Ep 5. Guest: Pearl Bailey

The Muppet Show season 3 episode 5 features the iconic guest star Pearl Bailey, who graces the stage with her timeless vocals, endearing personality, and boundless energy. This episode is a true classic, featuring some of the most beloved Muppet skits and musical numbers in the show's history.

As with all Muppet Show episodes, the show opens with Kermit the Frog introducing the night's special guest. However, things quickly take a turn for the chaotic when Miss Piggy crashes onto the stage, demanding that Kermit give her more screen time. This sets the tone for a hilarious and unpredictable episode, with each Muppet vying for their chance in the spotlight.

Pearl Bailey makes her entrance in grand style, descending from the ceiling in a beautifully sequined dress and dazzling the audience with her signature smile. She wastes no time in getting down to business, launching into a lively rendition of "Somebody Loves Me," which showcases her remarkable range and showmanship.

From there, the episode is a nonstop barrage of comedy and music, with Bailey gamely participating in some of the Muppets' most absurd and hilarious sketches. One standout skit involves Bailey exacting revenge on a hapless Kermit by showcasing her mastery of martial arts, and the ensuing fight sequence is a riot of chaotic choreography and flying foam rubber.

Of course, no Muppet Show episode is complete without musical accompaniment, and Bailey brings her A-game to every number. She teams up with Rowlf the Dog for a jazzy duet of "The Entertainer," which highlights both her vocal prowess and Rowlf's nimble piano skills. Later in the episode, she delivers a show-stopping rendition of "St. Louis Blues," which brings the house down with its soaring vocals and soulful delivery.

The Muppet Show season 3 episode 5 is a delightful showcase of Pearl Bailey's multifaceted talents, as well as the irreverent humor and distinctive charm that made the show such a beloved classic. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Muppets or a newcomer to their zany world, this episode is sure to leave you laughing, singing, and marveling at the madcap creativity on display.