Sesame Street Season 22, Episode 31: Oscar tells the story of the "Knights of the Broken Table"

1

Grouch Appreciation Day

While reading the newspaper, Telly calls out all the adults to alert them that today is "Grouch Appreciation Day" and that they need a way to show Oscar how much they appreciate him. Gina, Maria, and Telly are preparing Oscar's favorite dish - a halibut with ice cream, served in a hat. Sponsors: C, T, 10

2

Bob throws a party

Big Bird greets the viewer, then ambles over to the Fix-It Shop to find out what's going on. Big Bird is still seething about not being able to go to the party. Sponsors: G, S, 7

3

Little Bird looks for a home

Telly talks to the viewer about all the things on Sesame Street he can be sure about every day: Oscar will always pop out of his can, Bob will get out of his apartment, Gordon will always come out of 123 Sesame Street, and Big Bird will always come out of his nest area. Sponsors: D, H, 18

4

Dan the clarinet player learns how to read

In the early morning, a nervous young man named Dan walks down Sesame Street and sits outside Hooper's Store, waiting to begin his part-time employment there. Dan finishes cleaning a window at Hooper's and asks a very busy Gina what to do next. Sponsors: I, Z, 15

5

Telly gets a furcut

Mike tries bringing Telly Monster to the Barber Shop to get a furcut, but Telly stalls by pointing out the interesting spots on the sidewalk. Uncle Wally joins Mike on a bench as he waits for Telly. Sponsors: K, M, 6

6

A day in the laundry room

Oscar welcomes the viewer and asks if they’d like to hear a good argument, and reappears in the basement of 123 Sesame Street, where the laundry room is. Sponsors: E, O, 12

7

Elmo and Gordon make cookies/Snuffy does magic

Elmo joins Gordon in his kitchen, trying to guess what Gordon will be preparing. Elmo observes the newly-baked cookies and explains Gordon has stepped out to get some ice cream to eat along with them. Sponsors: D, U, 10

8

The Mouse tries other nursery rhymes

Big Bird and Maria chat outside the Fix-It Shop, when an announcer declares the arrival of "The Wild One," a rambunctious number one who goes all over the world counting things there are only one of. Sponsors: L, X, 20

9

Placido Flamingo's Animal Opera

Bob walks down Sesame Street and bumps into Buster the Horse, Hoots the Owl, Gladys the Cow, and Rudder Rabbit, all practicing their singing. Bob finally encounters Placido Flamingo, who has been looking for him. Sponsors: D, K, 15

10

The city helper's surprise prize

Mr. Big Bird presents the letter J to the viewer, and Mohamed, Travis, and Vanessa display things they have that begin with J, such as jeans, a jacket, and a jump rope. Sponsors: A, J, 16

11

Oscar drives Gordon to the basketball game

Gordon misses his bus to Madison Square Garden to see the New York Knicks game. The Sloppy Jalopy returns to Sesame Street, where Gordon shows the Grouches his map of the greater Sesame Street area. Sponsors: Q, T, 13

12

A new plant at the library

A Grouch newsie hurls the morning paper into Oscar's trash can, right in the swimming pool. Oscar has a trick he's going to play on Bob and his band. Sponsors: C, U, 14

13

Episode 2758

Gina welcomes the viewer on a nice, warm day, perfect for reading outside. Elmo returns with Telly, both dressed as snowflakes and yelling, "Whoosh! Woosh!" Gina laughs, understanding now what Elmo meant, but reminds them two snowflakes doesn't make a storm. Sponsors: E, K, 5

14

Elmo's Rangers

Elmo, Maria, Gabi, and the kids finish up their lunches, and Maria alerts them that it's time to clean up. Telly finishes eating a banana, but doesn't know what to do with his peel. Sponsors: F, L, 17

15

Oscar Says

Telly invites Oscar to partake in a game and snack with him, Lisa, Jamel, and Larry, but Oscar naturally declines. Telly and the kids are now in their Grouchketeer uniforms, ready for the game of "Oscar Says." Sponsors: B, M, 4

16

A rainy day on Sesame Street

It's a rainy day on Sesame Street and nobody appreciates it more than Oscar the Grouch. Elmo wants to see a rainbow and studies the ground below. Sponsors: B, L, 10

17

Oscar's phone system / Elmo imitates his friends

Gordon exits 123 Sesame Street to find a beat-up phone booth just outside, complete with a couple of localized telephone poles and Ernestine the Telephone Operator seated at a switchboard. Sponsors: H, O, 12

18

Oscar leads the Grouchytowners on a tour of Sesame Street

Oscar tells the "Grouchketeers at home" that he's expecting Grouch visitors from Grouchytown, who have never been anywhere else before. The Grouchytowners arrive, and Oscar makes sure that they've planned for niceness. Sponsors: B, Q, 6

