Ep 18. Guest: Phyllis Diller

The Muppet Show season 1 episode 18 features the renowned comic actor Phyllis Diller as the special guest. The first segment of the show sees Scooter, the go-fer, who's in charge of bringing Phyllis Diller to the show, trying his best to get her in the building on time. Miss Piggy, the resident diva, takes this opportunity to show off her acting skills and offer some unsolicited fashion tips to the comedienne.

Kermit the Frog, the show's host, starts off the episode by doing some comedy with Fozzie Bear, who's dressed as a spy and keeps messing up his lines. Later on, Kermit interviews Phyllis Diller and asks her how she got into show business. She reveals that she was a housewife before she started doing comedy and that it all began with a dare. Phyllis then proceeds to perform her signature witty, self-deprecating style of comedy and takes some playful jabs at the Muppets.

The episode also features some musical performances by the Muppets, including "Lullaby of Birdland" sung by the two-headed monster, and a rendition of "Ain't Misbehavin'" by a Pig and a Wolf. Meanwhile, backstage, Gonzo the Great is up to his usual crazy antics and causes mayhem while trying to demonstrate his stuntman skills.

The highlight of the episode is the "At the Dance" segment, where the Muppets try to impress Phyllis with their dance moves. It features a hilarious bit where the Swedish Chef tries to get her to do the chicken dance, and a romantic interlude between Kermit and Miss Piggy.

Throughout the episode, Phyllis Diller proves to be a great guest, interacting well with the Muppets, and delivering some killer lines. Her comedic timing and improvisational skills are on full display, and the Muppets seem to be having a blast with her.

In the end, the episode concludes with a grand finale, featuring all the Muppets and Phyllis Diller singing and dancing to "That's Entertainment." The show wraps up with the Muppet cast bidding farewell to Phyllis and a final gag where Gonzo crashes through a wall.

Overall, The Muppet Show season 1 episode 18 is a delightful episode that showcases the show's signature blend of music, comedy, and puppetry. Phyllis Diller is a fantastic guest and fits right in with the zany world of the Muppets. The episode is sure to bring a smile to the faces of viewers young and old and is a testament to the enduring appeal of The Muppet Show.