Line #1 WesternAnimation/Mirthworms


1	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mirtworms.jpg]]
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3	''Mirthworms'' were a trio of animated TV specials with [[IncrediblyLamePun earthworms]]. Produced by Perennial Pictures, a total of three were made: ''A Merry Mirthworm Christmas'' (1984), ''A Mirthworm Masquerade'' (1987), and ''Mirthworms on Stage'' (1988).
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5	The protagonists of the show were [[TheEveryman Bert Worm]] and his neighbor [[ThePollyanna Crystal Crawler]]. Each special revolved around them and their conflict with [[SmallNameBigEgo the very egotistical]] [[GrandeDame Wormaline Wiggler]].
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7	----
8	!!''Mirthworms'' provides examples of:
9	* BaitAndSwitchCredits: The opening credits of "A Merry Mirthworm Christmas" has stills of Bert and Crystal happily enjoying Christmas such as hanging a stocking or posing on a Christmas tree ornament. Unfortunately, when we get into the special, it quickly turns sad.
10	* BigFancyHouse: Wormaline Wiggler is shown to be living in one of these; it is big by worm standards. Teddy is shown acting as a servant in Wormaline's household, implying he lives there too.
11	* ChristmasEpisode: The first special takes place during Christmas.
12	* DrivenByEnvy: In "Mirthworms On Stage", Wormaline gets jealous of Crystal Crawler getting the part of Literature/SleepingBeauty in the local theatre. She plots to ruin Crystal's performance as revenge.
13	* TheEighties: All three specials aired in UsefulNotes/{{Syndication}} during this decade.
14	* HalloweenEpisode: Played with. While Halloween is never mentioned during "A Mirthworm Masquerade", some television stations aired the special around Halloween due to its theme of dressing up in costumes.
15	* IOwnThisTown: Wormaline invokes this trope; she bans Bert from the Christmas party in "A Merry Mirthworm Christmas," and demands he go with her to the ball in "A Mirthworm Masquerade" if he wants to continue having a job. Ultimately, this trope is downplayed as the Mayor outranks her in sociopolitical power.
16	* {{Jerkass}}: Woramline Wiggler. She's got a big ego, gets angry easily, yells at the other worms and is reviled by them too.
17	* LaserGuidedKarma: Wormaline and her lackey, Teddy, in the end.
18	* MasqueradeBall: The whole plot to "A Mirthworm Masquerade".
19	* NotNowWereTooBusyCryingOverYou: During "A Merry Mirthworm Christmas", Bert (the new worm in town) feels rejected and leaves for another place. Crystal and the other worms find his note and go off to find him. Unfortunately, a blizzard kicks up, and they have to turn back without finding him. At the community center, the others comment on how hard Crystal is taking this. Bert, who had turned back when the blizzard got started and took shelter in the community center, asks what's wrong. One of the worms starts to explain before realizing whom she's addressing.
20	* PinkMeansFeminine: Crystal Crawler full stop. She is not only colored purple-pink but almost always wears a pink hooded cape.
21	* PunnyName: Many of the character names had to do with worms.
22	* PsychoticSmirk[=/=]SlasherSmile: Wormaline does one of these in at least each special.
23	* RecycledInSpace: ''Franchise/TheSmurfs'' with worms.
24	* ShipperOnDeck: During "A Mirthworm Masquerade", the other worms tease Crystal about how she has a crush on Bert. She does blush when they say this.
25	* ShipTease: Bert and Crystal. While they are never made an OfficialCouple in the three specials, they are very close. In "A Mirthworm Masquerade", Crystal is teased about her feelings for Bert; she even kisses him at the end of the special!
26	* SmallNameBigEgo:
27	** Wormaline Wiggler behaves this way, plotting schemes to make herself look good or bullying other worms to feel powerful.
28	** Eudora Vanderworm. She is very arrogant and actively helps Wormaline's schemes.
29	* VerbalTic: Adding "worm" to every sentence
30	* VerySpecialEpisode: All three count as they are depressing before turning into a happy ending with a lesson about being nice to others.
31	* YesMan: Teddy to Wormaline. Their relationship is similar to [[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons Mister Burns and Smithers]].

Context WesternAnimation / Mirthworms