VeggieTales In The House & The New Character Designs

This past week, Big Idea made a huge reveal: a lineup of updated character designs! On top of that, they made the official announcement of the new Netflix series, VeggieTales in the House!

It's a lot to take in at once, I know. So, I decided to take a moment and discuss this new chapter in VeggieTales history.

First of all, in case you haven't seen it yet, please don't judge this new style unfairly. It absolutely breaks my heart when people needlessly complain when new VeggieTales episodes don't meet their expectations. I know you have a right to your opinions, but what's most important is, no matter what they do, VT will always be a show whose core goal is to spread the message of God's love to children (and everyone else). No amount of spiffy animation or updated character designs can change that! Because then it wouldn't be VeggieTales, right?

 

So, with that in mind, here's the main lineup of new looks!

Image credit: The Official VeggieTales Facebook Page

In a brief video on the VeggieTales Facebook page, Mike Nawrocki said that the characters were originally designed with the limitations of early 90's CGI, so the folks at Big Idea decided it was time to give them a modern update for today's generation. Still, I admit I was kind of shocked at first that they'd redesign the characters after all these years. especially thinking back on the epic moment in VT history when Phil Vischer first pieced Larry together (read more in Me, Myself, and Bob). But these new designs are actually really fun, and I imagine Mr. Vischer might've loved to have made them look something like this a long time ago. 

 

I remember when I first saw the newly redesigned Jimmy and Jerry, who were the first to be revealed on social media. At first, I wasn't sure what to think, as they were both familiar, yet very different. I mean... colored irises! Eyebrows! New textures! But then, taking a closer look, I saw Jerry's stem "cowlick" and my tune began to change. It was so funny and gave him so much personality! People have been having trouble telling the gourd brothers apart for years, and now there's no way anyone could do that with that simple, subtle addition! Plus, the eye colors are a useful hint as well :) 

 

And the rest of the characters look super fun and really cool in this new style! Junior looks more like a true asparagus! Laura is absolutely darling! Madame Blueberry looks fabulous as a brunette! Petunia's new look is gorgeous! Bob and Larry don't look too far from their old charming selves -- though Larry looks little extra "goofy"! (And I mean that in the best way!) I have yet to see what some of the other characters, like Pa, Lunt, Nezzer, and Archibald will look like. But I figure they'll do it right (well, as long as they don't decide to give Pa and Lunt eyes, but I think that's highly unlikely).

 

(Update 2/23/23: deep apologies to the character designers. As noted in a later post, Pa Grape was adorable with eyes!)

So, after the characters got reintroduced, another Facebook video message was posted with Mike Nawrocki and In the House's creator, Doug Tenapel, officially announcing the new Netflix series and reassuring fans that it would still have the heart and message that VT's had since the beginning. Now, I'd heard months ago through Animation Magazine that In the House would be one of several new DreamWorks-owned Netflix programs, and I was very intrigued about it. I haven't yet heard any further news on what the show will be like, but I have some ideas.

 

Remember the last time VeggieTales attempted to adapt to a TV series? It was fun, but it didn't really work in that format. So my assumption is, instead of just repackaging classic episodes, they'll make new, exclusive adventures. I also believe that, instead of doing the "answering-kids'-questions-with-a-story" style, they'll likely go the route of telling more sitcom-style stories, exploring these characters in their daily lives outside of the countertop!

 

I could easily see the veggies living in an apartment complex, where Bob and Larry are roommates, the Carrots and the Asparaguses (Asparagi?) live next door, Madame Blueberry is the rich lady who lives in the penthouse, Petunia is the quintessential girl-next-door, and Jimmy and Jerry are the goofy landlords! (Old-school fans will know what I'm talking about on that last one XD) Whatever the show structure looks like in the end, though, I really do love the idea of seeing these guys on a regular basis, with five new 22-minute episodes arriving every few months! 

 

I don't think this means that the normal 50-minute DVD releases will halt, just that they will be coming out alongside the new show. I just love seeing Big Idea expanding their lineup! Since 3-2-1 Penguins ended I've been missing seeing a little extra Big Idea magic, so I imagine In the House will fill that gap splendidly! The only thing I don't know is whether this character design will be specifically for In the House, or if all the episodes to come will be in this style. It's been said the new series will arrive in the fall, and we already know that the new DVD episode Beauty and the Beet will be coming out in October with the classic style. So, who knows? I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. Either way, I'm excited about it!

