Gertha

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Gertha is one of the stars of "DragonTime" as seen in the Puppetman pilot. Aptly described in the script as "an ugly battle-axe," Gertha is a rotund, bitterly sarcastic brown dragon, with two horns and an earing who resides with the other puppets in the DragonTime Castle. Gertha is in some ways the Oscar the Grouch or Statler and Waldorf of "DragonTime", offering a sharp counterpoint to the prevailing sweetness and light. Gertha saves most of her ill-humor and jibes for when the show goes off the air, constantly insulting hostess Rita, at one point calling her a tramp outright. Though Gertha has a puppeteer, Del (also played by Richard Hunt), she seems to have a mind of her own, often arguing with him, and represents the cynical, insulting side of the puppeteer, as opposed to Earl. Both Gertha and Del suffer their greatest moment of humiliation when forced to cheerfully sing "You Are My Sunshine" with Rita. As evidenced by the shooting script, a few of Gertha's jibes were deemed either too harsh or too non-sequitir like for use.

Gertha is a Live-Hand Muppet, though Del operates her solo by only moving her left arm. She is also equipped with a device enabling her to breath smoke in Rita's face. In the original script, it's implied through dialogue that Gertha is the mother of Cinders, and disapproves of Butane and Earl.

Quotes

Gertha (after Clyde arrives with the mail): Get lost, you're interrupting my beauty sleep!

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(After Gertha upstages Rita's singing)

Rita: How dare you? Do you have any idea of my musical background?

Gertha: Yeah, I ride in elevators.

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(Critiquing Rita's strapless evening gown)-

Rita: I'm just trying to to boost our ratings with a little glamour!

Gertha: This is a children's show, not a bachelor party!

'Note: Gertha's original retort was ""Then how do you explain the edible underwear?"

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(Arguing with her puppeteer, Del, after he compliments Rita)

Gertha: Thanks Rita?

Del: "What else was I going to say?

Gertha: "You double-crossed me, you two-faced worm!"

Del: But Gertha!

Gertha: Don't "Gertha" me!