DISNEY MUPPETS
Rowlf vs. Walter - Last year, Walter came in second place to Kermit, so all conventional wisdom says that Walter should have a strong showing this year as well. However, Rowlf is an extremely tough competitor and has an early lead, so perhaps the dog can hold this lead and top the newest Muppet star.Beaker vs. Mildred Huxtetter - This is really no contest. Beaker has this wrapped up, packed away, and ready to ship. Mildred doesn't stand a chance. (Let's hope FrogFan76 can get over it.)
Sweetums vs. Bean Bunny - The battle of the fan favorites! This is a tough one. Sweetums is probably more well known, but Bean has legions of fans from his star-turn in Muppet*Vision 3-D. I really don't know who will run away with this one. My money is on Sweetums... but I wouldn't be surprised if Bean pulled an upset.Animal vs. Dr. Teeth - I really hope Dr. Teeth is able to topple Animal, but I just don't see it happening. Animal is one of the most popular Muppets and I can't imagine him losing in the first round.
SESAME STREET
Count von Count vs. Captain Vegetable - This is one, one win you can count for the Count! Captain Vegetable stands no chance against Jerry Nelson's best-known character. The love for Count von Count is huge and there's no way he won't win.Mr. Snuffleupagus vs. Big Bird - I really thought Big Bird would dominate this round, but Snuffy has the early lead. I suppose there is a lot of nostalgic love for Snuffy, but I'm expecting the unbeatable love nearly everyone has for Big Bird to launch the Bird over the top.
Cookie Monster vs. Sherlock Hemlock - Yet another definite win here. Even the inept Sherlock Hemlock can see that he doesn't have a clue about how to beat Cookie Monster.Grover vs. Roosevelt Franklin - Super Grover won the contest a few years ago, so expect regular, loveable old Grover to walk away with this one as well--at least in the first round. Although Roosevelt Franklin has some dedicated fans, I can't see him being able to beat the beloved Grover.
FRAGGLE ROCK
Sprocket vs. Ned Shimmelfinney - Woof. Poor Shimmelfinney, first he gets sick and has to move to Arizona, now he's about to lose handily to a dog. There's no way Sprocket won't win. Bye bye, Ned!Boober vs. Traveling Matt - This is one of the few Round 1 competitions that's really tough to call. This match up between two of Dave Goelz's greatest characters is incredibly close. I think maybe Boober could pull off a win because people love his love of tedium, drudgery, and laundry, but Traveling Matt could easily win this as well. I don't know who to call it for!
Wembley vs. Red - C'mon, Wembley!! My favorite Fraggle has an early lead, I just have no idea if he can hold off the tenacious Red. She's probably the most well-known Fraggle, so it might be tough for Wembley... but hopefully he can stay strong and pull off a win.Cantus vs. Gobo - I'm definitely pulling for Cantus here, but I think Gobo will discover a win for himself here. My money is on Gobo here!
HENSON COMPANY
Baby Sinclair vs. Waldo C. Graphic - Baby Sinclair will easily defeat the spirit of 3D. Because, hey, he's the baby, gotta love him!Bear vs. Sid the Science Kid - Bear will win. The time-tested truth of "actual Muppets beat CGI Muppets every time" will prevail.
Sir Didymus vs. The Worm - Confession: I've always found the Labyrinth Worm to be really obnoxious, and Sir Didymus is my favorite part of the movie. So... I'm hoping Didymus conquers and so far it looks like he will.Fizzgig vs. Ludo - I think The Dark Crystal's only competitor in this Tournament is bound to upset the big, lovable Ludo. Fizzgig may be ferocious, but he's charmed many fans in the past and methinks he'll continue that in this round.
Well there's my picks! What are yours? Go cast your votes for Round 1 of The 2013 Muppet Madness Tournament through Monday, March 25th! Help pull your favorites into the lead!
The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com