Simpsons Season 15 Review Thread: Crap... or not?

[Reply #160 on:]

 

Originally posted by leelaholic:
FABF01 - Today, I Am a Clown - Confirmed airdate: December 7, 2003 - Written by Joel H. Cohen
When Krusty admits that he never had a Bar Mitvah, he turns to his father Rabbi Krustofsky for help. Later, when Krusty realizes his shooting schedule has him working on the Sabbath he proposes to hire a guest host. Not wanting to hire anyone that will upstage him or threaten his career, Krusty hires Homer. At his first show Homer and his guests Lenny, Moe and Carl win over the audience by talking about everyday subjects like donuts. Meanwhile, Krusty holds his Bar Mitvah at the Isotope Stadium and invites Mr. T to read from the Torah. Jackie Mason returns to reprise his role as Rabbi Krustofsky and Mr. T guest-stars as himself.

Hmmmm... I'm looking forward to this episode for some reason.

[Reply #161 on:]

Ah pity th'foo who don't watch this episode!

[Reply #162 on:]

Like I said before, I'm most looking forward to the Homer subplot.   

[Reply #163 on:]

when the new episode of The Simpsons going to be on what date?

[Reply #164 on:]

In the US, this Sunday. In the UK, not until December 21st.

You can find the listings here. and here.

[Reply #165 on:]

Mmmmm Mr. T action!

[Reply #166 on:]

Those idiots at FOX gave this "description". Those dumbasses made it sound like a Homer episode!!! (and a quite terrible one at that) The title even matches the description they gave! If someone read that and didn't know the whole thing, they'd think it would suck! 

But rest assured, this episode will kick ass. 

[Reply #167 on:]

I seem to remember the same thing happening for "Lisa's Substitute". The episode was billed as "Bart runs for class president" but that was merely a B plot.

[Reply #168 on:]

well back then people thought it was all about bart, i guess making it about lisa would make it seem boring

[Reply #169 on:]

And now PEEL is back. It would seem odd to give a full review of TIAAC so I'll just summarize what I said at NHC by saying it was truly excellent. I loved the Lincoln dreams and Lisa reading the Simpsons graphic guide. I also liked Ralph saying "I eat Legos".

[Reply #170 on:]

yes good peel is back on and yet somehow people seemed to have been able to post.
why the hell do they need to do maitenace on this little board, they've done it twice since i arrived

[Reply #171 on:]

OK, now just a breif word on "Today I Am A Clown".
The episode had some laughs, as leelaholic mentioned, I liked the Lincoln dreams and Lisa thumbing through the Complete Guide, and a few other things. But Jackie Mason as Rabbi Krustofski was wasted, and Krusty's middle name was changed, only because according to FOX, they wanted to make sure the viewers were paying attention. Well I was, and was peeved. Mr. T was funny, the ending was rushed, and this episode is easily forgettable, and lightyears from matching the brilliant "Like Father, Like Clown."
Grade: 3/5.

[Reply #172 on:]

 

Originally posted by User_names_suck:
yes good peel is back on and yet somehow people seemed to have been able to post.

I'm sorry but this sentence makes no fucking sense.

 

Originally posted by Shadowstar:
But Jackie Mason as Rabbit Krustofski was wasted

Best. Typo. Ever! 

[Reply #173 on:]

I think the Simpsons season 15 was just like seasons 11-14

Show spoiler

shitty!

[Reply #174 on:]

You crazy...

[Reply #175 on:]

sorry about my terrible sentence what i meant was
that peoples posts have been dated 10-12-2003
but i couldn't get on to the site that day or on 11-12-2003

[Reply #176 on:]

Oh, I get it. That is strange.


Anyway, back to what 1 Of The Gays said. The Simpsons episodes seasons 13+ are, for the most part, better than Futurama. Jurassic Bark is better than a lot of Simpsons 13+ episodes but is trumped by the, IMO, truly excellent Moe Baby Blues and Three Gays of the Condo

[Reply #177 on:]

 

Originally posted by leelaholic:
You crazy...

I agree with 1 of the Gang. If "The Simpsons" isn't shitty, then it's quite forgettable. The only episode I actually remembered to watch this season was the "President Wore Pearls" ep. It's a bad sign when a die-hard fan forgets to watch.

