What's New on the Street

Some start the day with CNN or the Today Show. However, there is a whole cult of parents who start the day with "Sunny days, sweeping the clouds away..." For us parents who spend every morning between 7 and 8am with Sesame Street, the coming a brand new character was something to which we could really look forward. After weeks of television, radio and print promotion Abby Cadabby , the first new female muppet in a decade made her debut today. A self proclaimed "fairy godchild", Abby's trademarks seem to be her glittery pink wings, her cell phone capable magic wand and, oh yeah, her vapid Paris Hilton-like demeanor. Shy and soft spoken, Abby repeatedly whisper-whined that she didn't know how (to play hide and seek, to count to ten) and literally disappeared when she felt unsure. So, excuse my need to put the feminist hat on here for a minute, but Gothamist felt the new Abby was a lot less impressive than the spunky Zoey and the tough Prairie Dawn. Gothamist Baby seemed completely uninterested. We'll give her that she's only supposed to be three years old, but even baby Natasha has a stronger presence.

On a high note, Law and Order: Missing Letters Unit also made its debut. Maybe the L&O crew can help Abby Cadabby find her charm.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By M Harper in Arts and Events on August 14, 2006 2:05 PM

Comments [rss]

Jeebus

In other words Mé, the Lesbian Butch Muppet of Sesame Street.

Mé

Cell phone capabilities? Seriously?

I hope they develop her into a strong, female character.

MFC

I think that the intro episode for Abby Cadabby was too much, too much was happening. All these new people/muppets being introduced to her. I think it would have been better if she met one or two muppets and was gradually brought into the group.

The cell phone wand was a bit much, too. I'd rather not encourage pre-school children to want to chat on a cell phone.

Overall, if Abby is used well and doesn't overwhelm the story, as Elmo tends to do, she might be a welcome addition. Personally, I feel Rosita is underused. She's a good female muppet who interacts well with the other muppets.

I think Sesame Street just bombarded us with too much Abby Cadabby for the first show. I'll give her a chance to develop.