THE ELMO ATTACK: An Expert Weighs In

[@daizbid]

Larry David attacking Elmo and getting backlash for it is the most Larry David thing that has ever happened

[@Pufflizard]

It felt like this was planned out.

[@MetalSonicReject]

@@PufflizardI know, right?

[@SchmergDergen]

And Wil Wheaton whining about it is the most Wil Wheaton thing to ever happen.

[@Hoover889]

we are watching season 12 of curb in real time.

[@NetConsole]

@@Pufflizard YOU DONT SAY

[@afterdinnercreations936]

This honestly feels like a Curb Your Enthusiasm episode. Susie: "Larry, you choked a child on national TV." Larry: "Its a sock with a grown-man's hand in it! If anything, I shook his hand!"

[@randomtinypotatocried]

Honestly yeah. I thought at first it was a scene from the show

[@KairuHakubi]

I can imagine some wonderfully uncomfortable guest appearance by Kevin Clash

[@dannigro8794]

Ever had somebody touch your hand without your consent. That’s what Larry did and he should be ashamed. 😂

[@harrylane4]

@@KairuHakubi Larry: “so is it true, that you and the uhhhhhh.” Kevin: “What, Larry?” Larry: “You know, that you did the uh… y’know.” Susie: “Larry are you really asking our guest if he fucked the kids what the FUCK is wrong with you Lar?”

[@harrylane4]

@@dannigro8794I can imagine Cheryl telling him this now 😂

[@shinkaiatsuya950]

Elmo has been 3 longer than Ash has been 10

[@sonicgamingkirbyfan2005v-xm2rl]

And that's saying something. 😂

[@Something_Maybe]

And will be 3 longer than Ash will be 10

[@KGBookkeeping]

True facts lol

[@minermole101]

damn

[@jonathanquintan3871]

Honestly that’s true lol🤯🤯🤯😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@clayhamilton3551]

When you said “attack” I thought it was like a rude verbal comment. But he literally physically assaulted a muppet on live television 😂😂

[@justanerdyhobbitgirl]

I know right I said the same thing!

[@mattevans6752]

Why do I feel like Arlo has a huge video essay on the Muppets percolating in his head, and he saw this as an opportunity to test the waters of how a Muppet video would do? Make the Muppet video essay Arlo! Do it!

[@novamarpo3]

I agree!!!

[@Religion0]

I want a muppet video essay more than I ever imagined...

[@derekw8039]

All ya have to do is make a "Muppets video game tier list" video and BOOM, this channel has been established as a Muppets channel!

[@funtimemarioman]

⁠@@derekw8039kinda fun how that would establish this channel as a muppet channel and not the fact the uses a muppet

[@cookiesontoast9981]

I honestly love The Muppets more than I do Nintendo... so I would very happily hear Arlo talk about it.

[@mitwhitgaming7722]

Elmo: "The attempt on Elmo's life has left Elmo scarred and deformed."

[@heyimadino]

*The attempt on Elmo’s life has left Elmo scarred and deformed.

[@mitwhitgaming7722]

​@@heyimadinoI'll fix it!

[@flamsey]

Elmo loves democracy Elmo loves the republic

[@heyimadino]

@@mitwhitgaming7722 :D

[@samfisherxboxog8925]

Elmo: “but Elmo assure you Elmo resolve has never been stronger”

[@NukeOTron]

I'm grateful that almost all Muppet performers are masters of improv, and never break character for anything. It's easy to forget this, but if you've seen Muppet outtakes, you know how true it is.

[@Religion0]

Those are gold.

[@octochan]

There was a time that they weren't masters of improv, and someone missing a word would totally throw a performer off. When someone suggested the puppeteers learn some improv to help, they didn't even think it would work until they tried it. Everyone's performances drastically improved, they had more fun doing it, and as a bonus that started the Puppet Up! all improv muppet shows

[@fractiouslemon]

@@octochan What an odd thing to consider. I'm so accustomed to the mixed improv/scripted mayhem of the Muppet Show that to consider a time when that show's controlled chaos wouldn't have worked is alien to me... and yet I'm a Muppet historian myself! It's funny how you get so accustomed to something that even the things you know to be fact feel wrong somehow.

[@octochan]

@@fractiouslemon I tried to reply with a link to an interview with Brian Henson from Adam Savage about how the Henson Company thought about improv but KZbin took down the comment

[@marcusblackwell2372]

Need we look any further than Rove in 2008?

[@JorgeMartinez-dp3im]

Larry David the type of dude to not answer a toy phone when a kid hands him the receiver.

[@sechabatheletsane9784]

😂😂😂😂lmao!

