The Scully Era (seasons 9-11): A Look Back in Horror
TheAbman
This is an indepth review of all the episodes from the past 3 seasons, to show
how The Simpsons has gradually declined. If any one begs to differ on my
opinions on some episodes or on my general attitude towards seasons 9-11, I'd
be glad to hear them.
The City of Ney York vs Homer Simpson
Some good lines, some fun, but I thought making fun of New York was really old
and hackneyed. Also, obnoxious Homer. (C+)
The Principal and the Pauper
The only awful episode of the 4F series, this one had bad lines galore, and
principal Skinner is just too dull to have an episode around him. (C-)
Lisa's Sax
Funny, like older seasons, but unlike other flashback episodes, the ending
wasn't touching and instead sappy. (B)
Treehosue of Horror 8
if there's something that Mike Scully deserves credit for, it's that he made
the best treehouse of horror ever. This was spectacular. Well-thought-out,
hilarious, creative, and even a little spooky. (A-)
The Cartridge Family
Instead of focusing on the social and psychological issues of gun ownership and
satirizing them, this episode instead has Homer shooting dinner plates. Most of
the social satire tends to be obvious and not that hilarious, but there are
some great moments, like Homer deciding to rob the Kwik-E-Mart. Kudos to the
writers for not ending with a preachy moral. (B-)
Bart Star
The last episode of the Scully Era that I gave an A to. This one was mostly a
light, funny, snappy, one-liner episode with decent characterization. (A-)
The 2 Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons
Despite leaning dangerously towards sitcom cliche, I still really enjoyed this
episode. As an Indian myself, this episode appeared really fresh and
interesting, and I really liked it when Apu and Manjula got wed happily. It's
just really awesome when a show like the Simpsons, pokes fun at something like
arranged marriage, something I'm kind of worried about. (B)
Lisa the Skeptic
It's a travesty to say this episode was anywhere near as good as Lisa the
Iconoclast, because this episode was far more obvious and in-your-face about
its moral theme. Pluss, there's many unfunny lines. Still, it does deal with an
interesting moral theme, and finally wee see more of Marge and Lisa
interacting. Decent storytelling makes this episode worthwhile, if not a
clasic. (B)
Realty Bites
Well, obviously, if an episode centers around something like real estate
selling, it's bound to be boring, and not funny. The Marge vs herself conflict
didn't really click with me. (D+)
All SInging, All Dancing
This would have been a lot better if the original material in this episode
hadn't been so cornny. (D-)
Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
Call me sadistic, but I really enjoy these episodes in which something really
terrible happens to the Simpsons, and the conflict gets worse and worse. This
only leads to really humorous moments from the Simpson family ("God hates us!",
the Simpsons fighting over a washcloth, the Simpsons' new car getting
demolished). The only reason this episode didn't turn out spectacular was that
the 3rd act was sort of anticlimactic and stupid, and I couldn't buy the town's
reaction to the "scam". The conclusion was a great "cut ending". (B-)
Bart Carny
I don't see why so many people disliked this intelligent, charming, witty
episode but could tolerate most of the garbage from season 11. Like the
previous episode, the Simpsons gets into a ridiculously disastrous situation.
It's just really clever, especially since the episode started with the Simpsons
living well off and the Cooders only living in the carnival. The Cooders
themselves were unforgettable. (B+)
The Joy of Sect
This episode, in its attempt to create a wacky action/adventure parody, goes
too far out of bounds. All this mindwashing, leader-praising stuff was really
hard to believe. Subpar, obvious satire that occasionally whips out a good gag.
(C+)
Das Bus
Unsuccessfully parodying Lord of the Flies only undermines the originality of
this episode. At least the trial thing in the 3rd act was a nice twist to the
story. I didn't like the unoriginal concept of the kids being stranded on an
island, it led to a bunch of lame one-liners. Strangely, it managed to be
somewhat amusing, but nothing special. (C+)
The Last Temptation of Krust
Secondary character episodes are either a hit or a miss, and this was a...miss.
I guess the concept of revitalizing comedy was too esoteric for me. (I didn't
understand why everyone loved Krusty's George Carlin's routine.) This episode
tried to be a comedy about comedy, and that doesn't work. (C-)
Dumbbell Indemnity
As I said, secondary character episodes are either a hit or a miss, and this
was... a hit. I don't know why, but Moe having a love life seemed to be a
unique look at his character, and I wouldn't have thought it would work, but it
worked. Plus, the jokes were really silly and slapstick, a plus in this
episode. (B+)
Lisa the Simpson
The serious, emotional tone of this episode would have been even more succesful
had the writers just let go of the Apu subplot. Not that the subplot wasn't
funny, but it was too great a contrast from the main plot, which was deep,
relevant, touching, sweet, and, of course, funny. (B)
This Little Wiggy
Really good exploration into Ralph's human side in spite of his retardation,
coupled with Scully's odd, unfunny trademark devices, such as the Knowledgium,
and Quimby in the electric chair. (B-)
Simpson Tide
What can I say? Funny, but too wacky, and really lame plot. (C+)
The Trouble With Trillions
IRS satire? Fidel Castro stealing money from Burns to revitalize Communism?
This is not bold, cutting-edge satire. This is more of a Saturday Night
Live-type humor. It's a shame thinking that the writers probably thought this a
powerful, provocative episode (like when Burns makes his speech, at the end of
act 2), but instead it's thin and unconvincing. Well, the first act was pretty
funny. (C)
Girly Edition
Was I watching The Simpsons or some other family sitcom like Family Matters or
Full House? This reeked of sitcom cliches, especially Homer's monkey-owning
plot. This was possibly one of the most unoriginal episodes ever. In the
writers' desparate attempts to be funny, however, there were some good moments.
(C)
Trash of the Titans
Season 9 continued to go down the toilet with The Ulttimate Homer Jerkass
Episode, which unfortunately also carried the title of 200th Episode
Spectacular. The plot was well setup, but the rest of the episode was showy,
obnoxious, and sellout. (C)
King of the Hill
Why couldn't this episode have been the 200th episode instead of Trash of the
Titans. Why? This episode actually had quality, unlike Trash of the Titans.
This episode was at least involving, fun, sweet, well-written, and charming.
However, I think the whole Powersauce thing should have been either funnier,
more connected to the plot, or just thrown out. (B)
Lost Our Lisa
Funny, light, and touching. not spectacular. Enough said. (B)
Natural Born Kissers
Although it seemed sophmoric and juvenile when I first watched it, this episode
has become a favorite of mine (at least compared to other episodes from the
Scully Era). The episode deals with sex and nudity with surprising
thoughtfulness and maturity, and at the same time has some really wacky,
hilarious gags (Homer's butt on the crystal cathedra). Some awkward moments,
like Homer and Marge realizing they need to regain their sex life, and the
whole subplot, keep this episode from an even higher grade. (B)
Lard of the Dance
The Simpsons, in my opinion, really sunk low when spitting out this episode. I
felt absolutely no sympathy for Lisa. She was only used by the writers as a
preachy, shrill, and unfunny tool for the preachy, ridiculous, unconvincing
moral (enjoy being a kid instead of a snob). What kind of moral was that? Even
more painful was the way this episode was concluded, by trying to force-jam
Homer's grease selling rehash with the main plot, and magically solving
everyone's problem. (D)
Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
Some really great writing, like Homer's mid-life crisis and the conclusion, as
well as some really poor writing, like the 2nd act, balance to make a perfectly
mediocre episode. (C)
Bart the Mother
Decent character-oriented, funny, plot-driven fare. What else is there to say?
(B)
Treehouse of Horror 9
There isn't much attempt to be really spooky or even creative. But this was
really funny, and the writing was smooth. (B)
When You Dish Upon a Star
Another boring Homer gets a job episode, terribly unfuny use of guest stars
whom no one cares about, obviously this episode sucked.(D+)
D'oh in the Wind
Another boring Homer-gets-a-job-and-fails episode. Well, at least this episode
did a surpisingly decent job at portraying and mocking the 60's ideology, and I
liked the way Homer's mom tied in to the story. (C+)
Lisa Gets an A
Read my review of Bart the Mother. This episode is also down-to-earth, and is
an all-around good episode. Silly, but not bad, conclusion. (B+)
Homer Simpson in Kidney Trouble
I've spent years wondering why people hate this episode. It's not great but
it's not any worse than a lot of the Scully Era garbage. Most episodes these
days begin with the Simpsons visiting some place strange, and Bloodbath Gulch
was one of the funniest of these trips in recent memory. The rest of the
episode had a scattering of amusing gags, not really subtle, but nevertheless
amusing, and the writing was pretty smooth. The characterization was generally
superficial. I actually liked it when Homer wussed out of the operation the
first time. It gave the episode a twist and made me wonder what would happen
next. The episode then takes a surreal tone, which probably turned off most
people, but I still found the jokes pretty funny. Dammit, I liked the Lost
Souls running gag. The Simpsons, unfortunately, hit its lowest moment when
Homer runs out a second time, gets hit by a car, and has his kidney stolen.
This is really meanspirited and manipulative, and lowers the grade from a B or
B-. Still, I thought it was a fun, LOL episode, though it didn't live up to its
potential as an emotional, serious, meaningful episode. (C+)
Mayored to the Mob
This action/adventure episode comes close to getting too wacky and
out-of-bound, but there's more discipline here than in, say, Joy of Sect.
There's also some really intelligent social/political satire. (B+)
Viva Ned Flanders
The reason season 10 was weaker than any previous seaspn was that it often
relied only on humor and nothing else. This episode is an example. This buddy
episode of Homer and Flanders does little justice to their characterization.
Homer is pushy and arrogant and Flanders is really shallow. I know most will
say, her this is a comedy and is supposed to be just a satire of Las Vegas and
gambling, and it was a pretty funny portrayal of Las Vegas and gambling.
However, this kind of episode should have derived more humor from character
interaction between Homer and Flanders. This aspect of the episode was present
but needed a lot of work. Also, there's no involving plot, but it's forgivable
for this episode. (B-)
Wild Barts Can't Be Broken
Like Bart Star, this was a snappy, one-liner episode revolving the kids of
Springfield. Not as good as Bart Star but better than Das Bus. (B)
Sunday, Cruddy Sunday
This is a much worse example than Viva Ned Flanders of focusing onnly on humor.
I don't mind a fun episode, I really enjoyed Mayor to the Mob and Homer the
Vigilante, but this episode was NOT fun. How about obnoxious, undisciplined,
and crazy? (C-)
Homer to the Max
Meta-humor has gotten kind of old on the show. It doesn't have the kind of zing
it used to, yet the writers continue to rely on meta-humor. That said, this was
a pretty good episode. It was very original, well-developed, and, of course,
funny. The ending is strange, but not bad at all. (B-)
I'm With Cupid
There was very little life to this episode. It was just a bland storyline of
Apu giving his wife gifts and getting everyone jealous. On the plus side, I
guess it's kind of sweet to see Manjula getting romantic surprises, and Homer
was actually funny at times. The episode shifts from insipidness to a crazy,
mean, and idiotic 3rd act where everyone tries to sabotage Apu. Obviously, the
writers didn't even know where to go with this and decides to end the episode
in a silly fight on an airplane. (C)
Marge Simpson in Screaming Yellow Honkers
Another directionless, unexciting storyline, although the writers must have
thought that Marge the road-rager a compelling, cool epiosde. Despite weakly
executed ideas such as Marge developing road rage and rhinoceroses attacking
the Simpsons, a lot of fine jokes make this episode worthwhile. I liked the
teacher performance, the road rage video, the NBC gag, the sibling rivalry
between Bart and Lisa, etc.(C+)
Make Room For Lisa
Why this episode doesn't work on an emotional level: Lisa decides in the end
that it's OK for Homer to be a jerk if he shows an interest in what she's
interested in. Touche. In some ways, this episode is OK because Lisa learns
that she does owe her parents some respect, and that they don't have to share
her interests. Inn some ways this episode doesn't work, because the ending I
described doesn't justify the episode, because Homer goes beyond someone who
has interests differing from her daughter, and is instead someone who is
totally unlikeable and braindead. An emotional episode must have a likeable
character, and neither Homer nor Lisa was very likeable. BTW, this episode had
good plotting, but it wasn't funny. (C)
Maximum Homerdrive
Jerkass Homer the truck driver is about as mundane as the writers can get. Too
many jokes (ie Homer wanting divorce, the truck driver dying) were just too
unsuitable for a show like The Simpsons. Enough said. (D+)
Simpson Bible Stories
Though it's original, it felt like the writers were simply adding a lot of
biblical references to this episode, without a lot of satirical edge. (B-)
Mom and Pop Art
Though it's another bland Homer-gets-a-job-and-fails-episode, this episode
works pretty well as an insightful and observational episode. There's some good
commentary on art critics and famous works of art. It's funny, but believable,
that Homer's failed barbecue set was seen as an art work resembling rage. (B-)
They Saved Lisa's Brain
Really overrated. I disliked this episode, because the idea of Lisa being in
MENSA and then running the city, this just seems like a shallow treatment of
Lisa's character. She's talented, hard-working, and eager to learn, but she is
not a superintelligent genius. The humor in this episode, centering around
MENSA, is merely observational and insightful, but not sharp or hilarious. This
episode was full of predictable plot twists, and the general flow of this
episode is really boring. Stephen Hawkins redeems this episode somewhat. (C-)
Monty Can't Buy Me Love
A fun and silly episode, in the least. I couldn't help but be amused at some of
the far-out situations in this episode- Burns kidnapping Frink, Willy meeting
his parents, Homer being honored instead of Bunrs, Arthur Fortune's life
accomplishments. This episode is good for plentiful lighthearted laughs,
thought it's not nearly as interesting as when Burns pairs with Lisa in The Old
Man and the Lisa. (B-)
The Old Man and the C Student
Another, excessively dull, one-joke episode, with occasional laughs. (C-)
Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo
This episode should have been better than the New York episode. The Simpsons
portrayal of Japanes culture was, as expected, intelligent and funny, compared
to The Simpson portrayal of New York culture. It's too bad this epiisode
decided to be bad anyway and stick in a lot of cartoony, pointless gags, like
the Simpsons suffering seizures, and Godzilla attacking the plane. (C)
Beyond Blunderdome
I don't know why I'm giving this totally loony episode so high as a C. I mean,
it's another Homer-gets-a-job-and-messes-up-through-idiocy episode. And it's
just dumb, like the car chasing, the butt-kissing of a guest star no one really
cares about, mooning, and desparate attempts to have "fun" with the plot. I
must give this episode some credit because it manages to squeeze in a WHOLE lot
of pop culture references and parodies, and the writers were just trying SO
hard to be funny. (C)
Brothers Little Helper
You can tell George Meyer wrote this episode. It felt a lot like old times. The
humor was subtle and sharp, the writing was fresh, the wackiness was amusing
but not over-the-top. This was a conventional what-if episode, that dealt with
the question, what if Bart became a good student? The ending sucked. (B)
Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner
Another dull Homer-gets-a-job-episode. I couldn't help but ask why this episode
was made, why was Homer a food critic. I couldn't think of much humor the
writers could have found on food criticism beyond simply Homer liking
everything he eats. The episode starts off this way, and is thus really bad.
