(long) A review of "Sweets and Sour Marge (DABF03)"

[The long of it]

I must seem like the most unreasonable person in the world. Here we have an episode where Homer doesn't act like a jerkass. Marge is an activist for a cause, but avoids becoming a shrill nag. Lisa lightens up and lets her rambunctious side show a little. The story was pretty well paced. It had a real ending. It had some interesting social commentary. So why am I so indifferent to it? I guess the answer boils down to one of the most basic, yet hardest to justify, reasons: It wasn't really that funny.

There isn't a single bad point where the show goes off the rails. Rather, it was an accumulation of things. By themselves, they're not fatal flaws. Together, they make for a forgettable episode. Here's what I was able to identify.

1) The premise was absurd. Supposedly, the Motherloving sugar company puts its addictive wares in all of Springfield's food supply. Really? *All* of it? Even Duff beer, which we have seen comes from an independent brewery? Even the cracker factory where Milhouse's father used to work? Even the food people grow for themselves in their gardens, or that has to be shipped in from out of state? That's quite a remarkable feat. (Almost as remarkable is the fact that Springfield is apparently self-sufficient when it comes to its own food supply.) Okay, some suspension of disbelief is obviously called for, but I'd have to send disbelief packing on a Hawaiian vacation to buy this idea.

2) A good villain can make up for a lot of sins, but Mr. Motherloving (voice of Ben Stiller) is a surprisingly bland nemesis. Except for one good line -- "I'm not up on my slang; do the kids still say, 'get the hell out of my office'" -- he comes off as a rather faceless corporate executive. And what's with the recent trend of making corporate bad guys evil for the joy of it? It's much funnier when they fool themselves into thinking they're benevolent, and then making up self-serving reasons to justify their actions. Think of Monty Burns's autobiography in "A Star is Burns (2F31)" or the lobbyist in "Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington (8F01)."

3) At one point, Marge hires Gil as her lawyer. Theoretically, he'd make an interesting replacement for Lionel Hutz, but when the trial starts, he's actually quite competent. Good for Marge, not so good for generating laughs. Perhaps that's just as well. When the writers remember to have him act more Gil-like, they just have him do that "oh man you've gotta let me have this one you just gotta let ol' Gil have a break" shtick that got tiresome after "Realty Bites (5F06)."

4) Speaking of vocal tics, there's also a sequence built on Prof. Frink's Nn-hey babbling. Vocal tics may make up part of a character's signature, but when they become the whole basis for the joke they get really tiresome, really fast.

5) At the trial, some of the testimony is given by a Count Chocula knockoff. I never liked the notion of such obviously "fictional" characters mingling casually with the citizens of Springfield. Outside of a dream or TOH sequence, has this ever been funny? The whole scene could have been done more plausibly by introducing the actor who played Chocula, especially since the point appears to be drawing a parallel between him and the actor who played the Marlboro Man. (Both actors succumbed to the very product they were pitching, in case you didn't get the reference.)

6) Toward the end, a secret cabal is organized to smuggle in bootleg sugar. Fine, but the cabal seems thrown together. For instance, what's Burns doing there, other than representing callous corporate America? It certainly isn't because he's providing something essential to the plot. All they use him for is a lame "I'm having a stroke" gag.

Looking back, I'd guess the trend is this: A lot of the humor is insubstantial, so the rest of the show is that way, too.

Aside from the general merits I mentioned at the start of this review, we are left with some nice moments in "Sweets and Sour Marge." I liked the banner at a library sale. "Yes," it assures, "we have pornography!" I liked Marge's box of "sugar-free" donuts. There's a funny moment when Homer's deal with the covert sugar suppliers doesn't go as planned. The make-up scene between Marge and Homer is nicely done. And there was some really nice animation when a giant ball of people rolled down the streets of Springfield.

Small moments here and there do not make for an entire episode, however. In spite of having done many of the right things, it neglects to do *the* right thing for a comedy -- make me laugh. To paraphrase Homer: "Stupid episode! Be more funny!"

[The short of it]

"Sweets and Sour Marge" gets a lot of the "serious" things right: characterization and pacing among them, but falls down on the comedy. A lot of the jokes are too thin to cover the unlikely plot, there's no compelling bad guy, and some of the supporting cast is wasted. There are some good moments, but not enough to save what's ultimately a mediocre episode. (C)

[DYNs]

...	Homer seems to have conquered his fear of cobras?
...	Bart and Lisa can support Homer's weight?
...	this is the first time Cletus's last name is mentioned?
...	as the camera pans past the yard of children coming down from
	their sugar high, one of the kids falls off the jungle gym?
...	the two buttons Homer chooses between at the climax of the
	episode are visible on the dash as Homer and Bart contemplate
	escaping?
...	how excited Maggie is by a dip in the sugar water?
...	Ron Taylor died?  When the hell did that happen?

