Ep 21. Guest: Doug Henning

Guest: Doug Henning on The Muppet Show Season 4 Episode 21

In season 4 episode 21 of The Muppet Show, the guest is none other than the celebrated magician Doug Henning. Doug Henning was a well-known magician and illusionist who captured the hearts of many with his spectacular performances. The episode is filled with magic tricks, illusions and comedic moments that are bound to keep the audience entertained throughout.

Doug Henning, known for his colourful outfits and signature long hair, is not only a guest but also a part of the show's storyline. The episode revolves around the story of how Gonzo has lost his sense of humour and everyone is trying to help him get it back. In his quest to find laughter once again, Gonzo turns to Doug for help, and Doug performs a magic show that is sure to make anyone laugh.

The episode starts with Kermit introducing the guest of the show, Doug Henning, to the audience. Doug appears on stage with his trademark smile and starts performing a few card tricks to warm-up the audience. As the audience watches in amazement, Doug announces that he will perform a new trick that he has never performed before. He proceeds to hide a stack of cards in his sleeves and pulls out a rabbit from his hat, stunning the audience.

Meanwhile, in the backstage, Gonzo is seen sitting alone and sulking, while his fellow Muppets are trying to cheer him up. They try everything from telling jokes to tickling him, but nothing seems to work. They decide to call in Doug Henning to help Gonzo regain his sense of humour.

In the next sequence, Doug asks for a volunteer from the audience and picks Statler, who is sitting in the balcony. He gives Statler a deck of cards and asks him to shuffle them before choosing one card. Doug then proceeds to reveal Statler's card to the audience with a few magic words and movements, and the audience is left spellbound.

Gonzo, who is watching the show from backstage, starts to feel better, but still not completely himself. He sneaks into Doug's dressing room and tries on one of his signature colourful coats, hoping it will cheer him up. In the meantime, Doug has moved on to his next trick, which involves making a giant yellow ball disappear. He uses a classic magic technique, involving a curtain and the phrase, "Abracadabra," to make the ball vanish.

As the episode progresses, the Muppets try to put on a hilarious comedy sketch, but Gonzo's lack of humour ruins the performance. They call in Doug once again, who decides to perform a final trick that he has never performed before. The Muppets, including Gonzo, are anxious to see what magic Doug has up his sleeve this time.

Doug pulls out a long wooden box and tells the audience that he will make Gonzo disappear and then reappear back in the box again. The audience is skeptical, but Doug assures them that he has done this trick many times before. The Muppets help to move Gonzo into the box, and Doug then proceeds to close the box and chant a few magic words.

When he opens the box, Gonzo is nowhere to be seen, and Doug appears shocked. Suddenly, Gonzo pops up from a trapdoor at the bottom of the box, holding a sign that reads, "Ta-Da!" The audience erupts in laughter, and even Statler and Waldorf can't help but crack a smile.

As the episode comes to a close, Kermit thanks Doug Henning for his amazing performance, and the Muppets bid him farewell. Gonzo has regained his sense of humour, and he and the Muppets put on a hilarious finale performance that will leave the audience in stitches.

In this episode, Doug Henning's magic tricks and illusions are combined with the comedic genius of the Muppets to create an unforgettable show that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. The episode proves that laughter truly is the best medicine, and even the most serious of characters like Gonzo can find laughter once again with a little help from their Muppet friends.