[Reply #178 on:]

Well i'd disagree about jurrasic bark being better. that one never worked for me.
but yeah simpsons is generally better but I'd say there are still a lot of better futurama season 4 episodes.

I read a great simpsons qoute that i'd forgotten about that i think is appropriate here Paraphrasing, sorry:
Bart: This is really important, we need to get this out to people. Lets post it on the Internet!
Lisa: No, we need to reach people whose opinions actually matter.

Did anyone notice in THOH XIV
mike scully was credited as "everybody loves mike scully" I guess he's good humoured about the internets hate for him

[Reply #179 on:]

Heh heh. "Everybody loves Mike Scully"... except me.

Now, the description for the next episode had me worried but I saw the promo and now I think we may have a winner. Anyway, here it is...

 

From The Simpsons Archives:
FABF02 - 'Tis the Fiftheenth Season - Confirmed airdate: December 14, 2003 - Written by Michael Price
Homer is given a Joe DiMaggio rookie card by Mr. Burns (who has no idea how much it's worth), so he sells it for a lot of money. After spending most of it on himself, Homer comes to realize his greedy ways when he sees "A Christmas Carol" on TV. So he reverses course and starts to do favors for everyone he can, making Flanders jealous by becoming Springfield's new king of nice. He and Flanders then engage in a head-to-head "nice-off". Joe Mantegna guest-stars as Fat Tony.

And here's the promo card:

As you can see, it parodies "The Grinch" so you can tell we're in for some HILARIOUS parody (The TV promo showed Homer parodying the "You're a mean one" song sequence. I laughed out loud  )

[Reply #180 on:]

Well good we've still only had 2 new eps in the u.k. but it sounds like its been good.
but snpp doesn't seem to have updated anything on the new episodes so its a little annoying we cant find anything out

[Reply #181 on:]

I see updates. The episode after "'Tis the Fifteenth Season" is "Marge vs. Singles, Seniors, Childless Couples and Teens, and Gays" (interesting title)

[Reply #182 on:]

No offense, but that "I, (D'oh)bot" episode sounds really bad. I mean, are those Battlebot type shows even on anymore?

[Reply #183 on:]

It won't be bad. I'm expecting a lot from it in particular because it's a Homer/Bart bonding episode (very much like "Saturdays of Thunder" ).

[Reply #184 on:]

I'm sure there are a lot of things the writers write about where they worry if it'll still be relevant by the time it airs.
I assume they have to take risks sometimes

[Reply #185 on:]

   

Originally posted by leelaholic:
Anyway, back to what 1 Of The Gays said.

Wow, that has to be one of the most mature things posted on PEEL all year.

   

The Simpsons episodes seasons 13+ are, for the most part, better than Futurama. Jurassic Bark is better than a lot of Simpsons 13+ episodes but is trumped by the, IMO, truly excellent Moe Baby Blues and Three Gays of the Condo

Since everybody always rave about how great these episodes are, I programmed my video to record them, seeing as I would probably miss them otherwise (which I did with Three Gays On The Condo but not Moe Baby Blues).

Moe Baby Blues was defientely a pleasant surprise. Great development of Moe's character, and pretty good jokes. Yeah, it deserves the praise people give it.

"Three Gays On The Condo" disappointed me. Can anyone give a sound explanation why this episode beat "Jurassic Bark" at the Emmy's? I can't remember any good jokes right of the bat (sorry, but that's the way it is), but I remember some things that hit me right in the face when I saw it. As in things that made me look for the remote.

Homer find some things from the past, takes everything out of context, blows it up to huge proportions and act like a spoiled brat around Marge. Then he realise the errors of his ways, and leaves her, because she deserves better. Again! Haven't this been used in several episodes allready?

So that episode with John (the gay kitch collector) meant nothing? Because Homer has clearly forgotten everything he learned about gays in that one.

The scene in the club. 'nuff said. The only thing I've seen in recent years that was more toe-cringing was Bender's funeral in "A Pharaoh To remember".

And you're telling me jerkass Homer is gone?

If Moe Baby Blues is anything to go by, the show is really picking up. Nothing that would compare to season 6-8, but definetely a big improvement. If Three Gays On The Condo is anything to go by, the show is still up a certain creek.

