Esther, The Girl Who Became Queen

Esther... the Girl Who Became Queen

Esther... the Girl Who Became Queen is the 14th episode of VeggieTales. Subtitled, "A Lesson in Courage," it conveys the message, that you never need to be afraid to do what is right, which is called courage.

The story is taken from the "Book of Esther" in the Old Testament, in which Esther of Babylon, the main protagonist, becomes the queen of all Persia and must tell the King that Haman, the main antagonist, is plotting against the Jewish people. The violence is removed, as VeggieTales is intended for kids; the murder is replaced by the banishment to the Island of Perpetual Tickling (the island, where you are tickled day and night, night and day, without stopping), and the intended victims are limited to Esther and her family without reference to their race or creed.

The presentation of the story was inspired by The Godfather and Casablanca and has stylistic elements of a Film noir. The dramatic lighting, deep shadows, dark plot elements, and narrative voiceovers all contribute to the effect. The palace windows are even hung with Venetian blinds.

Plot

The story opens at a palace in Persia at night (with trumpets playing soft, royal-like music in the background). The narrator says that a wiseman once said not to be afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Inside the palace (in silhouettes), Haman, King Xerxes' sneaky, impatient, short-tempered right-hand man, is knocking on Queen Vashti's door. Queen Vashti, King Xerxes' wife, asks who is there. Haman tells the Queen that the King was wondering if she could make him a sandwich. Vashti comes out of her bedroom and tells Haman that it is three o'clock in the morning. Haman tells the queen that the King says that he is the king, and whatever he says goes. Vashti tells Haman that she's the queen, and says that the King can make his own sandwich, and then goes back into the bedroom. "Okay...", Haman replies, then he grabs Vashti and throws her out of the palace. He then slam the door shut. She tells Haman that he can't do that to her; she's the queen. Haman opens the door, and asks Vashti if she wants to bet. He grabs her treasure chest and throws it at her. The treasure chest lands on the ground with a *thud!*. Haman tells Vashti that the King can do whatever he wants; he's the king. Vashti then storms off in a huff. Haman tells her to never come back. King Xerxes asks Haman if he thinks that what he did to the Queen might have been a little harsh. Haman says no, and tells the King that if she got away with that, no one would listen to the King. The King asks Haman what he is going to do now. Haman says that it looks like that they are going to have to find the King a new queen. King Xerxes tells Haman to make him a sandwich, then goes back into the palace. Vashti is still walking down the path to the streets of Persia (this is the 2nd episode, that is Silly Song-less). The narrator says that this is the story of a great person. He says that it is hard to say whether their hero was born that way, or was just placed in the right place, at the right time, and decided to do the right thing. He says that he supposes that you can be the judge of that. He also says that their hero isn't a king, "just an ordinary girl". The title name appears on the screen. A rooster (unseen) starts crowing while the sun comes up.

That morning, Esther and her cousin, Mordecai (Pa Grape), are talking on the streets of Persia. Mordecai asks Esther if she saw her friend steal an apple. Esther says yes. Mordecai says that it wasn't hers, but she took it. Esther says yes. Mordecai says that Esther doesn't know what to do. Esther asks Mordecai what should she do. Mordecai asks Esther what she thinks that she should do. Esther guesses that she should tell her friend that it was wrong, and that she should pay for it. Mordecai says that it sounds like a good answer. But Esther is too scared. Mordecai asks Esther how long he has been her cousin. Esther says that he has been her cousin pretty much forever. Mordecai asks Esther if he ever steered her wrong. Esther guesses that Mordecai never did. Mordecai tells Esther that she never needs be afraid to do what is right. Mordecai asks Esther if she remembers the song, that her grandmother used to sing. Esther asks him if he means the one about God being on their side and not having to be afraid. She remembers the song. Mordecai says that that's good. Esther asks Mordecai what if her friend doesn't want to be her friend anymore. Mordecai tells Esther that she can do the right thing, and tells her that there are problems out there a lot bigger than stolen apples (like Haman). Mordecai is very wise and faithful to God (and is the palace guard).

When Haman drives up in his favorite car-wagon (with peas as the tires), styled after the modern low-rider automobiles, to collect the eligible maidens, Mordecai tells Esther that it's him, and that he hates him. Mordecai then tries to get scarce. After Haman pushes the brakes, his bodyguard (Percy Pea) steps out of the car and announces the people of Persia to make way for Haman, the King's right-hand man, while trumpets are playing The Fanfare in the background, as Haman introduces himself to the people of Persia. Haman says hello to the people of Persia. He tells them that His Royal Highness, King Xerxes, finds himself (for reasons, that do not concern them) in need of a new queen. The maidens gasp and murmur with excitement. Haman says that he would like to ask all eligible young ladies to please come with him, and pulls the lever on top of the wagon to let the women in. They all get inside, except Esther. Haman tells Esther that she has to get in, too. Esther tells Haman that if it is all the same to the King, she thinks that she would rather stay with Mordecai.