19

Jamie Lee Curtis visits

Elmo has Gordon read him a letter he received today. At a little over 3:30, Elmo checks the time on a clock on Maria's workbench. Sponsors: N, V, 4

20

Snuffleupagus picnic in Central Park

Snuffy comes by to pick up Big Bird for a picnic in Central Park with Mommy Snuffleupagus and Alice. Out in New York City, the Snuffleupagus family heads to the park. Sponsors: B, D, 8

21

Elmo's dinosaur/Baby birds hatch

Bob happens upon Elmo poking his toy dinosaur, Ziggy, to "wake" him up. Bob keeps puffing into Ziggy, getting very tired. Sponsors: R, V, 5

22

The Wide World of Sesame Street covers Linda

Telly Monster hosts an edition of "The Wide World of Sesame Street" from inside Linda's apartment to watch her and Barkley. Sponsors: B, L, 11

23

Wigwamm-froo-SMOSSmee-Sreep!

Snuffy tells the viewer that Alice will be giving them the welcome today. At Hooper's Store, Elmo has Gina help him demonstrate rhyming by placing items into objects they rhyme with. Sponsors: S, W, 6

24

Hatching an egg

Gordon, Susan, Gina, and Uncle Wally convene outside Oscar's trash can to surprise him on his birthday. Telly happens over to the Fix-It Shop, where Luis is painting a sign. Sponsors: G, M, 19

25

Big Bird's Sesame Street map

Snuffy has an idea of how he and Alice can cooperate. Oscar is annoyed that Bob and Linda are teaching the kids signs right by his trash can, especially positive ones. Sponsors: F, Z, 12

26

Bob tries to read

Big Bird welcomes the viewer, joined by a small group of tourist birds visiting from the country. Big Bird and his tour group return to Bob's for a tour of his bedroom. Sponsors: G, J, 9

27

Gina babysits Irvine

Gina will be babysitting Oscar's niece, Irvine, while he and Grundgetta go to the "Everything in the Wrong Place Ball." Gina reads Irvine another book, The Genie in the Grouch Lamp. Sponsors: O, R, 9

28

An artsy day on Sesame Street

Big Bird and Snuffy get ready to put on a Snufflepuppet show, which Hiroshi helps them out with. Sponsors: A, Y, 10

29

Rudder Rabbit visits / Barkley's doghouse

Shelley the Turtle talks to his friend, Rudder Rabbit, on the Hooper's Store payphone. Rudder asks Shelley what he wants to do with the rest of the day. Sponsors: Q, W, 11

30

Good Day Sesame Street

Big Bird and Birdketeer troupe 1-2-3 deliver a program ID spot for Good Day Sesame Street. Buster then delivers the morning news. Sponsors: C, X, 0

31

Oscar tells the story of the "Knights of the Broken Table"

In today's Grouchketeer meeting, Oscar will read the story of Grouchelot. Oscar returns to tell the rest of the story: Sir Worry-a-lot (Telly) wishes to join the King's court, but first he must pass some tests. Sponsors: F, Z, 19

32

Telly looks for the Muffin Man

Telly has a musical question for Gordon - does he know the Muffin Man? Gordon responds with a "no. Telly has gotten no answers from anyone on Sesame Street about the identity of the muffin man. Sponsors: F, Y, 11

33

Big Bird's taxi

Gordon needs to move his broken - and heavy - TV set over to the Fix-It Shop. Oscar sings "I'm So Happy Bein' a Grouch. Sponsors: R, Y, 3

34

Big Bird makes a magazine / Cowboy X vs. Cowboy O

Bob informs the viewer that Uncle Wally, currently carrying a large load of items, will show how to count to 40. Big Bird is bored and looks for something to do. Sponsors: O, X, 8

35

Telly loves triangles

Elmo is going mountain climbing and needs Oscar’s help in making sure he has brought everything he will need. Telly rushes into the Fix-It Shop to show Luis a newly-arrived gift from the Triangle Lovers Club. Sponsors: I, V, 13

36

Telly loves Oscar

Holding a suitcase, Telly bangs on Oscar's trash can to let Oscar know that he will be away visiting his cousin for. Once Telly leaves, Oscar gets a singing telegram delivered from a tap-dancing Anything Muppet (David Rudman). Sponsors: H, O, 14

37

Telly Monster follows Gordon to school for a "Wide World of Sesame Street" report

Telly hosts "The Wide World of Sesame Street," a program which shows a day in the life of someone on Sesame Street. "Wide World of Sesame Street" continues as Telly hides in the bushes and watches Gordon at the bus stop, waiting for the bus with a group of people (including Mike and Lisa). Sponsors: D, H, 10