There were many terrible jokes involving an overbearing Homer, like Homer
singing, Homer swearing, Homer stopping the presses, Homer going to the zoo.
The episode got better when the satire became more focused, and Homer became a
critic in the true sence of the word (hating everything he ate). The episode
then went on to its I'm-With-Cupid-type idiotic third act. (C-)
Treehouse of Horror 10
About as weak as Halloween episodes come. Usually, I can expect some really
original storytelling, but the stories here were nothing beyond meaningless
parodies. They're sort of funny, but still meaningless. At least there were
some attempts to be spooky this year, unlike last year. I really have to
mention my scorn of the ending. All that celebrity-bashing was really shallow.
(C+)
EIEID'oh
Ian-Maxtome Graham is the only writer these days who know how to have fun with
absolutely ridiculous plots. This episode was crazy, but with such hilarity
that was as multileveled sharp as in early days, such as the southern colonel
and the Zorro parody, I had fun watching this episode. (B)
Hello Gutter, Hello Fadder
I think people who consider this the best of later seasons and on par with
earlier seasons need to get in touch with reality. The attempts at humanity in
this episode were really laughable. The crucial point in this episode, the
transition between Homer growing sad with losing fame and Homer deciding to
spend time with his kids is meaningless, making the episode as a whole
meaningless. Why would Homer get so suddenly so depressed over people losing
interest over his perfect game that he'd ATTEMPT SUICIDE?!?!? At least we did
get to see Homer bond with Maggie. That was a nice touch. Also, why did people
find this episode so funny? Is it really so hilarious to see Homer interrup a
Penn and Teller show, or Homer continue to fight with Ron Howard, or Homer in
Springfield Squares, or all the excessively unfunny slapstick gags? I smiled a
lot through the episode, like when Homer sleeps 26 hours and when Burns
punishes Homer, I laughed little. (C+)
Eight Misbehaving
Matt Selman, the writer, shows a clear understanding of character interaction
as he continues the "epic" of Apu's starting a new life in America. Apu having
a kid isn't so original, but Apu having octuplets is quite an interesting
twist. This was a pretty good commentary episode on how parents really deal
with multiple birth. (B+)
Take My Wife Sleaze
Woo hoo! This was a great episode that reminded me a lot of the kind of quality
we got in season 6. Most of the humor was really clever, like Homer deciding to
be a nonconformist by conforming to 50's biker movies, the Simpsons house
getting trashed again, the dancing. the ridiculous gang Homer makes, and Marge
taming the real Hell's Satans. This episode borders on the realm of
obnoxiousness and meanspiritidness, but has enough discipline to avoid that
path (which is more than I can say for most season 11 episodes). I also liked
the adventure plot. It's nice to see a joyful, conventional ending in which
Homer wins against the enemy and rescues Marge. (B)
Grift of the Magi
This episode wasn't particularly funny. The idea of a toy company taking over
the school, spying on kids, and making a toy ISN'T the kind of idea that sends
me ROTFLMAO. I got most of the laughs instead from some of the Springfield
kids, like Ralph and Milhouse. (C)
Little Big Mom
Like Thiirty Minutes Over Tokyo, this is an episode that could have been really
good, but commits suicide by tacking on a lot of brainless slapstick and
obvious jokes. Much of this episode seemd down-to-earth and relatable (Lisa
being in charge), but it's ruined by desparate attempts to keep it wacky and
not-so-realistic (Homer's painful skiing, leprosy). (C+)
Faith Off
Bart the faith healer is one of those ideas that pop up in the later seasons
that seems interesting and plausible but really seems shallow compared to ideas
from earlier seasons. It's funny and amusing to see Bart think he has God's
power and actually take an interest in religion, but the story has nowhere to
go, and when it finally goes somewhere (Milhous getting run over), the writers
got exhausted over all their "creative effort" and decided to tack on a silly
football ending (though the 3rd act wasn't bad in itself). Homer steals the
show, and this ttime he's funnier than he's normally been. (C+)
The Mansion Family
Strictly a gag-based episode. Some gags of the Simpsons living in a mansion
work, but a lot of them don't. I'd also like to express my disgust over the
guest star. (C)
Saddleshore Galactica
I'm going to start by saying I didn't really mind the jokey trolls. The idea
was surreal, but I thought it provided some decent jokes. Besides, Futurama
does that kind of thing all the time, so the Simpsons really isn't alone. Come
to think of it, I also liked the Lost Souls gag from Homer Simpson iin Kidney
Trouble. Am I just weird or something? But anyway, what else is there to say
about this episode? Oh, yeah, there was a horse racing plot. Ho hum. (C)
Alone Again Natura-diddily
It's taken me days, weeks, months, years to finally deduce what I really
thought about this episode, which is a strange jumble of things I like on the
Simpsons and things I abhor. On an emotional level, this episode did little to
me because none of it was really thought-provoking like an emotional episode
should be. On the other hand, the episode is undeniably sweet and treats death
with some dignity. The ending kind of sucks, because the writers relied on
Christian rock music to entertain the audience and conclude the episode, yet
the ending is complete. Lovejoy's speech was kind of insensitive (Maude was
only a supporting characterin everyone else's lives??) but it was pretty funny.
Though the episode seeks to portray death as something to get over, the episode
would have been far more effective if we felt how bad things were for Ned
before things got better for him. The best part of the episode was Homer's
attitude towards Ned. I think it's unfair of some people to accuse Homer of
being cruel for trying to get Ned to date. I think it's realistic, because
plain and simple people disagree on how long people should wait after a spuse's
death before dating. I think this was a really funny episode, which only
occassionally violates the boundaries of taste (Maude's actual death
nonwithstanding, because the death scene was absolutely patheitc). And the
humor and seriousness was balanced fairly well. A lot of effort went into this
episode, but it seemed like characterization and emotion was an effort for the
writers, and not a their second nature like it used to be. The episode was
well-written and quite funny, but it just didn't have the impact on me it
should have. (B-)
Missionary Impsooible
I don't feel like reviewing this episode, but it was all right. (C+)
Pygmoelian
A really weak seconday-character episode. Most of the things satirized in thise
episode-alcohol, soap operas, sugery- has been done so often in the Simpsons
that it's not appealing any more, which is why the sho shold call quits pretty
soon. (C-)
Bart to the Future
If there was going to be any episode about the future, I was hoping it would be
at least remotely imaginative or interesting. The only good thing about this
episode was Bart was well-portrayed as an adult. (D+)
Days of Wine and D'ohses
A secondary character episode is either hit or miss and this episode
was...neither. It was just average fare. Kind of well-plotted and kind of
funny. Really nothing special, but nothing really bad. I do have one comment
about the subplot. What's up with that? What happened to when Bart and Lisa
were solving mysteries and foiling Sideshow Bob. Speacking of which, is
Sideshow Bob ever going to return? I miss those episodes. (C+)
Last Tap Dance In Springfield
This episode ran dangerously close to the sitcomish conventional Lisa episodes
that popped up late in the 9th season. This wasn't so because Lisa was better
characterized, her dance teacher was actually interesting, and this episode
made fun of sitcom devices more than actually resorting to them. (B-)
Kill The Alligator and Run
It should be no mystery why I hated this episode. It wasn't even remotely
"fun". (D)
It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad Marge
haven't seen yet
Behind the Laughter
The satire isn't nearly as focused and sharp as it is in 138th Episode
Spectacular. But at least this is the first episode in a while that made me
laugh out loud many times. (B)
***********************
theabman (thea...@aol.com)
HOM++ LIS+++ BAR++++ BOB++++ 9F22,3F13,
9F01,1F01,2F15,2F16,4F13,2F09,2F10
http://members.aol.com/TheAbman/simpindex.html
***********************
The Empty Bottle Collector
>This is really meanspirited and manipulative, and lowers the grade from a B
>or
>B-. Still, I thought it was a fun, LOL episode, though it didn't live up to
>its
>potential as an emotional, serious, meaningful episode. (C+)
Uh...inconsistency, anyone?
>I'm going to start by saying I didn't really mind the jokey trolls. The idea
>was surreal, but I thought it provided some decent jokes. Besides, Futurama
>does that kind of thing all the time, so the Simpsons really isn't alone.
That's not really a fair comparison. "Futurama" was never supposed to be
realistic (in that way, anyway). If something works on one show, that doesn't
mean it will work on a completely different show. (I really don't think the
jockey trolls would have been funny in "Futurama," either, but they probably
wouldn't have been quite as disturbing.)
>Come
>to think of it, I also liked the Lost Souls gag from Homer Simpson iin Kidney
>Trouble. Am I just weird or something?
Yes. Yes, you are.
Nathan
Dinne...@tmbg.org
http://www.geocities.com/fablesto/
"Planets fall apart just to feed the stars and stuff their larders." --XTC
Eve 008
>>to think of it, I also liked the Lost Souls gag from Homer Simpson iin
>Kidney
>>Trouble. Am I just weird or something?
>
>Yes. Yes, you are.
Well I liked the Lost Souls. The Peter Lorre type guy talking about his job at
the car wash clinched it for me. Plus there were tigers!
------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You know, that door isn't even red and I want to paint it black."
Crow
Mystery Science Theatre 3000 (Devilfish)
Shweeney
news:20000531013028...@ng-fy1.aol.com...
> >>Come
> >>to think of it, I also liked the Lost Souls gag from Homer Simpson iin
> >Kidney
> >>Trouble
the lost souls gag was a parody of old film noir movies - the jockey trolls
were just a dumb idea with no reference to anything
you also have far too much time on yer hands mate.
TheAbman
>>This is really meanspirited and manipulative, and lowers the grade from a B
>>or
>>B-. Still, I thought it was a fun, LOL episode, though it didn't live up to
>>its
>>potential as an emotional, serious, meaningful episode. (C+)
>
>Uh...inconsistency, anyone?
What I mean was: the original intent that one would expect from this type of
episode was that it would be serious and touching. I thought the idea behind
the episode was a great one. However, the episode was NOT serious or emotional,
but instead a farce with occassional sappy moments. But the farce wasn't
necessarily bad (I laughed a number of times).
>>I'm going to start by saying I didn't really mind the jokey trolls. The idea
>>was surreal, but I thought it provided some decent jokes. Besides, Futurama
>>does that kind of thing all the time, so the Simpsons really isn't alone.
>
>That's not really a fair comparison. "Futurama" was never supposed to be
>realistic (in that way, anyway). If something works on one show, that
>doesn't
>mean it will work on a completely different show.
If you look at the episode and think of the big picture of the Simpsons' entire
run, Jockey Trolls seems really detrimental to everything the show stands for.
If you think of Saddleshore Galactica on its own merits, the Jockey Trolls
doesn't seem as disturbing. Futurama seems to find humor from excessively
cartoonish situations, and Simpsons did a little of that in Saddleshore
Galactica.
>>Come
>>to think of it, I also liked the Lost Souls gag from Homer Simpson iin
>Kidney
>>Trouble. Am I just weird or something?
>
>Yes. Yes, you are.
Thanks :D
TheAbman
even though this is the first time in weeks that i've come close to this
newsgroup? People who post one-liner inside-jokey posts week after week
indicate far more need of a life.
The Rack
thea...@aol.comdamnspam (TheAbman) wrote:
> The Principal and the Pauper
> The only awful episode of the 4F series
Oh, there were plenty of those.
> Treehosue of Horror 8
> if there's something that Mike Scully deserves credit for, it's that
> he made the best treehouse of horror ever
I was about to call you a yogurt-head, until I realized you were
talking about 5F02. Yes; that's possibly the best THOH ever. (For some
reason, I thought you were talking about 4F02--undoubtedly the WORST
THOH EVER) Homega man is the best Simpsons writing in 3 years.
> The Cartridge Family
> Instead of focusing on the social and psychological issues of gun
> ownership and satirizing them, this episode instead has Homer
> shooting dinner plates.
The satire here is an extreme expression of how some dumb people in our
society might act, if they owned guns. It was good satire. If there's
one thing John Swartzwelder knows how to do, it's write satire.
> The Joy of Sect
> This episode, in its attempt to create a wacky action/adventure
> parody, goes too far out of bounds.
What, exactly, does it parody? There are many groups of wacked-out
cultists living in America. The Waco Branch Davidians; the suicide-
cults; the anti-establishment movement in Montana. I thought it was
quite natural to satirize cult followers, seeing how brainless Homer
can be characterized.
Burns creating his own religion made this episode very good. That whole
subplot felt like something from season 5.
> Das Bus
> Unsuccessfully parodying Lord of the Flies only undermines the
> originality of this episode.
I thought it was fairly well done. And, oh yes, I loved the narrator
reading the story at the end. He just makes up his own ending. "The
kids were rescued by, oh... let's say... Moe." I don't think many
critics of this so-called abrupt ending realized what was actually
happening. The narrator was making it up as he went! That's a funny
concept.
> Dumbbell Indemnity
> I don't know why, but Moe having a love life seemed to be a
> unique look at his character, and I wouldn't have thought it would
> work, but it worked.
I don't like character development in the Simpsons. That's what has
destroyed the Simpsons (for me), beginning sometime (with hit and miss
episodes) during season 6. Satire (using chiefly one-dimensional,
stereotypical characters) was gradually booted in favor of character
development. I loved the stereotypes shown on the Simpsons. It was a
way of laughing at ourselves, our fellow man, without hurting anyone's
feelings. "Their clothes are different from my clothes."
We laugh at these stereotypes (shown to us), because we realize there's
a ring of truth to them--and we laugh at ourselves for taking such a
simplistic view of our fellow human beings.
> This Little Wiggy
> Really good exploration into Ralph's human side in spite of his
> retardation,
Again, episodes focusing on "character" tend to be my lesser favorites.
> Simpson Tide
> What can I say? Funny, but too wacky, and really lame plot. (C+)
I found it very funny; the writers of 2F32 (the WORST EVER, IMO)
redeemed themselves with an episode worthy of praise. The plot is
obviously a take-off on the name Crimson Tide (Simpson Tide). The
writers sat down, said "Let's see. Simpson Tide. What would that be
about? Homer takes a nuclear sub into Russian waters." Not a bad parody.
> The Trouble With Trillions
> IRS satire? Fidel Castro stealing money from Burns to revitalize
> Communism? This is not bold, cutting-edge satire.
It's a little wacky, but the idea that the government would rather
Homer do their dirty work than send him to jail is good satire. It
shows the IRS as the dull, scheming monolith everone feels it is.
> Girly Edition
> Was I watching The Simpsons or some other family sitcom like Family
> Matters or Full House?
It was nice to see Bart more involved with his family, instead of off
by himself--cracking an occasional one-liner.
I thought Grampa saying "I can't wait to eat that monkey" was quite
funny.
> Trash of the Titans
> Season 9 continued to go down the toilet with The Ulttimate Homer
> Jerkass Episode
Now see--this is what I disagree with. The person everyone
calls "jerkass Homer" is actually any jerkass you might find in
America. People consider Homer an actual, separate individual--when in
reality, he began the show as a stereotypical white(yellow) American
male. He could come off as a jerk, a bad father--whatever. People who
approach the Simpsons thinking of the characters as individuals, as
three dimensional characters, are bound to think ill of the "jerks" on
the show. I won't slap a label on Homer when he acts like a "jerkass",
because it's not really "Homer, the individual, who is wrongly
portrayed by the writers as a jerkass"--it's "Homer, representing the
jerkasses in our world."