[@doctorslept]

As someone who's on season 4 of Curb that was be the inciding incident of the episode that would cause Susie to call him a four eyed fuck and to get out of her house

[@domesticus2958]

@@doctorslept I'm almost certain this exact thing happens in the show

[@derpdee63]

He’d be like “don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail”

[@leecoffill8425]

Fucking BURNED that was amazing hahahaha, I genuinely can't think of a more apt and also scathing remark, well done

[@BrianVarvaro]

I'd argue that Larry David did go along with the bit - the bit of being Larry David. Larry getting into a fight with Elmo on live TV sounds like a Curb Your Enthusiasm plot.

[@stwbmc98]

This was truly a battle of opposing bits

[@Imperial_Squid]

This is 100% it, it's two characters interacting as you would expect them to

[@harrylane4]

Yeah Larry is playing the character of Larry David, curb your enthusiasm character, rather than Larry David, guy who made curb your enthusiasm

[@krakelwok]

Just how lame is it to make one's own coked-up, burnt-out, old white millionaire jerk self into a "comedy" persona? Is that what making a successful comedy show about nothing teaches a guy like that?

[@mcgoldenblade4765]

It's good to see Arlo stand up for his fellow monsters. He truly cares for his kin.

[@jameslawrenson1208]

Arlo is an inspiration.

[@tentativegazer]

@lastgreen2165 I've heard they prefer "person of felt"

[@gerarquiaFM]

He is the cookie Monster tho​@@lastgreen2165

[@NeilHaskins]

Arlo himself explains that while he is a real monster (his term), Elmo is merely a puppet.

[@diamondmemer9754]

​@@tentativegazer Yeah, they *felt* it was more appropriate

[@GeminiQ22]

What Arlo is describing at 6:29 is called Double Vision. I took a puppetry course at my college and it’s the idea that you accept the fact that a puppet is being manipulated, and you register and also accept that there is the puppet and the puppeteer.

[@IslanderDran]

Suspension of disbelief is a powerful tool for the human mind to process things with, isn’t it? Incredible.

[@orsonzedd]

So I made a sock puppet for my nephew when he was 2 and my brother couldn't keep a straight face whenever I would talk with him.

[@Zoodude254]

My favorite version of this is the person who interviewed Gonzo during the Pandemic was talking to the puppeteer/actor as he was adjusting his Zoom settings, and when he was done he said, "ok!" and dropped to the floor, and Gonzo appears. "And there was no doubt in my mind that the human person I had been speaking to was Gonzos tech support"

[@jaysea5939]

I love hearing from the human actors who've worked with the Muppets and it's almost always them forgetting about the people and just interacting with the Muppet, it's great!

[@charlielouise2428]

"Elmo doesn't hold grudges" unless you're a rock 🪨

[@gilitovenegas2339]

Damn, we rubbing salt to the wound with this one? People would argue about the fact that there "are" pet rocks and it's as mentally confusing as what Elmo goes through. They don't do anything at all.

[@ImJohnnyMajor]

Rocko got on Elmo’s last nerve 😂

[@EinsamPibroch278]

And Larry David has a Heart of Stone. He better watch it.

[@h.miller1892]

Oh snap

[@tomtom86004]

Rockos a b$%^*

[@ZBroadcastYTP]

Who’d think that Larry David chocking Elmo would be the thing that FINALLY gets Arlo to talk about the Muppets for a full video after SO MANY years!

[@JustAndre92]

8:55 "Elmo does not hold grudges." Looks like someone's forgotten about Rocco.

[@lukelcs8934]

Omg you're right

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

Who?

[@onefinegent]

Okay, but I'm still mad about Rocco tbf

[@mortonandroy]

And Zoe, don't forget that!

[@lasercraft32]

"Elmo does not hold grudges... *except ROCCO."*

[@chisecrecy4974]

You see, you couldn't pull this stuff with Kirby. Elmo and Kirby share many similarities: both cutesy, small, the embodiment of naivety and kindness, yet they have one key difference... *Kirby fights back.*

[@DoriDoesVoices]

Dude, would've got Kirb-STOMPED. lmaooo

[@GoldenSun5631]

Kirby single handedly saves universes from eldritch monsters on a daily basis. I wouldn’t mess with Kirby lol

[@StardustWhip]

Well, you see, Kirby is Nintendo's resident God-slayer, whereas Elmo is (based on the existence of Elmo's World) a God or deity himself; albeit a harmless one, who may not understand his own powers given how he canonically doesn't know how to get out of Elmo's World.

[@h2dfives799]

He comes right back atcha

[@Reddotzebra]

@@GoldenSun5631 He is canonically an eldritch monster himself, he's just one that turned out all right. Plus he's got Clarketech super science backing him up since he's secured a neat little collection of artifacts that may or may not be from a mythical precursor race. I'd say Kirby is the most powerful entity in the whole Nintendo verse.