Haman tells Esther that he did not ask her if she was interested. He tells her that the King needs a queen. He jumps into his car and tells Esther to get in the wagon. Mordecai tells Esther that for her own good, she should probably go. Esther tells Haman that she needs to stay, so that she can take care of Mordecai. But before she can say, "My cousin," Mordecai shushes her. Haman thinks that Mordecai is shushing him. Mordecai tells Haman that he wasn't shushing him, he was shushing Esther. Haman recognizes Mordecai. Mordecai says hello to Haman. Haman tells Mordecai that he can call him, "Sir." Haman tells Mordecai that they both work for the King, but compared to him, Mordecai is a "g-nat". Mordecai corrects Haman by telling him that the "G" is silent; it's "Gnat." Haman thinks that Mordecai is calling him a "g-nat". Mordecai tells him that he was just correcting Haman's pronounciation. Haman thinks that Mordecai is calling him stupid, that clay won first prize at the grammar fair in St. Louis (e) since [in] 196(8)7, becuase clay helped him to get him out of the line of the bears. ("Help me out of here!") that the whole town's a gymnist ("Help, we're all a gymnist!"). "Ah, no?", says Mordecai.

Haman tells Esther to get in the wagon, and tells Mordecai to bow to him. Mordecai refuses to bow him. Haman demands Mordecai to bow to him, but Mordecai refuses again. Haman demands again. Mordecai tells Haman that he bows to no one, except Esther's god and her king. Haman gets very angry, and yells at Esther to get in the wagon (parody to the boy Andy Kenny, Cindy Kenny's first boy's line "Get in the car!"). Esther tells Haman that she wants to stay with Mordecai. But before she can say, "My cousin," again, Mordecai shushes her again. Haman thinks that Mordecai is shushing him again. Mordecai says no. He tells Esther to go. He says that he will explain later. Haman drives off to the palace to have Esther and the other young women participate in the beauty contest (he unwittingly goes the wrong way, accidentally crashing into something, then we hear a woman scream, then Haman goes the right way). He tells Mordecai to mark his words (he calls Mordecai an old man) one of these days. The relationship between Esther and Mordecai is kept secret.

Later on, at night, Mordecai visits Esther on her balcony at the palace. He asks her if she is there. Esther is about to ask Mordecai what is going on when he shushes her again. Esther gives Mordecai a strange look. Mordecai apologizes to her about all the shushing. He tells her that Haman hates them and their whole family. He tells her that if Haman knew that he was Esther's cousin, Haman would hate Esther, too, and then, Esther could be in grave danger. He tells her that she must not let anyone know that she's part of their family. Esther tells Mordecai that she doesn't even want to be at the palace, and asks him why she has to be there. Mordecai tells her that he doesn't know the future, but God does. He tells her that maybe there is a reason. He says that he will come visit her again, then starts climbing down the vine ladder to go to the palace gates. Esther walks over to the wall, and starts to sing Tell Me Why. After Esther's song ends, the camera overlooks her balcony zooms out.

At the palace, in the auditorium, Haman and the King audition the women for a new queen. Miss Achmetha goes first, and starts singing Lost Puppies via an accordion. The host of the Miss Persia Pageant tells the audience that that was contestant number , Miss Achmetha. The King asks Haman what he is going to do with all those dogs. Haman and the King give Miss Achmetha a thumbs-down. "Next!", shouts King Xerxes. Miss Achmetha walks away, upset. The host announces that the next contestant will be Miss Babylon (Esther). But Esther doesn't come out. The host smiles nervously at the audience, then walks over to the curtain and whispers to Esther that she is up next. He then smiles nervously at the audience again. Esther asks him what she is supposed to do again. He tells her that she is supposed to sing a song. He asks her if she prepared anything, and gives another nervous smile at the audience. Esther tells him that she guesses she wasn't expecting to get this far. The host begs her to sing something, and tells her that she is making him look bad. Esther starts to think of a song, and remembers Mordecai asking her if she remembers the song that her grandmother used to sing. Esther tells the host that she has got something.

When Esther takes the stage and sings The Battle is Not Ours (the song, that Esther's grandmother used to sing) so beautiful, King Xerxes is left in awe, and he and Haman give Esther a thumbs-ups. The decision is made. The host introduces Esther to the audience. The audience cheers and starts snapping pictures of their new queen. However, Esther was not happy about her new position, and she was crowned (and ensconced), against her will.