I like one-dimensional, stereotypical characters--because that's what
works best for satire. It's nice to see Homer (and others) actually
break out of their three-dimensional (individual) constraints, and
satirize these "people-types" in our society. Any particular character,
as an individual (three-dimensional), offers little opportunity for
satire. Apu, for example, stopped being funny when the writers decided
to stop poking fun at the awkward (I think, cool-sounding) English
accent. When they stopped portraying him as "any Indian convenience
store person", and fleshed out his character--they ruined him.
You may think ill of me, because you might interpret my need to laugh
at these stereotypical people as mean-spirited, or even racist. But,
Apu, such as he is, doesn't exist. It's funny to be shown a stereotype
that we can all admit is largely true. Then, you realize that you feel
that way about people, and you laugh at yourself for being so
simplistic.
In regards to 5F09--I thought it was bad, for other reasons. It was
very spottily written.
> Lard of the Dance
> The Simpsons, in my opinion, really sunk low when spitting out this
> episode. I felt absolutely no sympathy for Lisa. She was only used by
> the writers as a preachy, shrill, and unfunny tool for the preachy,
> ridiculous, unconvincing moral (enjoy being a kid instead of a snob).
> What kind of moral was that?
There was a lot more to this episode that made it one of my worst two
ever, but I think Jane O'Brien's feelings were hurt after I posted them
(originally; hey. I can flatter myself ;) Since that ep, she's not even
written another one.
> Homer Simpson in Kidney Trouble
> I've spent years wondering why people hate this episode. It's not
> great but it's not any worse than a lot of the Scully Era (euphemised
> expletive-deleted).
I happen to agree.
> The Simpsons, unfortunately, hit its lowest moment
> when Homer runs out a second time, gets hit by a car, and has his
> kidney stolen.
That was quite funny, and unexpected. Many people who believe in the
ideal of "the caring Homer" hated the fact that Homer wouldn't stop to
let Abe urinate. I thought it was another good example of Homer's
perfectly illogical, irrational decision making.
> Sunday, Cruddy Sunday
> This is a much worse example than Viva Ned Flanders of focusing onnly
> on humor
I thought it was quite good. The Catholic church/ZZ-Top reference,
alone, was gut-busting. The "take a whiz with the pros" booth was a
terrific gag--mostly because you had to pay attention to notice it. The
whole making-fun-of idiots who get screwed at auto mechanics. It had a
lot of good going for it. Plus the stuff at the Post Office was good (I
happen to work at the Post Office)
> Make Room For Lisa
> Why this episode doesn't work on an emotional level: Lisa decides in
> the end that it's OK for Homer to be a jerk if he shows an interest
> in what she's interested in.
Finally, Lisa forgives Homer for occasionally being Homer. That's good.
I like the fact that she's willing to change her sometimes hard-headed
feelings about people, and her environment.
> Maximum Homerdrive
> Jerkass Homer the truck driver is about as mundane as the writers can
> get.
Very funny at times. The whole scene at the slaughterhouse. The satiric
view of meat-eaters (coming from a meat eater, that's high praise). It
became somewhat wacky, like when Homer manages to flip the entire rig
over the blockade, and land on all 18-wheels--unharmed. But, that could
be interpreted as a form of satire--"the hero always wins."
> Simpson Bible Stories
> Though it's original, it felt like the writers were simply adding a
> lot of biblical references to this episode, without a lot of
> satirical edge.
It sounds like you wanted them to practice iconoclasm on the Bible.
Good luck. Satire is a strange thing, in that it's temporal. Satirizing
the past doesn't work, because the observer feels no compelling need to
change his perceptions about it. The past happened--it's done.
Satire is effective in criticizing our current society, people,
politicians, what have you. In other posts I've made at A.T.F.,
satirizing the future appears not to work--either. Satire must always
have a context of "today" to work.
I liked AABF14--despite the lack of real satire. The Bible parody was
good enough.
> Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo
> It's too bad this epiisode decided to be bad anyway and stick in a
> lot of cartoony, pointless gags, like the Simpsons suffering
> seizures, and Godzilla attacking the plane. (C)
The seizures was a reference to the infamous Japanese seizure-causing
cartoons. The Godzilla thing was possibly the funniest gag in the
episode. So, it's a little "far out" for many people. The Simpsons'
world, once again, is not a literal world. The gag played on our
shallow (American) understanding of Japanese culture; they don't all
write Haiku. They don't all bow. They don't all practice karate, and,
of course, Godzilla and Rodan don't really exist. But, for some people
in society, the reality of Godzilla is on par with the reality of a
real "Springfield" in our country somewhere.
I thought this was one of the best episodes in a long time--a new
setting, and a way to satirize Japanese culture (and, our perceptions
of it), without relying on one-liner type jokes.
> Beyond Blunderdome
> I don't know why I'm giving this totally loony episode so high as a
> C.
Maybe because Homer's re-edited version of the "Mr. Smith" movie was a
side-splitter. Mel inexplicably collapsing, and then becoming angry
when the senators laugh (at his expense). Mel (acting like Curley), the
totally inplausable explosion (which made it ridiculously funny), and
the totally unnecessary violence of killing the President. Primo stuff.
> Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner
> Another dull Homer-gets-a-job-episode.
I think these people, who criticize an episode because it can be
categorized, need to re-think the strategy. What's so wrong with Homer
getting jobs? Everyone gets jobs. What? They've done it before, so move
on? You're putting unrealistic constraints on plots (no more jerkasses;
no more job-getting; no more silly schemes) You'd like three-
dimensional characters, that can only explore one time-line in life.
You want to flesh out all the stereotypical characters, and give them
personal identities. I can't agree with that.
> Hello Gutter, Hello Fadder
> I think people who consider this the best of later seasons and on par
> with earlier seasons need to get in touch with reality.
I do; this is by far the best of season 11.
> The attempts at humanity in this episode were really laughable.
Who made any attempts at that?
> Why would Homer get so suddenly so depressed over people losing
> interest over his perfect game that he'd ATTEMPT SUICIDE?!?!?
Because that's satire. I almost wrote "because that's satire, stupid",
but then I realized I don't want to flame you--or anyone--
indiscriminately.
> Also, why did people find this episode so funny?
The first five minutes were extremely snappy, funny, full of great
satire about Homer's (or, anyone in society's) immunity to toxic waste
poisoning (he actually eats it!) The "where's the fire" bit was funny.
Homer preferring "Where's Waldo" to Maggie was funny. The time-lapse
was funny. Homer saying "I can't get in trouble if I can't see you" was
very funny. Burns kicking and choking Homer was funny.
>Is it really so hilarious to see Homer interrup a Penn and Teller
> show
Not particularly
> or Homer continue to fight with Ron Howard, or Homer in
> Springfield Squares
The point of the scene was to arrive at "Ron Howard directs, because
he's not cute anymore" idea. A funny way to razz him.
> Eight Misbehaving
> Matt Selman, the writer, shows a clear understanding of character
> interaction as he continues the "epic" of Apu's starting a new life
> in America.
Once again, this was the absolute worst of season 11. I'm tired of
these episodes, revolving around "individuality"
and "characterization". It's as if satire is extinct, and we're
watching a glorified soap-opera on screen. Just so they can claim the
show wasn't a drama, they throw in extremely childish scenes, where
Homer is bitten on the ass by poisonous snakes.
The one time I laughed was when Homer applied colorforms to the nanny's
face.
>Apu having
> a kid isn't so original, but Apu having octuplets is quite an
> interesting twist. This was a pretty good commentary episode on how
> parents really deal with multiple birth.
It was bland, and uninsightful. This is about as far as they go: Apu
and Manjula have babies (cool! Character development! A new line of
continuity established!--(realize, I'm being bitterly sarcastic)) and
then they have trouble. Oh, wow. As if we could believe having 8 babies
would be a walk in the park. There was no insight here; it was an
episode devoted to establishing new continuity, and luring new parents
to the Simpsons audience. Barf.
> Grift of the Magi
> This episode wasn't particularly funny. The idea of a toy company
> taking over the school, spying on kids, and making a toy ISN'T the
> kind of idea that sends me ROTFLMAO.
You'd be surprised at how far some new companies will go to market a
product. They have you send in rebate coupons. Why? So they can sell
your name, address, phone number, and e-mail to mailing lists--who then
call you incessantly, send you piles of junk mail, and harrass you in
whatever way they can.
Recent marketing "breakthroughs", like grocery stores giving
out "value" cards, seem to make shopping better for consumers. In
reality, they create another database for these people to use in their
incessant tyranny and efforts to nearly force the consumer to buy more
products.
Big Mom
> it's ruined by desparate attempts to keep it wacky and
> not-so-realistic (Homer's painful skiing, leprosy)
Yes; I hated that slapstick (Homer getting hit in the crotch all the
way down the hill. THIS is intelligent comedy? What a kick in the face)
> Saddleshore Galactica
> I'm going to start by saying I didn't really mind the jokey trolls.
And neither did I. It was a satirical guess at why jockeys are so tiny.
(Because they're munchkins!) People call that unrealistic--but, this is
fiction. And even realistic shows (like Ally McBeal) do some
conceptually unrealistic things.
> Alone Again Natura-diddily
> The ending kind of sucks, because the writers relied on
> Christian rock music to entertain the audience and conclude the
> episode, yet the ending is complete.
They were obviously setting up a future meeting with Rachel Jordan and
Ned Flanders. Romance is in the air.
> Lovejoy's speech was kind of insensitive (Maude was
> only a supporting characterin everyone else's lives??)
It wasn't insensitive; it was a comment made not from a character's
perspective, but from the AUDIENCE's perspective. That's why it was
funny.
> I think it's unfair of some people to accuse Homer of
> being cruel for trying to get Ned to date.
I think it also shows they can't accept Homer when he acts like
anything less than a saint.
> Bart to the Future
> The only good thing about this episode was Bart was well-portrayed as
> an adult.
I think that's one of the reasons why it wasn't so good. I think Nancy
Cartwright should have done the lower-version of Bart's voice, like she
did in 2F15. The episode meandered too much, and didn't really use
Lisa's new situation as president to say anything. The episode wasn't
particularly inspired. But, it didn't suck.
--
Back in home country, growing up in filth,
The RACK dreams to play U.S.A. football...
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
The Rack
"Shweeney" <li...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> the jockey trolls
> were just a dumb idea with no reference to anything
Direct reference to munchkins from The Wizard of Oz. It was also a
satirical guess at why jockeys are so small. (They're
elves/munchkins/trolls!) Many of them (as seen in interviews on ESPN)
aren't very personable, either. They tend to be quite arrogant.
It may be an unrealistic concept, but many realistic TV shows (like
Ally McBeal) use unrealistic concepts. (Characters on Ally routinely
hallucinate unrealistic things)
And, who says the Simpsons must directly represent reality, anyway?
Bill McNeal
>Ally McBeal) use unrealistic concepts. (Characters on Ally routinely
>hallucinate unrealistic things)
How _dare_ you compare The Simpsons to Ally McBeal.
Och.
I am so disgusted right now, I can't even say anything.
::applause::
Och.
-- An XPeeple Production --
"If this were 'Logan's Run' I'd be Soylent Green by now." -Bill McNeal
"It takes two to lie- one to lie and one to listen." -Homer Simpson
"Usually it's just soup for one, salad for one, wine for three..." -Edna
Krabappel
Metlhd3138
>>Ally McBeal) use unrealistic concepts. (Characters on Ally routinely
>>hallucinate unrealistic things)
>
>How _dare_ you compare The Simpsons to Ally McBeal.
How about comparing it to sexy female lawyer?
"Sexy female Lawyer,,having lots of sex"
Bill McNeal
Hmmm, I guess that's acceptable.
I find leggy cyclopses quite attractive.
Just as long as they're not bulimic.
Or just plain ugly.
Dartheodore Maximillian Arada III
Matt Groening.
~DarthArada~
"Snuh!" Homer Simpson
"We have all the time in the world..." ~George Lazenby/James Bond "On Her
Majesty's Secret Service"
MUSSOLINI TO EMBARK ON CHEST EXPANSION CAMPAIGN ~The Onion
mgr_babe
darth...@aol.comswallows (Dartheodore Maximillian Arada III)
wrote:
><And, who says the Simpsons must directly represent reality,
anyway?>
>
>Matt Groening.
>
I highly doubt MG thought the Simpsons would be this long when
he mentioned his opinions on the show remaining 'realistic' back
in 1990-91.
Jake
* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!
Bill McNeal
>> >>>Ally McBeal) use unrealistic concepts. (Characters on Ally routinely
>> >>>hallucinate unrealistic things)
>> >>
>> >>How _dare_ you compare The Simpsons to Ally McBeal.
>> >
>> >How about comparing it to sexy female lawyer?
>> >"Sexy female Lawyer,,having lots of sex"
>>
>> Hmmm, I guess that's acceptable.
>>
>> I find leggy cyclopses quite attractive.
>>
>> Just as long as they're not bulimic.
>>
>> Or just plain ugly.
>>
>
True dat.
And not with the hot Chinese girl either.
That just ruined a fantasy.
Bill McNeal
>anyway?>
>>
>>Matt Groening.
>>
>
>I highly doubt MG thought the Simpsons would be this long when
>he mentioned his opinions on the show remaining 'realistic' back
>in 1990-91.
I wouldn't have thought it either. In fact I would have liked the show to end
several years ago.
The Rack
darth...@aol.comswallows (Dartheodore Maximillian Arada III) wrote:
>
> Matt Groening.
They never have directly represented reality. The Simpsons
aren't "particular" people, in their own little world. They're send-ups
of American society; it's a distorted, satiric view of reality--not
a "dead-on" reality.
Dale G. Abersold
> darth...@aol.comswallows (Dartheodore Maximillian Arada III) wrote:
> > <And, who says the Simpsons must directly represent reality, anyway?>
> >
> > Matt Groening.
>
> They never have directly represented reality. The Simpsons
> aren't "particular" people, in their own little world. They're send-ups
> of American society; it's a distorted, satiric view of reality--not
> a "dead-on" reality.
Of course it isn't a direct representation of reality. NO fictional
program is a direct representation of reality.
But tell me, how are "jockey trolls" a send-up of American society?
Dale G. Abersold
dal...@hotmail.com
"Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons."
- Woody Allen
Kieran Murphy
news:3939441D...@hotmail.com...
> The Rack wrote:
> > darth...@aol.comswallows (Dartheodore Maximillian Arada III)
wrote:
> > > <And, who says the Simpsons must directly represent reality,
anyway?>
> > >
> > > Matt Groening.
> >
> > They never have directly represented reality. The Simpsons
> > aren't "particular" people, in their own little world. They're
send-ups
> > of American society; it's a distorted, satiric view of reality--not
> > a "dead-on" reality.
>
> Of course it isn't a direct representation of reality. NO fictional
> program is a direct representation of reality.
>
> But tell me, how are "jockey trolls" a send-up of American society?
>
>
Or Teletubbies with lasers.
Or drug addled sheep.
