Synopsis: Gobo opens a school for explorers using a rule book made by Uncle Matt, full of less than practical advice.
Original air date: March 18. 1985
Someone smarter and more politically savvy than I could probably make a strong comparison between the themes of this episode to the utter hell we find ourselves in by putting too much faith in the system and those in charge to save us, or the dampening out of critical thinking skills. But, the world is hell and we need some more positivity. So, forget I said all that and let’s focus on what those wacky cave-dwelling guys were up to this week 40 years ago!
In Uncle Matt’s latest postcard, he mistakes a school playground for a training ground for future explorers and proposes a school for explorers would be a worthwhile venture. And by sheer happenstance, he’s prepared a big book full of his rules of exploring that he’s never mentioned before now! Gobo, always one to hero worship to an unhealthy degree, decides to take him up on that advice.
Thus launches “Gobo’s School for Exploring,” but the only ones willing to hang around and join are Wembley, Mokey, and Red, who is rightfully skeptical of the whole endeavor. The start off the exercise with a trip to the Hole to Who-Knows-Where, but while Matt’s notes are not bad advice, Gobo adheres far too strictly to them. He ignores his most basic instincts and nearly gets himself and his friends killed in the process.
One aspect I like about the episode is that it’s not about “rules are made to be broken” or defying some kind of tyrannical regime. It’s about recognizing the institutional knowledge you’ve built on your own and figuring out when to apply it to real situations. Red even says it’s not that rules should be ignored, it’s that “Sometimes, rules aren’t enough.” Gobo is a seasoned explorer by now with his own instincts and knowledge of traveling, and even he should realize that if you find a pool of sweet water and instead opt for a pool of stink water because of a silly rhyme, you’re not making a good choice.
Meanwhile, Doc tries to install a new “Mr. Doggie Door” in the workshop, and goes overboard following the instructions that manages to put a big hole in the ceiling. In the end, he agrees that rules can’t dictate everything you do, which sure, but I think when it comes to home improvement projects, having a few suggested guidelines is not a bad thing to have.
In the end, this is a pretty good episode of Fraggle Rock! I like episodes that have a little peril to them; it makes them a little exciting and it’s really something that separates the show from other Muppet projects. Plus it’s got some great songs and Boober opens a very successful school for laundry. Can’t go wrong there!
Strongest Moment: The scenes of Gobo and Red stuck in the Hole to Who Knows Where is full of great acting from Jerry Nelson and Karen Prell.
Weakest Moment: I dunno, maybe the running gag of Gobo not being able to whistle. His mouth sure makes a weird shape when he tries!
MVF (Most Valuable Fraggle): Red Fraggle, for being the only one to be using her brain at all the whole episode. And also for the funny visual of her having to wear a too-big pith helmet the whole time.
Most Classic Moment: “Get Goin’” was released on the CD Music and Magic, therefore it must be a classic!
Musical Highlight: However, “Pack Snacks, Make Tracks” might edge it out as my favorite song of the episode. It’s so catchy, the lyrics are snappy, and the visuals are a lotta fun. Speaking of…
Coolest Puppetry Effect: The miniature Fraggle puppets that are usually reserved for Gorg interactions are employed throughout the episode, which helps sell the effect of them scaling large hills and cliffs. Plus, kudos to the Muppet Workshop for crafting scaled-down versions of all their gear (including Mokey and Red’s ill-fitting hats).
Darkest Moment: Gobo and Red’s situation leaves them either stuck in an inaccessible place, or having them jump to presumably their doom.
Fraggle Lore: The mysterious Hole to Who Knows Where that’s never been mentioned before or since actually just leads to the Great Hall. Who’d’a thunk it?!
Obscure Character Watch: Morris Fraggle manages to get a few lines in this episode. You know Morris, the one with the glasses!
One More Thing…: Not gonna lie, if I had to choose a school, I’d pick Boober’s school for laundry. Not because Gobo’s would likely end up killing me, but it seems like a much more practical life skill. Sure, knowing what water to drink outside is probably good to know, but even today, I’m still always concerned I’ve washed my shirts wrong and they’ll shrink in the dryer.
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By Shane Keating
