"Duffless" is probably among Season 4's most underappreciated classics, and given thought, it may be the episode that defines Homer in all of his ways, the weak, confused, and impressionable but ultimately triumphant working-class oaf, who succeeds against his various weaknesses to go to his loving family. At first we see his dreary work-a-day existence, walking among the deafening SNPP drones. But, his existence is lightened by the wondrous and tempting desire for alcohol, which brings him to drunkeness and subdues him. But, after Marge's prodding, he goes for a whole month without drinking, resisting temptation. And when he finally goes back for a drink at Moe's, he realizes he is better than the other drones for who life is reduced to a haze by beer, and returns to the loving family where he is needed. This is probably, in my opinion, the most honest portrait of Homer to this day, the human, dumb, average, but ultimately family man who triumphs, in all his weakness, against his own weaknesses. It is a bit of a surprise this is writtern by Stern, known by me for fabulous comedy tour-de-forces. But, on second thought, this is not surprising he wrote an episode like this, as his episodes often focus on the family dynamics of the Simpsons, often with an unwitting but loving Homer as the protagonist, put in trying situations, but triumphing because of his love for the family, like in "Homer Alone". And in "Viva Ned Flanders" Homer does a horrible thing, but covers it up in the name of family peace. A questionable act....but still. In "Duffless", also, Stern confirms more blatantly than in any other ep that the Simpsons is thoroughly anti-alcohol. He paints a disgusting picture of the bar in the scene where Homer goes back for his drink after a month, and depicts it as a predator in advertising on the impressionable Homer, making Homer a victim of beer. But, he belittles alcohol in the end with his admittance of Homer triumphing over it. The theme of Homer as a victim in all his work is stunning, as well, with Marge as a victim. His alcohol as a predator on the average man message is more subtle than his meditation on Homer, though. He is skilled at disguising the social themes at the bottom with several layers of humor and skilled satire. Even in "Selma's Choice", a seemingly unserious episode, he manages to re-model Selma's character to a sort of sympathy quietly. In conclusion, "Duffless" is not just a wondrous commentary on alcohol, but a wondrous commentary on Homer.
Duffless
S04E16 DufflessretroFeb 3, 2002, 9:44 PM ET9 years later4 posts by 3 posters
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