38

Big Bird and Snuffy go shopping with Maria and Luis

Big Bird and Snuffy visit Maria at the Fix-It Shop, who has decide to work outside and has brought the telephone with her so she could keep working. When it rings for a third time, Big Bird decides to pick up the phone while Snuffy answers it, thus cooperating. Sponsors: I, R, 18

39

Snuffle puppet show

Big Bird welcomes the viewer to the latest Snufflepuppet show that Snuffy is putting on. The Snufflepuppet show continues, where Bob is about to conduct his band while Gus (now positioned on Snuffy's snuffle) sings "The Alphabet Song. Sponsors: G, P, 12

40

Talking about love

Maria tells the viewer that today, they'll be discussing love. Linda joins Maria as she discusses how much she and Barkley love each other. Sponsors: B, D, 13

41

A television birthday card for Gordon

Uncle Wally and his barbershop singing group of horses, the Kentucky Derbies, sing "One of Us Here is Not Like The Others" and has the viewer guess which one is different. Gordon encounters Clementine and Buster waiting for a letter from Forgetful Jones, who's away visiting his parents. Sponsors: P, V, 20

42

Gordon has a headache

Gordon has a really bad headache, so Susan puts his slippers by the bed, unplugs the phone, and go to get Miles from day care so Gordon can relax. Gordon can't find his slippers and thinks they're under the bed. Sponsors: B, V, 10

43

Barkley's bathtime

Luis puts up a new "Se Habla Español" sign in the Fix-It Shop window, then go in to start fixing Big Bird's toy racing car. Gina walks down the street, having just washed two weeks worth of laundry. Sponsors: C, N, 3

44

Hiroshi paints Oscar

Big Bird hears saxophone music coming from the art studio. Hiroshi insists that Oscar move around wildly and complain while he paints. Sponsors: O, Z, 8

45

A visit from migrating birds

Big Bird discovers a pair of sleeping birds near his nest. Snuffy and Alice stop by the nest to play with Big Bird. Sponsors: G, R, 3

46

Rebuilding Hooper's Store — Hooper's Store falls apart

Mr. Mr. Sponsors: N, U, 8

47

Rebuilding Hooper's Store — Designing the new Hooper's Store

Biff, Sully, and Stella bring dozens of flowers to Mr. Maria, Luis, and Mr. Sponsors: P, Z, 3

48

Rebuilding Hooper's Store — Construction on Hooper's

In the early hours of the morning, Maria, Luis, and the hardhats get ready to continue repairs on Hooper's Store. Oscar continues his report while Bob attempts to give Jessica a piano lesson. Sponsors: F, Q, 14

49

Rebuilding Hooper's Store — Waiting for Hooper's to re-open

In the morning, Telly sits out by Hooper's Store, listening. Telly frets over how long the repairs are taking when the Amazing Mumford slides in with a solution. Sponsors: M, Y, 7

50

Rebuilding Hooper's Store — Grand Reopening of Hooper's Store

Mr. In a flashback from yesterday afternoon, Big Bird and Snuffy are "steamed" at the thought of having a different Hooper's Store. Sponsors: G, V, 9

51

Telly wants to be like Bob

Telly waits at Bob's door early in the morning, as today he is going to do everything Bob does since Telly idolizes him (for today, anyway). Telly finally wakes up and remembers Bob is outside. Sponsors: H, R, 8

52

Oscar's mother visits

Gordon and Linda are out stretching in the yard preparing for a run. Gordon waits with Oscar to meet his mother. Sponsors: S, V, 7

53

The Count counts stars

Telly passes by the Count, who invites Telly to join him in a special activity, but they must wait until it's dark out. Gordon suspects that Big Bird doesn't want to go to sleep when he requests a fourth bedtime story. Sponsors: I, K, 10

54

Oscar's animal stampede

Bob asks Oscar why he's holding up a STOP sign. Bob now finds Oscar counting backwards from 10, with a counter in the corner of the screen. Sponsors: C, M, 12

55

The Dawg family moves to Sesame Street

Big Bird sees a large amount of stuff on the sidewalk, as an employee of the ABC Moving Company (Phil Hartman) moves more and more things from the truck. Gordon, Susan, and Luis welcome the Dawg family, whose daughter, Brooke, hides nearby. Sponsors: G, U, 19

56

Preston's gift for Mike

Mike looks after Hooper's Store while Gina runs some errands. Preston returns and shows Mike the giant tube of toothpaste he's brought, then proceeds to sing about it ("Gift of Toothpaste"). Sponsors: S, U, 20

