A little bit of context
“Not the Mama!” A Look at Earl Sinclair and His Awesome NECA Action Figure
The Sinclairs were your average family from the prehistoric suburbs, dealing with work, school, and the trials of raising a family. Oh, and they were also dinosaurs! “Dinosaurs,” the early ’90s sitcom from Jim Henson Productions, in association with Walt Disney Television , brought us a unique blend of family-friendly humor and surprisingly sharp social commentary. And at the heart of it all was Earl Sinclair, the lovable, if somewhat dimwitted, Megalosaurus dad. Now, thanks to NECA, fans can bring home a piece of this classic show with the Ultimate Earl Sinclair action figure.
About NECA
Before we dive into the specifics of the Earl Sinclair figure, let’s take a moment to appreciate the company behind it. NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association) has become a leading name in the world of licensed collectibles. They produce a wide range of figures based on popular movies, TV shows, video games, and comic books. NECA is known for its attention to detail, articulation, and overall quality, making their figures highly sought after by collectors.
NECA’s dedication to capturing the nostalgia of classic properties like “Dinosaurs” has a strong appeal to adult collectors. They go the extra mile to ensure their figures accurately represent the characters and creatures we remember from our childhoods, often including a variety of accessories and interchangeable parts to enhance the display and play value.
In addition to action figures, NECA also produces prop replicas, statues, and other collectibles. Their diverse range of licenses includes everything from classic horror icons like Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees to beloved franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Universal Monsters, and Gremlins.
A Working-Class Dino Dad
Earl Sneed Sinclair was the patriarch of the Sinclair family. A 43-year-old Megalosaurus, Earl worked as a Tree Pusher at the WESAYSO Development Corporation (a not-so-subtle jab at corporations and their environmental impact). He was often depicted as stubborn, gullible, and prone to fits of anger (especially when Baby Sinclair wouldn’t stop hitting him with a frying pan). But beneath his gruff exterior, Earl was a loving husband and father who, despite his flaws, always tried to do right by his family.
Earl’s family life was a constant source of both frustration and heartwarming moments. His wife, Fran, was a level-headed Allosaurus who often had to keep Earl in check. His eldest son, Robbie, was a rebellious Hypsilophodon teenager trying to find his place in the world. His daughter, Charlene, was a fashion-conscious Protoceratops with a sharp wit. And then there was Baby Sinclair, the mischievous infant Megalosaurus whose catchphrases (“Not the mama!” and “I’m the baby, gotta love me!”) became iconic.
Dinosaurs: More Than Just a Sitcom
“Dinosaurs” aired on ABC from 1991 to 1994. Created by Michael Jacobs and Bob Young, the show used animatronic dinosaur puppets to explore everyday family life with a prehistoric twist. While the show was primarily a comedy, it also tackled some surprisingly mature themes, including environmentalism, gender equality, and social injustice.
“Dinosaurs” was significant as one of the few sitcoms to utilize animatronic puppets for its main cast. This innovative approach, combined with the show’s witty writing and talented puppeteers, brought the Sinclair family to life in a way that traditional sitcoms couldn’t replicate.
The show’s impact went beyond its entertainment value. “Dinosaurs” is often credited with raising awareness about environmental issues, particularly through its controversial series finale, which depicted the Sinclair family facing extinction due to an ice age brought on by environmental destruction. This powerful ending served as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked industrialization and disregard for the environment, a message that remains relevant today as we grapple with the realities of climate change.
Some of the show’s most memorable characters included:
| Character | Species | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Robbie Sinclair | Hypsilophodon | The rebellious teenage son who often clashed with his father. |
| Charlene Sinclair | Protoceratops | The fashion-forward daughter who wasn’t afraid to challenge gender stereotypes. |
| Baby Sinclair | Megalosaurus | The mischievous infant who loved to torment Earl. |
| Ethyl Phillips | Edmontonia | Fran’s opinionated mother who lived with the Sinclairs. |
| Roy Hess | Tyrannosaurus Rex | Earl’s best friend and coworker, a dim-witted Tyrannosaurus Rex. |
| B.P. Richfield | Triceratops | Earl’s demanding boss at WESAYSO, a Triceratops. |
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The NECA Earl Sinclair Action Figure: A Detailed Look
NECA’s Ultimate Earl Sinclair figure is a fantastic tribute to this beloved character. This 7-inch scale figure captures the essence of Earl perfectly, from his grumpy expression to his portly physique.