So, if your first instinct was, "it's different, so I don't like it," I hope I was able to give you a new perspective on this new era of VeggieTales. Join me in the VT revelry! And don't forget to start up that Netflix account! You can rewatch Where's God When I'm Scared and Sweetpea Beauty on there while you're waiting :D

GMUS & <3sUVM

- Chandler

Silly Song Saturday... Will You Be Celebrating?

Image credit: my own DVD.

Hey to my brothers and sisters in the VT fandom! Need something to spice up your weekend?

Well, I thought I'd introduce you to one of my own personal traditions that's coming up tomorrow... Silly Song Saturday! Why? Because it's the second Saturday in September! (Which just sounds kind of silly, doesn't it?) And it's the perfect day to sit down and watch all those Silly Song singalong collections I don't watch nearly enough!

Basically, I like to watch all the Silly Songs I know, from The Water Buffalo Song all the way down to the wonderfulness that is Perfect Puppy! It's easy to watch the episodes as they are, but I find it's really nice to just sit down and enjoy these timeless, charming, and funny songs on their own!

So, I'd love to get some more folks to join me in the silliness this weekend! Think we can make #SillySongSaturday a thing? Or even #SillySongSunday? Lettuce revel in the silliness this weekend as Veggie fans united! (Oops, where'd that veggie pun come from?)

And apologies I don't have the review up for Celery Night Fever yet... look for that coming soon!

GMUS&<3sUVM,
- Chandler

Dance, Dance, Yeah! VT's Top 10 "Gourds" Of The Dance

For a show whose target audience (for the most part) was not born when disco was a thing, VeggieTales has had the 70s dance element in many of their episodes and songs -- even right down to the Bob & Larry Sing the 70s album! And being a girl with a penchant for oldies, I love that they keep that disco beat going -- all the way to now, as Celery Night Fever is less than a week away from arriving on the dance floor!

So, in anticipation, I thought it'd be fun to take a look back on some of VT's grooviest "gourds" of the dance. And that's far from difficult, considering the veggies have been dancing since the day Larry first stepped out with his tuba :) I've selected and ranked ten of the all-time best dancers in the VT world for your enjoyment! Let's get our groove on, shall we?

(Note: I highly recommend listening to the Bob & Larry Sing The 70's while you're reading this)

#10: Barbara Manatee

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

For an aquatic mammal without legs (not to mention a plushie), Barbara moves like magic when she does the tango with Larry. And if you've seen the live show where they have a guy and girl do the tango in costume, you know she gets extra cool points for that number :)

#9: Gary, Greg, and Bruce, The Ducklings

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

Take notes, friends: these are ducklings doing a little barbershop song-and-dance here. These adorable little guys deserve major cred for their moves! But perhaps we should give that credit to Gelato... their Dad taught them well!

#8: The Scallions

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

These guys just have an awesome group dynamic in their dances. I love their rhythm and groove in "Oh No!" and their rap moves in the "Salesmunz Rap"! Swindlers and bad guys they may be, but they definitely got the moves.

 

#7: Dad Rock Monster

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

If you're going to have a song about you, being an awesome dancer is kinda mandatory. The Dad Rock Monster had no problem with that! He's amazingly flexible for a guy made of rocks. All his moves in this music video well... rock! #TerriblePuns

#6: Junior Asparagus

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

Among other awesome dances, he can tap dance without having feet. That's what I call skills...

#5: Awful Alvin

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

Not including Alvin would be completely wrong. Being able to use one's roots as arms and legs make dancing even easier to do when you're a veggie, and he definitely makes good use of those limbs! Alvin's "Villainous Dance of Villainy" is some kinda funky -- and when Lampy joins in, they just "shimmy with badness!"

#4: Jean-Claude & Philippe

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

These two might not be the first characters to come to your mind when you think of VT's best dancers, but they do have their own segment, "The Latest Dance Craze with Jean-Claude and Philippe." The fact that these two are already on the pulse of what's popular says something. Not to mention that they're basically heads -- it takes an awful lot of skill to dance without arms, legs, or much of a body! If "The Hopperena" isn't enough proof, just watch them on "Keep Walking" or "Steak and Shrimp"; these two put us limbed beings to shame!

