106: Jim Nabors & Cannonball Run II

Live from the Benny Vandergast Memorial Theatre, the Muppets are joined by TV’s Gomer Pyle, Jim Nabors, and Scooter, a new recruit, except for the episodes he already appeared in. Then we watch Cannonball Run II, a movie that we didn’t hate quite as much as it hates us. Jim Nabors, we apologize.

Topics of discussion include new Muppet lore, the career trajectory of Rowlf, the erosion of the all-around performer, why you shouldn’t always let your friendships direct your career choices, the possible Bowfingering of Frank Sinatra, and an accidentally-relevant anecdote about the making of Master of Disguise.

Further resources:

• Carol Burnett & Jim Nabors: Medley of Broadway Tunes (1967)
  
• ‘It wasn’t a facade’: Friends, fans remember Jim Nabors’ talent, wit and folksy charm by HawaiiNewsNow staff
• Jim Nabors’ Last “Back Home Again in Indiana” 2014
  
• Jim Nabors, TV’s Gomer Pyle, Dies at 87 by Miriam Di Nunzio
  
• MST3K Invention Exchange: Rat Pack Chess Set
  
• Siskel & Ebert / Cannonball Run II / 1984