By Blake Kim
Looking toward a massive TV, brightly colored pixels appear one by one, and on comes the title screen: Fraggle Rock. Joyous Fraggles (small, furry creatures—check image 1) pop up on screen, optimistically professing about their carefree life; they spend their time exploring and playing instead of working—entertaining each other with laughter.
Then came the Gorgs.
Like a plane plummeting toward earth, Fraggle Rock’s uplifting mood quickly crashes. Giant beasts, self-proclaimed rulers of the world, malevolently stomp around beautiful gardens, searching for the ‘pests’ that are Fraggles. The exciting adventures transform into horrific events—innocent Fraggles scurry around in hopes of finding safety—as these Gorgs maliciously kidnap and eat them.
Despite being produced as a children’s show, Fraggle Rock never ceased to terrify me as a child. Every scene with the Gorgs’ horrific stature and petrifying features forced me to look away, compelling me to pull blankets over my face and peek through the slight openings in the fabric. James Maury Henson, the American puppeteer and creator of Fraggle Rock, filmed this show as an allegory to address issues such as the environment, prejudice, and social conflict. As a child, however, I lacked the intellectual capabilities to understand symbolism. Instead of realizing Henson’s true meanings, I was met with raised hair and goosebumps on my arms—squirming with discomfort as I watched Fraggles cower from the ugly Gorgs.
Looking at the world from below as a small child, I compared myself to a Fraggle; I wanted to discover new places and live a carefree life. I was absolutely, completely, and utterly terrified of the giants around me, trampling around my world, looking to cause problems and end my optimistic life.
Rewatching this TV Show—while still absolutely, completely, and utterly terrifying—I now understand the allegorical references made by Henson, criticizing authoritarian governments and oppression. Despite my understanding, I will forever continue to look away when presented with the horrific sight of my biggest fear: Gorgs.
Image 1: Innocent Family of Fraggles.
These guys love to sing and dance their worries away. They adventure and have fun, only working 30 minutes a week.
Image 2: Gorgs maliciously chasing Fraggles. EEK!
This. This is terrifying. Gorgs violently kidnapped and traumatized both me and the Fraggles.
Theme Song: Fraggle Rock | Opening Theme | The Jim Henson Company
***WARNING: FIRST GORG SIGHTING AT 0:39***