Arrested Development - Franklin's Origin Story

His name is Franklin Delano Bluth ("Frankie" for those of us who know him intimately). He's everyone's favorite character on Arrested Development. But who is he really? What's underneath the felt? In an attempt to find out, I researched the inspirations for his character, and the following is what I found.

Meet Roosevelt Franklin

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Remember Roosevelt Franklin, the lovable, shaggy-haired muppet that appeared on Sesame Street in the early 70s? Neither do I. But it’s pretty clear that Sesame Street’s Roosevelt Franklin is a major component of the origin story for AD’s Franklin Delano Bluth

A Discontinued Member of the Sesame Street Family

Despite having purple felt, Roosevelt Franklin was undoubtedly meant to be the black Muppet (not the only one, but the primary one). He appeared on seasons one through five (1970-1975) before being retired due to complaints that he was a poor portrayal of African Americans. Some scrutinized the character for being “too black,” while others complained he wasn’t black enough.

No one was ready.

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Maybe Roosevelt just said some things White-y and African American-y weren't ready to hear.

In 1971, He Recorded an Album

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Your name is Roosevelt? That's funny because...

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My name is Judge!

In 2005, Franklin Delano Bluth Recorded an Album

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The name "Franklin Comes Alive!" spoofs Peter Frampton's 1976 album "Frampton Comes Alive!" I can't find any further hidden joke there or any connection between Frampton and Roosevelt Franklin the Muppet.

Franklin's "It Ain't Easy Being White" was Inspired By Roosevelt's Fellow Muppet, Kermit the Frog

Kermit sings that "It's not that easy bein' green"

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For comparison (or just because you're in the mood for a "crossover hit"): Franklin's take on the correlation between ease and color.

Overall, Roosevelt and Franklin were both meant to "break down racial barriers" but came across as incredibly offensive.

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See how offensive he is?

Meet Bob from the 70s show Soap

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Bob is considered another possible source of inspiration for AD's Franklin. Soap had a lot of clear influences on AD, so this is likely more than just a theory, even if the inspiration was a subconscious one for the AD writers.

He's Often Treated Like a Real Person

A trick is something a whore does for money!

So is Franklin

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(at least for the first half of this video...)

The puppets deliver the offensive lines

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Sure, any character on AD could make the cracks that Bob makes, but you have to consider these characters in their time. In the 70s, Bob was saying some things no actor or actress could have said without being offensive.

Not about Franklin, but...

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If you’re looking to take obsession with AD to a new level or want to study either show like an academic, check out this list of similarities between Soap and Arrested Development:

http://www.cracked.com/blog/was-arrested-development-remake-70s-sitcom/.

Meet Franklin

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Premiered in the comic strip Peanuts in 1968.

Some Believe he Inspired Franklin Bluth

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Is it Because He's Black?

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Maybe he inspired the hair...

I know they have the same name...

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...but I don't get it.

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Anyway, here's Paul Rudd recently helping Roosevelt Franklin make a brief return to the streets in honor of Sesame Street’s 40th birthday.

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The end.