57

Sheryl and her wheelchair

Gina introduces the Two-Headed Monster to Sheryl, a young girl who uses a wheelchair. Big Bird confesses to Maria that he wants Sheryl to join him, Travis, and Vanessa in their jump rope game, but doesn't think she can actually play (she can't jump in her wheelchair). Sponsors: S, W, 4

58

Finding 40 parts of the body

Telly has volunteered to help Count von Count count 40 body parts. Telly's list has 12 parts now and he begs Oscar to help him. Sponsors: M, U, 18

59

Telly stands still

Uncle Wally comes across Telly in the yard, who's practicing standing still for all the situations that require it (taking photos, combing his fur, etc. Elmo finds Telly standing still and wants to play, but he would rather hop up and down. Sponsors: B, M, 2

60

A Sesame Street rainbow

Big Bird, Telly, a green monster named Anna (Kevin Clash) and the kids point out to Lillian that they're all different colors. Big Bird, Telly, and Kaitlin prepare to make their drawing, but they only have a single, yellow crayon to use. Sponsors: P, X, 9

61

Uses for an oatmeal box

Elmo and Zelda have been given some empty oatmeal boxes to play with from Gina. Gina helps Elmo and Zelda turn the oatmeal boxes into hats. Sponsors: J, P, 3

62

Telly joins Jelani and Company

Telly sees Jelani and some teens heading toward the Fix-It Shop. Telly informs the viewer about the word "important" by showing how his current task, holding the door open, is important so the others can take boxes of junk out. Sponsors: D, Q, 11

63

Getting exercise

Susan finds Telly about to go on a morning run with Gordon, but he's gathered several items to take with him - an umbrella in case of rain, an extra pair of shoes in case he slips in a puddle and loses them in a tree, a stool to sit on when putting on the extra shoes, and a flashing light to warn ot. Telly and Gordon return from their run and see Oscar emerging from his can, wearing. Sponsors: R, Z, 8

64

The Count gets the counting flu

The Count welcomes the viewer and reveals that he's looking for something to count (as usual). Susan describes the Count's symptoms to Dr. Sponsors: H, O, 13

65

Telly the Dad

Telly, dressed in a sensible cardigan, pretends that he is a dad with Freddy acting as his son. Telly observes Oscar trying to get his niece Irvine to take her nap, something fathers will usually do. Sponsors: T, W, 12

66

Celebrating the letter K

Telly and the kids flash signs with the letter "K" on them and march around chanting the letter. Telly wants Oscar to provide them with a K word in honor of the letter of the day, but he naturally refuses. Telly and the kids disguise themselves as Grouches, hoping to dupe Oscar into showing them a K word. Sponsors: K, T, 14

67

The Count's binoculars

Telly, Monster on the Spot reporter, is on the scene at Oscar's trash can where Oscar will demonstrate anger. Oscar unwittingly helps out with the report by just being himself, wanting Telly to scram as usual. Telly now reports that Oscar is about to receive an H-word gift from Preston Rabbit - a hug (whether he wants it or not). Sponsors: B, H, 2

68

Gina buys fish

Early in the morning, Gina returns to Hooper's Store with some fish. She speaks to the viewer quietly, mainly wanting to keep Wolfgang the Seal from hearing about them and allowing his barking to wake everyone up. She makes it inside, but Wolfgang manages to sneak in behind her and appears when she. Sponsors: A, D, 7

69

Big Bird and Snuffy's dispute

Susan overhears a delivery person (Martin P. Robinson), carrying a large, heavy stack of packages, thanking Oscar for his help. He explains to Susan that the delivery person wanted directions to Big Bird's nest. Sponsors: F, Q, 15

70

Meet Benny Rabbit

Luis heads off from Maria and Gabi and promises to bring back a surprise. As the two practice saying the alphabet, they run into a scraggily, ornery rabbit, who tells them that the next letter is D. "Look, Gabi! A cute little bunny rabbit," says Maria. Sponsors: N, P, 9

71

Telly follows an ant

As the Count counts jump rope jumps in the yard, Telly follows the ant to the Fix-It Shop, where Luis is fixing Susan's broken pitcher by holding the glued handle in place. Telly watches and follows the ant as it climbs all over Luis' body as Luis warns Telly not to bump his arm. The Count continues counting jumps while Telly follows the ant back to the Fix-It Shop. Sponsors: B, L, 5

72

Remembering times of sadness

Susan tells the viewer that today, everyone will be discussing times when they felt sad. Prairie Dawn is the first to go, describing the day she got sick on the premiere of her new pageant, "The Life of a Potato.". A flashback shows Susan tending to a bed-ridden Prairie. Sponsors: C, N, 0