[@The_Real_Black_Jesus]

"Old man beats toddler on live television."

[@samfisherxboxog8925]

And his dad just fuckin watched. Shameful lol

[@thebigidea9659]

Finally, something good to watch on tv.

[@andrewb4999]

Pretty much in character for Larry in a Curb episode.

[@caramelcomplx9518]

Old man beats *44 year old 'toddler' on live television.

[@alonk1060]

"TV! It knows what I want!"

[@dawashingmachine9158]

Honestly, I could see this being a Seinfeld episode Jerry: “you attacked Elmo on national television?” George: “It was a heat of the moment decision, alright. Why are people even so worked up anyway, I mean he’s made of felt! I was there sitting listening to felt and I couldn’t take it anymore.”

[@Lawarot]

You mean a curb episode This while situation is literally a curb episode

[@NinjaRunningWild]

@@LawarotYou know Larry David wrote Seinfeld, right? Doesn’t seem like you know that.

[@caseyimiller]

It’s so easy to read in their voices

[@ZenShroud1]

@@NinjaRunningWild That's a shame.

[@Goallpeashooters]

I mean George is literally based off Larry David, so it makes total sense.

[@Turbo_Waitress]

I did not have “the Curb Your Enthusiasm guy attacks a Sesame Street muppet” on my 2024 bingo card, but here we are. In all seriousness, I agree with you on all fronts, especially the bits about the kids watching and the puppet actors having to figure out how in the world to play this off. Larry is supposed to be a comedian; he could have just come out and riffed on Elmo, been creative and ad-libbed with the puppet actor over it. Or done nothing at all. But I’m all for more videos on muppets, puppets, and puppeteering. I didn’t know the Avenue Q puppets were so expensive. It’s interesting stuff.

[@darkcrystalcluster4744]

You think that’s expensive? Watch the dark Crystal age of resistance, now that was a lot of money (well spent imo).

[@genericname2747]

​@@darkcrystalcluster4744 Username checks out

[@WatchDoggyDog]

yea. too bad we live in the timeline where LD can't be a hotshot wisecracker at the mouth, and articulate a zinger or 2, but instead does this. LD honest to God needs to be socially pressured into a sincere apology, or face a consequence. ridiculous.

[@king_poyo64]

Elmo was canonically assaulted on live television by Larry David. You can't make this stuff up.

[@PeterOfAcrossThePokemonWorld]

This Larry reminds me of an old man I met on a walk, retreat. He and I were talking together, and when asked what I do for a hobby, one of the things I say I do is play video games. Later on though, he makes a, "joke," to my brother saying my brother should smash my games with a sledgehammer. He wasn't making a joke, he was telling my brother and I what he really thinks. I was a perfect stranger to him too. Some people don't know how to behave in certain situations.

[@snerttt]

Lmfao sounds like you need to learn to take a joke

[@PeterOfAcrossThePokemonWorld]

@@snerttt He didn't like the idea of me playing video games before making, "that joke". It's not a joke when someone you randomly meet one day says you should dump your hobby. People can claim they're telling jokes, but are actually criticizing in disguise. Not the same situation, but one time my dad, with my mom in a dentist office, jokingly said my mom's ring wasn't made with real diamonds. My mom didn't like that joke. Ooh, what a terrible thing to say, haha.

[@fractiouslemon]

I live in a redneck town in the middle of nowhere. Years ago, I was playing a demo of Super Mario Galaxy at Walmart and your standard resident of the town asked me what kind of gay thing I was looking at. Literally. Exact words were "What kind of gay thing are you looking at?" Totally accustomed to this kind of behavior in this town, I just said I was checking out the new Mario game, to which he told me that I was stupid, gay, and very likely a pedophile for enjoying it, then went on to say that kids should only play educational games like Call of Duty because it teaches them to kill people. (a useful skill in life!) All I could think of to answer was that I like things like Mario because I'm a cartoonist. His body language suggested he couldn't decide if he wanted to murder me or run in fear. I love this town.

[@Disatiere]

@@snerttt You've seen superpowers like none before now get ready for, the power to be oblivious!

[@GardenCelluloids]

You should watch Curb Your Enthusiasm

[@justinc.5591]

I like how you took the time at the end to explain why it was correct to refer to Elmo as a Muppet. Like that’s such a specific thing someone could complain about.

[@BeNotNormal]

Puppet enthusiasts are a passionate bunch.

[@maccakhan1628]

welcome to the internet

[@DongusMcBongus]

Larry David assaulting Elmo is the most Larry David thing ever. It would make a great episode of Curb.

[@HMMadsen]

Elmo asked us how we were doing. Now we need to ask Elmo how he is doing.

