I guess I neglect ATS a little so here some additional comments to the well-done episode EABF03 "The Dad Who Knew Too Little".
I wondered why I really like this new episode. What makes it different from typical generic stuff like poor "Large Marge" or "Helter Shelter"? Let�s have a look at some of the EABF03 qualities.
It�s neither too slow and flat nor too fast (zany) but in good Simpson pace.
There is an actual plot for ca 22 minutes. Not three almost independent acts with a thin connection but one coherent story, logically divided into 3 parts with good timing.
Most scenes contribute to the plot or lead to something, there is almost no filler material. Example: the scene with Homer and the free samples (notice the Tarantino music) seems just like filler material at first sight, but I�d say it�s also important for the plot - it�s important to show that it was Homer�s own fault that he was too late to buy the diary for Lisa.
We see things in the story which are necessary for later scenes, for example the book report or the laser pointer which have an actual function in the plot. That�s also a sign for coherent writing and for a unified plotline with a logical development of the storyline.
Most of the humor comes from reality-based situations. An example: the personalized movies. There are movies like that (maybe not so stupid) and there are people who think such movies are the greatest thing ever and great presents. Thus Homer�s happy comment "Your kid�s in the movie and the movie knows his name" reflects a public opinion in a satirical way. It�s funny cause it�s true.
The visual humor is neither zany nor forced but nevertheless funny. Example: the bridge sign.
Most of the humor comes from the characters themselves and not from the character�s behaviour in weird and zany situations. Like I already said - it�s funny when the right character says the right thing in the right situation, like Homer�s "Mmmm, McNuggets" or his snoring. Why is it funny? It�s funny because it�s Homer. Not Homer who battles jockey elves in outer space but just Homer. The humor flows from the character and not from forced zaniness. Another example is Nelson and his photo of Snow White and his non-bully inner being. Character humor needs no forced zaniness.
The story relies on the characters and on their ability to have depth. The story works with Homer�s feeling of guilt and with his original self and with Lisa�s old feeling of loneliness in a world without person she can relate to (an aspect from the early years, see my 7F19 review). Great stuff - Homer saves Lisa in the cannon scene and that�s so much better than the the stupid "Not now honey..." oaf from S11/S12.
There is a very good animation. They had already experience with more than one Homer from the THOH clone episode but here in the mirror scene they use it for a much better story. I could start now and try to interpret the labyrinth scene in some way but that would go way too far for now ;-).
Here we have some points that make EABF03 an outstanding episode for me. It�s of course not as good as some classic episodes (and not as good as 7F19) but nothing is in these days. Good stuff nonetheless. Let�s just hope for some more episodes in that style, maybe the news about two more seasons aren�t necessarily bad news then.
You see, even an old-fashioned S1-S7 fan like me can enjoy a new episode if there is good quality and not just generic mainstream. The show and its characters are still capable of more and EABF03 clearly shows that to me.
Chris