73

Sonny Friendly's many game shows

Gina, Uncle Wally, Snuffy, and the kids hang out in the yard when they're visited by Sonny Friendly with another one of his traveling game shows. This time, his game is "Sesame Street's Funniest Ideas." Snuffy imagines everyone wearing cabbages instead of hats and Sonny tries to get the camera crew. Over at Hooper's Store, Sonny sobs, unable to come up with a new game show idea. Sponsors: V, X, 3

74

Oscar and the word man

Elmo tells the viewer that because he's so small, he can identify everyone by their knees, including Alex, Big Bird, and Linda. He also likes how knees allow big people to get closer to their smaller friends. A uniformed man knocks on Oscar's trash can and declares himself as the "Telephone Man." Oscar asserts that his phone isn't broken, nor does he need to be sold a new one. Sponsors: E, Y, 12

75

Miles' grandparents visit

At Gordon and Susan's apartment, Preston Rabbit is excited because Susan's mother and father (Dorothy and Lee) are coming over for a visit. He assumes that being grandparents, they're going to give presents to Miles; as a present-giver himself, watching others give presents is the next best thing. As Susan’s parents try to chat with Gordon and Susan, Preston eagerly picks at the shopping bag Dorothy and Lee brought, and Lee thinks it's time to reveal what's inside. Sponsors: J, M, 17

76

Everyone prepares for the big hurricane

As harsh breezes blow, Telly, Big Bird, and Elmo observe the adults putting tape on their windows. They split up and ask Luis, Maria, Gina, and Gordon why they're doing so and learn that a hurricane is coming. They reconvene to relay the info and begin to panic - only to realize that none of them kn. Sponsors: A, D, 0

77

The Old Woman who Lives in a Shoe's house arrives on Sesame Street

As the adults clean up the aftermath of last night's hurricane, Big Bird and Snuffy are heard arguing. Maria and Luis investigate and learn they are arguing over something that landed on Big Bird's nest. He thinks it’s a shoe, but Snuffy thinks it’s a house. Sponsors: A, G, 16

78

Telly hosts "The Wide World of Numbers"

Today, “The Wide World of Sesame Street” will be covering numbers. Reporter Telly Monster is asking what people’s favorite numbers are. He first visits the home of Polly Darton, but her back up group, the Git Along Little Doggies, opens the front gate, smashing Telly against the wall. Sponsors: O, Z, 9

79

Elmo and the Beanstalk

Elmo welcomes the viewer, and Mike begins to read Elmo a copy of his favorite story - "Jack and the Beanstalk." Elmo loves it so much he tells more of the story than Mike does, barely giving Mike a word in. After Mike finishes "reading," Elmo runs off to find some magic beans so he can climb a beans. Sponsors: G, L, 6

80

Noel Cowherd visits

Gordon meets Noel Cowherd, who is visiting an old friend on Sesame Street. He catches up with his old pal, Forgetful Jones (who doesn't remember who Noel is). Noel gathers the kids to tell them how he became the fastest drawer in the west. Sponsors: I, Y, 20

81

Experiences with the sky

As the sun shines, Big Bird plays with his shadow along the construction door wall. He wants to introduce it to Gordon, but Gordon points out that because of a cloud covering the sun now, his shadow is gone. Big Bird assumes that the shadow has left because it's upset that the sun is covered. Sponsors: F, T, 10

82

Snuffy wants to recycle

Snuffy wants to recycle his soda can, but points out to Bob that Gordon and Susan's bin doesn't have enough room. Although the bin has plenty of room and there are already some cans inside it, it's too small to accommodate the Snuffleupagus-sized empty can of Snuffle Up. Gabi and the other kids do some recycling of their own with the Hooper's Store bins as Snuffy announces the sponsors. Sponsors: S, W, 19

83

Telly gets some hair

The Two-Headed Monster gives Luis his Learn Spanish book and wants to learn a few words. Luis doesn't have the time and picks out a quick, easy word for now - "hola." The monster has trouble saying it until Luis gets each head to say a syllable and blend them together. Telly watches as Lillian plays a game with the kids when Amir's brother comes by to drop him off after getting a haircut. Sponsors: R, Z, 13

84

Oscar makes Telly angry

Telly excitedly rushes over to Oscar's trash can with a football helmet, tennis racket, beach ball, and butterfly net. He rushes out and back to get a tuba Oscar now says he'll need. The "game" turns out to be a trick on Telly, making him bring all the items for nothing. Sponsors: W, K, 6

85

Oscar loses his voice

At five o'clock in the morning, Oscar practices his yelling for an upcoming Grouch Yelling Contest, where he could win a free trip to Club Mud. Naturally, everyone on the block gets woken up and yells back at Oscar, who suggests they join the competition too. Telly listens in as Oscar continues practicing. Sponsors: A, S, 9

