Ep 7. Guest: Florence Henderson

In the seventh episode of the first season of The Muppet Show, the iconic Florence Henderson takes the stage as the guest star of the night. Known for her role as Carol Brady in The Brady Bunch, Henderson brings her sparkling personality and impressive vocal range to the Muppet theater.

The episode kicks off with the Muppets performing a musical number called "I'm in Love with a Big Blue Frog", led by Kermit the Frog. Next up, Fozzie Bear tries to do a stand-up routine about chickens, but his jokes fall flat as usual. However, Florence Henderson is there to save the day, joining Fozzie on stage and helping him deliver some better material.

As the episode progresses, Henderson performs several musical numbers, including a duet with Kermit called "Tenderly". She also sings "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" with a back-up group of Muppet flowers and "Too Darn Hot" while dancing with two Muppet penguins. Her musical performances are interspersed with comedy sketches featuring the Muppets in their usual zany hijinks.

In one sketch, Miss Piggy tries to convince a skeptical Florence that they're actually sisters. Piggy serenades Henderson with "Sisters", but Henderson is unimpressed. Another sketch features the Swedish Chef and Henderson working together to make a salad, but the language barrier proves to be too much for them.

The backstage antics are just as entertaining as the on-stage performances, with Kermit trying to keep everything running smoothly despite the chaos that typically ensues with the Muppets. In one scene, Henderson tries to help with the production by painting a backdrop, but ends up causing a mess instead. In another, Henderson has a heart-to-heart with Gonzo about his unrequited love for chickens.

Overall, the episode is a delightful mix of music, comedy, and irreverence that made The Muppet Show such a beloved classic. Florence Henderson's energy and charm are the perfect fit for the Muppet universe, and she is clearly having a great time playing along with their antics. From the musical numbers to the comedy sketches to the backstage shenanigans, this episode is a must-watch for any fans of the show.