At the moment MBB feels like the exception to the rule, and not the other way around.

[Reply #186 on:]

 

Originally posted by Teral:
Wow, that has to be one of the most mature things posted on PEEL all year.

Booger.
 

Since everybody always rave about how great these episodes are, I programmed my video to record them, seeing as I would probably miss them otherwise (which I did with Three Gays On The Condo but not Moe Baby Blues).

Moe Baby Blues was defientely a pleasant surprise. Great development of Moe's character, and pretty good jokes. Yeah, it deserves the praise people give it.

Most PEELers are too bitter to admit that (or are insane)
 

"Three Gays On The Condo" disappointed me. Can anyone give a sound explanation why this episode beat "Jurassic Bark" at the Emmy's?

1. It had a sweet but not sad ending, Jurassic Bark's ending was overly tragic (still pretty good though. Just not as good).

2. Three Gays turned a cliche into a fresh episode.

3. It's the Simpsons.
 

I can't remember any good jokes right of the bat (sorry, but that's the way it is),

Not important.
 

but I remember some things that hit me right in the face when I saw it. As in things that made me look for the remote.

Homer find some things from the past, takes everything out of context, blows it up to huge proportions and act like a spoiled brat around Marge. Then he realise the errors of his ways, and leaves her, because she deserves better. Again! Haven't this been used in several episodes allready?

As I said before, it turned a cliche fresh
 

So that episode with John (the gay kitch collector) meant nothing? Because Homer has clearly forgotten everything he learned about gays in that one.

Nope.
 

The scene in the club. 'nuff said. The only thing I've seen in recent years that was more toe-cringing was Bender's funeral in "A Pharaoh To remember".

Hans Moleman: "Lesbians? This isn't my army reunion."

Random Gay: "You're coming home with me, private."

Hans Moleman: (saluting) "Yes, sir!"

  I couldn't breathe from laughing.
 

And you're telling me jerkass Homer is gone?

Yup.
 

If Moe Baby Blues is anything to go by, the show is really picking up. Nothing that would compare to season 6-8, but definetely a big improvement. If Three Gays On The Condo is anything to go by, the show is still up a certain creek.

Up a creek and sailing to greatness.
 

At the moment MBB feels like the exception to the rule, and not the other way around.

Sorry. I didn't mean to offend you dead dog lovers.

[Reply #187 on:]

This weeks episode had some good laughs for me, but it also had plenty of what I dislike about recent Simpsons season. One of my major dislikes is the prevalence of self referencing jokes.    Lisa pulling out the Simpsons Episode Guide might have been cute if it wasn't a lame set up for a retread story idea.  I have the solution for Matt Groening, free of charge.  Since Samurai are all the rage these days, one should be hired for the Simpsons writing staff.  Whenever a writer pens a self referencing joke to cover for their inability to come up with new story ideas, they get their head cut off.  It won't take long for the current writers to be replaced,  the process possibly quickened  by the inevitable Simpsons apocolypse where the whole episode is based on jokes about things they've already done.  The show is stagnant and the writers seem to think it's funny to point this out.  It's become both forgettable and shitty.

[Reply #188 on:]

leelaholic: have you been brainwashed by The Simpsons writers, or something?

Not all of the jokes/quotes you post are bad, but I have a feeling that if they appeared on any other show, you wouldn't be rushing to the internet to post "I almost died laughing! LOLOLOL      !!!"

Anyway, I saw the most recent episode, with Krusty's bar mitzvah. I have a friend who is trying to convince me that the show has returned to its former glory, so sometimes I'm forced to watch it. Seeing some of the more recent episodes, I will finally agree to agree with you Simpsons fans. It's NOT as bad as the Scully years. But the difference between these new episodes and the classic seasons are night and day. And the difference in quality is even more apparent to me, when they have "sequel" episodes like this one with Krusty's father, and the Grimey Jr. episode(which, I'll admit, I didn't see, but it sounds pretty bad), and the "Homer's mom returns again" episode.

I know it must be hard to come up with new characters and situations and what-not, but I have to believe that making not-as-good sequels to classic episodes is only hurting the "look, the show is better than ever" cause. I still wish the producers would have the guts to just make a decent series finale and end the show.