#3: Khalil

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

Khalil is a caterpillar-worm of many talents. Rug salesman, rapper, dead ringer for Don Knotts, skilled metalworker. But his motivation tapes should've also said something among the lines of, "You are a great dancer," because that he is!

#2: Jimmy Gourd/Dr. Jiggle/Mr. Sly

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

It would be a crime not to mention the star of Dr. Jiggle and Mr. Sly in this lineup! Jimmy's got groove, peeps. And while we love Dr. Jiggle for who he is, we must applaud the fact he's doing that dance in an spleen-bruising leisure suit. Off the show, he's still a legit disco veggie, as he's the host of the roller rink party on the 70s album and the main vocals on "Funky Town." What can we say? Gourds just wanna have fun! (Wrong era, I know... but the 80s album's awesome too!)

 

#1: Larry The Cucumber

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

It was hard to pick the #1 dancer, but Larry was kind of the only one who can hold this spot. He's like butter on a bald monkey -- all the vegetables wish to dance as he! And he's been doing it since the beginning! I believe that the #1 spot belongs to the master of silliness, Larry the Cucumber himself!

So, what do you think? Who do you think should've taken the top spot? How would you've ranked them?

 

Anyway, if these dancing veggies haven't gotten you excited yet, here's the trailer for Celery Night Fever to help you get in a groovy mood!

 

 

GMUS&<3sUVM

- Chandler

A Chat With Larry And Archibald (For Realz!)

So, depending on how long you've been a VeggieTales fan, you might've heard of Big Idea's old magazine What's The Big Idea? It was one of the best magazines ever, and I so wish Big Idea would revive it someday down the road! WTBI had games and coloring pages, of course, but it also had lots of behind-the-scenes articles, a fan art page, and all sorts of cool VT stuff for all ages! 

I was fortunate enough to dig up an old issue in recent years. One especially fun part of that issue was an interview with Larry the Cucumber and Archibald Asparagus on Larry-Boy and the Rumor Weed, in anticipation of its release. It's absolutely hilarious, and it makes me really miss this great publication -- especially considering Big Idea evidently planned to do a new magazine back in '06 but never did (evidenced by a DVD insert ad, I believe). But I'm happy to share it with all of you!

So, here's the original interview, written down from the long-since-recycled old July '99 WTBI! Read on!

"Recently, What's The Big Idea? had the opportunity to sit down with the stars of the latest VeggieTales video, Larry-Boy and the Rumor Weed (and the latest audio release, Larry-Boy: The Soundtrack). Grab some popcorn, sit by a roaring fire, and discover what Larry-Boy and Archibald, aka Alfred, have to say about their latest releases.

WTBI: You two are starring in the second Larry-Boy video this summer. What was it like to be doing a sequel?

LB: Umm... I guess it's kind of like having a pet pig who has a bunch of different brothers who want to come and visit. The first pig brother comes, and maybe his name is Dennis. He's nice, but he eats all your food and he gets your carpet dirty. Then another pig brother comes and maybe his name is William. Well, William is even bigger and he eats your lawn, breaks your dishes, and squeezes the toothpaste from the middle. Then you tell your pet pig that his brothers are a bunch of pigs... and he says, 'oink, oink, oink.' Then you remember, 'Oh, yeah! They're pigs...' That's kind of like being a superhero and doing sequels.

AA: What?

LB: I'm using my superhero powers to make an analogy.

AA: Perhaps you could use them to make sense.

LB: What?

AA: I loved doing this sequel! I was able to design and build a brand-new Larry-Mobile, come to the rescue, and perform my own stunts! What more could a butler ask for?!

LB: Wait... it was like having the eye of the tiger and fighting Mr. T, and then having the wrath of Khan and fighting Mr. Rourke.

WTBI: Uh... yes. Tell me, were there any big differences on the set compared to the first Larry-Boy video?

LB: Oh, yeah. On the first set, there was a big fib, on the second set, there was a big weed. That made a big difference in the catering. The fib liked chicken and ribs. The weed pretty much just ate peat moss. I'm not a big fan of peat moss.

AA: There was vastly superior technology in the Larry-Mobile second time around. Global positioning, boring mechanisms, airbags. We had a lot of technical support people running around. I think there may have even been a chap from NASA taking notes. Plus, all that peat moss.

LB: ...I hope we never do a show with a giant fly.