[@WackoMcGoose]

He already wasn't okay after the entire world trauma dumped on him... this just added injury to insult on the poor guy.

[@infinityheart_tm9270]

@@WackoMcGooseSomehow this loops back to Homestuck. I don’t understand how aside from the universe trauma dumping a child but it makes more sense in my head.

[@flickering_wick]

"I grew up in the 90s, so I've seen more... Cartoons about Elmo doing drugs and getting blown up than anyone." Arlo, I was not at all prepared for that 😅

[@waywardlaser]

If this video takes off I would love to hear you discuss more Muppet stuff in the future

[@johnblack3204]

That's exactly what I was going to say. I think hearing an actual living puppet talk about the Muppets is fascinating. There is an video on Cinemassacre where Arlo discusses Kermit's Swamp Years. I would absolutely love to see more though.

[@pkmntrainermark8881]

​@@johnblack3204 Man, people don't talk about that movie.

[@Imperial_Squid]

Arlo video essay on muppets christmas carol when?

[@Freeasacar]

Arlo accurately described why Larry is the perfect foil for Elmo. Only someone like him and the person he's portrayed as in Curb Your Enthusiasm would do something like this and reject the message that Elmo's trying to send. I think it was a brilliant piece of performative social comedy that has the ability to cause anyone who relates to Larry to reconsider themselves.

[@Imperial_Squid]

Agreed, anybody who's getting seriously offended by this is acting like Larry David isn't also playing a character and doing bits when he's on a camera. If you'd asked me how an interaction like Elmo meets Larry would go down, this wouldn't be a million miles off from what I'd expect

[@WatchDoggyDog]

​@@Imperial_Squid but this wasn't on the show, it really happened. and Larry gave a shit apology. there needs to be social pressure for him to apologize, or else Larry David himself is no better than the version of himself on the show, on which there would have been proper resolution to this attack.

[@Imperial_Squid]

@@WatchDoggyDog Elmo acted "in character" as Elmo and not a dude holding a puppet, I don't know why you wouldn't expect Larry David to be "in character" as well, the same rules apply to both or neither

[@Cyliandre441]

​@@Imperial_SquidElmo is a fictional creature, Larry David is not.

[@Imperial_Squid]

@@Cyliandre441 Larry David is a fictional character played by the actor also named Larry David. If you don't think he acts like a curmudgeon all the time, even off camera, you implicitly agree he's playing it up, ie _he's playing a character..._

[@Blu-Lab]

"Elmo doesn't hold grudges." Zoe: Rocko says for me to hold his grape juice

[@SorowFame]

Rocko can’t drink grape juice, HE’S A ROCK

[@seikou1762]

Larry David the type of dude who would tell his grandchildren that santa doesnt exist just to avoid getting them presents and waste it on alcohol instead

[@GardenCelluloids]

I mean, in the show that's something he would actually do, except maybe to other children.

[@undercomposition]

I don't think Larry drinks.

[@dumbumbumbum8649]

Good. Stop lying to kids.

[@clanker2821]

@@dumbumbumbum8649average Santa denier vs the average Santa believer

[@Isaacandjed]

THAT'S WHY HE'S MY GOAT!!

[@samfisherxboxog8925]

Everyone is talking about Larry David attacking Elmo but no one is talking about Elmo’s hippy dad who just stood there and fuckin watched. Sad very sad.

[@bowlofcereal4701]

To be fair, there's not much you could do besides watch in horror. No muppet has the strength to take on Larry David in a fight.

[@samfisherxboxog8925]

@@bowlofcereal4701 You make a good case for stand your ground doctrine being in every state.

[@SaruTanku]

What was he supposed to do??? He's a puppet too, was the actor hiding behind the couch supposed to stand up and punch Larry in the face?

[@godhimself1128]

​@@bowlofcereal4701how many muppets does it take to defeat 1 Larry David? 🤔

[@samfisherxboxog8925]

@@SaruTanku …….. do do you not realize I’m joking?

[@yvendous]

For how many years has Elmo been 3? Ash Ketchum isn't as powerful as we thought.

[@heyimadino]

Glad to see Arlo stick it for his fellow muppet.

[@DanGamingFan2406]

Poor kid didn't deserve this. We didn't need this man on muppet violence in front of who knows how many kids, especially in the middle of discussing such a serious topic. I'm glad Arlo is standing up for his fellow monsters. Honestly, this sounds like something George would actually do on Seinfeld.

[@watershipup7101]

Yeah, I could almost see what happened being funny if they weren't talking about mental health at the time.

[@genjis5155]

​@@watershipup7101 Agreed

[@SchmergDergen]

@@watershipup7101 it’s even funnier now.