P.S. The Simpsons missed the "Mr. T as a kitschey-hip guest" boat by about a year.

[Reply #189 on:]

 

Originally posted by leelaholic:
 

Originally posted by Teral:
Wow, that has to be one of the most mature things posted on PEEL all year.

Booger.
 

Since everybody always rave about how great these episodes are, I programmed my video to record them, seeing as I would probably miss them otherwise (which I did with Three Gays On The Condo but not Moe Baby Blues).

Moe Baby Blues was defientely a pleasant surprise. Great development of Moe's character, and pretty good jokes. Yeah, it deserves the praise people give it.

Most PEELers are too bitter to admit that (or are insane)
   

"Three Gays On The Condo" disappointed me. Can anyone give a sound explanation why this episode beat "Jurassic Bark" at the Emmy's?

1. It had a sweet but not sad ending, Jurassic Bark's ending was overly tragic (still pretty good though. Just not as good).

2. Three Gays turned a cliche into a fresh episode.

3. It's the Simpsons.
   

I can't remember any good jokes right of the bat (sorry, but that's the way it is),

Not important.
   

but I remember some things that hit me right in the face when I saw it. As in things that made me look for the remote.

Homer find some things from the past, takes everything out of context, blows it up to huge proportions and act like a spoiled brat around Marge. Then he realise the errors of his ways, and leaves her, because she deserves better. Again! Haven't this been used in several episodes allready?

As I said before, it turned a cliche fresh
   

So that episode with John (the gay kitch collector) meant nothing? Because Homer has clearly forgotten everything he learned about gays in that one.

Nope.
   

The scene in the club. 'nuff said. The only thing I've seen in recent years that was more toe-cringing was Bender's funeral in "A Pharaoh To remember".

Hans Moleman: "Lesbians? This isn't my army reunion."

Random Gay: "You're coming home with me, private."

Hans Moleman: (saluting) "Yes, sir!"

    I couldn't breathe from laughing.
   

And you're telling me jerkass Homer is gone?

Yup.
   

If Moe Baby Blues is anything to go by, the show is really picking up. Nothing that would compare to season 6-8, but definetely a big improvement. If Three Gays On The Condo is anything to go by, the show is still up a certain creek.

Up a creek and sailing to greatness.
   

At the moment MBB feels like the exception to the rule, and not the other way around.

Sorry. I didn't mean to offend you dead dog lovers.

1. Most PEELers agree that "Moe Baby Blues" was good. There's no argument there. The argument is whether or not it was the exception to the rule.

2. I'm really getting tired of "Homer leaves Marge" as a plot device. Let's see, it's happened when Bart was hit by a car, when the Johnny Cash coyete tells Homer to find his soulmate, it happened when Homer managed that country singer, it happened during the marriage retreat, etc, etc. I'm bored with it.

3. I'm sick of jokes that are "I'm gay, isn't that funny!" Hence I hate Will and Grace, and any other show that gets a cheap laugh just because someone acts "gay." The great thing about John in "Homer's Phobia" was that he didn't act like a stereotypical gay guy. His relationship with the cast wasn't solely one-liners about his sexual preference.

4. Jurassic Bark has more to it than the ending. As I rewatched it on CN, so many jokes struck me. The Daily Growl, Charlemange, (in fact, that whole scene between Fry and Bender),the Leela v. Amy training scene, Robopuppy, "boogie fever," Fry's dad, etc. Now, I haven't seen "3 Gays of the Condo," so I can't compare episodes. However, I did laugh more during JB than during "Today, I am a Clown."

5. Speaking of which, I'm really getting sick of "Homer gets suddenly famous." That's another cliche that I hate. That's probably why I hated "Gump Roast" so much. Aside from it's clip-show-nature.