WTBI: I see. Archibald, you play the part of Alfred, Larry-Boy's butler. Do you have any exciting scenes of your own in the next video?

AA: Exciting?! Such excitement is seldom seen! I am able to ride my motor scooter down a dirt road, give crucial operating instructions to Larry-Boy over an advanced 2-way radio, and do battle with a giant weed!

LB: You didn't do battle with it, it picked you up and whipped you around like a wet noodle.

AA: WHAT? I will not be compared to a wet noodle.

LB: OK, it picked you up and whipped you around like a wet crumpet.

AA: That's better.

WTBI: Tell us more about the Larry-Boy costume. Is it uncomfortable?

LB: Well... since I'm a superhero, I can handle it. But try dipping yourself in wax and doing sit-ups... or jogging in rubber boots with no socks... or dancing in a zip-lock tuxedo. Get the picture?

WTBI: Quite clearly. Now, Archie, what was your first big break in acting?

AA: Shakespeare in the park. I was the dagger in Macbeth.

WTBI: Larry-Boy, after your last movie you mentioned something about a new line of Larry-Boy action figures. Any news on that?

LB: Well, now they've got that cushy little bean bag Larry-Boy and that's pretty cool. But I'm waiting for the plastic. You know you're a real superhero when you're plastic. It's kind of like being inducted into the superhero hall of fame. The day a kid pulls me out of a six-piece chicken nuggets meal and finds a stray french fry in one of my super-suction ears will be my best day ever.

WTBI: OK... There's a lot of talk about the new Larry-Mobile. Can you tell us about it?

AA: A splendid piece of machinery. A mechanical work of art. It can drive, it can fly, it can bore through solid granite.

LB: And solid peat moss.

AA: ...Yes.

LB: It even has an air bag and a crumple frame. Hey Archie, did you ever notice "crumple" sounds like 'crumpet'? I want a car with a crumpet frame.

WTBI: Let's see, next question -- what do you like most about the story in Larry-Boy and the Rumor Weed?

LB: I liked how Junior and Laura learned that spreading bad words about people can really cause a lot of trouble, but that when we say nice things about people, good things happen!

AA: I like how, at the end, I wasn't eaten by that giant weed.

WTBI: So what else is in the future for LarryBoy's career?

AA: I'd say another newly refurbished Larry-Mobile and enhanced communication devices.

LB: With a crumpet frame?

AA: We'll see...

LB: I think I'm going to learn how to fire both of my super-suction ears off at the same time, I just need to work on my concentration. And I'd like a new bike... and a pony. Uh, wait... what was the question?

WTBI: Never mind."

Hmm... LarryBoy and the Giant Fly... has a certain ring to it!
 

Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed! :)

GMUS&<3sUVM
- Chandler

VegTrek: VeggieTales' History In Space & Sci-Fi

So, it's common knowledge that Veggies in Space was an incredibly awesome episode of VT -- no surprise there :) Excitement! Laughs! So many sci-fi references I can't count them all! And on top of that, a fresh, fun look at sharing and generosity!

But if you're fairly new to VT, you may not know that The Fennel Frontier was hardly their first voyage into the sci-fi genre; the veggies have been taking it to the galaxy for some time now, in both actual space travel and in science fiction references. 

So, I've gone through my VT DVDs so we can take a look back on what you could call the VeggieTales space race. We begin a long time ago in a small animation company far, far away...

The Gourds Must Be Crazy (1995)

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

 

Yes, that's what the original U.S.S. Applepies looked like. And it still is an impressive feat of CG considering it was the third-ever VT episode.

In this episode, Junior and the crew learned to look past superficial perceptions of others when two "crazy" gourds saved the ship from a killer popcorn meteor. Not only did those gourds go on to become a permanent part of the VT troupe, we seriously would not have Scooter the Carrot if this awesome episode never came to be -- he was our Scotty!

Perhaps one of the coolest things to me about this episode (aside from the iconic tune, "I Can Be Your Friend") is that is subtly ties into Veggies in Space. Though that connection begs a question; we know that Scooter retired from the Applepies, where are Jimmy and Jerry working now? Well, either at the Bumblyburg Science Labs, modeling pants on the Veggie Shopping Network, or exploring planets like at the beginning of Veggies in Space. 

