Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling 2019

After Rocko’s house unexpectedly becomes space debris, he, along with his friends Heffer, Filburt, and his loyal dog Spunky, find themselves adrift in the vastness of space for an astonishing twenty years. During this time, their main activity involves re-watching old episodes of The Fatheads, the beloved TV show that once brought joy to their town, O-Town. This nostalgic pastime dominates their days as they drift past Earth, unmindfully doing nothing else.

The turning point occurs when Filburt, played by [Mr. Lawrence], notices that the spaceship’s remote control has been mysteriously stuck to Heffer’s (Tom Kenny) backside all along. Using this discovery, they activate the re-entry button, eventually bringing them back to Earth. Once home, they are met with shock—O-Town has undergone significant changes over the last two decades. The cityscape is now drastically different, coated with new technology and altered customs.

Heffer and Filburt adapt with surprising ease, quickly embracing the new norms and innovations, but Rocko finds himself overwhelmed by the changes. He chooses to retreat into his house, feeling out of place amidst the modern chaos. His friend Bev Bighead, played by [Linda Wallem], comes by to welcome him back, but the darkness looms when Rocko inquires about The Fatheads, the TV show that once was a staple of his childhood. Bev sadly explains that The Fatheads has been off the air for many years, a revelation that deeply distresses Rocko, who longs to reconnect with his nostalgic past.

Meanwhile, chaos unfolds with Ed Bighead, played by [Charlie Adler], inadvertently making a clerical mistake because of Rocko’s re-entry. This error causes Conglom-O, the company owned by Ed’s boss Mr. Dupette, to declare bankruptcy. The entire town of O-Town faces dire consequences—job losses, demolitions, and a cloud of uncertainty. To save the company, Rocko suggests reviving The Fatheads, convincing Mr. Dupette that a comeback would generate enough revenue to rescue the failing corporation. Dupette agrees, re-hiring Ed but then dictating that a CGI-animated special must be produced, which threatens to tarnish the original charm of the beloved show.

Concerned about this new direction, Rocko feels compelled to seek out Ralph Bighead—the original creator of The Fatheads—who had long ago left the fame and spotlight to pursue a journey of self-discovery. Rocko, along with Heffer and Filburt, embarks on a global adventure, utilizing a drone with a tufted couch attached to locate Ralph. Their quest is cut short when their battery expires, causing them to crash in a desert oasis. There, they finally encounter Ralph, who has undergone a profound transformation—she has transitioned and now goes by the name Rachel, running an ice cream truck themed around The Fatheads.

Rocko pleads with Rachel to return to O-Town and help bring back the original spirit of The Fatheads, and after much hesitation, she agrees, motivated by her love for her family and the prospect of reuniting with her roots. However, this sparks tension with Ed Bighead, who disapproves of Rachel’s transition and resents her involvement. His rejection leads him to abandon his job, causing further turmoil in their community and raising fears about the town’s future.

Rocko tries to mend these fractured relationships but feels increasingly guilty as the situation spirals out of control—particularly impacting Rachel and Ed. Rachel reflects on cherished memories of her parents, and inspired by Rocko’s support and acknowledgment of her identity, begins working on a new version of The Fatheads. Meanwhile, Ed is confronted with his fear of change, which leads to a heartfelt conversation with Rocko about how change—though difficult—is essential for happiness.

As the story progresses, The Winds of Change appear—an allegorical presence that reminds both Rocko and Ed that embracing transformation can lead to personal growth. They are soon notified that the new Fatheads special is complete and ready to premiere at Conglom-O. Rocko drags Ed to the event, where they watch as Rachel introduces a new character, a baby Fathead, which everyone but Rocko loves. Surprisingly, the new special becomes an immense hit, earning billions and resonating with the audience because it included elements of family life that Rachel reflected in her work.

Rocko, however, remains critical of the changes, feeling it diverged too far from his memories of the original show, but Ed reassures him that change is an inevitable part of life. Accepting this wisdom, Rocko begins to see the value in adapting and embracing the future. The climax sees an unexpected turn when the rocket carrying Rocko’s house crashes into the Conglom-O building, launching it and Dupette into space. As a result, the town’s money rains down from the sky, saving the community from ruin.

By the end, Filburt reunites with his wife and family, strengthening their bonds, while Rachel and her parents set off for a new adventure in her ice cream truck. The story concludes with a message that both change and nostalgia are vital to growth and happiness—highlighted by the characters’ journeys of acceptance, self-discovery, and resilience.