[Reply #190 on:]

OK, OK, let's see, here's how I classify the seasons by how good they are. Season 1 is not in my ranking, since it's so bad, but they were just starting the show, so it's not really their fault. Seasons 2 through 8 are the Simpsons' golden age. I was watching "Rosebud" the other day, and I laughed practically every minute. I could not believe how funny these older episodes were. The episodes in these seasons are the most memorable, and the most hilarious, in the series. Seasons 9 through 12 is the Old New period. These run consisted of mostly good, and average episodes, but also had some of the worst episodes to see the light of day ("Kill the Alligator and Run," "Sunday Cruddy Sunday," "Simpson Safarai" ) Seasons 13-on is the New New period. The series redeemed itself from the older episodes, but not much. It's still filled with average episodes, but I haven't seen one horribly bad episode like the Old New Age in this age. One downfall is that the episodes are forgettable, save maybe a few.
I say if this show keeps going after the Season 16 contract, then it has gone on waaaaay too far, and it has already NOW!

[Reply #191 on:]

I dont understand peoples complaints about homer being a jerk, he was always a jerk yes' he did make some comments. but think about "life in the fast lane" he forgots his wife's birthday and then quickly runs out to buy a present that he knows she wont like so he can use it for himself.
In lisa's substitute he mocks a musem over the fact they have a suggested donation. and later tells his depressed daugter "just because i dont care doesn't mean i dont understand".
in "When flanders failed" he's rude to his neighbour then turns up at the bbq and takes some food and beer and sits alone. and also wishes his buisness to fail, and at one point he even contemplates wishing him dead, he takes it back but thought about if for a second.

I dont think it'll be such a bad thing if the show continues to run beyond season 16. It could use some fresh life though, Find a good show runner get some writers with some good new ideas and it could be brilliant.

I actually missed 3 gays of the condo. but for jurrasic bark I'll say the the first act was funny but then just went downhill got way too sentimental over nothing and just had an overly tragic episode It wasn't funny it wasn't moving to me and probably to most non nerds that dont cry over everything. and it had no point or moral to it. I assume 3 gays of the condo at least had some moral of tolerance and acceptance of homosexuals.
whats the point of jurrasic bark. 'If you ever find your fossilised dog in the future, you should clone it because it probably really missed you'

[Reply #192 on:]

 

Originally posted by User_names_suck:
I dont understand peoples complaints about homer being a jerk, he was always a jerk yes' he did make some comments. but think about "life in the fast lane" he forgots his wife's birthday and then quickly runs out to buy a present that he knows she wont like so he can use it for himself.

But the fact here is that Homer forgets what he's gone out for. He doesn't actively go out and say "Marge doesn't matter, I'll buy myself a bowling ball".

One of the worst turning points in the series was when Homer started to expect love, rather than strive for it. It changed him from someone we could all relate to to some annoying idiot you'd just like to throttle.

 

In lisa's substitute he mocks a musem over the fact they have a suggested donation. and later tells his depressed daugter "just because i dont care doesn't mean i dont understand".

Again, this is Homer being ignorantly insensitive, not a jerk. There's a difference.

 

in "When flanders failed" he's rude to his neighbour then turns up at the bbq and takes some food and beer and sits alone. and also wishes his buisness to fail, and at one point he even contemplates wishing him dead, he takes it back but thought about if for a second.

This episode is actually one I'm not too fond of. You're right, Homer does act mean in this one. But he repents half-way through the episode, which doesn't happen often in modern seasons. (By the way, the ending to this episode is so "happy" it makes me cringe.   ).

 

I dont think it'll be such a bad thing if the show continues to run beyond season 16. It could use some fresh life though, Find a good show runner get some writers with some good new ideas and it could be brilliant.

I'm not unconditionally saying the show should end. If it can avoid falling back into the drudgery of the Scully years, plus climb it's way back to something resembling perhaps Season 9 (which I don't see much evidence of), then by all means it should go on.

I just believe there's more dignity in saying "Right, that's it. We've done all we can and become one of the most successful shows of all time. Let's quit now before we fall into the JTS category" than saying "Let's keep going because FOX gives us money. Oh yeah, and so we have more episodes than "Gunsmoke"". All truly great shows know when to quit.

 

I actually missed 3 gays of the condo. but for jurrasic bark I'll say the the first act was funny but then just went downhill got way too sentimental over nothing and just had an overly tragic episode It wasn't funny it wasn't moving to me and probably to most non nerds that dont cry over everything. and it had no point or moral to it. I assume 3 gays of the condo at least had some moral of tolerance and acceptance of homosexuals.
whats the point of jurrasic bark. 'If you ever find your fossilised dog in the future, you should clone it because it probably really missed you'

Jurassic Bark was more an exploration of Fry and Bender's relationship and Fry's past that just being about that "fossilised dog". It also showed a sweeter side of Fry that was prevalent in parts of Season Three and most of Season Four. That's why I like it.

