Sesame Street, a beloved children's television show that has been on the air since 1969, is known for its colorful and lovable characters. However, one character, the Wicked Witch, has been a source of both fear and fascination. The Wicked Witch, played by the talented actress Margaret Hamilton, first appeared on Sesame Street in the 1970s. With her green skin, pointy hat, and cackling laugh, she quickly became an iconic figure on the show. Although the Wicked Witch's appearances on Sesame Street were often lighthearted and comedic, her character was inspired by the traditional archetype of the evil witch. In many of her skits, she would use her magical powers to cause mischief and play pranks on the other characters.
On February 10th, 1976, one of Sesame Street’s most controversial episodes to date aired for the first and only time. "Episode 847" starred Margaret Hamilton, reprising her role as the Wicked Witch of the West from the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.
Despite the tests inconclusive results, the initial complaints were enough for Anna Herera of the CTW Research Department to declare the episode unsuitable for re-airing. Clips from the episode were screened in November 2019 at the Museum of the Moving Image as a part of the Jim Henson Legacy s Sesame Street Lost and Found event, where former head writer Norman Stiles and current Vice President of Education and Research Rosemarie Truglio discussed its educational and entertainment merits.
In many of her skits, she would use her magical powers to cause mischief and play pranks on the other characters. Despite her initial role as a villain, the Wicked Witch was also portrayed as a complex character. In some episodes, she would show moments of vulnerability and even a sense of humor.
This 'Sesame Street' Episode That Was Banned for Being “Too Scary” Just Resurfaced Online
Sesame Street has explored some sensitive topics over the years, but few episodes were as controversial as the one PBS aired—and quickly pulled—in 1976. Episode 847 features Margaret Hamilton reprising her role as the Wicked Witch of the West nearly four decades after The Wizard of Oz (1939) premiered. The episode was banned for being "too scary" for kids, and for decades it was difficult to find. Now, as the AV Club reports, this piece of lost media has been made available to view online.
Margaret Hamilton's Sesame Street appearance was uploaded to YouTube on June 18, and it's already received close to 275,000 views (and counting). In the segment, the infamous witch loses her broomstick, threatens to turn Big Bird into a feather duster, and charms Oscar the Grouch. Compared to the flying monkeys scene in The Wizard of Oz, the episode feels pretty tame.
But many parents thought differently when it premiered in 1976. PBS was bombarded with complaints of the character traumatizing preschool-age viewers. Though the episode was reportedly meant to teach kids about overcoming their fears, the network gave in to the backlash. After airing only once, it was pulled from syndication permanently.
Though it's categorized as lost media, Episode 847 of Sesame Street hasn't been impossible to view. It's archived at the Library of Congress, and grainy recordings have surfaced online in recent years. This newest upload is notable for its high quality. If '70s kids have been searching for the lost footage since their childhood, this video is as close to the original as they're likely to get. The clip also proves that the banned episode isn't quite as horrifying as its reputation suggests.
Clips from the episode were screened in November 2019 at the Museum of the Moving Image as a part of the Jim Henson Legacy's "Sesame Street 'Lost and Found'" event, where former head writer Norman Stiles and current Vice President of Education and Research Rosemarie Truglio discussed its educational and entertainment merits. Scenes 4, 5, and 6 were shown at this screening.
This added depth to her character and made her more relatable to the young viewers. The Wicked Witch's popularity on Sesame Street led to her being featured in various spin-off books and merchandise. Children would often dress up as the Wicked Witch for Halloween, adding a mix of fear and excitement to the holiday. Over the years, the Wicked Witch's character has evolved. She has been portrayed as both a villain and a misunderstood outsider. This kind of character development is a testament to the storytelling prowess of the Sesame Street team, who used the Wicked Witch to teach important lessons about empathy and understanding. In conclusion, the Wicked Witch of Sesame Street is a memorable and iconic character. With her mix of comedy, mischief, and surprising depth, she has captured the imaginations of children and adults alike. Whether she is casting spells or cracking jokes, the Wicked Witch remains an integral part of the Sesame Street universe..
Reviews for "Exploring the Wicked Witch's Powers on Sesame Street"
1. Jane - 2/5 stars - I went to see "Sesame Street Wicked Witch" expecting a fun and lighthearted show for children. However, I was disappointed by the lackluster performances and uninspiring storyline. The characters did not engage with the audience, and the jokes fell flat. Overall, it felt like a rushed and poorly executed production.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - "Sesame Street Wicked Witch" was a complete letdown. The writing was weak, and the plot was confusing. The costumes were underwhelming, and the actors seemed unenthusiastic. It felt like the show was trying too hard to be edgy and modern, but it missed the mark entirely. I would not recommend wasting your time and money on this production.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - As a lifelong fan of "Sesame Street," I was excited to attend "Sesame Street Wicked Witch." Unfortunately, it did not live up to the high standard set by the original show. The songs lacked the catchy melodies and clever lyrics that I love about Sesame Street. The dialogue was uninspired, and the puppetry felt stiff and mechanical. While it had some nostalgic moments, overall, it failed to capture the magic of the original series.
4. David - 3/5 stars - "Sesame Street Wicked Witch" had its moments, but it fell short of my expectations. The concept of combining the world of Sesame Street with the wicked witch theme was interesting, but the execution was lacking. The transition between scenes felt forced, and the pacing was inconsistent. The performers did their best with what they were given, but the material did not do justice to their talent. I enjoyed certain comedic moments, but overall, it was a forgettable experience.