86

Preston's caps

The Count asks Susan if he can accompany her on her errands today. She soon realizes he'll be counting every step she takes and tells him she'll be driven crazy. The Count is thrilled and adds her to the total of people he's driven crazy so far (six) before he starts to follow Lillian. Sponsors: P, T, 8

87

Elmo takes tap lessons

Elmo greets the viewer as he waits for Savion's dance class to begin. He's fully prepared, already wearing his tap shoes, when Savion and Jelani happen by. They inform Elmo that the lesson will be this afternoon, and they have to go to school right now. Sponsors: R, Z, 9

88

Episode 2833

Handford, Mike, the kids, a couple of Honkers, Gordon, Lillian, and Barkley a good morning. Telly and the kids are going to have a picnic in the park and show Gordon all they have to bring - a bullhorn (in case they need to stop some charging bulls), a rubber chicken (in case they find some rubber eggs), and a paper bag. Gordon assumes the bag is for an equally outlandish reason such as a. Sponsors: J, X, 12

89

Open stage night at Birdland

Before Birdland opens, Hoots the Owl explains that tonight is "Open Stage Night," where anyone can get their chance to perform on the Birdland stage. A man named Forest Wimbeldon (Branford Marsalis) enters looking for Hoots, wishing to play jazz tonight. Hoots sees how un-jazzy his saxophone playing. Sponsors: E, I, 4

90

Episode 2835

The episode features various educational segments and character interactions on Sesame Street. Sponsors:

91

Cleaning the vacant lot

Gordon plays some football with Oscar, Bruno, and the Grouchketeers. Oscar naturally throws the ball too far and too deep when it lands into a nearby, vacant lot filled with trash and litter. Two pigeons, Audrey and Louise, see the ball, which Louise believes to be a football-sized peanut. Sponsors: A, N, 16

92

Cleaning the vacant lot

The gang makes it to the lot where they meet its residents, Audrey and Louise, the Pigeon Sisters; Oscar takes an instant liking to them. Louise has a big appetite and continues pecking at the sign, mistaking it for a cracker. Audrey helps her read it. Sponsors: C, M, 7

93

Cleaning the vacant lot

The Pigeon Sisters do some morning strutting and cooing, when Gordon shows off the trash bins the city has provided them. Gordon observes the litter and has a flash of inspiration — they can turn the vacant lot into a garden! He and the pigeons imagine what it'll look like, singing "I See a Garden." Sponsors: F, Q, 17

94

Cleaning the vacant lot

Gordon confirms with everyone on the plans for a garden in the cleaned up vacant lot. Snuffy, Elmo, and Prairie Dawn volunteer to help plant the vegetable area, marked with a "V" sign. Uncle Wally, Bob, Linda, and Miles will plant flowers in the "F" sections. Sponsors: S, V, 20

95

Cleaning the vacant lot

In the vacant lot-turned-garden, everyone is gathered as Oscar and Bruno approach. Susan explains that Mayor David Dinkins will be presenting Gordon with a citizen's award for the work he's done turning the lot into a garden. Sponsors: E, Y, 4

96

Elmo looks for newspapers to recycle

Elmo is curious about a large "mountain" of newspapers outside Hooper's Store and why people are adding to it. Gordon points out the sign reading, "Today is Newspaper Recycling Day," and explains why paper needs to be recycled. Elmo is hooked and wants to find some old newspapers to recycle. Sponsors: E, N, 16

97

Telly and the balloon

Monster on the Spot reporter Telly interviews twins Shawnee and Chai about how they are the same and different. He finds that they look the same and both wear their hair in pigtails, but the girls rattle off a seemingly endless list of the ways they're different. Telly is holding onto Uncle Wally's balloon, which Big Bird was doing before until he went to play catch with Miles. Sponsors: R, V, 2

98

Elmo wants to go miniature golfing

Gina gushes to the viewer about the tape of the opera La Bohème she watched late last night. She then attends to Wolfgang the Seal's fish needs in the yard and finds herself falling asleep. She dreams herself in a Victorian opera setting, where a well-dressed Wolfgang sings about fish. Sponsors: B, Z, 10

99

Peck at Birdland

Big Bird reads a large sign posted in the yard for Elmo and the Birdketeers, advertising a "Peck" this afternoon at Birdland. He demonstrates to Elmo how birds peck, and Susan can even do it too and plans to go. At Birdland, Hoots the Owl shows off the pieces of his new dance floor for the peck tonight. Sponsors: G, L, 5

100

The Adventures of Super Telly!

