I mean really, why do the majority of posters in the group rip apart every new episode with the whole 'the shocking lack of quality in this episode is shocking' bit. If you hate it that much (and I *know* this has been stated ad nauseum) don't watch it. If you're a true Simpsons fan, you don't watch the show because it's better/worse/funnier/crappier than previous seasons - you watch it because it's the freakin' Simpsons! Remember, that show that we all love?
I can take a well-thought-out criticism just as well as the next guy (yes, I thought "Homer The Moe" sucked big time), but am I the only one who was laughing throughout tonight's episode? I can't remember the last ep that had so many really funny, quotable lines (including my favorite opening line in memory: "If you ask me, Muhammad Ali in his prime was much better than anti-lock brakes." "What about Johnny Mathis vs. Diet Pepsi?")
Homer actually displays kindness toward his family (Marge) and still people complain. And the ending? I thought it was great. As The Simpsons are so very good at, they make fun of their own industry by ripping both Fox and the plethora of reality TV shows. And not just reality-TV in general, but a specific jab about putting people through hell just to generate ratings (Spy TV anyone?) The really sad thing is that I can actually imagine the sort of thing portrayed in tonight's episode happening in the future.
It just seems to me that most folks who criticize go into an episode expecting low quality and looking for another reason to 'cancel The Simpsons before it gets any worse'. But really, if you expect crap, you'll interpret it as crap. As for me, I still love The Simpsons. It's obviously not exactly the same as it was ten years ago, but you know what? It makes me laugh. For that, it remains one of my favorite television shows of all time - and yes, I include all episodes, old and new, in that statement.
That's my rant. :) Hopefully there are at least some yea-sayers out there who agree. (If not, I'll follow my own advice and stop reading this newsgroup. ;)
"Because he gets results, you stupid chief!" "Sit down, dad."
- Josh