Here’s a breakdown of the figure’s features:
- Articulation: The figure is fully articulated, including his tail, allowing for a wide range of poses.
- Accessories: Earl comes with a variety of accessories, including a TV remote, beverage cans, a captain’s hat (from the episode “High Noon”), a Fernhill mug, and interchangeable heads and hands.
- Detail: The figure is incredibly detailed, with realistic sculpting and paintwork that accurately captures Earl’s appearance on the show.
- Packaging: The figure comes in collector-friendly window box packaging with an opening front flap, perfect for display.
The “WESAYSO” Earl Sinclair Variant
In addition to the standard Earl Sinclair figure, NECA has also released a “WESAYSO” variant. This version of Earl features him in his work attire, complete with a hard hat, lunchbox, and interchangeable gloved hands. This variant is a great way to showcase Earl’s blue-collar side and add some variety to your “Dinosaurs” collection.
You can find the “WESAYSO” Earl Sinclair figure at The Last Toy Store:
Where to Buy
The NECA Earl Sinclair action figure is available at various online retailers:
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/NECA-Dinosaurs-Ultimate-Sinclair-Action/dp/B0CS3V4M4Z
- Target: https://www.target.com/p/neca-dinosaurs-ultimate-earl-sinclair-7-34-action-figure/-/A-90259063
- Best Buy: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/neca-dinosaurs-7-scale-action-figure-ultimate-earl-sinclair/6558950.p?skuId=6558950
- Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/NECA-Dinosaurs-7-Scale-Action-Figure-Ultimate-Earl-Sinclair/5192018031
- NECA Online: https://store.necaonline.com/products/dinosaurs-7-scale-action-figure-ultimate-earl-sinclair
Prices may vary depending on the retailer.
Fan Reactions and Nostalgia
“Dinosaurs” holds a special place in the hearts of many fans who grew up watching the show in the ’90s. Online discussions and fan sites reveal a deep appreciation for the show’s humor, its characters, and its surprisingly poignant social commentary.
Many fans remember “Dinosaurs” as a show that wasn’t afraid to tackle complex issues, often with a satirical edge. The Sinclair family, despite being dinosaurs, felt relatable and their struggles resonated with viewers of all ages. Earl Sinclair, in particular, is remembered as a flawed but ultimately lovable father figure who tried his best to navigate the challenges of work and family life.
Fans are also eager to see NECA expand its “Dinosaurs” line with figures of other beloved characters like Robbie, Charlene, and Baby Sinclair. The possibility of seeing Baby with his iconic frying pan or Robbie with his signature red jacket has generated a lot of excitement among collectors.
The Future of “Dinosaurs” and NECA
While there are no official plans for a “Dinosaurs” reboot, the show’s enduring popularity and recent resurgence in online discussions suggest that a revival could be on the horizon. Perhaps a new series could explore the Sinclair family in a modern setting or delve deeper into the show’s environmental themes.
As for NECA, they continue to expand their impressive line of collectibles. With their dedication to quality and detail, it’s exciting to imagine what figures they might create in the future. Perhaps we’ll see more “Dinosaurs” figures, like Robbie, Charlene, or even Baby Sinclair with his trusty frying pan. Or maybe NECA will branch out into other classic sitcoms, bringing us figures from shows like “ALF” or “Married… with Children.” The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
The NECA Earl Sinclair action figure is a must-have for any fan of “Dinosaurs.” It’s a fantastic tribute to a beloved character and a testament to NECA’s skill in creating high-quality collectibles. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the show or just discovering it for the first time, this figure is sure to bring back fond memories and spark conversations about this groundbreaking sitcom.
What are your favorite memories of “Dinosaurs”? Share your thoughts on the show and the NECA Earl Sinclair figure in the comments below!
…
🎸 [Electric guitar riff]
🎤 Boots on the floor, got the rhythm in my soul,
Dad moves groovin’, yeah, I’m on a roll!
Twist, shake, spin – I ain’t half bad,
Rockin’ the night, it’s great to be a dad!
🎸 [Outro riff with a drum crash]