Luis greets the viewer when Telly runs past, clad in a red cape and exclaiming "Whoosh!" Today, he's imagining he's "Super Telly," the monster who never worries. He doesn't even worry when Luis questions the fanfare that's following him, but briefly breaks character to question the color of his cape. Sponsors: 3, D, B

101

Episode 2846

Maria introduces the word "WET." She tries to describe it, but is interrupted by others who remark how hot the weather is today. Maria writes the word "HOT" on the other side of her card, noting that when it's hot out it feels nice to get "WET." She's then doused with water. Sponsors: H, Q, 12

102

Savion teaches tap dancing

Prairie Dawn plays the opening theme on her piano while Savion tap-dances in the yard. He has her play it slow, then fast, then in a fast jazzy style. Savion likes her playing, and says she can play for his class any time; likewise, Prairie invites him to tap for her piano any time. Sponsors: A, I, 8

103

Elmo and friends play Wubbaball

Big Bird and Jelani welcome the viewer when Elmo comes rushing in. He tells them and the kids about what just happened to him involving some blue monsters and a Wubbaball. Big Bird tries to get him to clarify what a "Wubbaball" is, but Elmo cuts him off as he starts his story. Sponsors: C, P, 7

104

Elmo plays "Three of These Things"

Big Bird looks in his mailbox, and to his surprise he finds a square. He goes outside to find out who it belongs to, and finds that Mike and Maria also have squares of their own which they got in the mail. Telly shows up, displaying the triangle he got in the mail, which confuses them further. Sponsors: J, O, 13

105

Savion collects used shoes

Savion is collecting old shoes for his school, which will be refurbished and donated to those in need. He picks out a small pair of tap shoes, which were his very first pair. He flashes back to his time as a child in dance class. Sponsors: A, L, 16

106

Natasha crawls away

Natasha's father, Humphrey, has to go to the store and leaves Natasha in Maria’s care at the Fix-It Shop. He warns her that Natasha has just learned to crawl, and will do so all over the place if not in someone’s watchful eye. As Maria prepares Natasha’s milk, Natasha slips out of her high chair. Sponsors: H, O, 15

107

Elmo pretends to be a Grouch

Elmo tells Maria that today, he wants to learn how to be a Grouch for a day. Oscar refuses to help, constantly replying "NO" and waving a sign with the word. Maria doesn't think Oscar would even be able to teach Elmo; Oscar feels insulted and decides to teach Elmo some Grouch things. Sponsors: O, S, 17

108

Telly and Oscar write

Oscar is weary of hearing the "Sesame Street Theme" every day and wishes they'd come up with something better. Telly happens to have a composition ready and sings a song all about saying "Hi." Oscar reads Telly a book he's written to combat all the nice stories they always hear. Sponsors: C, W, 11

109

Playing football / Meet Merry Monster

Elmo excitedly shows Oscar the globe he was just given by his daddy. He wants to travel the world and has Oscar spin the globe and point to a location he can go. Elmo lands on Tonga and Oscar is glad to see him leave, only Elmo returns moments later and leaps onto the globe. Sponsors: E, U, 7

110

Tim Robbins stars in Prairie Dawn's pageant

Tim Robbins arrives on Sesame Street, and Big Bird and Snuffy try to guess who he's looking for. It's Prairie Dawn. When she shows up he becomes star-struck, mentioning some of his favorite Prairie Dawn pageants, and she invites him to watch the rehearsal of her newest production. Sponsors: J, Z, 19

111

Snuffy's Spanish puppet show

Gina tries to welcome the viewer, but is interrupted by Telly. He's imagining he's going to the beach and needs Gina to make sure he's planned properly. Once he makes it to "the beach," he immediately leaves because of the cold water and hot sand. Sponsors: G, I, 12

112

Episode 2857

Bob watches over Barkley while Linda paints her kitchen. Barkley is feeling very sad, though. The Amazing Mumford happens by and has a trick that can help improve Barkley's spirit. Sponsors: K, U, 10

113

Telly and the brick

Gina welcomes the viewer when Grundgetta passes by with a wrapped gift, intended as a surprise for Telly. Since it's something he isn't expecting, he wonders what it could be and makes wild guesses. He opens the wrapping and finds only a brick inside. Sponsors: P, R, 20

114

Elmo borrows Radar from Big Bird

Savion plays a rhyming game with the viewer while tap-dancing. Big Bird recites a poem for Gina, Snuffy, Savion, and the kids and they must guess who the subject is. He's someone with them right now, covered in fur, and is cute and small - it's Radar! Sponsors: V, Y, 18

115

Elmo's imagination hat

Elmo claims that he can imagine anything when he wears his hat. While Elmo is thinking of what to imagine next, Mike stops by to pick him up for their bike ride in the park today. Elmo decides to imagine some more after the bike ride. Sponsors: B, D, 2

116

Big Bird yells "TOOTHPASTE!"