Kieran Murphy
Dean Humphries
>
> Bill McNeal wrote:
> >
> > >>>It may be an unrealistic concept, but many realistic TV shows (like
> > >>>Ally McBeal) use unrealistic concepts. (Characters on Ally routinely
> > >>>hallucinate unrealistic things)
> > >>
> > >>How _dare_ you compare The Simpsons to Ally McBeal.
> > >
> > >How about comparing it to sexy female lawyer?
> > >"Sexy female Lawyer,,having lots of sex"
> >
> > Hmmm, I guess that's acceptable.
> >
> > I find leggy cyclopses quite attractive.
> >
> > Just as long as they're not bulimic.
> >
> > Or just plain ugly.
> >
>
> Yes - THOSE kind of female lawyers shouldn't be having sex at ALL.
>
Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2000 00:11:51 -0700
NNTP-Posting-Host:210.54.196.244
People posting from the future scare me!
--
>>>> Get Snuhy!
>>>
>>> alt.tv.simpsons.snuh & alt.snuh.
>>
>> news:alt.snuh
>
> news:alt.tv.simpsons.snuh
http://www.geocities.com/buhsnuh
___ ___ ___ ___
/\__\ /\ \ /\ \ /\ \
/:/ _/_ \:\ \ \:\ \ \:\ \
/:/ /\ \ \:\ \ \:\ \ \:\ \
/:/ /::\ \ _____\:\ \ ___ \:\ \ ___ /::\ \
/:/_/:/\:\__\ /::::::::\__\ /\ \ \:\__\ /\ /:/\:\__\
\:\/:/ /:/ / \:\~~\~~\/__/ \:\ \ /:/ / \:\/:/ \/__/
\::/ /:/ / \:\ \ \:\ /:/ / \::/__/
\/_/:/ / \:\ \ \:\/:/ / \:\ \
/:/ / \:\__\ \::/ / \:\__\
\/__/ \/__/ \/__/ \/__/ Cohort #15
grosse
news:393AA4...@xtra.co.nz...
> > Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2000 00:11:51 -0700
> > NNTP-Posting-Host:210.54.196.244
> >
> > People posting from the future scare me!
> >
>
Earth hours
> before you realise it's happened.
>
> Jeremy McC.
Can you tape the next episode of "Clerks" for me?
Who driving? Bear driving? How is possible?
Jeremy McCarthy
Jeremy McCarthy
Jeremy McCarthy
>
> "Jeremy McCarthy" <jere...@xtra.co.nz> wrote in message
> news:393AA4...@xtra.co.nz..
>
> Who driving? Bear driving? How is possible?
Let me think about it while I plan your horrible, grisly deaths.
Jeremy McC.
IClan_Emporer
1. You would've hated it's a Mad Mad Mad Mad Marge.
2. You accidentally said that The Wizard of Evergreen Terrace was
Miracle on Evergreen Terrace, which you forgot to review.
3. I think that you were too harsh on some Season 9 Episodes, but you
didn't trash Season 10-11ers enough.
--
-Justin Cass, a.k.a. IClan_Emporer, IClan_...@Hotmail.com
Age of Empires Archive- www.aoearchive.cjb.net
Futurama Daily Trivia- www.futuramatrivia.cjb.net
"Let's Just Say He's A Few Prawns Short of a Galaxy."
Bill McNeal
>>
>>
>
>Or Teletubbies with lasers.
>
>Or drug addled sheep.
Dude, we're talking about America now.
Chris Palm
>>> But tell me, how are "jockey trolls" a send-up of American society?
>>>
>>>
>>
>>Or Teletubbies with lasers.
>>
>>Or drug addled sheep.
>
>Dude, we're talking about America now.
We can dig it.
-=Krispy
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
To respond, break the pact.
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Empty Bottle Collector
>> Maximum Homerdrive
>> Jerkass Homer the truck driver is about as mundane as the writers can
>> get.
>
>Very funny at times. The whole scene at the slaughterhouse. The satiric
>view of meat-eaters (coming from a meat eater, that's high praise). It
>became somewhat wacky, like when Homer manages to flip the entire rig
>over the blockade, and land on all 18-wheels--unharmed. But, that could
>be interpreted as a form of satire--"the hero always wins."
Actually, by your own definitions, I'd say that's more parody than satire. The
hero DOESN'T also win in real life, but he usually does in fiction.
Ben Mann
>
> >
> >>> But tell me, how are "jockey trolls" a send-up of American society?
> >>
> >>Or Teletubbies with lasers.
> >>
> >>Or drug addled sheep.
> >
> >Dude, we're talking about America now.
>
> We can dig it.
Hey America, you're so fine.
You're so fine, you blow my mind.
America.
still a "Principal and the Pauper" fan,
Ben Mann / buck...@concentric.net
Bill McNeal
>> >>
>> >>Or Teletubbies with lasers.
>> >>
>> >>Or drug addled sheep.
>> >
>> >Dude, we're talking about America now.
>>
>> We can dig it.
>
> Hey America, you're so fine.
> You're so fine, you blow my mind.
> America.
>
> still a "Principal and the Pauper" fan,
Hooray! I'm not alone!
Chris Palm
>>> >>> But tell me, how are "jockey trolls" a send-up of American society?
>>> >>
>>> >>Or Teletubbies with lasers.
>>> >>
>>> >>Or drug addled sheep.
>>> >
>>> >Dude, we're talking about America now.
>>>
>>> We can dig it.
>>
>> Hey America, you're so fine.
>> You're so fine, you blow my mind.
>> America.
>>
>> still a "Principal and the Pauper" fan,
>
>Hooray! I'm not alone!
Gee, Snippy, just ignore my countless posts proclaiming my love for that
episode, why don't you?
Well guess what...I'm *glad* you died!
Bill McNeal
>>>> >>
>>>> >>Or Teletubbies with lasers.
>>>> >>
>>>> >>Or drug addled sheep.
>>>> >
>>>> >Dude, we're talking about America now.
>>>>
>>>> We can dig it.
>>>
>>> Hey America, you're so fine.
>>> You're so fine, you blow my mind.
>>> America.
>>>
>>> still a "Principal and the Pauper" fan,
>>
>>Hooray! I'm not alone!
>
>Gee, Snippy, just ignore my countless posts proclaiming my love for that
>episode, why don't you?
Done and done.
And I mean done.
>Well guess what...I'm *glad* you died!
Died? I wish! If I were dead, there wouldn't be a problem.
The Rack
In article <20000604005630...@ng-fk1.aol.com>,
vo...@aol.comrade (The Empty Bottle Collector) wrote:
> The Rack:
>>It became somewhat wacky, like when Homer manages to flip the entire
>> rig over the blockade, and land on all 18-wheels--unharmed. But,
>> that could be interpreted as a form of satire--"the hero always
> wins."
>
> Actually, by your own definitions, I'd say that's more parody than
> satire. The hero DOESN'T also win in real life, but he usually does
> in fiction.
Well, "satire" isn't really the word I wanted, anyway. That's why I
used the phrase "a form of satire." Because flipping an 18-wheeler 50
feet in the air over a massive blockade doesn't really parody any
particular movie, or TV show, the joke is... something else. At least
there was a point to it (to give an extreme example of the "hero always
winning.")
In contrast, there was absolutely NO point to the Simpsons car/train
thing that happened in BABF17. That was pure, silly, wackiness--not
intelligent humor.
The Rack
"Dale G. Abersold" <dal...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> The Rack wrote:
> But tell me, how are "jockey trolls" a send-up of American society?
Ah, Dale. Good to talk to you again.
It's a satiric guess at why jockeys are so small. "Because they're all
munchkins!" Every time I've seen a jockey interviewed on TV, I see them
acting fairly arrogant, and therefore they become targets for
iconoclasm, and satire.
This unrealistic concept was played out on screen. Many unrealistic
concepts are played out on realistic shows. Ally McBeal's constant
hallucinations, and the constant facial "morphing" and the like show
that a realistic show can be effective, using unrealistic ideas.
I'm not in love with the jockey munchkins; but, I see the joke there.
The Rack
"Kieran Murphy" <SPAMkiera...@hotmail.comSPAM> wrote:
> Or Teletubbies with lasers.
>
> Or drug addled sheep.
The drug addled sheep were just a plot-line extension, coming from a
parody of "Animal Farm"--a story where the animals act much like
humans. Starting from the Animal Farm plotline, the sheep continue
that, and consume the tomacco.
The teletubbies thing was just a small joke, showing them as literal
aliens, with a sadistic side. It reflects a blurring between reality
and fiction.
You might also complain about Oscar the Grouch and Elmo, or Big Bird,
from the same episode. It's just an abstract extension of this idea
of "TV reality."
ChaiTheDog
>>The City of New York vs Homer Simpson
Some good lines, some fun, but I thought making fun of New York was really old
and hackneyed. Also, obnoxious Homer. (C+)<<
Sorry, Ab. I beg to differ. On many of these reviews actually. For some reason,
the New York episode really works for me. It is one of my favorite episodes
ever. Lately, it doesn't seem as good, since I've seen it like a million times,
but the story is so well-done that I don't care. The ending always has me in
stitches. Obnoxious Homer is funny here because the world is being equally
obnoxious to him. Great song in act three too. (A)
>>The Principal and the Pauper
The only awful episode of the 4F series, this one had bad lines galore<<
There are a few stinkers here. But also quite a few overlooked quotables. The
characters are rich and deep, although contradictory to what we've seen
earlier, and the symbolism in Skinner's silhouette night is admirable. Parts of
it are kind of awkward, but to me, the only truly bad part is the ending. My
theory: Skinner likes dog food. (C+)
Lisa's Sax
Very funny stuff. Funny in a corny, stupid sort of way. Good song. Good jokes.
Not too shabby. (A-)
Treehouse of Horror 8
I wouldn't say this is the BEST Halloween special. I deem season six's THoH to
be perhaps the very best episode made, and season four's is pretty good. Still,
a very entertaining episode with the best opening to a Halloween special ever.
(A-)
The Cartridge Family
One of the most quotable episodes in Simpsons history, and generally
thoughtful, although Homer's character was not at its best. The jokes mostly
work, and the NRA commentary is well-done in every respect. I must agree with
Ondre however; the animation is really weird here. (A-)
Bart Star
I've never much cared for this somewhat low-brow entry. The writing isn't bad,
the story's pretty good, but most of the jokes fail, and the entire cup segment
is a bit rotten. (B-)
The 2 Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons
A fine story, and a well-written one at that. Not as fresh or funny as the
Simpsons of old, but for the first two acts, an entertaining episodes. Tends to
run out of steam at the end. (B+)
Lisa the Skeptic
I wouldn't even give this one a B. It isn't written well. Lisa's a jerk and so
are too many of the townspeople. Many of the jokes fail and the commentary for
the most part falls flat. Stephen Jay Gould was pointless and not funny. Not a
bad effort, and it's obvious the writer had his eyes in the right direction. He
unfortunately missed his mark. (C)
Realty Bites
A terrible episode. Before "Little Big Mom" came around, I considered 5F06 to
have the very worst dialogue of any episode. Lionel Hutz has never been less
funny. The car subplot was hokey and lame. The only good lines came from the
Flanderses. (D-)
All SInging, All Dancing
An episode that mocks its subject while at the same time doing that which it
mocks cannot possibly be fun to watch. The songs themselves rule, and they can
never ruin an episode entirely, but this despicable blasphemy of musical
numbers tries real hard to. Even the "Paint Your Wagon" bit isn't funny on
repeated viewings. (D-)
Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
Parts of this rather dark episode were poorly written, particularly the
beginning, when Homer's kicking the heater and stealing from the store, but
then its story begins and it's a good one. This may be Kent Brockman's funniest
episode, although he is surrounded by quite a few bad jokes. The ending's
pretty painful, but at least it's well-made. Patches and Violet are a
highlight. (B-)
Bart Carny
A very offbeat venture into some pretty good lowbrow humor. The jokes are so
weird (eg. hamburger wrappers blooming with the sun, the world's smallest
horse, the Barf bucket, Mr. Bribe), but also pretty good. Not the most
respectable episode, but not bad either. Parts of it fell flat though. (B)
The Joy of Sect
A hilarious scene with Mr. Burns and some funny Groundskeeper Willie bits can't
help a somewhat stupid, boring episode with too many bad jokes. There should be
something funny about a Li'l Bastard Brainwashing Kit and Leader Beans, but for
some reason there just isn't. My creative writing teacher loved this episode,
but I feel that if this were made in season six, it would be a very bad
production. (C+)
Das Bus
This is one of those ones I loved on the first viewing, hated on the next few
viewings, and then came to like it again. The third act is poorly written, but
there's something charming about the kids' poorly written dialogue that makes
me laugh. The first act is what truly saves this otherwise mediocre production;
there are enough good jokes there to make just about anything worthwhile. (C+)
The Last Temptation of Krust
I agree with Ab here entirely. This show has a good topic, but Krusty's new
comedy just isn't funny. His old stuff was funnier than his George Carlin-ish
routine. There are some good jokes here, but all of them have nothing to do
with Krusty's act. Homer's nonchalant observation as he's about to go to the
bathroom is the show's highlight. But the focus of this comedy-centered episode
falls terribly flat. And that Canyonero song is damned repetitive. Really do
not like that song. A little less than 14% of the words in that song are
"Canyonero". Terrible song. It's a commercial right? How many good things are
said about the car in that commercial? A really clever device would be stuff
that sounds good but isn't when you think about it. Anyway, (C-)
Dumbbell Indemnity
Up until the last two minutes, this account of Moe's doomed love life has a
wonderful story with some great jokes along the way. Some highlights are Moe's
backwards representations of his car and Homer, and Homer's "That's what you
get for not hailing to the chimp!" There exist far too many loose ends,
however, as the conflict never quite gets resolved. The beginning is corny and
poorly executed as well, and the writing isn't as tight as it could be. Still a
fine episode by all accounts. (B)
Lisa the Simpson
I saw this one just yesterday and it is truly a fine episode. The jokes are
quite funny all around, and Lisa's plight is believeable. I sometimes think I'm
getting dumber every day, and I could really relate to her concern. Good Troy
McClure bit, excellent ending. The only thing that needed a little work was
Apu's subplot. Either a low (A-) or a high (B+).
This Little Wiggy
Yeah, Ralph is by definition funny, so I guess it's okay that the writers
skimped on everything else. The story isn't bad, and neither are the jokes.
Something just seems undeniably empty about 5F13, however. Probably the ending,
which is well-executed but at bottom not very good. Lowlight: Answering machine
bit. Highlights: Playdate! and Ralph's brightly lit room. (B)
>>Simpson Tide
What can I say? Funny, but too wacky, and really lame plot. (C+)<<
Ab, I'm afraid you're wrong in every regard, as nearly every single joke in
this episode works for me. This is one of the funniest episodes ever, with a
great Village People sequence and another great sequence involving Starbucks.