And I thought the death of Seymour was a courageous move (Note: Not the same as the "best" move). And I think that deserves an award more than an episode which essentially retread ground which had been covered seasons earlier. (Note 2: This doesn't necessarily mean that it was a bad episode (although I didn't like it). It just means I think courage is a better attribute to reward than unoriginality).

[Reply #193 on:]

 

I dont understand peoples complaints about homer being a jerk, he was always a jerk yes' he did make some comments. but think about "life in the fast lane" he forgots his wife's birthday and then quickly runs out to buy a present that he knows she wont like so he can use it for himself.

But the fact here is that Homer forgets what he's gone out for. He doesn't actively go out and say "Marge doesn't matter, I'll buy myself a bowling ball".

He's still twice forgetting to get his wife a present!


 

In lisa's substitute he mocks a musem over the fact they have a suggested donation. and later tells his depressed daugter "just because i dont care doesn't mean i dont understand".

Again, this is Homer being ignorantly insensitive, not a jerk. There's a difference.

You still dont say to your daughter that you dont care about your problems

Another example of him being mean is in lisa the greek he just uses lisa to get bets on the superbowl.

and i'd also like to say it didn't even occur to me about homer being mean It didn't bother me at all

 

Jurassic Bark was more an exploration of Fry and Bender's relationship and Fry's past that just being about that "fossilised dog". It also showed a sweeter side of Fry that was prevalent in parts of Season Three and most of Season Four. That's why I like it.

What bender get jealous of fry's love of a dog, destroys and then realises it was wrong to do that and rescues it for him. And I think its stupid fry goes so mental over a dog. they justify it by saying seymour didn't judge him like the other dogs, what a stupid idea that is. I'm sorry it doesn't click with me

 

And I think that deserves an award more than an episode which essentially retread ground which had been covered seasons earlier.

But its not the point to measure it based on previous episodes, the judges might not have even seen 'homers phobia' they measure it on the episode alone

[Reply #194 on:]

Fry's friendship with Seymour does not revolve around the fact that "Seymour doesn't judge him like the other dogs". It's a genuine friendship, which Fry didn't have many of when he was in 1999 (witness Michelle and Mr Panucci).

OK, so they're not supposed to measure it based on previous episodes, but does that mean if you took a previous Emmy-winning episode, used the same script, same directors, same animators, showed it as a "new" episode, should it win the Emmy? I would have thought that most people would be in an uproar if it did. "Three Gays" isn't as bad as a direct copy, but it does borrow story elements heavily from previous episodes, especially "Homer's Phobia". I personally didn't like the episode and cannot fathom how "Jurassic Bark" lost out, but I don't hold it against The Simpsons, I hold it against the Emmy judges.

I realise JB is not for everyone. To trot out a cliche, it's a "love it, hate it" episode. I admit that at first I was a little angry that was the ending they chose, but I later came to admire it's defiance of TV-writing ethic. Nearly all endings to shows which are "emotional" end with some sort of uplifting moment, like LOTF or "'Bout Springfield". Even the episode with Homer's mother (the first one) had a bittersweet ending, whereas JB's one is just bitter.

[Reply #195 on:]

 

Originally posted by user_names_suck:
What bender get jealous of fry's love of a dog, destroys and then realises it was wrong to do that and rescues it for him. And I think its stupid fry goes so mental over a dog. they justify it by saying seymour didn't judge him like the other dogs, what a stupid idea that is. I'm sorry it doesn't click with me

Obviously you've never had a pet for a very long time. People who own dogs or cats for most of their lives beome attached to their pet much like they would get attached to a human friend. Bender was jealous of not being the center of Fry's universe (or his only friend), but later realizes that it's not wrong for a person to have more than one "best friends."

[Reply #196 on:]

 

Fry's friendship with Seymour does not revolve around the fact that "Seymour doesn't judge him like the other dogs". It's a genuine friendship, which Fry didn't have many of when he was in 1999

I just meant thats how it started and i didn't think that worked as a reason for it to start
 

Obviously you've never had a pet for a very long time. People who own dogs or cats for most of their lives beome attached to their pet much like they would get attached to a human friend.