Mordecai comes back to Esther's balcony and tells her that she is the queen of all Persia. He sees that Esther is upset. Esther says yes. Mordecai tells Esther that she has got to be at least a little excited. Esther tells Mordecai that nobody even asked her if she wanted to be queen. Mordecai tells Esther that she always did have a mind of her own, and that he always liked that about her. He tells Esther not to worry. There must be a reason. He tells her that tomorrow, she will be introduced to the food court (not) in Greece. He says that that will be fun. He tells Esther to get some rest, and starts to exit the balcony downstairs. Esther asks Mordecai what the King is like. Mordecai tells Esther that the King is sharp, real sharp. He thinks that she is really going to like him.

One day, in the throne room, the King is looking at himself in a small handheld mirror, and asks Haman if Esther is going to like him. Haman tells the King that he bets she will; he's the King. Haman reassures the King that "everybody likes you, under penality of death". The King tells Haman that even if he wasn't the king. He asks Haman that if he was "one of those guys, who cleans up over the camels, or a lawyer or something", does Haman still think. Haman says that there is no doubt about it; the King is big and strong, charming, and handsome. He says that any girl in the whole kingdom would be happy to make him a sandwich, king or no king. King Xerxes asks Haman if he really thinks so. Haman tells the King that he knows so. The King then tells Haman to bring Esther in. Haman then goes to Esther's balcony to go get her when he ran away home and cried at her. Markus is still writing the message on his long scroll.

The King continues looking at himself in the mirror, and when he puts it down, Bigthan Peaoni (Jean Claude) is there, and the King gets startled. Bigthan says hello to the King. The King asks Bigthan who he is. Bigthan tells the King that he is Bigthan, his royal chef. The King asks Bigthan what he is doing in the throne room. He is about to tell Bigthan that he doesn't remember inviting unannounced visitors. But before he can finish his sentence, however, Bigthan shows the King a large wedding cake, which he has brought to honor the King. The King says that the cake is lovely. He asks Bigthan if he made that for him. Bigthan says yes. The King says that he shouldn't have, and that the cake looks delicious. He asks Bigthan if he could bring him over a piece. Bigthan tells the King that he was thinking that he should come over there to eat the cake. The King tells Bigthan that he always eats right on his throne. He asks Bigthan why he needs to come over there. Bigthan explains that it is the light. He says that the light on the little is just right. He says that eat there in "the proper light". The King guesses that that would make sense. He says that he supposes that he could come over there. Meanwhile, up on the light, Teresh Peaoni is pulling a rope, the other end, of which supports a heavy grand piano, suspended above the cake.

Haman comes in with Esther. When he sees Bigthan, he asks the King who he is. Bigthan says that he is the royal chef. Haman tells Bigthan that he has never seen him. Bigthan tells Haman that he is new. Mordecai, who is hiding in a corner to avoid Haman, observes the Peaoni brothers' evil plan to kill the King and informs Esther. He tells her to come over to him, and starts to whisper the plan in her ear (she doesn't have ears). The King tells Haman that Bigthan made him a cake. He asks Haman that isn't it nice. Haman asks the King if he invited him. The King says no. Haman asks the King if he told Bigthan what can happen to someone, who appeared before he uninvited. The King says no, and tells Haman that he was too busy thinking about the cake. Bigthan gets out of the way. The King asks Haman if it looks yummy. Esther warns the King in time that it is a trap, and the piano crashes harmlessly onto the cake. The King asks why the piano is on the cake. Teresh falls onto the floor. He and Bigthan acknowledge each other, look at the King nervously, then start to flee. Haman tells the King to seize them, and Mordecai manages to stop them. Haman asks Bigthan and Teresh if they are the Peaoni brothers, the most wanted peas in Persia. Bigthan says that they are. Teresh says that they could have taken over the kingdom, if it wasn't for "that meddling queen", Esther. The King is surprised to see that Esther saved his life, but Esther tells the King that it was actually the good guard, Mordecai. She says that Mordecai alerted her. She tells the King that it was Mordecai, who saved his life. Haman is shocked to see that Mordecai saved the King's life.