[@josiahtheobald689]

When are we gonna be done talkin bout mental health

[@jessicu511]

@@josiahtheobald689 Taking care of your mind will always be important. This is like asking "when will we be done talking about eating right and being active?".

[@eastymii]

Arlo talking about Elmo is surreal.

[@kiricappuchin]

Puppets gotta look out for other puppets!

[@NessaTheBat1]

Not really. It's like Sesamestreet.

[@ari638]

Nah it feels correct

[@caucasoidape8838]

I want to hear Arlo talk about Meet the Feebles

[@LadyxSky]

Caroll Spinney was known for only doing the Big Bird voice on set if he was in costume, or if you weren't looking at him. Because it's true, you gotta go with the bit. And his character is one of the handful that is fully worn, so I can understand wanting to keep the immersion.

[@caucasoidape8838]

I could tolerate Big Bird, or Telly talking about mental health, but not Elmo.

[@SprigatittoSuperFan]

Muppet Abuse: “an offensive action or attack on a muppet by the abuser”

[@Dudeman23rd]

I would unironically watch the hell out of more "Arlo commentates on current Muppet happenings" videos and I don't care what the algorithm does to them. Your passion for the medium and the universe is always bubbling just under the surface and you deserve to let it out on your biggest platform every once in awhile.

[@CapnJigglypuff]

Looked like Elmo was about to be reunited with his Uncle Jack for a second there.

[@TheChildofAuraReborn]

I hate that I laughed at this and knew EXACTLY what you’re talking about.

[@GandalfTheTsaagan]

This got dark real quick

[@ethanhaynes7406]

R.I.P Uncle Jack. He lives on through his baseball cap

[@lachlansmith8048]

Would genuinely love to hear Arlo go on about puppetry stuff, like, I wanna hear his take on Avenue Q, The Muppets, all that stuff, he seems very interested in it and I bet he'd give the most in-depth looks at this kind of stuff

[@gaminglakitu]

Honestly I would love to see Arlo talk about non-video game stuff. You can tell he is super passionate about talking about stuff like this

[@hxh05g]

I cannot express how much I love this video. As a 34 year old father and lifelong diehard fan of the muppets, I love your channel, I love that Sesame Street still exists, and I love showing my son these characters who have been a big part of my life. I’m getting married next month and my fiancé loves the muppets too. They’re awesome. Thank you for your service, Arlo.

[@CrashingThunder]

This channel is my favorite place to get both Nintendo and Muppet news, specifically.

[@LynRodriguez123]

I like how this has nothing to do with his main content by literally ANY way This was purely fun content for him and i love that for him It probably wont do well compared to his other videos(although id love to be wrong) but i bet he had so much fun with it

[@QuiGonJohn1999]

“They are likey in therapy as we speak” They have been Arlo And Will be for YEARS

[@ShurikanBlade]

If elmo is 3 then why is he allowed on Twitter?

[@justanerdyhobbitgirl]

I think Elmo said once that his dad runs his account for him since he can't read or write

[@AkuTenshiiZero]

Maybe it's just because I made that transition from Seasame Street to Muppet Show/Muppets Tonight as a kid, but I feel like random acts of wanton violence are completely normal for Muppets.

[@DaxSchaffer]

If it was Gonzo, he would have thanked Larry David for the good time.

[@sansprobus7209]

Yeah but that's Muppet on Muppet! This is different! Dogs fight all the time, but people get shamed for kicking dogs!

[@punkinholler]

On the Muppet Show, yes. Absolutely. Sesame Street is a different show. There was some minor manhandling of puppets in the early days but it went away quickly.

[@macaronsncheese9835]

Well, half the issue is he chose exactly the wrong Muppet to choke out. It's a completely different scenario if a guy attacks Kermit or Gonzo, or even like, Oscar or Cookie Monster, because they have the right kinda character to yes and their assailant and make it funny. Elmo's character is "sweet, curious small child" and if you're trying to be funny (even "funny") by attacking a Muppet, Elmo is like one of the worst options

[@itskdog]

Also in the UK there's a classic clip - I can't remember which puppet it was, but a human co-host playfully attacked a puppet, the audience reacted along with it, and he called back "IT'S A PUPPET!"

[@EricLeafericson]

The fact that this happened in a segment on mental health makes it so much funnier wher Larry snaps.

[@baconlabs]

I would love a new subseries where Arlo just talks about Muppet history and Muppet news every now and then

[@HenyaStudent]

locking down your feelings, bottling it up, and expecting everyone to do the same because "everyone is stressed" "everyone is depressed" "that's just life" is prime boomer mentality.

[@jameslawrenson1208]

I haven't seen such drama since Elmo's rage attack against Rocko.

