Synopsis: Feeling creatively frustrated, Cotterpin Doozer enlists Gobo’s help in finding the Cavern of Lost Dreams, home to the first Doozer structures. But when she gets there, she finds more than just inspiration.
Original air date: May 6, 1985
How do you get out of a creative rut? I think this is something just about everyone experiences at some point in their lives. And of course, there are many ways to do that, one of which is to seek inspiration in other creative works. One of the best things art can give us is even more art. Another way is to open up the process to collaboration and welcome a new perspective. In this episode, Cotterpin Doozer tries to do both. Now given how message-driven Fraggle Rock usually is, it’s pretty easy to guess how the story goes and what the lesson’s going to be. How hard can it be?
The episode opens with Cotterpin feeling stagnated. She’s grown bored with the traditional Doozer towers, so she branches out with a structure of her own design. Unfortunately, while she’s proud of creating something different, Wembley finds the structure concentrates the flavor of the sticks, which makes it taste sour. Venting to Architect Doozer, she admits his structures don’t inspire her, which leads him to claim that they’re the best since the Cavern of Lost Dreams, where the first Doozer towers were erected. Sensing this cavern may provide her with what she needs, she sets off on a road trip. The only problem is that nobody knows where they are. So she needs an explorer, and there’s only one Fraggle to turn to: Large Marvin. Just kidding, it’s Gobo. (But wouldn’t it be cool to see Large Marvin in a road trip adventure story?) Okay, this one’s easy. Cotterpin’s going to find that the cavern is empty, and that inspiration is all around her. Kind of a “not the destination, but the journey” thing.
So it turns out that it’s not empty (darn it), but rather it’s filled with tall towers made of mushrooms. And not only are there Doozer towers, there are Doozers as well! Enter Crusty and Yeaster Doozer, a pair whose names make me regret that we didn’t carry over Adultiest Content from the old Muppet Show reviews. They’ve been left to guard the cave for many years as their colony went searching for new construction materials. As we learn, before Doozers used radishes, they used mushrooms to build towers. Cotterpin thinks she’s found kindred spirits with an old-fashioned take on things. And I mean old-fashioned. They’ve never even heard of Fraggles, so Gobo’s presence is strange enough, but when he does what Fraggles do and munches on a tower, Crusty and Yeaster take him prisoner. And they’re not so happy when Cotterpin tries rebuilding the tower in her own style, and soon enough, she joins Gobo in the clink. So I think I have it now: Cotterpin’s going to realize that she has to let go of her own ego in order to be a true collaborator, so she apologizes on both their behalf and they go on their merry way. That has to be it!
Nope, turns out it’s a jailbreak! Our heroes turn the tables on Crusty and Yeaster and take them prisoner to show them how things have improved. And as it turns out, they like what they see. Since they’re no longer a threat, the pair are welcomed into modern Doozer society. Cotterpin finds the inspiration to build a new tower which Wembley likes the taste of, and all that’s left to do is watch Doc and Sprocket finish creating their cereal for dogs.
So did Cotterpin learn anything? She does, but it’s not terribly overt. There’s a quick moment where she realizes that the Architect was always open to letting her try new designs, so maybe he’s not as boring as she thought. Later, she finds that Gobo’s efforts in the escape are extremely helpful. Ultimately, the episode’s about the importance of not just being open to collaborating, but being a good collaborator. Sometimes you have to put your ego and passion on the back burner to let a project grow into the best version it can be. But it’s cycled through the idea of “everything old is new again,” which really muddles things. Personally, I would’ve liked to have seen more consequences for what happens when you do hold your ideas too precious. There could’ve been something really interesting with Crusty and Yeaster. What if they were made to guard the cavern because the rest of the Doozers wanted to leave them there? What if they were tired of their old, stubborn ways? But that’s just my opinion. I guess the lost dreams in that cavern were my own. I certainly couldn’t see that one coming.
Strongest Moment: “Eye to Eye” sure is catchy, isn’t it?
Weakest Moment: The Uncle Traveling Matt postcard just doesn’t seem as funny as they usually are.
MVD (Most Valuable Doozer): This week’s honor goes to Architect Doozer for his willingness to try new concepts and listen to feedback. Good leadership skills are always worth recognizing.
First Appearance Of…: Crusty and Yeaster Doozer, who would appear in ensemble roles in later episodes.
Musical Highlight: The other musical number, “I’m On My Own,” is a Country/Western-style salute to the solo travelers out there. It sure makes me want to hit the open road. It’s a party, and no one is invited!
Coolest Puppetry Effect: It’s nothing complex, but I really love the shot of Cotterpin sitting on Gobo’s feet.
Darkest Moment: When I realized Crusty and Yeaster were using itching plants as spears. So now Fraggle Rock has biological weapons in addition to mysterious doomsday devices.
Fraggle Lore: As previously mentioned, Doozerdom began in the Cavern of Lost Dreams.
One More Thing…: In honor of the Muppets’ 70th anniversary, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out Sprocket’s Swedish Chef impression when he starts cooking. Sadly, we’ll never know if he accidentally invented Cröonchy Stars.
Okay, One More Thing…: Steve Whitmire’s voice for Crusty sounds an awful lot like the one he used when he took over the role of Statler. I guess the episode’s right, everything old is new again!
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by Matthew Soberman – [email protected]