Either way, the Applepies crew owes their lives to those two who got "Meet Me At St. Louis" stuck in our heads :)

 

Larry-Boy And The Fib From Outer Space! (1997)

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

 

Considering their science knowledge doesn't expand far past metabolism, why would these two be working at the Bumblyburg Science Labs? 

"Because we wanted to see space aliens!" 

This is pretty clear since Jerry is wearing Spock ears. I have to say, I have mad respect for anyone who wears merch to a science lab! I hope Jerry's not too upset for me posting this for all the internet to see, though. Be proud of your nerdiness, Jerry!

LarryBoy Super Shorts: Fly By Might (2002)

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

 

This GIF says it all (and boy, was it hard to make!) The Cucumber of Steel had dealt with that pesky fly for the last time. Apparently, his plungers have their own TIE Fighter-like targeting system. It's hard not to look at this and say, "I have you now" in Darth Vader's voice!

 

Unfortunately, LarryBoy didn't win this battle. The fly evidently had Force powers of his own!

Lutfi's Fanciful Flannelgraph: The Story Of St. Patrick (2004)

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

 

 "Now Ireland was the land of the Druids, and the people there spoke a different language. But we'll make believe that everyone spoke English, like Star Trek."
 

"Even the pigs?"
 

"No, not the pigs."
 

"OK." XD

Bully Trouble (2005)

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

 

This hilariously classic short episode isn't really parodying anything as far as I can tell. But pure, original space craziness is just as good as hilarious sci-fi nods. Anyone else sometimes quote Junior Spaceman's computer when making toast? 

"You are toast. You are warm bread cut at a diagonal that is subsequently spread with butter or jam."

"Your toast selections are: wheat, white, sourdough, honey wheat..."

And anyone else curious about Junior's space gizmo? I bet it's capable of more than just inflating enemies...

The Wonderful Wizard Of Ha's (2007)

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

 

You might think that this episode would be the least likely to include a sci-fi reference, but just like the enchanted poppies in the original film, a good Star Wars quote is hard to resist! 

When distracted by a field of puppies (and rightfully so, those little guys are adorable!), Scarecrow urges them to, "Stay on target, stay on target...", which may sounds familiar to those who recall the Battle of Yavin at the end of Star Wars Episode IV. It's very subtle, but it's so great! The Star Wars-nerdy side of me can't get over it!

 

Princess And The Popstar (2011)

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

 

In space, you never know what you might encounter. Mutant aliens, kissing aliens, robo-pogos gone crazy! Having a communicator is vital, even if it happens to be your sister's peaPod (yes, that's what they're called).

"I'm sensing a lifeform... I hope it's friendly-- AHH MUTANT ALIEN!!" 

I think I'm going to need to write a Pepper appreciation blog sometime, but that's not important now. What's important is, don't leave home without your peaPod!

 

The Little Drummer Boy (2011)

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

 

VeggieTales and Star Wars are two of my most favorite things, so upon on my first viewing of this episode, I was half geeking out and half giggling to see such a boldly silly Star Wars gag!

"CUKE SKYWALKER!"
 

 "That's 'Magi' not 'Jedi'!"
 

*Gestures to camel wearing landspeeder-esque ship* "Can I still keep my sandspeeder?"
 

"Probably not."
 

*Holds fork* "May the fork be with you?"
 

"PLEASE STOP."
 

The way Archibald says that bit at the end... I can't watch this scene without laughing!

 

"Floating" Short (2014)

 

 

This little gem of animation that is strangely absent from the Veggies in Space DVD is very clearly a nod to Gravity, and you don't need to have seen it to know!

I love that dramatic narration at the beginning... gravity is indeed a harsh reality!

 

Veggies In Space: The Fennel Frontier (2014)

 

Image credit: my own DVD.

 

I literally can't name all the references in this one -- and not just because I'm not as heavily-versed in science fiction as I ought to be. But that's just part of the reason it's a fantastic episode! 

On top of all the fun sci-fi nods, they put so so much beautiful, fun detail into this one with all the new robots, aliens, ships, and a whole planet! (Anybody else realize that Tootanny is almost Star Wars' "Tatooine" in reverse?) But in case you haven't seen it yet, I won't go and spoil anything else for you... you'll just have to take my word for it! :) If only they'd made an audio commentary for this one...

So, there you have it: more reasons to admire Big Idea's endless creativity! Anyone craving some M&Ns and pudding? Um... you got any to share?

GMUS & <3sUVM,
 - Chandler