Tuesday, September 19, 2006

An Homage

The Shirt Tales 1982 - 1983
The only television series I can think of that was based on a line of Hallmark Greeting Cards. I have thought about this series often over the years, no one seems to remember it.



Why did I love this show besides the fact that Ethan Ball once came to one of our Halloween Parties dressed up as Rick Raccoon? Do I even need to count the ways? First of all, before Kip Kangaroo was added in season two, Pammy Panda lived alone with all those dudes in the Oak Tree. And that's hot. Second of all, they solved mysteries from their Batman-style lair hidden in the tree. Thirdly, they had a flying car that could also turn into a submarine or helicopter. Number four, the blinking pink mushroom that signaled an incoming message was rather phallic (children pick up on these things, oh yes they do). Number five, the Bogart-esqe Orangutan who called everyone "Sweetheart" and planted fat, wet kisses on them. Number six, Digger the Mole, the screw-up. Number seven, their internal thoughts and emotions were externalized on their shirts! Number eight, they were kind to each other and lived a kind of communal, family like existence within their clearly defined roles/stereotypes not unlike my current circle of friends in Brooklyn on any given Saturday night, which makes me wonder why we don't tackle more crime fighting ourselves. .

6 comments:

MCMCMCLY said...

My favorite stuffed animal growing up was named 'Ricky Raccoon' in honor of said character.

As for the crime fighting, its because New York is the safest big city in the US already, so there is no need to fill that niche.

shelleycoughlin said...

I totally watched that show. And totally loved it. I could never remember the name- thank you!

Cupcake said...

We aim to provide valuable fresh knowledge services here at the Cupcake Mafia.

It's true. New York City is safer than ever! Come and bring lots of tourist dollars. Too bad someone is burning down my neighborhood. Sh-sh-sh-sh-Shirt Tales!

Anonymous said...

OMG! I just realized YOU ARE BACK! I'm so happy! Welcome back! I'm going to spend the rest of my day catching up! Screw work!

Clementine said...

My brother had Shirt Tales sheets. I think my folks still have them in their attic.

Cupcake said...

Question: will the sheets fit on a double bed and if so, how much for your parents to part with them? I want first crack before they hit ebay.