[References]

"I Am [Not] Spock" (books) - the first two books in the "Nimoy cycle" are real, but "I am also Scotty" is made up

"Bridget Jones's Diary" (book) - Cletus complains that the pigs will get "Bridget Jones's diarrhea"

"Guinness Book of World Records" (book)
-	Duff Book of World Records obviously similar
	[By the way, was the real Guinness Book introduced as an
	argument-settler for taverns?  It sounds like as plausible
	explanation as any.]
-	there's a photo in the book of a man setting the record for most
	cigarettes smoked at once; he looks like the guy in the Duff
	waiting room

Marlon Brando (actor) - famous actor who put on a lot of weight in his later years; it's implied that "the world's fattest man" is him

Pop-Tarts (toaster pastry) - "Toaster Pies" a knockoff

"Erin Brockovich [sic?]" (movie)
-	working-class woman takes on large conglomerate that was
	poisoning the water supply, like Marge taking on the sugar
	factory
-	Bart thinks the provocatively-dressed protagonist is a hooker;
	actually, she's a single mother
	[And despite what some people say, those two aren't the same
	thing]
-	Marge combs Springfield for depositions, the way Ms. Brockovich
	did
-	Ms. Brockovich's crusade leaves her boyfriend feeling neglected
	(cf. Marge and Homer)
-	Marge called "Erin Choco-Snitch"
-	then she's called "Blue-hairin Brocko-witch"
-	finally, she's called "Carin' A-lot-ovich"

big-tobacco trials - tobacco industry accused of deliberately making cigarettes addictive, the way Motherloving sugar is

Marlboro man (advertising icon) - actor who portrayed him fell victim to effects of tobacco use, the way "Count Chocula" fell victim to sugar addiction

"Me So Horny" (song) - one of the jobless lawyers says, "Me so litigious"

"Miami Vice" (TV series) - music from theme song plays behind the boat chase

[Previous Episode References]

[BABF05] Guinness Book of World Records mentioned
[3F05]   Ah, Fudge! seen on the Kwik-E-Mart shelves
[7F09]   Marge goes on a crusade ...
[7F09]   ... which backfires when it's successful
[1F17]   Homer engages in slightly shady sugar sales
[1F06]   "Sugar, Sugar" heard
[AABF09] Homer's funny pennants  [This appears to be a new running
         gag, like "D'oh!" or his reading glasses, so this is the
         last time I'll mention it as a Previous Episode Reference]

[FFF]

Banner at library:

        LIBRARY BOOK SALE
    YES, WE HAVE PORNOGRAPHY!

Record holder for most clothespins on a face:

KEVIN THACKWELL

Duff sign:

     [Duff logo]
     INDUSTRIES

    WORLD RECORD
      DIVISION

Springfield billboard:

S P R I N G F I E L D

    BIRTHPLACE   [picture]
        OF       [  of   ]
    THE BEATLES  [Beatles]

Springfield's weight (but not fortune):

64,152 lbs

Homer's pennant and T-shirt:

GIRTH <- pennant

    T-shirt->  FAT
              PRIDE

Bart's cereal:

    FROSTING
        GOBS

Donut box:

SUGAR, FREE DONUTS

Sugar factory logo:

    MOTHERLOVING        [The logo is an octopus with a sinister]
    SUGAR CORP.         [smile, grabbing the Earth and some    ]
                        [candy with its tentacles              ]
       [logo]

Motherloving's DayRunner:

MONDAY

     9:00   EVIL DEEDS
    10:00   EVIL DEEDS
    11:00   RACQUETBALL
    12:00   EVIL DEEDS

Cletus's signature:

Cletus Spuckler [in elegant calligraphy]

Lard Lad shop:

LARD LAD DONUTS

       CLOSED
         BY
       MARGE'S
        LAW

Homer's choice:

DUMP CARGO OBEY BAD GUY

[Oops!]

= The hand pushing the "Dump Cargo" button appeared to have a yellow shirt cuff, but Homer was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt.

[Personal Comments & Observations]

As the police burn the sugar pile, the song "I Want Candy" plays in the background.

"Sugar, Sugar," by the Archies, plays when the town takes a dip in the sugar water.