[@lanceams483]

I've heard the excuse that Larry David plays a character himself all the time and that this is totally in character for him, but I just don't think it's a great thing to randomly choose this is the bit you're going to do without asking if it's fine or that they're going to be ok with it. Seeing a few bits from Larry David in Curb your Enthusiasm, yes I do think this is within character to who he portrays, but I don't see why he felt the need to just randomly do it. He's not using it to advertise the next season of his show, and interviews after make it seem like he's very uncomfortable with people questioning why he did it. I've seen a lot of his fans say it was funny and that people should hold his character to the same standard they hold elmo, but I don't think that is possible, especially when one is a puppet beloved by kids for decades while the other is an older guy "playing" an out-of-touch character. Regardless it was a dumb bit that obviously got way more attention and backlash than he had anticipated.

[@gavo7911]

I don’t know, I thought it was pretty humorous. It wasn’t like he was throwing punches or anything that could hurt the performer, he was just kinda holding the head in an aggressive way. I think the absurdity of it and the way our collective commitment to the bit has created an almost fake controversy is where the real humor comes from.

[@Sumschmuck]

Chill, he shook a puppet

[@Hercules_Flexing]

This sounds like a bit that should be in Curb's final season.

[@snowpoint720]

Would be funny if, in the show, this was the end of his career.

[@Socioromanticism]

6:07 Hard agree on "not going with the bit." If a child hands you a fake phone, _you answer the dang phone._ I haven't watched the whole thing, but it seems like David did not "answer the phone." And I don't think it's excusable for any professional performer to be a bad "teammate" and leave your fellow cast member out to dry.

[@nickl2854]

It's just embarrassingly unprofessional! What a doofus

[@undercomposition]

If he was not going with the bit why would attack an intimate object?

[@Socioromanticism]

@@undercomposition "The bit" includes being within the realm of Seasme Street. Elmo, icon as he is who can't leave his realm, relies on others performing with him to meet him on Seasme Street. ...You don't hit children on Seasme Street. David left that realm and put the performance of Elmo out on a limb trying to reconcile "Seasme Street" with "ornery, old codger in the real world." And in improv, David did not "yes, and..." or even "no, but..." He just did he own thing and threw Elmo into it. David was a bad "teammate" in this "bit." And he should know better.

[@undercomposition]

@@Socioromanticism we're going to have to hard agree to disagree on that one.

[@Socioromanticism]

@@undercomposition I don't get it.

[@despairshadow]

Larry curbed stomped our enthusiasm

[@paperwatt]

Elmo has a dad? Does Elmo have a mom? How do they...? That traumatizing thought aside, I love this new potential era of video thumbnails!

[@Fralexion]

When muppets want children they just get some felt and pray for a Hand to come in and inhabit it

[@thedevicebook]

Elmo getting punched by a human adult may qualify as traumatizing. But I wouldn't call it traumatizing to think muppets having sex can create muppet babies. That's just how life creates more life. If it really bothers you though, just imagine Elmo was adopted by his dad.

[@Rob_Boss99]

I know this video is kind of a joke, but this is an actually pretty thoughtful and insightful essay. Good video. 👍

[@Polaris5664]

"I get to make a video talking about muppets" I really loved listening to a muppet fan talk about muppets, If you come up with some other ideas Id love to see more videos like this (muppet themed)

[@funnysillyclown]

Arlo please make more videos talkin about muppets. Even if it’s like once every 2 years. They’re incredible and I love them

[@danebrooks421]

I think Larry was absolutely "going with the bit" both the Muppet bit and the Larry David bit. He "attacked" the puppet not the puppeteer and it was an over dramatic but actually gentle "attack". I'm still no totally convinced it wasn't planned.

[@mattpreece6106]

When you attack a puppet made to explain mental health to children, you ironically give the best demonstration of EXACTLY what happens when you don't have that important conversation.

[@kawaiigoomy3487]

So true, It's ironic to hear angry old men complain about mental health awareness when they'd explode at the drop of the hat. I often think of this when some people in the older generations say things like "No one needed therapy when I was in college, we just had to suck it up." or "Why aren't parents using the belt anymore!? I turned out fine!" or "That's not a real illness, you're just looking for attention and handouts.".

[@normadgarmez7026]

Very. And if Larry was trying to prove that not talking about it and sucking it up helps, boy did he fail on his own message.

[@RyluRocky]

Arlo’s getting worried he’s on a hit list.

[@BOOcketMan]

elmo is literally only 3 and 1/2 years old. i can't believe he'd attack a M I N O R like this

[@jackpijjin4088]

Twitter's probably unironically planning to Doxx/SWAT him for it.

[@Limomon]

You should talk about Muppets more often, if the algorithm allows it, of course. As somebody who knows of the characters but never really watched any of the shows, it's fascinating listening to someone talk about them so passionately!