The King is about to thank Mordecai for saving his life when Haman asks him what the punishment should be for the two dangerous criminals, the most wanted peas in Persia, who appeared before the King uninvited and tried to drop a piano on his head. The King asks Haman if it should probably be pretty stiff. He asks Haman what he thinks. Haman says that the punishment should be banishment to the Island of Perpetual Tickling, which shocks everyone. The Peaoni brothers ask them if they don't mean the island, where you are tickled day and night, night and day, without stopping (not even if you say, "Pretty please!"). Then they start screaming in terror. Then the Grim Tickler enters the throne room to take the Peaoni brothers to the Island of Perpetual Tickling. The narrator says that there are two things, that you don't do in Persia, and that one of the Peaoni brothers is trying to drop a piano on the King's head. He says that the other is appearing before him, uninvited. He says that the Peaoni brothers found these things out the hard way.

The narrator says that after all, they saved the King's life. The narrator says that Haman convinces the King that a greater threat awaits, and starts to sing Haman's Song, which is a song about people, who you can't trust. Haman lies to King Xerxes that Mordecai and his entire family could not be trusted, and poses an imminent danger to him. He even has the King sign an edict to have Mordecai, Esther, and their whole family banished to the Island of Perpetual Tickling. The King unwittingly signs the edict (which is given by Haman's bodyguard) with a stamper, that says, "AOK". Haman excitedly runs out of the throne room to the streets of Persia and slaps the edict on the wall. Haman sings that Mordecai is busted, then the choir sings, "There are those, who can't be trusted!", as Haman runs off, back to the Persian palace.

Mordecai walks by and finds the edict posted on the wall. He grabs the edict, and runs off to the palace to tell Esther about it. By the time he returns, he tells Esther that Haman has finally done it, and shows her the edict. Esther asks Mordecai what it is. Mordecai tells her that it's an edict, and that in just a few days, all of them, their whole family, will be sent to the Island of Perpetual Tickling. Esther asks Mordecai who did that. Mordecai tells her that Haman did. He tells her that he hates them, hates their whole family, and now, he's done it. He got the King to sign the edict, and they'll all be banished. Esther asks Mordecai what he is going to do. Mordecai tells Esther that that's just it: He can't do anything. He is just a guard. But Esther, she's the queen. Esther asks Mordecai what he means. Mordecai tells Esther that she must go, she must go to the King. Esther is shocked. She asks Mordecai if he knows what happens to people, who appear before the King uninvited. Mordecai is about to tell Esther that there is no other way when Esther asks Mordecai if he remembers the Peaoni brothers. Mordecai tells Esther that there is no other way. He tells Esther that she is the only one, who can stop this. Esther says no. She says that she is not going to. Esther tells Mordecai that nobody even asked her if she wanted to be the queen. Esther says no, and puts her crown down on the brick wall. Esther tells Mordecai that he is smart, and to think of another way. Mordecai tells Esther that there is no other way. Esther tells Mordecai that she wasn't even brave enough to tell her friend about the apple, and now, Mordecai wants Esther to go to the King. She tells Mordecai that even if she was. She tells Mordecai that Haman is the King's right-hand man. Mordecai tells Esther that he can't tell her the . Mordecai tells Esther that perhaps God put her there for such a time as this, and tells her that perhaps this is the reason. He tells her that she never has to be afraid to do what is right. He tells her that he will pray for her; they will all pray for her. He then leaves and goes back to the palace gates. Esther starts singing Tell Me Why and The Battle Prelude.

Esther lacks the courage to inform King Xerxes and struggles to save Mordecai and her people. She knows that she never needs to be afraid to do what is right, but action does not come easy for Esther. The narrator says that Esther . Esther was very afraid to go to the King. But she knew what she had to do, so the next day, she timidly approached the throne. Esther looks at the King, nervously. Then the King then says that that is okay. Markus sighs in relief, then continues writing the message on his scroll. "C'mon over here, queenie-poo!", King Xerxes says with a smile (the King really loves Esther). Esther walks over to the King. The King tells Esther that he doesn't know what is going on, but popping up on schedule is generally discouraged around here. "By death or banishment.", Haman replies. The King tells Haman that "his little queenie-poo" can visit him anytime she wants. Esther then smiles nervously. The King asks Esther what is it, that she wants. He tells her to just tell him, whatever she wants; it's hers. Twice, Esther attempts to inform the King, and twice, she fails (inviting King Xerxes and Haman to dinner at nighttime, instead).

That night, Haman and King Xerxes are playing Candy Land on a couch shaped as a rowboat, Haman's piece is still stuck in the Gooey Mud Swamp, he is already here for too many turns, Xerxes' piece goes all the way to Licorice Lord, Haman's piece is really still stuck, he sure hopes the rest of Persia is having a worse day while they are having a pizza party than he is. He looks out and see's Persia is destroyed with the signal of Queen Esther flashes with smoke that came out of the factory, sirens, and men and woman screams all going in the background and the cars crashing. Esther came in and then she also brings a hoola hoop to carry food.