Of course it's wacky, but so is "Cape Feare", and this production worked for me
in a "Cape Feare"-ish sort of way. (A+)
The Trouble With Trillionswritten, not funny, uninspired story-- this is one of
two Maxtone-Graham eps I don't think are very good. You almost can't tell he
wrote it; it's not his style. The Fenway Flounder bit is good, and so is most
of the stuff at Burns Manor, but this episode also boasts that terrible photo
booth scene which irks me so much. (D)
Girly Edition
I'm truly in the minority here, but I really like this episode. I think Bart's
phony sentiment is hilarious, and the monkey subplot yielded quite a few jokes,
particularly Grampa's line. The story isn't bad, and the climax with Willie is
funny and well-executed. A few slow spots, but otherwise, an excellent look at
hokey children's news programs. Many a time, I've been interested in a team
effort such as the Kidz Newz institution of 5F15, and have been disappointed to
find that the vision of its other constituents isn't as intellectual as that of
myself, and am forced to relcutantly compromise what I wanted to do in favor of
majority rule. Then I feel guilty and conceited; the other members' wishes are
just as legitimate as mine. This sort of conflict is seldom depicted on
television at all, and this episode came purty darn close. (A)
Trash of the Titans
A hilarious Jerkass Homer dominates a pretty good story with more than a few
good jokes. The U2 concert goes on too long, but the Garbageman song is cute,
and I love the smell-it-coming- a-mile-away joke involving Flanders' dead
rabbit. Nonetheless, Homer is WAY out-of-character, and even a very funny
episode can't altogether redeem that. (B+)
King of the Hill
I don't know what to think about this one. Sometimes I like it. Sometimes I
don't. Strange, huh?
Lost Our Lisa
A flawless, well-written story with some great jokes along the way. One of the
last of the Truffula Trees. (A)
Natural Born Kissers
A very enjoyable, (particularly on lonely nights) bawdy show, while still
within the bounds of good taste. Is this the last episode where Homer and Marge
seem to truly love each other? I think it might be. (A)
Lard of the Dance
Bad episode about a great topic. I myself sometimes feel like I'm a few steps
behind the rest of the world, and can thus relate to Lisa's conflict here.
However, (minus the North Kilt Town bit) this is the only good aspect of a
rotten, rather disgusting Jerkass Homer episode (does not his "subplot" get
more screen time than Lisa?) with a particularly bad characterization of
Principal Skinner. Emu farm? Hah! (D)
Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
I actually haven't seen this one many times. I remember thinking it was pretty
good. Especially the dynamite equation joke. Can't grade it though.
Bart the Mother
Funny and sensitive. The very last of its kind. Homer falling down the stairs
several times is hilarious. We are reaching the end of the line for emotion,
creative genius, and above average entertainment. (B+)
Treehouse of Horror 9
Ehhh-- I remember getting into an argument I couldn't win about this episode
some time ago, so I think I'll keep my loudmouth shut this go around and not
say anything. I've only seen this one three times, and I remember thinking it
was pretty mediocre. (C+) for now, but that could change.
When You Dish Upon a Star
I must agree again. Pretty bad stuff here, not funny in the least, but
well-written towards the end, especially with Ron Howard's movie pitches.
Forgettable and ominously careless. (D+)
D'oh in the Wind
My dad really likes this episode, but I don't. Maybe I don't get it or
something, but for some reason the jokes just don't work for me, and on every
technical level, AABF02 lacks. Maybe it's just the contrast between the 5F/AABF
series working its curse, but I don't like this ep at all. (D+)
Lisa Gets an A
Although humorless in many places, at least some thought went into this
innocuous story of Lisa (believeably, IMO) cheating on a test. A few laughs
scattered about, but I don't like the ending and the best line ("Just like the
boy!") was cut in syndication. Meh. (C+)
Homer Simpson in Kidney Trouble
I'm going to agree with the abman here, although I don't like this one to the
extent he does. The whole premise just is not funny at all. I must admit that
the writing is well above average, although any attempts at a fulfilling ending
of any sort are repeatedly demolished. The darkest of season ten, and sadly,
one of the better episodes of the AABF series. (C-)
Mayored to the Mob
Again I'm in the minority, but I really do not like AABF05. The jokes are
recycled. The story meanders. The writing is crap. The animation is worse. Fat
Tony isn't funny. The "Bodyguard" refs aren't funny. Rat milk is not funny. The
only thing funny is the stroke-beleaguered waiter. (D)
Viva Ned Flanders
This one seems to get a little better on each repeated viewing, although it
bears the mark of not enough rewrites. The writing's pretty sharp, but "Ned is
60" is gratuitous and impossible destruction of character. An enjoyable but
forgettable episode if anything. (C+)
Wild Barts Can't Be Broken
I loathe this episode. The only funny thing about is the primetime TV joke
(which season ten seemed to do in gross abundance, I may add.) The Kids Adults
song is gay and the entire story is corny and dumb. (D-)
Sunday, Cruddy Sunday
A unique show if nothing else. Depending on the mood I'm in, this episode is
wild and humorous, or wild and stupid. If anything, Vincent Price has a funny
voice, and this entry seems to get by on its upbeat attitude. Last I saw it, it
was good, so (C+)
Homer to the Max
One of the best of season ten, this production starts of great and gets
progressively worse. The third act is pretty bad, and Homer seems far too
willing to part with his wife (far more aggressive than in the cute scale scene
in season one's "Homer's Night Out). Plenty of good jokes at least. (B-)
I'm With Cupid
Again I agree with Ab. This episode is pretty dull, but there are some good
moments to it. The third act is pretty bad, except for Homer's "Correction:
I'll kill us BOTH". Elton John didn't do much to save this, but the chemistry
between Apu and Manjula works pretty well and the ending is quite sweet.
(C-/D+)
Marge Simpson in Screaming Yellow Honkers
I despise Screaming Yellow Honkers. This is the second worst episode ever made,
next to "Little Big Mom". And, if "Little Big Mom" gets better on a third
viewing (and well it might), it may end up doing better than this pile of vomit
disguised as an episode. It doesn't seem possible, but this one seems to get a
little worse every time I see it. The jokes are painful and drawn out. The
story makes no sense. There's no commentary. There's the worst Gil scene in the
world, Baron van Chickenpantz, Homer getting attacked by rhinoceroses, a few of
those all-too-frequent zoo scenes, Curtis E. Bear, the list goes on. Blech.
(D-)
Make Room For Lisa
I agree with everything Ab said except for the grade. What I want to know is
why with all the flaws he said this episode had, he gave it a C. I think this
one is ruined by the moral that isn't right. If I were treated the way Homer
treated Lisa in AABF12, I don't think I would ever come to the conclusion that
such treatment is ok so long as he reluctantly takes me places I want to go.
Lisa's thoughts here are not realistic in the least; they are a cheap attempt
by the writer to justify Homer's cruel, insensitive actions. This faulty fable
is surrounded by an equally fallible story and jokes. The Omnitouch Tower is
never removed. The conflict with Bart is over before it even begins. The entire
first SCENE is completely unnecessary and humorless. Marge's subplot yields
some scant humor. Homer's wild journey was slightly amusing, but generally
overlong and way too cartoony. One of the very worst. (D-)
Maximum Homerdrive
Jerkass Homer the truck driver is about as mundane as the writers can get. Too
many jokes (ie Homer wanting divorce, the truck driver dying) were just too
unsuitable for a show like The Simpsons. Enough said.... Not quite enough
actually. Many of the jokes here were funny, and the writing is above average.
The Jehovah's Witness bit is clever, and I'm even beginning to tolerate the
ever-hokey Senor Ding-Dong. An enjoyable episode, if anything. (C)
Simpson Bible Stories
It seems to me that more could have been done with this idea. The jokes aren't
near as great as they were in earlier seasons, even though this idea hadn't yet
been touched. Not bad by any means, but for some reason, this production seems
sluggish and lacking. (B-)
Mom and Pop Art
I've only seen this once. Didn't much care for it.
They Saved Lisa's Brain
I agree totally here. More intellectual than the other AABF episodes, but not
necessarily better. Nonetheless, the a couple of the jokes are pretty good,
especially Homer's "They wanted a traditional Santa Claus", the Larry Flynt
joke, and Homer pretending to be Stephen Hawking at the end. While not an
all-time great, it's well above the standard season-ten idiotfest, even if the
characterization isn't deep and many of the jokes fall flat. (C+)
Monty Can't Buy Me Love
Icko! It's strange. The first fifteen minutes of "Monty Can't Buy Me Love" are
terrible, but there is a distinct point, the first mention of Jerry Rude, when
this episode sinks a few levels into "even more terrible". Before that moment,
there are at least some ok gags, like the check unfolding in Homer's pocket,
and Burns' cricket poison. Marge is out of character at the beginning, and the
Loch Ness monster is perhaps the stupidest plot device ever. Frog exaggerator?
:-/ (D-)
The Old Man and the C Student
Another, excessively dull, one-joke episode, with occasional laughs. I must
admit, however, that my dad likes this episode very much. I suppose to each his
own. (D-)
Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo
Actually, the seizure joke is the HIGHLIGHT of this madcap debacle. I must
admit, however, that on subsequent viewings this one isn't so bad. Willie's
mistake at the beginning of act one is funny and so is Barney's Homer disguise.
That aside, this episode forces the viewer to suspend any and all forms of
credibility for some terrible jokes that don't make the cartoonishness worth
it. Any episode that mentions Godzilla-related turbulence is doomed to be a
waste of time. (D-)
Beyond Blunderdome
I must insist that this is a fine episode. One of the best of the AABF series.
I thought maybe it was just a weird day or something when I watched this the
first time and liked it and no one else did. On the next two viewings I wasn't
disappointed. This is a well-written, fast-paced adventure into some pretty
good lowbrow jokes (although the fart gag in act one never redeems itself). I
think there are more good lines than bad, and Homer's new movie ending is
hilarious. A pox on you all! (B)
Brothers Little Helper
I can't stand this one. Bart is ridiculously out-of-character, although I
suppose that's just artistic license. I guess what's wrong here is that not
enough good came from this ep to make it all worth it. There are a few good
jokes surrounded by some cheap slapstick (testicles, Homer's oh-so-funny little
crazy dance), and Mark McGwire's ending was a pointless guest appearance.
Sideshow Mel's two scenes are the highlight. (D-)
Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner
A little more than half of this episode was on-target; the rest, however, was
some corny antics involving vengeful restaurant proprietors. Lard ho! See, it's
like Land ho, which is what stereotypical sea captains say when they see land,
and Homer,is fat, and lard is fat, so Lard ho! is a clever joke. Or something.
Anyway, the third act is pretty rancid, but at least there's one of Marge's
funniest lines at the beginning of act three. Loved Homer's singing dummy. (C+)
Treehouse of Horror 10
I only saw this once, and that was back in October, so I have little to go on.
From what I remember, this was a terribly bad episode. Maybe it will get better
the next time I see it. Maybe not. (D-)
EIEID'oh
Perhaps the best of the 11th season and certainly the best of the AABF series,
Maxtone-Graham proves himself to be the best writer on the staff. 4 out of 5
jokes worked, even the goofy ones like tractors repeatedly falling on Homer.
The story is goofy but workable and the writing is very good. If this gets any
better on subsequent viewings I'll give it an A, but for now, (B+)
Hello Gutter, Hello Fadder
If all of season eleven could be this cheerfully carefree, it would be a
wondeful dada-ish venture into non sequitur humor. The story here is
non-existent, but I found this quite enjoyable anyway. The writing's pretty
sharp, and I like its fast-paced nature. Never believeable for an instant, but
generally funny, particularly the Penn & Teller Bit, and Dr. Hibbert's line at
the end. (B-)
Eight Misbehavin'
What commentary there was was pretty good, but most of it was lost in a sea of
bad zoo humor and odd Swedish merchandise. The conflict isn't resolved or seen
much in later episodes, but at least there's some great jokes along the way.
(C)
Take My Wife Sleaze
Only saw it once, and didn't like it much.
Grift of the Magi
Only saw it once, and thought it was the best episode of the season. Lots of
good humor and stuff like that. (B)
Little Big Mom
My euphoria over the Christmas episode was broken by this corny, painfully
unfunny debacle. The only good part is the opening Itchy & Scratchy cartoon,
and everything after that is worthless. (D-)
Faith Off
From what I remember, this is the one that felt like a bad episode from an
earlier season. While there wasn't anything truly wrong with its premise, it
didn't go anywhere. Oh, the jokes are swell, don't get me wrong, but there's no
story, and that ending is just too gruesome. (C)
The Mansion Family
Actually, I thought Britney's appearance was rather amusing. And if one can
really decide what people shouldn't be on the Simpsons, at least she wasn't
there for long. About half the jokes worked. The story took a left turn off a
cliff in the third act, and it's all pretty shallow commentary about luxury,
when it's there at all. Meh. Amusing anyway.
Saddleshore Galactica
I DID mind the jockey trolls, and the stuff that went before it was pretty dumb
too. There was an argument in which some people claimed the writers were doing
this deliberately, and all the people who hated this one are malcontented Comic
Book Guys who couldn't even see that the writers deliberately made an episode
in a similar vein as the ever-quoted 4F12. Other people argued that the
aforementioned folks were arrogant Comic Book Guys-- why the hell would they
make an episode about YOU? Anyway, there are a few good jokes, so this doesn't
work as a REALLY bad episode (and why the hell would you make an episode bad
deliberately anyway?) and it definitely doesn't work as a really good episode,
so I am forced to give it a low (D) or a high (D-)
Alone Again Natura-diddily
Ondre was probably right to leave "The Simpsons" on this episode, as it truly
highlights the fault of the current staff. They are simply incapable of going
deeper. There's nothing wrong with being shallow so long as you know how to go
deep. You can break the rules so long as you know how to follow them. These
people simply do not know how to write. They can write some good jokes. Very
good jokes sometimes. But they can't write anything that leaves the viewer
fulfilled. The story here was all over the map. One couldn't feel for Ned. The
dialogue wasn't... right. There was too much dark humor, and none of that was
funny, but there were many good irrelevant jokes-- even if there shouldn't have
been. Ned parking the swan in OFF's driveway is one of the best jokes of the
season, but why here? This ep should have been so much more. It got worse for
me on a second viewing, so I don't know what grade to give it.
Missionary Impsooible
I too don't feel like reviewing this episode, but it was all right. (C+)
Pygmoelian
This might be the best episode of the season. There are some really inspired
jokes here, a plot that actually... exists, good characterization-- perhaps I
was in a weird lenient mood or something when I watched it but what I remember
really shines. The only thing that lowers the grade is a Jerkass Psycho Homer
and a clumsy, derivative opening.
Bart to the Future
What a pointless, humorless episode. The more I think about this, the worse it
gets. On the surface, it seems like a good idea. The writer did a terrible job
with this story. For one thing, how come Lisa's parents move into the White
House? And how is the Native American's story supposed to make Bart into a
better kid if A) the future depicts him as ending up a loser anyway, and B)
Bart ends up saving the day. It is as though the writer simply forgot the point
of the story halfway through. For now I give it a (C), but it will surely get
much worse on a repeated viewing.
Days of Wine and D'ohses
As rudimentary as a story can get. Some would argue that a lousy story is
better than none at all. I don't think so. Castellaneta and his wife spent so
much energy turning the gears of the plot that they didn't really work on
smooth writing or good humor. The story itself barely works, it's so weird.
