For two and a half acts, tonight's episode was fairly solid. Character-based plots are generally good if handled well; here a fairly simple idea (what if Marge had pursued a career instead of raising a family?) was explored, and was also the main point of the show (cf. DABF22). Though some might balk at more past being conveniently invented, I got into the story and quite enjoyed Marge's struggle with Chloe and her trying to hold on to Lisa. Good use of the guest star (not playing herself, and so on). As well, it was an unusual but wise choice to keep Homer and Bart in the background. As well, it was a rather humorous show... however, halfway through act 3, things fell apart. I have a hard time believing that was the best way to resolve the volcano story; the whole lava rescue, besides being quite unrealistic, had such a taste of "Missionary: Impossible" about it, I was almost expecting Betty White to pop onto the screen...this wasn't much better. Of course, even in classic years, there have been quite a few unrealistic rescues on the show (e.g. 9F07), but even letting Barney (with Marge in the chopper?) save everyone aerially would have been better (albeit forcing them to abandon the chopper sex). Anyway, the rest of the episode was pretty strong in my estimation, but the season 10/11 ending is going to earn it a B.
And now for some short capsubs
DYN... ...this is the first new sax solo in the intro in almost five years? (The last new one was introduced - and used only in - BABF09, which debuted 2/6/2000.) (Side note: since I am now in charge of SNPP's solo list, I have to come up with an unofficial name for this one. Any suggestions?) ...Lisa calls Chloe by her first name repeatedly, even though she's her mother's age? ...Chloe doesn't look at the road much while driving? (Then again, what's new?) ...this is the third episode this season (out of 4 so far) to have full-screen credits on Fox's broadcast? (And just like FABF19, they could have broken to split screen for a while...I'm liking this trend!)
Previous episode references 8F08: The couch gag reminded me a little of Moe's appearances here...but this was kind of eerie EABF09: That woman with the screechy voice re-appears with Quimby (btw, per recent discussion on a.t.s, is the woman herself a Citizen Kane ref?) BABF11: Ridiculous lava emergency is quite reminiscent of this episode AABF20: Marge having to cross the lava is also like the challenge on the Japanese game show 5F15, FABF18: Lisa says she's not a journalist; I beg to differ BABF14: Barney's helicopter prowess used to save someone DABF22: Now it's Marge's turn to question her choice in life (and yet no one gave her a hard time about this) EABF06: Buddha seen in heaven (they just keep adding people, don't they?)
Goofs: Everyone seems to forget that the Simpsons (even Marge) have been to some pretty outrageous places and met many famous people over the years.
The lava...oh goodness, the lava. (It's very hot! Draw your own conclusions of what's wrong.)