But my point is he didn't cry everyday before the writers decided he had a dog  and he didn't care about not seeing his parents . and even if he does care why should the audience  And I can kind of relate to getting attached to pets. And actually my main point was that it got very emotinal and not funny and just really slow and obvious except for the ending itself. and the emotion didn't quite work,

They say this in the commentary about the orignal idea

Show spoiler

The orignal idea was to have fry find his fossilised mother. but we decided that would
be too upsetting.

but i think that would have worked better as it would be darker and more disturbing

[Reply #197 on:]

 

Originally posted by FishyJoe:
leelaholic: have you been brainwashed by The Simpsons writers, or something?

Not all of the jokes/quotes you post are bad, but I have a feeling that if they appeared on any other show, you wouldn't be rushing to the internet to post "I almost died laughing! LOLOLOL          !!!"

Good point and all, but I'd still laugh.
 

Anyway, I saw the most recent episode, with Krusty's bar mitzvah. I have a friend who is trying to convince me that the show has returned to its former glory, so sometimes I'm forced to watch it. Seeing some of the more recent episodes, I will finally agree to agree with you Simpsons fans. It's NOT as bad as the Scully years. But the difference between these new episodes and the classic seasons are night and day.

Yup. It's not as good as it used to be, but that doesn't mean it's bad. Simpsons of today are great, lot of good laughs. But the classics are just to good to compare, I still like The Simpsons though (obviously)
 

And the difference in quality is even more apparent to me, when they have "sequel" episodes like this one with Krusty's father, and the Grimey Jr. episode(which, I'll admit, I didn't see, but it sounds pretty bad), and the "Homer's mom returns again" episode.

Here's my view...

"The Great Louse Detective" [Grimes Jr] C

It was good because it wasn't focused on him and didn't have a "cheesy sequel" feeling. I mean, come on, he was in about five minutes of the episode. Still not great, but not bad either.

"Today, I am a Clown" [Rabbi Krustofski] A-

The Rabbi wasn't in it that much and it was kinda forgettable, but it had plenty of good laughs and I'd hardly call it a sequel.

"My Mother the Carjacker" [Homer's mom] A+

I hate to sound like hyperbole but I really liked this one. Good plot, good charicterization, good jokes, good ending. Very well done if I do say so myself.
 

I know it must be hard to come up with new characters and situations and what-not, but I have to believe that making not-as-good sequels to classic episodes is only hurting the "look, the show is better than ever" cause.

As I said before, (a) I'd hardly call them sequels and (b) It' not "better than ever" but it's still good.
 

I still wish the producers would have the guts to just make a decent series finale and end the show.

I actually wouldn't mind a few more seasons. OFF hasn't lost it and I'd like to see Al Jean finish getting it back on track.
 

P.S. The Simpsons missed the "Mr. T as a kitschey-hip guest" boat by about a year.

I have no idea why they chose him either.

[Reply #198 on:]

What?! If anything, I'd bill "The Great Louse Detective" as one of the best episodes of Season 14! Sideshow Bob is always great, and Frank Grimes Jr. was kinda dumb, but Bob falling apart since he has lost his will to kill Bart because he's grown accustomed to him, and breaks into song. I love that episode, it was much better than "Today I Am A Clown." And leelaholic, as much as I love the series, I WOULD mind a few more seasons, because I'm getting pretty tired of digging through average and good episodes to find the four or five jewels each season, as opposed to the earlier seasons which practically every episode was gold.

[Reply #199 on:]

 

Originally posted by User_names_suck:
But my point is he didn't cry everyday before the writers decided he had a dog  and he didn't care about not seeing his parents . and even if he does care why should the audience.

Most people don't cry forever about bad things. I hate to be pragmatic, but if that were the case, no one would ever get any work done. The point is Fry is reminded of his former best friend and that stirs up emotions in him, like in would in most people.

Fry seems fairly indifferent to his parents (which is kind of reciprocal). I agree, though, I would have liked to have seen an episode examining his feelings about them as well, but since Fry didn't have as much day-to-day contact with his parents as with his dog, it makes more sense to make the episode about the latter.