Barney takes up helicopter lessons after deciding to stay sober. Bart and Lisa
go on a photography expedition, yippee. The only reason to bring the two plots
together was to bring them together. There was nothing binding them together
before, no common bond. Dan had his sights in the right place, but didn't know
how to get there. (D)
Last Tap Dance In Springfield
Another lousy first act. Very lousy. The diseappearing eye surgery plot was
gross and in poor taste. Most of the gags early in this episode fail. Halfway
through, the episode redeems itself, although probably not as much as I think.
One tends to forget the first part of an episode on a first viewing; this
episode will surely fare worse on a second viewing. (C)
Kill The Alligator and Run
I'm in the vast minority here, but oftentimes my initial review is very much
different from my later ones. Maybe I was just in a crazy mood when I saw this
the first time or something. Anyway, I thought this was a funny, cleverly
written romp through insanity. The story here isn't bad, it simply isn't here
at all. Kid Rock's appearance is a low point. I originally gave this a (B-),
but later reflection puts it closer to a (C+).
"It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad Marge" Pretty crazy stuff. The story was as clumsy as
anything, and the entire first act stunk like a fox, but other than that, a
pretty entertaining episode with quite a few laugh-out loud moments. (C+)
Behind the Laughter: Didn't see. Graduated from high school instead. I must not
be the fan I once was.
AlexJ33106
I supose I will call this post: "My Reaction to Chai's Reaction to Ab's
Reaction".
<various snips here and there>
>
> Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
> Parts of this rather dark episode were poorly written, particularly
the
> beginning, when Homer's kicking the heater and stealing from the
store, but
> then its story begins and it's a good one. This may be Kent
Brockman's funniest
> episode, although he is surrounded by quite a few bad jokes. The
ending's
> pretty painful, but at least it's well-made. Patches and Violet are a
> highlight. (B-)
I agree with the fellow who said this episode would have worked
wonderfully as a series finale. Of course, it would have needed to be
an hour long, but you get the idea...'B-'
> The Last Temptation of Krust
> I agree with Ab here entirely. This show has a good topic, but
Krusty's new
> comedy just isn't funny. His old stuff was funnier than his George
Carlin-ish
> routine.
Of course his old stuff is funnier. It was a lot more original. I
thought that was a minor part of the joke.
> There are some good jokes here, but all of them have nothing to do
> with Krusty's act. Homer's nonchalant observation as he's about to go
to the
> bathroom is the show's highlight. But the focus of this comedy-
centered episode
> falls terribly flat. And that Canyonero song is damned repetitive.
Really do
> not like that song. A little less than 14% of the words in that song
are
> "Canyonero". Terrible song. It's a commercial right? How many good
things are
> said about the car in that commercial? A really clever device would
be stuff
> that sounds good but isn't when you think about it. Anyway, (C-)
The more you critize "Canyonero", the more I must agree. It would have
worked on a funnier level if the examples of the truck they suplemented
as being good were, in actuality, bad. When I first heard the song, I
liked it. Now I don't. Thanks, Chai :) ! 'C+'
> Dumbbell Indemnity
> Up until the last two minutes, this account of Moe's doomed love life
has a
> wonderful story with some great jokes along the way. Some highlights
are Moe's
> backwards representations of his car and Homer, and Homer's "That's
what you
> get for not hailing to the chimp!" There exist far too many loose
ends,
> however, as the conflict never quite gets resolved. The beginning is
corny and
> poorly executed as well, and the writing isn't as tight as it could
be. Still a
> fine episode by all accounts. (B)
It is a decent episode, but probably the one I forget more than any
other. Seemed to drag on at the end, though. 'B-'
> Lisa the Simpson
> I saw this one just yesterday and it is truly a fine episode. The
jokes are
> quite funny all around, and Lisa's plight is believeable. I sometimes
think I'm
> getting dumber every day, and I could really relate to her concern.
Good Troy
> McClure bit, excellent ending. The only thing that needed a little
work was
> Apu's subplot. Either a low (A-) or a high (B+).
I absolutely loved this episode after initial viewing, but it has
gotten worse since then for me. Simpsons Gene? Was that the best they
could do? Anyway, I'm sure this one will pretty much be forgotten by
viewers once the frightening rumored season 12 episode comes about
where Homer's stupidity is a result of a crayon lodged in his
head...'C+'
> >>Simpson Tide
> What can I say? Funny, but too wacky, and really lame plot. (C+)<<
>
> Ab, I'm afraid you're wrong in every regard, as nearly every single
joke in
> this episode works for me.
Although it's great, I don't know about every joke being perfect.
That "Aw, Mr. Snookums...WHAT ARE YOU LOOKIN' AT?!" was desperate, as
was Homer saying "Well, I once had an earing when I was 10...but this
is completely different!"
This is one of the funniest episodes ever, with a
> great Village People sequence and another great sequence involving
Starbucks.
> Of course it's wacky, but so is "Cape Feare", and this production
worked for me
> in a "Cape Feare"-ish sort of way. (A+)
Yes, mostly good stuff. 'A-'
> The Trouble With Trillionswritten, not funny, uninspired story-- this
is one of
> two Maxtone-Graham eps I don't think are very good. You almost can't
tell he
> wrote it; it's not his style.
What is his style, anyway? Loud, arrogant and crazy stories? Haven't we
had enough of that?
>
> Trash of the Titans
> A hilarious Jerkass Homer dominates a pretty good story with more
than a few
> good jokes. The U2 concert goes on too long,
U2 rules! Nothing they're in goes on too long! Okay, okay, so (Pride)In
The Name of Love is my favorite song, and I'm sure if, say, Homeboy
interupted a Nine Inch Nails concert I wouldn't have cared as much but,
as it stands, I enjoyed the whole scene(Homer being beat up on the huge
screen was possibly the most intelligent visual gag in all of season
nine).
but the Garbageman song is cute,
> and I love the smell-it-coming- a-mile-away joke involving Flanders'
dead
> rabbit. Nonetheless, Homer is WAY out-of-character, and even a very
funny
> episode can't altogether redeem that. (B+)
Probably one of the only late-season jerk-ass Homer episodes I
partially like. 'C'
> Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
Don't you mean "Wizard of Evergreen Terrace" :) ?
> Bart the Mother
> Funny and sensitive. The very last of its kind. Homer falling down
the stairs
> several times is hilarious. We are reaching the end of the line for
emotion,
> creative genius, and above average entertainment. (B+)
Hmm. Although "Bart, The Mother" is in a league of it's own, by the
third time Homer fell down the steps, I cringed. The writers don't know
when to stop a great running gag. Anyway...'B+'
> Treehouse of Horror 9
> Ehhh-- I remember getting into an argument I couldn't win about this
episode
> some time ago, so I think I'll keep my loudmouth shut this go around
and not
> say anything.
Could that have been the small, friendly argument between you and me a
while back? If so, don't worry; you've come out victorious in many of
the discussions we've had. (Although Homer's Enemy is NOT good)
> D'oh in the Wind
> My dad really likes this episode, but I don't. Maybe I don't get it or
> something, but for some reason the jokes just don't work for me, and
on every
> technical level, AABF02 lacks. Maybe it's just the contrast between
the 5F/AABF
> series working its curse, but I don't like this ep at all. (D+)
Strange; my dad really liked this one, too. We both agreed the ending
was too much, though. 'C'
>
> Homer Simpson in Kidney Trouble
> I'm going to agree with the abman here, although I don't like this
one to the
> extent he does. The whole premise just is not funny at all. I must
admit that
> the writing is well above average, although any attempts at a
fulfilling ending
> of any sort are repeatedly demolished. The darkest of season ten, and
sadly,
> one of the better episodes of the AABF series. (C-)
Execuse me, but did you just incorporate the words "better" and "Kidney
Trouble" in the same sentence? Well, heh, actually you didn't,
since "Kidney Trouble" was not used in your final comment, but you get
my drift. A dark story that loses any type of focus it tried
establishing. Among the very worst. 'F'
>
> Viva Ned Flanders
> This one seems to get a little better on each repeated viewing,
although it
> bears the mark of not enough rewrites. The writing's pretty sharp,
but "Ned is
> 60" is gratuitous and impossible destruction of character. An
enjoyable but
> forgettable episode if anything. (C+)
It's hard to forget such a continuity-shattering episode such as
this. 'F'
>Wild Barts Can't Be Broken
>I loathe this episode. The only funny thing about is the primetime TV
>joke (which season ten seemed to do in gross abundance, I may add.)
>The Kids Adults song is gay and the entire story is corny and dumb.
>(D-)
I didn't much like the musical number, either, but I thought you were
above using homosexualism as an example of bad things, Chai.
In any case, the rest of the story was alright. And you're right; they
made too many prime-time stabs during the course of year ten 'C+'
>
> Marge Simpson in Screaming Yellow Honkers
> I despise Screaming Yellow Honkers. This is the second worst episode
ever made,
> next to "Little Big Mom". And, if "Little Big Mom" gets better on a
third
> viewing (and well it might), it may end up doing better than this
pile of vomit
> disguised as an episode. It doesn't seem possible, but this one seems
to get a
> little worse every time I see it. The jokes are painful and drawn
out. The
> story makes no sense. There's no commentary. There's the worst Gil
scene in the
> world, Baron van Chickenpantz, Homer getting attacked by
rhinoceroses, a few of
> those all-too-frequent zoo scenes, Curtis E. Bear, the list goes on.
Blech.
> (D-)
You failed to mention the tired NBC gag at the end, but I'll imagine
that went in the "list goes on" catergory. 'D+'
> Simpson Bible Stories
> It seems to me that more could have been done with this idea. The
jokes aren't
> near as great as they were in earlier seasons, even though this idea
hadn't yet
> been touched. Not bad by any means, but for some reason, this
production seems
> sluggish and lacking. (B-)
You know, I agree with most everything you said. It was very sluggish.
And it appears that little inspiration went into either of the three
stories(the toilet flushing at the end of Lisa's dream, Bart being sent
to prison at the conclusion of his own dream, etc...). Although, to
tell the truth, Bart's was the best. 'D+/C-'
>
> They Saved Lisa's Brain
> I agree totally here. More intellectual than the other AABF episodes,
but not
> necessarily better. Nonetheless, the a couple of the jokes are pretty
good,
> especially Homer's "They wanted a traditional Santa Claus", the Larry
Flynt
> joke, and Homer pretending to be Stephen Hawking at the end. While
not an
> all-time great, it's well above the standard season-ten idiotfest,
even if the
> characterization isn't deep and many of the jokes fall flat. (C+)
You're not giving it enough credit. Hawking is among the five best
guest voicers on the show, and Homer's subplot isn't as annoying as his
past ones. 'B+'
> Brothers Little Helper
> I can't stand this one. Bart is ridiculously out-of-character,
although I
> suppose that's just artistic license. I guess what's wrong here is
that not
> enough good came from this ep to make it all worth it. There are a
few good
> jokes surrounded by some cheap slapstick (testicles, Homer's oh-so-
funny little
> crazy dance), and Mark McGwire's ending was a pointless guest
appearance.
> Sideshow Mel's two scenes are the highlight. (D-)
Aw, I really liked it. All the Krusty parts were great, and the jokes
were not strung out. Seemed like, in several ways, an episode from
seasons five or six. 'A-'
>
> Treehouse of Horror 10
> I only saw this once, and that was back in October, so I have little
to go on.
> From what I remember, this was a terribly bad episode. Maybe it will
get better
> the next time I see it. Maybe not. (D-)
Or maybe it will just remain slightly above average. Loved the
introduction from Kang and Kodos. They are quikly becoming two of my
favorite Simpsons characters. 'B-'
> EIEID'oh
> Perhaps the best of the 11th season and certainly the best of the
AABF series,
> Maxtone-Graham proves himself to be the best writer on the staff. 4
out of 5
> jokes worked, even the goofy ones like tractors repeatedly falling on
Homer.
> The story is goofy but workable and the writing is very good. If this
gets any
> better on subsequent viewings I'll give it an A, but for now, (B+)
E-I-E-I-Do'h may have been good, but saying Ian-Maxtone Graham is the
best freaking guy on staff? That's going too far. He relies too much on
visual gags, not to mention absurd situations.
And he has never written one damn good ending. All of them,
from "Burns, Baby Burns" to "Alone Again, Natura-Diddly" have been
sudden and weird. "Trash of the Titans" is probably the best(or shall I
say worst?) example. Oh well; it was good but not the best of AABF(it
doesn't really have much competition, however). 'B'
> Eight Misbehavin'
> What commentary there was was pretty good, but most of it was lost in
a sea of
> bad zoo humor and odd Swedish merchandise. The conflict isn't
resolved or seen
> much in later episodes, but at least there's some great jokes along
the way.
> (C)
Matt Selman is a great writer. He writer for Homer better than any
other guy on the current staff. And he has a gift for making akward
situations seem believeable and hilarious. 'B+'
> Grift of the Magi
> Only saw it once, and thought it was the best episode of the season.
Lots of
> good humor and stuff like that. (B)
Wait...wasn't Ian-Maxtone Graham's previous work your favorite of the
season :) ? In any event, it was a nice episode. 'B'
> Little Big Mom
> My euphoria over the Christmas episode was broken by this corny,
painfully
> unfunny debacle. The only good part is the opening Itchy & Scratchy
cartoon,
> and everything after that is worthless. (D-)
You're being too generous, Chai. 'F'
> Faith Off
> From what I remember, this is the one that felt like a bad episode
from an
> earlier season. While there wasn't anything truly wrong with its
premise, it
> didn't go anywhere. Oh, the jokes are swell, don't get me wrong, but
there's no
> story, and that ending is just too gruesome. (C)
One of the three best of season 11. Bart was in top form, as was Homer.
Although the conclusion was stupid and gorey, everything else more than
made up for it. 'B+/A-'
>
> Alone Again Natura-diddily
> Ondre was probably right to leave "The Simpsons" on this episode, as
it truly
> highlights the fault of the current staff. They are simply incapable
of going
> deeper. There's nothing wrong with being shallow so long as you know
how to go
> deep. You can break the rules so long as you know how to follow them.
These
> people simply do not know how to write. They can write some good
jokes. Very
> good jokes sometimes. But they can't write anything that leaves the
viewer
> fulfilled. The story here was all over the map. One couldn't feel for
Ned. The
> dialogue wasn't... right. There was too much dark humor, and none of
that was
> funny, but there were many good irrelevant jokes-- even if there
shouldn't have
> been. Ned parking the swan in OFF's driveway is one of the best jokes
of the
> season, but why here? This ep should have been so much more. It got
worse for
> me on a second viewing, so I don't know what grade to give it.
If it weren't for "The Mansion Family", "Kill the Aligator and Run" and
this weak offering Ian spewed out, not to mention a reliance on site
gags, I may have liked season 11 almost as much as season eight. As it
stands, all three episodes get well-deserved 'F''s.
> Last Tap Dance In Springfield
> Another lousy first act. Very lousy. The diseappearing eye surgery
plot was
> gross and in poor taste. Most of the gags early in this episode fail.
Halfway
> through, the episode redeems itself, although probably not as much as
I think.