When Eddie and Lou try to toss some Butterfingers on the candy pyre, the fire tosses them right back. "Even the fire doesn't want them," Lou says. North American viewers know that the Simpsons (especially Bart) have been spokes-cartoons for Nestl� Butterfingers for even longer than the show has been on. (Yes, you read that right. The commercials started when they were still on "The Tracey Ullman Show.")

And now, let's throw a little fuel on the quixotic fire that is, "Where is Springfield." Homer's told that the illicit sugar is "south of the border," and he immediately thinks it's in Tennessee. Traditionally, we use "south of the border" to refer to something directly touching the southern border. This suggests that Springfield is in a state immediately to Tennessee's north. Turning to a map of the United States, we see that Tennessee shares its northern border with Kentucky (which, as has been pointed out before by a.t.s. posters, has both a Springfield and a Shelbyville). Virginia is an outside possibility, although residents of that state are more likely to consider North Carolina as "south of the border."

Or, of course, the whole thing could just be a cartoon.

One other thing to consider is that Homer has been shown to be very, very bad at geography.

Well anyone could miss Canada....

Furious George aka Queso

...all tucked away down there.

Homer could have meant south of the border as in Civil War north and south... Tennessee being a southern state and a southern border state could support that... ??? Just an idea.

Stephen

"FuriousXGeorge" wrote in message news:[email]...

bad

"Benjamin Robinson" wrote in message news:[email]...

You have some valid points in both the long and short of it, but I enjoyed the episode. I was able to suspend disbelief by not thinking about it too hard.

I actually found it easier to believe that a sugar conglomerate could have a stranglehold on Springfield than to accept the giant human pyramid and subsequent human rolling sphere. Still liked it though.

I think that I've actually heard this story about the origin of the Guinness book. The book is named after the beer, right?

Bart was making a reference to another Julia Robert movie - Pretty Woman. She played the "prostitute with a heart of gold" as Bart stated.

Someone else mentioned that the "Me so horny" line is from "Full Metal Jacket". I don't know if this is the first time that line was used in a film.

You forgot to mention the faux "Axel F" theme. I feel pretty sure that they used this theme before, but I can't remember exactly when.

Cheers,

"Stembolt" wrote in news:A2838.23987$[email]:

you are correct, though.. the writing now, instead of being cutting edge, looks back at cutting edge and tries to duplicate cutting edge.. it's kind of like David Letterman now

the show has become a caricature of itself..

let the kids grow up and finish it, already

They used the Axel F thing a lot - the one that comes to mind is Radio Bart, when he goes down the well...also in Separate Vocations, when Skinner and Bart searched for the teachers' editions. I think they've used it elsewhere as well.

Stembolt wrote:

"Matt Garvey" wrote in message news:[email]...

Bart,

Bart

well.

Marge vs. the Monorail, when Mr. Burns and Smithers are hiding toxic waste.

Dr Music P.S. Parking was ample.

Um, yeah, you're a dork. Oh, would they please please make Simpsons as realistic as possible so I can watch my life on television.

I wasn't sure about the helicopter in BABF14, but I'm almost positive the human ball was done on computer.

Jerry P. http://members.aol.com/jibberuski

S1.3 BAR+++ LIS+++ HOM++ MRG+ MIL+ f++/+++ n+ $0 M20 (s12:) CABF01, CABF08, CABF09, CABF14

[email] (Jerry P.) wrote in message news:...

Actually, I believe the "Axel F" was in Beverly Hills Cop, not Miami Vice. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Rv.

It was, but there was music from Miami Vice during the boat scene and Axel F used elsewhere in the ep.

But, I don't see what that has to do with the computer animation debate in this thread :o)

[email] (Benjamin Robinson) wrote in message news:...

Well that's because:

A. It was a Marge episode

and

B. The episode appeared to be a reverse "Saddlesore Galactica", this time making an episode based on how people on this newsgroup want to see the show. What it showed was that when Homer is below character level, Lisa is out of character and so forth, there is not much that you can do with them. Homer needs to be a jerk or he'll dry up. Lisa, even when she shows her rambunctious side, still isn't that funny. Also, to be quite honest about social commentary, who gives a crap? If you want social commentary, look to one of NBC/ABC/CBS's boring one-hour Hollywood Left-fests.

With that let me just say that last night's episode was the worst episode ever, because people on this newsgroup wrote it.

In alt.tv.simpsons, on the "Re: (long) A review of "Sweets and Sour Marge (DABF03)"" thread, Jack Of Spades wrote:

Bzzt!

