Ep 9. Herman The Astronaut

The Munsters Today: Season 1, Episode 9 - "Herman The Astronaut"

In this episode of "The Munsters Today," titled "Herman The Astronaut," the peculiar Munster family takes their strange charm and misadventures to a whole new level as Herman, the lovable patriarch, finds himself on a cosmic adventure. This timeless sitcom continues to blend classic horror elements with humor, making for a delightfully unique viewing experience.

The episode starts off with Herman, a towering yet gentle Frankenstein-like creature, expressing his lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut. Inspired by the Moon landing on television, he passionately declares his desire to experience weightlessness and explore the vast unknown. His family, including his vampire wife Lily, their werewolf son Eddie, Lily's father Grandpa, and their niece Marilyn, are both supportive and apprehensive about Herman's new ambition.

Herman's enthusiasm in pursuit of his dream catches the attention of Mr. Gateman, a NASA recruiter who recognizes the potential publicity value of having a Munster become an astronaut. After an unexpected visit to the Munster home, Gateman offers Herman the chance to travel to Cape Canaveral for an evaluation and an opportunity to train as a potential astronaut candidate.

Excitement and trepidation fill the Munster household as the news of Herman's incredible opportunity spreads. The family rallies behind their beloved Herman, excited to see him achieve his longtime dream. However, they also grapple with worries about his safety and whether or not he's truly ready for such an extraordinary adventure.

The family's concerns are magnified when they learn about the extensive and physically demanding screening process required for astronauts. Herman faces a series of rigorous tests that measure his physical endurance, strength, and mental acuity. These assessments put Herman to the test in unexpected and comedic ways, showcasing his unique abilities and highlighting how his monstrous qualities can sometimes work in his favor.

Meanwhile, back at the Munster's Victorian-style home, Grandpa seizes the opportunity to impress Marilyn's friend Lisa, who has always been skeptical about the family's eccentricities. Using his supernatural skills, Grandpa attempts to cast a love spell on Lisa, hoping to win her affection. However, his spells often have unintended and comical consequences, leading to mishaps that add to the hilarity of the episode.

As Herman progresses through the evaluation process, the family's enthusiasm grows, and they proudly support him every step of the way. They attend his training sessions, where Herman tackles various challenges with his characteristic clumsiness and charm. Along the journey, the Munsters interact with other aspiring astronauts, introducing colorful characters that add to the comedic atmosphere of the episode.

As the evaluation nears its end, tensions rise, and the Munsters anxiously wait for the final verdict on whether Herman will be chosen as an astronaut. Despite facing numerous mishaps and moments of doubt, Herman's resilience and indomitable spirit impress both the evaluators and his family. But will his dream of journeying into space become a reality?

"Herman The Astronaut" maintains the classic Munster humor that fans know and love while exploring the excitement and challenges of reaching for one's dreams. This lighthearted episode cleverly weaves together the theme of ambition, the unconditional support of a quirky family, and the power of perseverance in an unconventional and entertaining manner.

With its endearing characters, comedic storyline, and sincere messages about pursuing one's passions, "Herman The Astronaut" exemplifies the timeless appeal of "The Munsters Today." Whether you are a long-time fan of the original series or discovering the charm of the Munster family for the first time, this episode is sure to entertain and leave you eagerly awaiting the next episode of this beloved show.