The girlfriend experience.
By Matt Fowler
Warning: Full spoilers for the episode below.
“Ex-Factor” felt like an improvement on what’s already become the new-era Muppets formula, changing things up ever so slightly to give the show a shinier sheen. Firstly, Piggy didn’t hate on guest star Kristin Chenoweth. Despite her being a talented blonde songstress in Tinseltown. Like Ed Helms, she was a friend. Though, unlike Helms’ persona a few episodes back, she was nice, making her friendship with Piggy all the more curious.
But Piggy herself was toned down this week. She didn’t even really throw a fit when super-fan Denise charged up on stage to make a fool of herself. And her silent Piggy face of disapproval, which she even calmly showed to Kermit, was very funny. So it looks as though Piggy’s big blow out with Reese Witherspoon last week may have marked the end, at least for now, of over-the-top angry Piggy. Because as awkward as it was for Kermit to ask Piggy to help him get a gift for Denise, Piggy still took it well. And came through in a clutch.
That being said, the whole “I don’t know what to get my girlfriend on her birthday” story was yet another recycled sitcom plot now repurposed for the Muppets. It’s a recurring problem that’s been haunting this series since the get-go. Storylines you’ve seen a dozen times before – just now with Muppets.
And apropos of – well – not much, what IS Chip? Is he just a puppet…human? I mean, in the end I suppose it doesn’t matter since all Muppets, regardless of species, can hook up with humans (even Pepe…somehow).
Speaking of Pepe, the Color Me Mine scenario was a much better use of Scooter. I especially liked his excessive critiquing of Kermit’s “first date” plate.
Chenoweth’s desert excursion with Dr. Teeth and company felt like it should have been funnier overall. Though the resolution of the band leaving her high and dry in the desert because they blamed her for their weird, brain damaged bickering was a very funny way to end it. Because, for the most part, the Electric Mayhem come off as peace-loving sweethearts. So for the situation to twist around like that, putting Chenoweth in actual danger, was a good turn.
And it’s also clear that Floyd has no idea what Janice has been getting up to with Nick Offerman and Ed Helms. Hell, he didn’t even know about Dr. Teeth being her old boyfriend. She truly does belong to no one. Not even herself.
Also, for what it’s worth, the scene where the writers all offered up suggestions for gifts was pretty funny. Especially Gonzo’s advice about a scale. Or socks (because they hurt less than a scale when thrown in anger).
“Ex-Factor” not only brought Denise back (the subject of much pre-premiere “controversy”) but it gave Piggy a bit of an attitude adjustment. One that allowed for a bit more breathing room and better comedy. And while Kristin Chenoweth’s bus ride with the band wasn’t a riot (though “FUNYUNS!” was good for a laugh), her getting abandoned in a tumbleweed-filled desert was a great ending.
