I miss Big Shot too, but Uncle Slam went up several notches in my estimation when I witnessed the following exchange with a couple 7-year-olds last week:

KIDS: Hey, Uncle Slam, do you like Screech?
UNCLE SLAM: (nods, rubs his tummy)
KIDS: You ATE Screech??
UNCLE SLAM: (licks his fingers)
KIDS: You can't eat him! He's an eagle!
UNCLE SLAM: (flaps his arms)
KIDS: He is NOT a chicken! He's an eagle!!
UNCLE SLAM: (flaps arms again, nods)

He's still a monstrosity, but he's okay in my book.