Are The Simpsons Really Back?

Worst Season Ever.

I'm not opposed to fleshing out supporting characters, but Comic Book Guy and Mrs Skinner? Give me a break.

And in the "Prisoner" episode, I guess we'll just happily skip over the fact that Marge has been boinking someone other than Homer while he's gone...even if it is "efficient German sex."

And yes, I am aware that IT IS A CARTOON. However, it's like they just took the characters personality traits, mixed them in a hat, and drew them out to match with other charachters. "Hey...let's make Homer smart with the stupidest plot device ever (crayon in brain) ...and the Simpsons building a tennis court MAY be the point where we look down and notice that the series has just jumped the shark. The Simpsons go to Africa episode may be final proof (even though it had some funny parts).

I am a charter fan and yes, the Conan years were the golden ones. This season reminds me of the last season of Welcome Back Kotter, where every situation was stretched into the absurd. Bart as a Manchurian Candidate? The four boys as a Boy Band (although the Navy thing was a nice touch)? Each situation is weirder than the last...and not funny weird...weird weird.

The Simpson's trademark brand of humor has always been more "clever" and sophisticated rather than "absurdist" or "ridiculous". Each of this season's shows has it's funny moments, but more than not, lately, I just ask myself why these idiots are ruining my favorite show and having these great characters do this stupid shit.

The bizarre situations and social commentary were always the icing on the cake of why this was such a great show...not the main emphasis. I'm afraid that the Simpsons is becoming...

wait for it...

Wacky.

So if anybody from the show reads this, then STOP IT. Have some respect for the show's traditions and stop smoking dope at the story meetings. And stop with "Hey...let's have Homer wrestle in the WWF!!! I'll bet we can get The Rock to do a voice." Just stop.

Why don't you work on writing funnier stuff...cool, clever humor that can't be found anywhere else. And if you're not up to it, quit and let somebody else have a go.

We are DIRECTLY OVER the shark, here. It's not too late to turn back.

Dan The first Simpsons fan

On Mon, 4 Jun 2001 15:53:43 -0400, "Will Vaughan" wrote:

Since CBG is a favorite among most fans (nearly all geekcodes list CBG as one of their favorites) it was only natural they finally allocate a main storyline to him. Being that he is such a hypercritical nerd lacking companionship, it seemed fitting that the plot would be about him finding love or a friend, etc. It wasn't that far-fetched, besides, Agnes is the only suitable choice given their personalities. I thought it was oddly romantic, like Harold and Maude.

Marge is "boinking" someone else...interesting theory. Did I miss something?

Ooh, I know, I know!!! It's wacky, isn't it?

Yes, I knew you were going to say that! I get a gold star!

Betsy "now you can't go to the boat show" Where

GeekCode S1.3: HOM+++ FRI++@! The Ramones+++ CBG+++!!!!* BUR> TEE+++ NSync-- f++ n- $+++ 4F05, 5F13 F1981

"Betsy Where" wrote in message news:[email]...

something?

wasn't there a german look alike of homer at home with marge when homer was imprisoned?

this ep was probably only funny to people that were actual fans of the old show the prisoner and even they probably didn't like it all that much.

the show has been much harder to watch lately,considering I have to beg my wife to let me watch it every sunday niight. I find myself apologizing more and more to her lately for make such a fuss for so little payoff.

He's good for a few one-liners, but in every appearance, he's always the rude comic book store clerk. No dimension to him whatsoever. At least with supporting characters like Gil, they find something different, yet funny, every time. ________________________________________________________________

The Indian DVD Resource: http://www.fly.to/indiadvd

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Remove "bination" to reply.

Let me be the first to say that I think Conan O'Brien is hilarious, intelligent and truly the best thing on late night. But, all things considered, he didn't have a whole lot of influence on the show. I think there was a lot more that contributed to the seasons in which he just happened to be on the 'Simpsons' staff, and if there was truly one single driving force, it probably wasn't him alone.

Alee

S1.3 FRI*+++ RWG++ GIL-- MIL++ MAG++ TEE+ LIS* f+++ n+ $ 9F01,7F19,7G02,2F10,2F22,1F02,4F04 F1980

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

intelligent

didn't

that

'Simpsons'

him

Thank God someone finally said that. I don't know why people completely attribute the shows success to Conan. As you stated before, he is the best in late night, and a great comedian. But for God's sakes he is only credited with 3 episodes. And during that time Matt Groening was always in the writer's rooms and with the cast during line reads. Hmmmm...maybe *that's* why the show was better? Nah, why would the creator have any influence on the quality of the show? If they need to bring anyone back it's Matt. From what I have heard he barely even involves himself in "Futurama" now as well. What is he doing that he can't go back and become more involved with the cast and crew?

Far-fetched? But Isn't Jockey-land true?

= )

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John R. McLaughlin [email]

"But Jimmy has Fancy Plans, And Pants to Match." - Jimmy James

If you believe in jockeys, clap your hands!

