On the band’s bus, Kristin finds out that Floyd’s parents don’t really live in a house. Floyd’s dad blew a hole into the side of a mountain with some explosives and drove a bus inside. It seems like everyone in the Mayhem social circle is interesting. During the trip, we find out that Janice the hippie doesn’t want to commit to being anyone’s “girl.” This annoys Floyd, who wants to call their relationship boyfriend/girlfriend. Floyd also finds out that Janice used to date Doctor Teeth. They end up having to pull the bus over to quell the argument. The band comes to the conclusion that the entire fight is Kristin’s fault and they kick her off the bus. The poor woman has to walk home while the band continues on to Floyd’s parents’ place.

But the real drama is with Kermit and Piggy. Kermit still needs to find a gift to give Denise. First, he asks the writing staff. None of them come up with good solutions. Though he does try Scooter’s idea of making a gift. Scooter and Kermit go to a ceramic painting place, where Kermit attempts to paint a salad plate depicting his first date with Denise. Unfortunately, it looks like crap. So Kermit turns to Piggy. Piggy is awesome at selecting gifts for people and Kermit has nowhere else to turn. Piggy reluctantly agrees to purchase the perfect gift for Kermit’s new girlfriend.

The next day, Denise’s birthday, Kermit takes her out to a nice restaurant. However, Piggy is late with the gift. Kermit stalls for as long as possible. Just as Denise is about to leave, Piggy shows up. She bought a jewelry box and a charm bracelet, which Denise loves. And the jewelry box plays a song. “You Are My Sunshine.” Which just happens to be Piggy and Kermit’s song. So now every time Denise opens the jewelry box, Kermit will think of Piggy. She is epic.

This is definitely one of the best episodes. The way Kristin interacted with each of the Muppets was perfect. And pairing her with The Electric Mayhem instead of having Piggy fight with another celebrity guest was a great change as well. Add in the fact that we got more interaction from Animal, Floyd, and Janice, it’s almost like they are real characters and not just background noise. Over on the Kermit/Piggy side, it was nice to see Piggy being less of a diva. Sure, she was angry at the situation and she didn’t want to admit that Kermit has a new pig but she didn’t throw a tantrum like she normally would. Cold, vindictive Piggy is just as awesome as over-the-top Piggy. Hopefully this is the kick in the pants the series needs to find itself. Sidenote: we can leave Fozzy in the shadows. It’s OK.