A Muppet Show Theme - Part 2

We're off to a good start and now have the beginnings of a basic template to follow for our adventure design based on the way a typical Muppet Show episode would run.

Cold Open Scene

Introduce the Guest Star. Possibly start the ball rolling on the episode's theme.

Muppet Show Opening

If someone is playing Gonzo ask him what happens when he blows the trumpet at the end.





Backstage Scene

We further the discussion of the theme, causing it to become more solidified and definitive. The MC's Player, getting by with a little help from his friends, determines the Opening Number.

Opening Number Sketch

Remember to vary your opening numbers. Some include the Guest Star and some don't. Most are musical numbers but it's not always the case.

Backstage Scene

Often a follow up to the opening number. Good place to start setting up where you want the episode's theme to go.From here you can go in almost any direction. More Backstage Scenes, some with the Guest Star and some with the various characters interacting with each other, additional Sketches, Musical Numbers, etc. How many of each will depend on how long you're playing for, how many players you have and what feels right for you. It may take an adventure or two to get a hang of the pattern that works best for you and your group.

For Sketches I recommend a mix of new and old. It's a great idea to come up with original stuff but make sure to throw in a few tried and true favorites from time to time like Muppet Labs, Pigs in Space, Bear on Patrol, Veterinarian's Hospital and the like. Maybe one of your new and original ones will catch on and become a reoccurring segment like those mentioned above.

 





Eventually, the episode's theme will have to come to a conclusion and it should, if at all possible, be really humorous and/or random and weird.

In the case of the story of body snatching aliens from the stars, perhaps they replace several of the lead characters by the end of the episode but Gonzo, Rizzo and Pepe were on to them and are ready to defeat them with some B-Movie weapon or hidden weakness ("The Aliens are vulnerable to soap! If we can get them all to bathe simultaneously...). At the end though, the aliens say they were just studying the Muppets so they could put on an identical show on their world. All they want to do is sing, dance, tell joke and entertain people (their homeworld is a real downer). This results in their joining the Guest Star and the Muppets in the Closing Number.

If you have a recording of the closing theme I recommend playing it at the end of the session. It's a nice accompaniment if, like my group and I, use tend to hang around for a bit and discuss how the session played out.


 


Much like the Muppet Show's first season (or the first season of many show actually), it may take time to figure out what works for you and your players and how to adjust the format to your liking.

Coming up in March Muppet Madness Month? Guest Stars, Optional Rules, ideas for campaigns that are NOT based around The Muppet Show and much, much, more!

AD
Barking Alien



Muppet Quotes

Kermit: Gonzo, I've got to go on stage. Don't say anything about this
The Great Gonzo: Gee, that won't be easy.
Kermit: Yeah, well it could disrupt the show. Just act normal.
The Great Gonzo: That won't be easy either.

Here's A Muppet News Flash!

Holy International Exposure! It seems either my Muppet Mindset mention or perhaps a link on a gaming blog has garnered me some attention half a world away. Two Polish blogs specializing in RPGs have mentioned my Muppets RPG project.

http://blog.setheo.pl/twoj-horror-wyglada-jak-muppet/
http://gryfabularne.blogspot.com/2011/03/muppets-role-playing-game.html

I was able to google translate the latter of the two and it appears the review is favorable. Dziekuje guys! See you on Ulica Sezamkowa (or as we say in the states, Sesame Street)!