[@youtubeuniversity3638]

That was Actually Elmo. Like canonically. Larry, what the heck exactly? That's a children's puppet right there. An extremely pricey puppet, and certainly not yours.

[@ComedyRoom10]

It's a joke and it was funny.

[@tatltails3923]

It really wasn't funny, though. It was just disheartening and pathetic. @@ComedyRoom10

[@royalblue5367]

​@@ComedyRoom10What's funny about damaging other people's property?

[@ComedyRoom10]

@@royalblue5367 Nothing was damaged.

[@theoperator3712]

@@royalblue5367 The entire thing had to have been staged. You don't just walk onto a live set if you're not up. He also didn't go at the puppet very convincingly.

[@DUCKTAPE702]

Arlo, you are truly one truly one of my most beloved and trusted online creators. I rarely, if ever, leave comments on videos. Please. PLEASE more Muppet-related videos. Muppets, Sesame, Fraggle Rock, I want it ALL.

[@Flower_Mom]

I hope this experience wasn't too traumatic for Elmo. If I was Elmo's dad I would have thrown hands. No way I'd be able to sit there and watch someone rough up my boy like that. I think most muppets are pacifists, though.

[@heinrichze-france4089]

Most are. The ones who aren't are more or less willing to throw hands at the drop of a hat (see Animal and Wilkins) No lie, although the dad had every reason to throw hands, him showing restraint in front in his son is honestly admirable. Couple that with the fact Elmo's dad is a former soldier makes it even more so!

[@samicomm]

Thank you for covering this Arlo. Really glad Elmo wasn't severely hurt. And wow, forgiving Larry David like that was really emotionally mature for a 3 year old.

[@MarioSonicBee]

It’s so surreal to see Arlo make a video about his own kind. I’d love to see more of these unironcally lol

[@joshjager5831]

Arlo, you can make a video about muppets whenever you want. I just today actually took out a biography from the library about Jim Henson, he and his incredible imagination has always inspired me, and one of the things that drew me to your channel was that you clearly share that feeling. Anytime you want to talk muppets, I'm listening.

[@luke5077]

PLEASE make more videos talking about the Muppets.

[@Religion0]

So I haven't watched the original, this is the first I'm hearing of it, but from what I'm seeing I'm a little disappointed that Elmo didn't go to get a hug from his dad or that Louis didn't go to hug him. Seeking safety and comfort from a trusted adult is one of the most important survival skills kids have (and is something they need to bring with them into adulthood) and this would have been a top tier moment to show it. I'm sure that's something they cover in Sesame Street, and that they talked about the situation, but physical comfort hits different. I don't know, maybe it's hard to make the muppets hug, and they really had to improv that situation, so it's not really a critique, just a missed opportunity.

[@DC_Prox]

Aside from the whole "he comes from a different time" angle, I think we need to keep in mind that slapstick violence is in the Muppets' DNA. Look up the old Wilkins Coffee commercials, essentially the Muppets origin story. A proto-Kermit uses a variety of violent methods to punish people for not drinking Wilkins coffee. To be clear, I pretty much agree with everything that Arlo said in this video about how Larry shouldn't have done that, I just think that this aspect of the story needs more attention, especially when speaking to an audience that also loves the Muppets. tl;dr it was inappropriate, but we are allowed to admit that it was also kinda funny in a very Muppet-appropriate way.

[@gavo7911]

I don’t think Arlo was being completely genuine, the video seems pretty half-satirical. Real commentary and facts but presented with a situation treated much more serious than it actually is

[@vslazer6728]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I always love when Arlo talks about Muppet things. As someone who loves the Muppets a lot it makes me happy to see them remembered and represented in places you'd never expect them to be, like Nintendo KZbin.

[@BugsyFoga]

Hope Larry finds a way to integrate this into the last season of curb .

[@artisanstudios180]

Okay, usually I say this because I like to support and see more from creators I like, but I had a deeply profound realization that I would enjoy a muppet oriented channel from Arlo so, so, so much.

[@Real_Furious]

Elmo’s long lost brother:

[@_oBSOLEte_]

As an European, I'm glad to finally see an American controversy that doesn't look completely crazy for once. I hope Elmo is safe now.

[@zeeoh5466]

IDK, a grown ass man attacking a puppet is pretty nuts in my book lol

[@BubblesZap]

Finally a Muppet related video!!!! NOW PLEASE MAKE MORE!!!

[@123adamhewitt]

The fact that the puppeteers stayed in character is commitment .

[@mathewhaight]

Are people really mad at Elmo for discussing mental health? There is nothing even objectionably wrong with the idea of a children's show teaching children about mental health.

[@NinjaRunningWild]

No, no one is. Either they care or don’t care. The only person worked up is people responding to Larry, especially Wil Wheaton.