People who feel this way seem to think that any attempt to make a point about life is automatically unfunny. This is not so. In its early years, "The Simpsons" was a satire of American society, and it's kind of hard to do that without making social commentary. The trick is in doing it without the audience realize that you're making a point (and sometimes a serious point). Look at "Radio Bart (8F10)," which riffed on cheesey kids' restaurants, deceptive advertising, trendy causes and the fickleness of the pubic. "Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington (8F01)" took on corrupt politicians. So did the classic "Two Cars in Every Garage, Three Eyes on Every Fish (7F01)."

Not every show has to have some sort of social commentary, of course. "Principal Charming (7F15)" was a funny love story, sort of. But including it isn't the surefire laugh-killer some people seem to think it is.

Drunk and full of pie, Jack Of Spades wrote:

This statement indicates a belief that characters drive episodes. It also shows a belief that only certain characters are funny, and thus a desire to see the show based around them. Ralph and Homer seem to lead the charge here. Therefore, many episodes in the history of the series would be considered unfunny to people like Jack.

This, combined with the earlier statement indicates this person prefers episodes that center on what others have termed "Jerkass Homer". Jerks do need to be mocked; but, many people feel that Homer the Jerk is a mischaracterization in light of the earliest years of the show.

Certainly Homer (and people in general) can be jerky; but, the disproportionate number of "Homer the Jerk" episodes in the last few seasons, combined with the idea that "jerkiness is what drives Homer" can make the show dry and predictable in the very same way.

This indicates no appreciation, or understanding of satire. When the Simpsons is devoid of satire, it's no funnier than any other sitcom on TV (IMO). Satire is social commentary made through the actions of the characters, not characters standing on a soapbox and preaching. It's a way of telling a story using irony to illustrate what's wrong with America. To appreciate the satire, you must

1) understand that the show is a mockery of American problems, not a celebration of them

• recognize from the context of the story what is being said

This isn't about some academic appreciation of the Simpsons; it's about what's really "funny". It's the difference between a few chuckles, and laughing so hard you can't breathe. This is an experience I imagine most people want. Is it any wonder, therefore, that those who appreciate satirical commentary on the Simpsons love it so much? Why are they wrong to want satire on the Simpsons, then? The show was a pure satire for the first 8 or so years.

An purely antithetical response. I applaud your refusal to "go along with the crowd"; but independent thought doesn't ALWAYS mean "do the opposite of the crowd." It's quite possible that there are those in the crowd who've come to their own appreciation of the show, and it just happens to match that of the majority. Being different just to be different, many times, is a thoughtless approach.

~~~

Just like to say that Season 13 has been great so far. People who used to mock fans during Seasons 10-12 for their criticism of the show, who are NOW THEMSELVES complaining have no leg to stand on. They are the NEW CBGs.

With little social commentary, the show's humor would come chiefly from character. One of the largest complaints during Seasons 10-12 was thin characterizations. Therefore, in shows with little or no social commentary and thin characterizations, the humor is generalized with no frame of reference to society or character. In essence, the jokes are simple, bland, and re-useable on any TV show. They wouldn't be Simpsons-specific, nor would they be satirical.

With humor like that, is there any wonder we have fish falling from space, and badgers ripping stomachs open just to keep people's attention?

Season 13 has taken good steps to both restore deep characterization and satire to the show.

As a "first-time poster, long-time viewer," I'm not sure if this has been pointed out before, but...

I noticed upon checking the Tennessee-as-south-of-the-border reference recently that close by to Springfield, Kentucky and Shelbyville, Kentucky, are a lot of other towns ending in "-ville." Just down the road from Shelbyville is a town called... Simpsonville.

Makes me wonder whether there's an Odgenville or North Haverbrook in Kentucky as well. My 1994 Rand McNally Road Atlas didn't go into that much detail on Kentucky, unfortunately, so I wasn't able to check.

Rob Swierk

Hey everyone! Rob Swierk is right! Springfield IS in Kentucky. I can't believe no one here ever caught that reference before. Amazing. All this time and Springfield was right there in Kentucky all along.

And no one ever noticed it. Finally, we can put this debate to rest. Thanks Rob.

Drunk and full of pie, Jason Saslow wrote:

Well, nobody on this group had the required intelligence. Rob's laid the issue to rest with his superior intellect; now, let's never speak of "Where is Springfield" again.

And we never did.

Never did what, now?

dave

In alt.tv.simpsons, on the "Re: (long) A review of "Sweets and Sour Marge (DABF03)"" thread, The Rack wrote:

In all fairness to Rob, the fact that Kentucky had a nearby Shelbyville wasn't really brought up until "Behind the Laughter (BABF19)" aired a couple of years ago.

Until the next time.