Big Bird interrupts Jelani and Gordon's lesson to explain why he's saying "TOOTHPASTE!" Today's letter is F, and kids use toothpaste to brush their teeth; when their baby teeth fall out, the tooth fairy collects them - and fairy starts with the letter F! Sponsors: F, Q, 10

117

Savion gives tap lessons

Savion gives a lesson to Mike and Alex, who want to know how they can be just as good. Savion begins rapping about the importance of practice. Mike and Alex tap off to the library as Savion’s next student arrives – Linda, who brings Barkley. Sponsors: F, X, 17

118

The story of "The Grouches Who Lost All Their Pickles"

As the meeting begins, Telly starts to weep at just the title of the storybook: The Grouches Who Lost All Their Pickles. He knows how much Grouches love to eat pickles, and the thought of them running out makes him and the Grouchketeers sad. Oscar says the book could have a positive ending. Sponsors: S, T, 13

119

Episode 2864

Gina discovers Oscar's discarded "NO" sign left in Hooper's Store from this morning and asks Elmo to bring it to his trash can. Elmo is eager to take on the task. Elmo climbs up the can and hangs on, then gives a few knocks. Sponsors: A, M, 16

120

Elmo's STOP sign

Maria finds Elmo yelling "Stop!" over and over again. Elmo claims to be practicing his stopping ability and shows Maria what he can do. Maria is impressed with Elmo's skills. Sponsors: K, N, 9

121

Telly the clown / Baby Bear's broken chair

Telly shows Uncle Wally his clown costume and claims he'll be a clown one day, only he can't do anything funny. Uncle Wally recalls his time as a young adult working at the circus and teaches Telly what he learned from watching the clowns. Sponsors: B, J, 3

122

Elmo fills in for Little Jerry

Elmo observes Mike talking with rock stars Big Jeffie and Little Chrissy, who will be performing at Mike's high school dance tonight. However, lead singer Little Jerry has caught the chicken pox and can't perform, meaning they'll have to cancel. Mike suggests he could fill in. Sponsors: K, L, 6

123

Grundgetta refuses to talk to Oscar

Oscar is disgusted by the bouquet of flowers Mike has gotten for Gina. He claims if he ever gave those to Grundgetta, she'd never speak to him again. Gina is happy to receive them and invites herself on Mike's jog. Sponsors: F, Q, 14

124

Slimey and the Worm Scouts

Gordon encounters Slimey and the Worm Scouts in the midst of a hike. The worms have a problem when they are unable to get from one crate to another, and Gordon thinks of some possible ways they can do it. Slimey points to Gordon's science book, which they use as a bridge to get across. Sponsors: C, T, 5

125

City-wide water shortage

Gordon, Telly, Big Bird, and Mr. Handford see the latest newspaper headline in Hooper's Store - "WATER SHORTAGE IN CITY." Mr. Handford turns on the TV to see if there's anything in the news about it. Sponsors: R, W, 15

126

The Grand High Triangle Lover visits Telly

Uncle Wally welcomes the viewer when Telly rushes in to inform him that the Grand High Triangle Lover - president of the Triangle Lovers Club - is coming to Sesame Street today! Telly doesn't know the reason for the visit, but a royal fanfare plays as the GHTL arrives with his assistant Norman. Sponsors: A, C, 1

127

Ticklish lectures with Telly Monster

Telly, Rameek, and Katie welcome the viewer and demonstrate things one can do with their fingers. They show how they can wiggle, point, and tickle. Slimey and the Worm Scouts join Telly and the kids in a lecture on the letter T. Sponsors: V, T, 0

128

Barkley's lost ball

Bob and Linda watch as Barkley plays with his favorite ball, which is all chewed up given how much Barkley loves it. Bob accidentally tosses it over the doors to Big Bird's nest, where another dog grabs it and leaves before Barkley gets there. Sponsors: K, O, 12

129

A day at Birdland

Telly interrupts the opening sequence wanting to go to Birdland. Susan, Gordon, Miles, and some kids happen to be going there. Hoots welcomes everyone and introduces conductor Duck Ellington and the Sesame Street All-Animal Jazz Ensemble, with special guest Wynton Marsalis on trumpet. Sponsors: L, Q, 19

130

La Grouchiata

Placido Flamingo presents two candidates for the lead role in his new opera, "La Grouchiata" - Grundgetta and world-famous opera singer Wilhelmenia Fernandez. The two must audition first before he can decide who the role should go to. Sponsors: I, M, 15