> One tends to forget the first part of an episode on a first viewing;
this
> episode will surely fare worse on a second viewing. (C)
The first act consisted of wonderful cartoonish gags. Kearny driving
Homer home, acting like Marge and having her say things she never would
may have been the high-light of the entire episode. Lisa acted like a
believeable eight-year old; Homer and Marge were represented as parents
who wanted their little girl to do good; and Bart was back to his
classic bad self. What more is there to love? 'A-'
> Behind the Laughter: Didn't see. Graduated from high school instead.
I must not
> be the fan I once was.
You missed a great episode, Chai. This one had it all. 'A' Take care.
Good-day.
-Alex(The #2 Simpsons/Transformers Fan)
Sunshine
>"Canyonero".
I have to go over here now. *walks a few steps away from Chai*
ChaiTheDog
>>A little less than 14% of the words in that song are
>>"Canyonero".
>
>I have to go over here now. *walks a few steps away from Chai*
Yes. That's right. I actually counted. Now who's Top Nerd, huh? WAHAHAHAAAH!!!
Kieran Murphy
ChaiTheDog <chait...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20000605004230...@ng-fk1.aol.com...
> The Cartridge Family
> One of the most quotable episodes in Simpsons history, and generally
> thoughtful, although Homer's character was not at its best. The jokes
mostly
> work, and the NRA commentary is well-done in every respect. I must
agree with
> Ondre however; the animation is really weird here. (A-)
Stupid Sky TV!
Kieran Murphy
ChaiTheDog
>liked it. Now I don't. Thanks, Chai :) ! 'C+'
I only point people to the light. It's up to the person to follow it. ::bows::
(Lisa the Simpson)
>I absolutely loved this episode after initial viewing, but it has
>gotten worse since then for me.
You know, I also didn't like it the next few times. Only recently have I begun
to like it again. Maybe it's just a better version of "Das Bus".
>WHAT ARE YOU LOOKIN' AT?!" was desperate, as
>was Homer saying "Well, I once had an earing when I was 10...but this
>is completely different!"
True... but sometimes when bad jokes are surrounded by good jokes they seem
funnier than they are.
>What is his style, anyway? Loud, arrogant and crazy stories?
Yeah, with good jokes usually.
>> Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
>
>Don't you mean "Wizard of Evergreen Terrace" :) ?
>
>
Yes... tis proof that I was lazy and rewrote Ab's post with my words in place
of his. words.
>(Although Homer's Enemy is NOT good)
>
>
Ah for shame. Even in the ludicrous insanity of the current seasons, you do not
appreciate a really dark, but otherwise strong story-driven episode about two
very realistic characters. But we've already been there before.
>Strange; my dad really liked this one, too. We both agreed the ending
>was too much, though. 'C'
Perhaps it's an accurate representation of an age I shall never understand.
(Viva Ned Flanders)
>It's hard to forget such a continuity-shattering episode such as
>this. 'F'
>
>
Well, the first act is pretty much ruined, but the other two are rather
well-done, no?
>You're not giving it enough credit. Hawking is among the five best
>guest voicers on the show, and Homer's subplot isn't as annoying as his
>past ones. 'B+'
I kind thought his subplot was pretty annoying. Anyway, one of the five best
guest voicers is a computer?
> He relies too much on
>visual gags, not to mention absurd situations.
And usually he does these things very well, IMO.
>And he has never written one damn good ending. All of them,
>from "Burns, Baby Burns" to "Alone Again, Natura-Diddly" have been
>sudden and weird.
That's also true. Then again, there haven't been many good endings at all as of
late. I think his ending to "City of New York" is excellent.
>Wait...wasn't Ian-Maxtone Graham's previous work your favorite of the
>season :) ? In any event, it was a nice episode. 'B'
Yeah, I saw "Grift of the Magi" in December, and back then, my grade for
"E-I-E-I-D'oh" was not as good as it is now.
>You're being too generous, Chai. 'F'
Nah, I sorta liked the I&S bit at the beginning. If I can say one good thing
about an episode, I can't give it an F. On my scale of 0 to 50, an F is a 0.
This one gets like a .3 out of 50.
>Homer and Marge were represented as parents
>who wanted their little girl to do good; and Bart was back to his
>classic bad self. What more is there to love? 'A-'
I dunno. I didn't laugh much, but I was cringing at most of the first half. I
agree that the third act was pretty good.
Eric S.
>
>You may think ill of me, because you might interpret my need to laugh
>at these stereotypical people as mean-spirited, or even racist. But,
>Apu, such as he is, doesn't exist. It's funny to be shown a stereotype
>that we can all admit is largely true. Then, you realize that you feel
>that way about people, and you laugh at yourself for being so
>simplistic.
The Simpsons were never treated as flat stereotypical characters from the
beginning. The tag from the start was that they had more depth than the
average sitcom character. Yes, they were satirical characters, especially
Homer and Marge. But satire is much more complex than stereotypes. It
needs characters with more depth and more realistic emotions to reach that
level of humor. There is recognition in those portrayals, recognition not
of the stereotypes we believe, but of the people we are. Apu was a pretty
boring character in season 3 episodes like Lisa's Pony, acting like a
stereotypical convenience store cler. When we finally got some insight
into his feelings, where he came from, in an exaggerated sense in Homer and
Apu in season 5, he exploded into the lovable, funny character we know
today. Stereotypes are fine for a short sketch comedy. But in a half-hour
format show, The Simpsons at its best knows it has to go deeper than that
to etch itself into our memory.
>> Eight Misbehaving
>
>Once again, this was the absolute worst of season 11. I'm tired of
>these episodes, revolving around "individuality"
>and "characterization". It's as if satire is extinct, and we're
>watching a glorified soap-opera on screen.
I found that episode to be by far the funniest and best of season 11. The
more realistic portrayals of the characters are what enhance the laughs for
me. If I think I'm watching flat 2-dimensional characters, as they have
often become in the Scully era, I cannot identify with them, cannot
recognize a warping of humanity in them, cannot see any level at which they
skewer or satirize reality, and hence cannot laugh. Here the characters
seemed to be living, breathing, thinking. And hence, when they do silly
or exaggerated stuff, it catches me by surprise and makes me laugh.
-Eric S. (eas...@psu.edu)
"What I'm trying to communicate is that I'm willing to do nudity, no
extra charge!" -Bill McNeal, Newsradio, 1998
--->
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TheAbman
>> The Principal and the Pauper
>> The only awful episode of the 4F series
>Oh, there were plenty of those.
In that case, watch for my NEXT post: The Golden Era-A Review of Seasons 4-8
>> Treehosue of Horror 8
>> if there's something that Mike Scully deserves credit for, it's that
>> he made the best treehouse of horror ever
>I was about to call you a yogurt-head, until I realized you were
>talking about 5F02. Yes; that's possibly the best THOH ever. (For some
>reason, I thought you were talking about 4F02--undoubtedly the WORST
>THOH EVER) Homega man is the best Simpsons writing in 3 years.
Glad you agree, but 4F02 wasn't that bad either.
>> The Cartridge Family
>> Instead of focusing on the social and psychological issues of gun
>> ownership and satirizing them, this episode instead has Homer
>> shooting dinner plates.
>The satire here is an extreme expression of how some dumb people in our
>society might act, if they owned guns. It was good satire. If there's
>one thing John Swartzwelder knows how to do, it's write satire.
I agree, it's a pretty good satire of dumb people owning guns, though it gets
too gag-based. I particularly liked the following gags: Homer suggesting
shooting the cat down, the gun firing itself in the dinner table, the soccer
riot, Homer's 5-day wait for a gun, and Homer visualizing what life would be
like if he robbed the Kwik-E-Marty.
>> The Joy of Sect
>> This episode, in its attempt to create a wacky action/adventure
>> parody, goes too far out of bounds.
>What, exactly, does it parody? There are many groups of wacked-out
>cultists living in America. The Waco Branch Davidians; the suicide-
>cults; the anti-establishment movement in Montana. I thought it was
>quite natural to satirize cult followers, seeing how brainless Homer
>can be characterized.
I didn't mean to say parody, (all though there were some parodies I was
thinking of, like The Prisoner). I understood that it was satirizing other
cults, but this episode exaggerated how brainded some cult followers were, and
shredded any sense of credibility.
>Burns creating his own religion made this episode very good. That whole
>subplot felt like something from season 5.
THAT was funny.
>> Dumbbell Indemnity
>> I don't know why, but Moe having a love life seemed to be a
>> unique look at his character, and I wouldn't have thought it would
>> work, but it worked.
>I don't like character development in the Simpsons. That's what has
>destroyed the Simpsons (for me), beginning sometime (with hit and miss
>episodes) during season 6. Satire (using chiefly one-dimensional,
>stereotypical characters) was gradually booted in favor of character
>development. I loved the stereotypes shown on the Simpsons. It was a
>way of laughing at ourselves, our fellow man, without hurting anyone's
>feelings. "Their clothes are different from my clothes."
Notice i didn't say character depth or emotion or character development. Moe
was still a one-dimensional character. I said it was an interesting look at his
character, like the episode answered the queastion "What if some one as shallow
as Moe fell in love?" It was pretty funny stuff, and Moe was as funny as he
normally is.
>We laugh at these stereotypes (shown to us), because we realize there's
>a ring of truth to them--and we laugh at ourselves for taking such a
>simplistic view of our fellow human beings.
I agree, to a certain extent, that stereotypes are important to The Simpsons.
However, read on for further comments on the topic.
>> This Little Wiggy
>> Really good exploration into Ralph's human side in spite of his
>> retardation,
>Again, episodes focusing on "character" tend to be my lesser favorites.
I think our conflicting viewpoints show just how versatile a show like The
Simpsons is. The show expends most of its energy poking fun at stereotypes like
a retarded kid, a Scottish janitor, and an Indian convenience store owner. The
show can also do what it does really well, and delve more psychologically into
the characters, like this episode does, and still poke fun at the characters.
The Simpsons works on 2 levels, people who like stereotypes, and people who
like deep, down-to-earth characters. Focusing on some one like Ralph lets the
writers evoke both laughter over Ralph's failings (like his visioning a
pyromaniacal leprachaun, "she's touching my special area", Wigglepuppy; all
with respect to our stereotypical view of him) and pity them at the same time.
Not an easy feat.
>> The Trouble With Trillions
>> IRS satire? Fidel Castro stealing money from Burns to revitalize
>> Communism? This is not bold, cutting-edge satire.
>It's a little wacky, but the idea that the government would rather
>Homer do their dirty work than send him to jail is good satire. It
>shows the IRS as the dull, scheming monolith everone feels it is.
This episode troubled me, because the IRS is the one thing already lampooned
thosuands of times before on other shows, and this episode doesn't add anything
extra.
>> Girly Edition
>> Was I watching The Simpsons or some other family sitcom like Family
>> Matters or Full House?
>It was nice to see Bart more involved with his family, instead of off
>by himself--cracking an occasional one-liner.
Yes, it's refreshing to see a sibling rivalry episode between Bart and Lisa,
the type of episode we rarely get. However, there's been much better ones: Lisa
on Ice and My Sister, My Sitter
>> Trash of the Titans
>> Season 9 continued to go down the toilet with The Ulttimate Homer
>> Jerkass Episode
>Now see--this is what I disagree with. The person everyone
>calls "jerkass Homer" is actually any jerkass you might find in
>America. People consider Homer an actual, separate individual--when in
>reality, he began the show as a stereotypical white(yellow) American
>male. He could come off as a jerk, a bad father--whatever. People who
>approach the Simpsons thinking of the characters as individuals, as
>three dimensional characters, are bound to think ill of the "jerks" on
>the show. I won't slap a label on Homer when he acts like a "jerkass",
>because it's not really "Homer, the individual, who is wrongly
>portrayed by the writers as a jerkass"--it's "Homer, representing the
>jerkasses in our world."
There should be some jerks on the show to satirize, but why should they be the
main characters? I've said it before and I've said it again, if you're going to
watch a TV show focusing on a character like Homer, you don't want to see some
one constantly who you hate. Homer is funny when he's well-meaning but too dumb
to do anything right, or when he's kind of like a jerk but in a fun, playful
kind of way. The Homer of 5F09 was NOT like this at all. He was very
cold-blooded, malicious, sleazy, and raucous. It's very hard to laugh at things
like Homer telling Bart "You're gonna get such a beating", or when Homer kicks
that girl, or when Homer makes a scene at Patterson's office. The Simpsons is
supposed to satirize the imperfections and lamentations of clueless but
well-meaning people like Homer, not revel in boorish, loud, "jerk-ass" behavior
for cheap gags.
>I like one-dimensional, stereotypical characters--because that's what.
>works best for satire. It's nice to see Homer (and others) actually
>break out of their three-dimensional (individual) constraints, and
>satirize these "people-types" in our society. Any particular character,
>as an individual (three-dimensional), offers little opportunity for
>satire.
As I said before, Simpsons characters should be appealing whether you're
looking for amusing stereotypes, or humorous delvings into the humanity of
characters. I know that's a paradox, but most people would agree. I can laugh
at Homer when I think of him as an everyday white dumb American, and I can
laugh at and pity Homer when thinking more deeply about him.
>Apu, for example, stopped being funny when the writers decided
>to stop poking fun at the awkward (I think, cool-sounding) English
>accent. When they stopped portraying him as "any Indian convenience
>store person", and fleshed out his character--they ruined him.
I've thought about this a lot, too, but I've concluded that it's forgivable
that the writers decided to focus on Apu more humanely. I mean, it's only an
episode 2 a year, and the rest of the time Apu is just as funny a stereotype he
always is. I'm glad the writers realized that Apu's life as an immigrant to the
US, and starting a new life in the US, was a gold mine of good stories and good
commentary. From gaining citizenship, to being married, to forswearing his
workaholicism, to having a baby, the Apu saga has been full of satire and
intrigue. It would be kind of dumb if the writers decided to focus on the
humanity of Professor Frink, or the sea captain, or Julius Hibbert, because
they are stereotypes pure and simple, and work only as stereotypes. Apu had a
lot more potential going behind him.
>> Lard of the Dance
>> The Simpsons, in my opinion, really sunk low when spitting out this
>> episode. I felt absolutely no sympathy for Lisa. She was only used by
>> the writers as a preachy, shrill, and unfunny tool for the preachy,
>> ridiculous, unconvincing moral (enjoy being a kid instead of a snob).
>> What kind of moral was that?
>There was a lot more to this episode that made it one of my worst two
>ever, but I think Jane O'Brien's feelings were hurt after I posted them
>(originally; hey. I can flatter myself ;) Since that ep, she's not even
>written another one.
Good job! :)
Now, as for other things I hated about this episode. Homer's slling grease
wasn't the least bit inspired, there were so many lame sight gags, Milhous's
crush on Lisa was a shallow running gag, Skinner was really badly written, the
whole premise and execution was excessively sitcomish, this episode was a
rehash, bad lines were ubiquitous, Lisa wanting to remain a kid made no sense,
blah, blah.
>> The Simpsons, unfortunately, hit its lowest moment
>> when Homer runs out a second time, gets hit by a car, and has his
>> kidney stolen.
>That was quite funny, and unexpected. Many people who believe in the
>ideal of "the caring Homer" hated the fact that Homer wouldn't stop to
>let Abe urinate. I thought it was another good example of Homer's
>perfectly illogical, irrational decision making.