[@gavo7911]

No, Larry David wasn’t literally mad at Elmo, it was all a bit. Hell, this video was seemingly made at least half in jest

[@marinellovragovic1207]

Dude, this was a joke as much as this video is supposed to be.

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

​@@marinellovragovic1207 I mean, no it wasn't but keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel good to be an apathetic ass. 🤷🏻

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

​@@gavo7911That's funny because Larry the Coward took back his excuse of an apology. Y'all are fucking dense as wood if you think this was all "just a joke".

[@oafkad]

"Elmo isn't real." Talk about violence, how could you do this to me, Arlo?

[@TheCartoonGamer8000]

Remember when Carol Burnett punched Scooter on the Muppet Show? That was honestly more shocking, haha. Oh, and fun fact, Tyler Bunch also doubles as a voice actor in a lot of anime projects - he’s the voice of Incineroar in Smash Bros., among a bunch of other things he’s done.

[@somedude4832]

Incineroar does look at least somewhat close to a fully evolved elmo, so that is now my head canon.

[@Mrnotpib]

R a n g e

[@mattb6522]

I recall many cases where the special guest on the Muppet Show attacked one of the characters.

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

​@@mattb6522I was about to say the same, although the big difference is that those instances were always scripted by Henson's team (Jerry Juhl was the head writer for The Muppet Show, and since he was also a good friend of Henson's, I imagine Jim would often approach Jerry with an idea for an episode or skit and Jerry would script it out) and were rehersed before filming and broadcasting it on TV. This was a spur of the moment decision on Larry's part, but kudos to the Muppet performers for rolling with it and not breaking character.

[@Lilacs4]

Was Carol Burnett scripted or unplanned? 😮

[@MrKittyhead]

I love that Arlo is informing us about such news that, honestly, I don’t think I would ever have known about.

[@FrankandRaul]

0:10 "That special connection" One might call it a Rainbow Connection.

[@squireturnbolt]

Arlo making a commentary video on Larry David committing a assault was not on my 2024 bingo card, but here we are 😂

[@Kreeschon]

it's like that Wil Wheaton tweet except it's actually in on the joke

[@undercomposition]

Is it in on the joke? I can't tell.

[@gavo7911]

@@undercompositionConsidering he came up with an entire reason for why Larry David would be angry at an inanimate puppet, yes on some level this video was made for comedic purposes

[@madnessarcade7447]

“8:53 Elmo is a being of pure love” Just as long as u don’t mention rocko

[@sonicwontletmeleave]

I love that you’re doing more unique videos like these!! So good!!

[@ThatChadWithTheAnchorArms]

I can't stop laughing at how Larry tried to crush Elmo like Omni-Man 😂

[@Spatu10]

This is the hard hitting journalism we all need more of

[@shadowthief6471]

I love that Larry is literally himself in curb your enthusiasm

[@TheRubyGamesOG]

I would never thought Arlo would discuss muppet drama but it does make sense as Arlo is a clear muppet fan

[@owencraven7361]

Thank you for bringing attention to this very important and needed discussion.

[@GagePlays]

Arlo, please do more non-gaming stuff like this. It's really fun to watch!

[@EternalSchism]

I’d watch every video you make talking about Muppets Arlo, and I’m not even a Muppet fan. I just love hearing you talk about the things you’re passionate about!

[@PrettyNeatArt]

I love it when you get to talk about muppets, it’s always great to see someone talk so passionately about something that they love!

[@SuperWiiBros08]

Knowing Larry David I'm not surprised, this really feels like a gag from Curb your Enthusiasm

[@CricketStyleJ]

Now I'm imagining Larry David as a toddler, getting punished for displaying his emotions. Older generations were raised that way.

[@justingiesbrecht6969]

And we can break the cycle of generational trauma. Raising your children to never show emotion is not right.

[@commandervile394]

No...older generations just have thicker skin because they weren't sheltered or pampered to like kids/adults are now.

[@evilcarlplz2703]

If he has such thick skin, why is he triggered into violence by puppet who isn't even trying to antagonize him?@@commandervile394

[@beanman6969]

​@commandervile394 and that results in bitter old men like Larry David

[@lukiia9854]

@@commandervile394 There's the comment I was looking for lol, there's always gotta be one

[@Mr_Mimestamp]

It’s funny, this is my favorite video of yours in a while! Nothing against your other content, but it’s clear you’re passionate about this, I’ve rewatched this video maybe five times already!

[@miloplaysthings1820]

I love when arlo talks about Muppets so this vid was a treat

[@Thelilwestern]

Arlo I am begging you to make more videos where you talk about muppets and puppets, you clearly love it so much and I love getting to see creators speak on things they love especially when it’s out of their channels wheel house