Like The Great Pumpkin, many expected one of The Blues Brothers, Wayne’s World, and Coneheads, some characters evolved beyond their sketches to get movies, tv shows, and specials, although not all have lasted within pop culture. In the case of SNL’s breakout 2016 star, his popularity burned bright and briefly, but it doesn’t mean he can’t return.
Debuting in the Saturday Night Live short “Haunted Elevator,” David S. Pumpkins became one of Tom Hanks’ weirdest performances. However, when SNL’s 2016 Halloween sketch originally aired, audiences loved the skit’s bizarre sense of humor, apolitical writing, and mainly wholesome tone. With Hanks winning a Primetime Emmy for his SNL appearance and “Haunted Elevator” garnering over 20 million views on Youtube, David S. Pumpkins’ popularity was undeniable. Although, after receiving a critically lacking animated special in 2017, SNL’s holiday skit quietly faded into obscurity.
David S. Pumpkins’ legacy was an example of too much of a good thing and what happens when a character isn’t allowed to grow organically. Saturday Night Live could have easily found success as it did with The Blues Brothers. However, rushing to keep Pumpkin’s popularity relevant, writers never had time to figure out what format worked best for Pumpkins or made him endearing. That said, a hurried start doesn’t have to mean an ending for the perplexing orange-suited entity, and it presents a better opportunity to bring him back.
How SNL Can Save David S. Pumpkins
With Tom Hanks returning to the title role and featuring talents such as Peter Dinklage of Saturday Night Live’s other sketches and eventually warrant a worthwhile solo project.
The David S. Pumpkins Halloween Special doesn’t have to be the end; it can be a lesson learned. The David S. Pumpkins character is so timeless and enjoyable that he can be brought back at any time. It’s just a matter of giving Tom Hanks a project that uses his character sparsely and to good effect, while channeling the wholesome humor of “Haunted Elevator.” A silly Tom Hanks reprise his role, making the return of David S. Pumpkins an annual Halloween treat.