"Anthony Regina" wrote in message news:mwk17.79348$[email]...

wasn't

best

in

Just bring back James L. Brooks. That guy is amazing when it comes to creating shows/movies with real, believable and emotional characters in them. "As Good As It Gets", while pretty commercial, was a helluva film. During the time Brooks had a direct hand in The Simpsons, it was a helluva TV show.

"The Rack" wrote in message news:kVr17.6509$[email]...

more

become

I'd have to agree with you here. You know, the funny thing is, I didn't even realize how huge a part of the old show James L. Brooks was. I don't know why no one has mentioned his departure that much. Is he completely off the show? If so, why is his name still in the credits at all? On a side note I would just like to state that I was reading an older post from you Rack and I have to say that you stated the reason for the shows change perfectly. I believe it was a thread titled "Don't blame the writers". I have always thought this too. The writers seem to have a grasp on what they need to do to write a decent/great show, a large bit of evedenced in the most episodes, in between some of the cheaper jokes (which is also why I still enjoy the show, I see glimmers of fun and humor in the show still), but I think Scully was truly not the right choice for the Exec. Producer place since it seems that he has let Fox call the shots on many important subjects, such as the demographics they are aiming the show at, and the constant and annoying use of guest stars. I *do* hope, and truly think that Al Jean's spot as "Show Runner" next season will take the same anti-interference stance than they used to have with Fox giving them notes on the show, like MG used to state. Scully is a good writer, but I think as a leader he wasn't strong enough and constantly was cowtowing to Fox. Al Jean *was* exec. producer in seasons 3 and 4, hopefully he will start to set things right again.

P.S.: Sorry about this long, rambling post about information that almost *everyone* has already pointed out, but I just felt like stating how I felt too. :)

"Anthony Regina" wrote in message news:qLu17.83786$[email]...

helluva

Well, Dean Humphries said it.

[Read that with the same inflection that Homer does on "Well, Lenny said it"]

Maybe Dean Humphries can fill in the blanks here; but, from what we'd talked about, apparently Brooks left after one of the middle seasons. [Radiohead]: I might be wrong.

from

they

Welcome... to the Dark Side! :) This also explains why Swartzwelder, Mula--excellent writers from the show's past--could come up with such bland/silly episodes recently. Just do what the boss tells you, and you walk out of there with a paycheck. I find it hard to believe Swartzwelder's lost his sense of humor, or even his sense of humanity. It's easier to assume one person's decision was the factor behind the show's.... "change"... across the board.

Well, he gives (gave) Fox what they want, too. Jake Lennington actually provided the missing pieces to this "puzzle". His information about Scully taking the show in a more kid-oriented direction validates the entire idea that "it's not the writers' fault". Still, don't be surprised if a few like Eric Sansoni pop in here with some aggressive, but thoughtful, counterposts... since many are convinced till their dying days that it's the writers' fault.

season

Fox

Let's hope.

He was okay. Did he write "Lisa's Rival"? Then, he was good. 2F05 is probably his most well-know, but it was _okay_.

cowtowing to Fox.

Not sure about that, but that's what I think too.

to set

We all hope so, too.

felt

Thanks for your thoughts, Anthony.

"optonline?" "Optimum Online..." That's a DSL service, right? I see that on Bearshare, and the downloads/uploads are pretty fast.

"The Rack" wrote in message news:7A027.2814$[email]...

on

Almost, it's a cable modem. When it wants to work it's great and really fast. Unfortunately, it works as much as Maynard G. Krebs lately. They can't install this direct line into my room fast enough!

"Anthony Regina" wrote in message news:CU827.99760$[email]...

in

Does it work as fast as Maynard James Keenan? "I'm your passengeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!"

[Sitting on bomb] Take THAT, Maynard G. Krebs!

Maybe he's working on those "Life is Hell" cartoons again.  Or "Life in Hell,"
whatever, I've never read them.
________________________________________________________________

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dan0311 wrote:

Homer in the WWF would bring in ratings no matter how smart/stupid the episode turned out. And in the end, ratings are all that matter.

Dan, the show is old. Nowadays, it's all about attracting a next generation audience and us 'long timers' and our opinions don't mean jack shit to the writing staff or Fox.

Jake

Not really,,the wrestling boom is OVER so the ratings would probably continue to be mediocre.

Metlhd3138 wrote:

Yeah, but the mainstream fans, Homer boom isn't over even though Scully is gone.

Maybe the show should move to Nick Jr. or Cartoon Network. It's not clever enough to be a Fox cartoon.

PS: The PJs is really a very funny show.  Pity that nobody sees it.
________________________________________________________________

The Indian DVD Resource: http://www.fly.to/indiadvd

What happens when you delete the Recycle Bin?

"Gay" is not a synonym for "bad."

Remove "bination" to reply.