Haman then exits the palace and starts heading towards the palace gates, where he encounters Mordecai. He says hello to him, but Mordecai just ignores him. Haman guesses that there is not much to say, seeing how in 2 days, Mordecai will be walking to Oklahoma. Haman walks over to Mordecai and tells him that he just came from dinner with the King and Esther, and they invited him again tomorrow night. He guesses that they must like him. He asks Mordecai why he doesn't like him, but Mordecai walks away from Haman, still ignoring him. Haman tells Mordecai that it wouldn't be too hard to show him that Mordecai likes him, just a little bow. He asks Mordecai is that is so hard. He asks who knows, and adds that he is "a very influentual guy". He tells Mordecai that he might be able to work something out for Mordecai and his family. Finally, Mordecai tells Haman that "arrogance is not fitting for a fool", and says that much less is lying fitting for a right-hand man. Haman, surprised, lets go of the cards of Candy Land, letting them flying through the air. Mordecai says that he will never bow to Haman. Angered, Haman tells Mordecai that maybe "this foolish right hand man" can for Mordecai to take his trip to the town of "tickle town", tonight. Haman goes back into the palace. Then one of the cards fly by and reveals the viewer the real thing on it was a lollipop.

Afterwards, Markus is reading the King his very, very, very long scroll. The King is in bed with his nightcap on, listening to Markus' reading. Suddenly, Haman bursts in and tells the King that he has got some really great news. The King tells Haman that he needs a little creative advice. Haman asks the King what it is. The King tells Haman that there is this really great guy, that he really wants to thank. He asks Haman if he has got any ideas. Haman says that he is flattered. The King tells Haman that . Haman tells the King . The King tells Haman that he is the creative one around there. He asks him what he would do without him. Haman thanks the King. The King tells Haman that all the things, that Haman mentioned, every last one, he tells Haman to do that for the good guard, Mordecai, the man, who saved his life. Haman is so shocked that the King asked him to throw a parade in honor of Mordecai. The King tells Haman to be the one to put Mordecai on the parade. Haman is still shocked. The King says that he knew he could count on Haman. He says that it is a lucky thing that Haman dropped by which is a stinky duck. He asks Haman what is it that Haman wanted. Haman is still shocked. The King tells Haman that maybe he can just ask him tomorrow to go to the bakery and buy some pasteries and donuts and cakes and cookies and pies, because the King is getting kind of sleepy. He says good night to Haman, then Markus slams the door in Haman's face.

The narrator says that Esther asks the King where Haman could be. Mordecai says goodbye to Haman, and thanks him for the parade. He then starts laughing hysterically. Haman tells Mordecai to laugh all he wants, and that he won't be laughing tomorrow. But then he suddenly changes his mind, saying that he will, but then forgets about it. He says hi to Esther and the King, and tells them that he is sorry that he is late. Esther is about to tell the King that the real reason why she invited he and Haman over, but then starts to hear Mordecai's voice, telling her that she never needs to be afraid to do what is right.

So Esther gathered up all her courage and told the King that someone is plotting against her family. She tells him that tomorrow, her people and herself will be banished to the Island of Perpetual Tickling. The King asks Esther who would dare to banish his queen. Esther tells the King that it's Haman. Haman is shocked. The King asks Esther if this is true. Haman tells the King that he doesn't know what Esther is talking about, and says that she is crazy. Esther tells the King that it is true. The King asks Esther if she can prove this charge. Haman tells the King that Esther is making it up. Esther shows King Xerxes the edict, that has the picture of Mordecai on it. When the King sees the edict, he notices the picture, and says that he just gave Mordecai a parade. Esther tells the King that Mordecai is her cousin, and that his family is her family. Haman is so shocked that his plan to destroy Mordecai and his entire family is now permanently ruined. The King believes Esther and turns on Haman. I "grim reaper-style" character comes in and ticlkes Haman out of the palace.

And Mordecai, he got Haman's old job as the King's new right-hand man . And Esther saved the people of Persia. She showed more courage than 10 kings. The narrator says that Esther was not born for greatness, she didn't go to school for it, and learns that God have gave a plan so big, so good each and every day. He says that she's just like a regular kid ... just like you.

Cast

• Esther as herself
• Mr. Nezzer as King Xerxes
• Mr. Lunt as Haman
• Pa Grape as Mordecai
• The French Peas as The Peaoni brothers
• Larry as Markus the Scribe
• Miss Achmetha as herself
• Scallion #1 as The Host of the Miss Persia Pageant
• Queen Vashti as herself (cameo)
• Percy Pea as Haman's Bodyguard (cameo)

Trivia

• This is the only episode where Bob does not appear.