I agree. I think people are sometimes TOO critical of whether Homer is being a
jerk or not. Here, Homer is no different from the 1st grade teacher everyone
had that would forbid bathroom emergencies.
>> Sunday, Cruddy Sunday
>> This is a much worse example than Viva Ned Flanders of focusing onnly
>> on humor
>I thought it was quite good. The Catholic church/ZZ-Top reference,
>alone, was gut-busting. The "take a whiz with the pros" booth was a
>terrific gag--mostly because you had to pay attention to notice it. The
>whole making-fun-of idiots who get screwed at auto mechanics. It had a
>lot of good going for it. Plus the stuff at the Post Office was good (I
>happen to work at the Post Office)
Most of the gags you mentioned were pretty funny. That's why I gave the episode
a C- and not an F. However, it's very easy to write an episode involving wild,
go-nowhere escapade, scatter a few unrelated jokes around it, and label it an
episode.
There's also some jokes that WEREN'T funny: Homer's spine being snapped,
comments on the episode during the ending, and Dolly's appearance.
>> Simpson Bible Stories
>> Though it's original, it felt like the writers were simply adding a
>> lot of biblical references to this episode, without a lot of
>> satirical edge.
>It sounds like you wanted them to practice iconoclasm on the Bible.
>Good luck.
My point exactly! This episode couldn't do much with its bible spoof, cause it
was like the writers were so cautious about not offending anyone, so there was
no iconoclasm.
>Satire is a strange thing, in that it's temporal. Satirizing
>the past doesn't work, because the observer feels no compelling need to
>change his perceptions about it. The past happened--it's done.
>Satire is effective in criticizing our current society, people,
>politicians, what have you. In other posts I've made at A.T.F.,
>satirizing the future appears not to work--either. Satire must always
>have a context of "today" to work.
Good points. I feel the same way about Futurama.
>> Beyond Blunderdome
>> I don't know why I'm giving this totally loony episode so high as a
>> C.
>Maybe because Homer's re-edited version of the "Mr. Smith" movie was a
>side-splitter. Mel inexplicably collapsing, and then becoming angry
>when the senators laugh (at his expense). Mel (acting like Curley), the
>totally inplausable explosion (which made it ridiculously funny), and
>the totally unnecessary violence of killing the President. Primo stuff.
THAT was hilarious. You figured out exactly why i was so lenient.
>> Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner
>> Another dull Homer-gets-a-job-episode.
>I think these people, who criticize an episode because it can be
>categorized, need to re-think the strategy. What's so wrong with Homer
>getting jobs? Everyone gets jobs. What? They've done it before, so move
>on? You're putting unrealistic constraints on plots (no more jerkasses;
>no more job-getting; no more silly schemes) You'd like three-
>dimensional characters, that can only explore one time-line in life.
>You want to flesh out all the stereotypical characters, and give them
>personal identities. I can't agree with that.
This is where you're misunderstanding me. I don't mind it when, as late as an
11th season, the writers occassionally execute ideas that have already been
executed before. I don't mind that Lisa's Date With Density was similar to
Bart's Girlfriend, or that Realty Bites was close in resemblance to In Marge We
Trust, or that Saddleshore Galacatica and Lisa's Pony had the same premise. I
can understand that jokes and plotlines tend to repeatt themselves when dealing
with 240 episodes. What irks me about Homer-Gets-a-Job is that it's been done
before, numerous times, and the writers know that, yet they continue to use the
same plot device. The writers are just resorting to a formula, and it shows
laziness on their part. For example, when I heard of the premise behind Insane
Clown Poopy, about Krusty finding he has a kid, it seemed like a good idea, and
I started thinking about how many different directions the writers might take
this idea. Now I find out it's going to resort to the formula, and Homer will
be teaching Krusty about childrearing. One thing that's appealing about the
Simpsons each time I watch it is that I can usually expect something new and
fresh and exciting, week in and weekk out. When I instead get just Homer
getting a job, and his expected failure at it, one can't help but be
disappointed.
>> Hello Gutter, Hello Fadder
>> I think people who consider this the best of later seasons and on par
>> with earlier seasons need to get in touch with reality.
>I do; this is by far the best of season 11.
But would you consider this one of the best episodes ever, and a paragon of the
kind of genius The Simpsons is about, as a number of people have? Please say
no.
>> The attempts at humanity in this episode were really laughable.
>Who made any attempts at that?
Al Jean. It was officially humanity when Homer becomes "suicidally depressed"
over losing fame and Homer deciding to bond with the kids.
>> Why would Homer get so suddenly so depressed over people losing
>> interest over his perfect game that he'd ATTEMPT SUICIDE?!?!?
>Because that's satire. I almost wrote "because that's satire, stupid",
>but then I realized I don't want to flame you--or anyone--
>indiscriminately.
I got the message anyway. And it was really bad satire, IMO.
>> Also, why did people find this episode so funny?
>The first five minutes were extremely snappy, funny, full of great
>satire about Homer's (or, anyone in society's) immunity to toxic waste
>poisoning (he actually eats it!) The "where's the fire" bit was funny.
>Homer preferring "Where's Waldo" to Maggie was funny. The time-lapse
>was funny. Homer saying "I can't get in trouble if I can't see you" was
>very funny. Burns kicking and choking Homer was funny.
It started off really funny, which is why I'm giving a C+ instead of a D or F.
The next act was painfully unfunny. The 3rd act was funny (except the beginning
of the act).
>It was bland, and uninsightful. This is about as far as they go: Apu
>and Manjula have babies (cool! Character development! A new line of
>continuity established!--(realize, I'm being bitterly sarcastic)) and
>then they have trouble. Oh, wow. As if we could believe having 8 babies
>would be a walk in the park. There was no insight here; it was an
>episode devoted to establishing new continuity, and luring new parents
>to the Simpsons audience. Barf.
It was really that unfunny and pointless to you? I liked a lot of the humor:
Homer involved in Apu's sex life, Apu trying to be polite despit his stress,
Marge wanting Apu's baby, Wiggum's indifference. Although after watching it
again, it wasn't so great.
>> Grift of the Magi
>> This episode wasn't particularly funny. The idea of a toy company
>> taking over the school, spying on kids, and making a toy ISN'T the
>> kind of idea that sends me ROTFLMAO.
>You'd be surprised at how far some new companies will go to market a
>product. They have you send in rebate coupons. Why? So they can sell
>your name, address, phone number, and e-mail to mailing lists--who then
>call you incessantly, send you piles of junk mail, and harrass you in
>whatever way they can.
>Recent marketing "breakthroughs", like grocery stores giving
>out "value" cards, seem to make shopping better for consumers. In
>reality, they create another database for these people to use in their
>incessant tyranny and efforts to nearly force the consumer to buy more
>products.
That's all well and good, but a toy company taking over a school? See my review
of Joy of Sect. This episode is an extreme exaggeration of reality, and is thus
not believable in the least.
>> Saddleshore Galactica
>> I'm going to start by saying I didn't really mind the jokey trolls.
>And neither did I. It was a satirical guess at why jockeys are so tiny.
>(Because they're munchkins!) People call that unrealistic--but, this is
>fiction. And even realistic shows (like Ally McBeal) do some
>conceptually unrealistic things.
My point exactly! The lack of realism was so apparent, it wasn't bothersome.
>> Lovejoy's speech was kind of insensitive (Maude was
>> only a supporting characterin everyone else's lives??)
>It wasn't insensitive; it was a comment made not from a character's
>perspective, but from the AUDIENCE's perspective. That's why it was
>funny.
Oh, I got the joke all right. But, again, it's really awkward, and not
credible, that Lovejoy was speaking so directly to the audience, that no one
attedning the funeral would believe a word he said. Wouldn't it bother you had
dies and Lovejoy said that about you? I'll admit, though, it was really funny
when Lovejoy commented that Maude had no comical accent or cheap phrases, only
to be met in response by "arr", "aye", "a HOY in gwuey why oh why".
>> I think it's unfair of some people to accuse Homer of
>> being cruel for trying to get Ned to date.
>I think it also shows they can't accept Homer when he acts like
>anything less than a saint.
Exactly. I mean, he tried his best to console Ned, and was well-meaning, but
imperfect. What more do people want from Homer?!?!?!?! ARRRR!!!
***********************
theabman (thea...@aol.com)
HOM++ LIS+++ BAR++++ BOB++++ 9F22,3F13,
9F01,1F01,2F15,2F16,4F13,2F09,2F10
http://members.aol.com/TheAbman/simpindex.html
***********************
TheAbman
>>>The City of New York vs Homer Simpson
>Some good lines, some fun, but I thought making fun of New York was really
>old
>and hackneyed. Also, obnoxious Homer. (C+)<<
>
>Sorry, Ab. I beg to differ. On many of these reviews actually. For some
>reason,
>the New York episode really works for me. It is one of my favorite episodes
>ever. Lately, it doesn't seem as good, since I've seen it like a million
>times,
>but the story is so well-done that I don't care. The ending always has me in
>stitches. Obnoxious Homer is funny here because the world is being equally
>obnoxious to him. Great song in act three too. (A)
For this kind of episode, I can make a highlight/lowlight list of jokes.
HIGHLIGHTS
-the musical
-MAD Magazine headquarters
-Barney trying to stay sober
-flushing meadows
-the last 2 minutes-really fast paced and fun
-Homer's trip to New York as a kid
LOWLIGHTS
-Homer having to go to the bathroom (that just seems to go on forever)
-Homer trying to stretch to reach the pizza place
-a lot of the scenes involving the family felt like filler material
-a lot of the jokes about New York (it wasn't really fresh or interesting)
>>>Simpson Tide
>What can I say? Funny, but too wacky, and really lame plot. (C+)<<
>
>Ab, I'm afraid you're wrong in every regard, as nearly every single joke in
>this episode works for me. This is one of the funniest episodes ever, with a
>great Village People sequence and another great sequence involving Starbucks.
>Of course it's wacky, but so is "Cape Feare", and this production worked for
>me
>in a "Cape Feare"-ish sort of way. (A+)
I don't know, but this kind of episode feels really empty and corny at times,
like most of the 3G episodes. Unlike, Cape Fear, a true classic.
HIGHHLIGHTS
-the Village People
-Homer screaming "My hair is who I am"
-Kennedy accused of being a Nazi after mentioning "Ich bin ein berliner"
-the return of Communism
-Starbucks overtaking the mall
LOWLIGHTS
-Bart dancing on the bus and Ralph's reply (it was too obvious a joke)
-Homer shooting the captain out of the ship
-the dream sequence at the beginning
-the reference to "don't ask, don't tell"
-much of the earring subplot
-beginning of the 3rd act
>Trash of the Titans
>A hilarious Jerkass Homer dominates a pretty good story with more than a few
>good jokes. The U2 concert goes on too long, but the Garbageman song is cute,
>and I love the smell-it-coming- a-mile-away joke involving Flanders' dead
>rabbit. Nonetheless, Homer is WAY out-of-character, and even a very funny
>episode can't altogether redeem that. (B+)
I think you're giving this episode far too much credit. U2 was funny, Homer's
arrogance resulting in a pile of garbage in front of the Simpsons' place is
pretty funny, the musical is funny, everything else really stinks. The story
was worthless, in my opinion, and Homer's behavior alone makes this episode
nearly untolerable.
>
>Make Room For Lisa
>I agree with everything Ab said except for the grade. What I want to know is
>why with all the flaws he said this episode had, he gave it a C. I think this
>one is ruined by the moral that isn't right. If I were treated the way Homer
>treated Lisa in AABF12, I don't think I would ever come to the conclusion
>that
>such treatment is ok so long as he reluctantly takes me places I want to go.
>Lisa's thoughts here are not realistic in the least; they are a cheap attempt
>by the writer to justify Homer's cruel, insensitive actions. This faulty
>fable
>is surrounded by an equally fallible story and jokes. The Omnitouch Tower is
>never removed. The conflict with Bart is over before it even begins. The
>entire
>first SCENE is completely unnecessary and humorless. Marge's subplot yields
>some scant humor. Homer's wild journey was slightly amusing, but generally
>overlong and way too cartoony. One of the very worst. (D-)
To answer your question, I gave it as high as a C, because, as I mentioned, the
storyline is pretty good. It's pretty coherent, and everything ties together
well. I also gave it as high as a C, because it wasn't totally humorless.
There's a cute sight gag in which Homer has "cruel and unusual punishment" on
his tongue, it's amusing that the guards in the museum protected a TV prop and
were so careless about the Bill of Rights, Marge's subplot was very funny, and
I liked how the tank uncovered the full potential of Homer's brain (Lisa
hallucinates but Homer just sings wildly). Unlike Chai, I can sort of see how
the ending works. I appreciate that Lisa is willing to learn how to tolerate
and accept her parents, no matter how different or inferior Homer is compared
to her. In some ways, as Chai described, the ending doesn't work at all. Truly
a mixed bag of an episode, though I think a D- is too harsh.
>
>Maximum Homerdrive
>Jerkass Homer the truck driver is about as mundane as the writers can get.
>Too
>many jokes (ie Homer wanting divorce, the truck driver dying) were just too
>unsuitable for a show like The Simpsons. Enough said.... Not quite enough
>actually. Many of the jokes here were funny, and the writing is above
>average.
>The Jehovah's Witness bit is clever, and I'm even beginning to tolerate the
>ever-hokey Senor Ding-Dong. An enjoyable episode, if anything. (C)
C'mon, Chai, you used to hate this episode with me. What happened? From your
reviews, it seems you're becoming more tolerant to episodes that are carefree
and fun than having any artistic or technical merits, but effortles farces like
this episode are definitely starting to annoy me.
>This ep should have been so much more. It got worse for
>me on a second viewing, so I don't know what grade to give it.
I'll say this episode also could have been so much less. So I say, give it a B-
or a C+. I think it's good that this epieosde was at least sweet, dealt with
death with some dignity.
ChaiTheDog
>reviews, it seems you're becoming more tolerant to episodes that are carefree
>and fun than having any artistic or technical merits, but effortles farces
>like
>this episode are definitely starting to annoy me.
Sadly, the effortless farces are often the funniest episodes. A lot of the
humor in episodes that actually set out to do something, like "Brother's Little
Helper", "The Old Man and the C Student", or even "Mayored to the Mob", usually
falls flat. Then again, note that "30 Minutes Over Tokyo", "Little Big Mom",
and "Saddlesore Galactica" were all effortless farces that never went anywhere
and I hated all of those. "Maximum Homerdrive" had many good jokes, IMO, the
best of which has to be the hilarious "The Monster Who Ate Everybody." Sorry,
man, but look on the bright side; my grade for the unpopular "Kidney Trouble"
also went up. See, it all works out.
Dartheodore Maximillian Arada III
when Lovejoy commented that Maude had no comical accent or cheap phrases, only
to be met in response by "arr", "aye", "a HOY in gwuey why oh why".>
*Directly* ripped off from the final scene of "Bart Gets Famous"
~DarthArada~
"Snuh!" Homer Simpson
"We have all the time in the world..." ~George Lazenby/James Bond "On Her
Majesty's Secret Service"
MUSSOLINI TO EMBARK ON CHEST EXPANSION CAMPAIGN ~The Onion