Unloved by Al its The Simpsons season 15 "And Review Threads Make Three"

[Reply #600 on:]

Ooo, sneaky.   

It sounds a little in the vein of the Dirk Gently series, which is a good thing. And if the man behind gigantic golden Homer is in charge, then I say: 'churrah!'

TOTP placeholder.

[Reply #601 on:]

Finally some new episodes to air in the U.K


3rd October - 18:30; FABF12
"My Big Fat Geek Wedding"

3rd October - 19:30; FABF11
"The Wandering Juvie"

10th October - 18:30; FABF15
"Simple Simpson"

17th October - 18:30; FABF13
"The Way We Weren't"

24th October - 18:30; FABF09
"Smart and Smarter"

31st October - 18:30; FABF14
"Catch 'Em If You Can"


So after a gap of 15 weeks and prior to that gap we'd had 12 episodes spread over about 7 months
we get 6 episodes in one month, and we'll probably get the next 4 all in november.
There's also airing in a completley different order to the U.S.

[Reply #602 on:]

My Big Fat Geek Wedding
I knew it was 'Geek,' who said I didn't?
Hellllllllo? Hello, humour? Where are you?
Ah, using Simpsons quotes to criticise the Simpsons... how perverse.
Not much else to say about it. Matt's brief appearence amused me, but overall, bland.

[Reply #603 on:]

Big Fat Geek Wedding
The brief appearance of Matt Groening amused me briefly in this whole sorry episode. This is probably the worst I think I've ever seen Homer in any episode as far as attitude goes. He goes through the entire episode ignoring everything Marge says, fighting with her, and then he suddenly just proposes to her again without so much as a warning and everything is fine again? Something important was obviously cut from this episode or it wouldn't look so damned stupid. There were some good lines, I'll admit, and I don't even know if they were actually speaking Klingon or if they were just gargling with salt water, but a bad episode, all round.
"I can't compete with a fat, bald, middle-aged man who lives with his parents!"
C-
 

[Reply #604 on:]

I was reading through some ep descriptions of Season 16 (old news I know, but it’s not like they’ve even aired yet, so it’s still new if you think about it). Anyway, after reading what the Simpsons Archive had to say about the upcoming Treehouse of Horror ep, the first thing that sprung to mind is "Holy shit, now they’re stealing what’s already been done in Futurama!"...

 

Treehouse of Horror XV (#FABF23 / SI-1523)
One segment features a Fantastic Voyage parody through Homer's insides. Another will feature a Sherlock Holmes type mystery.

So first, we basically have ‘Parasites Lost’ with the Fantastic Voyage parody. Then we have a Sherlock Holmes type mystery, just like Dr Zoidberg’s parody of Sherlock Holmes in Leela’s "More Impulsive" storyline, from ‘Anthology of Interest I’. All I can say is this Treehouse of Horror has a hell of a lot to live up to, seeing as both those Futurama storylines were some of the best of the show.

However, reading though the other episode descriptions currently available, one in particular stood out to me as sounding quite promising. It appealed to me, as a storyline and situation at least. I think the circumstances, which arise, could have potential if written right...

 

Sleeping With The Enemy (#FABF19 / SI-1519)
Marge becomes a motherly figure for Nelson Muntz, as he has no parental figure, and she lets him stay in the Simpson house.

I’ve always loved Nelson’s character, and It’ll be fun seeing how Bart reacts, especially if Nelson got his room or something. And then there’s Lisa, who’s had a date with Nelson in the past, so that could be interesting. And I can see Marge either getting on with Nelson great (to Bart’s annoyance), or Marge not being able to get on with him at all (which would be equally fun, and has moral issue potential too). I loved it when Otto stayed at The Simpsons house, and as long as this isn’t just a rip-off of that, then it should rule. I'd be tempted to watch this, even though it is new. (please don’t let this be a wasted opportunity with stupid wacky jokes and a lame b-story...)

[Reply #605 on:]

To be fair Bill Odenkirk is the writer of those 3 segments so its obvious that futurama writers just aren't that creative.
Seriously though loads of Cartoons have done a fantastic Voyage parody.
The Sherlock Holmes type mystery doesn't really seem like it'll be at all like the futurama one.

I'm actually not as optomistic about "sleeping with the enemy" as you are, I've heard a lot of it will be about Bart's jealousy and I'm just worried the emotion could feel very contrived.

[Reply #606 on:]

In other words "the exact opposite of what Otis said"...

[Reply #607 on:]

I'll agree that it might be a poor choice to do a "Fantastic Voyage" parody so relatively soon after Futurama's episode, but really its a common thing to parody and Futurama was hardly original in deciding to do a parody of it (in fact The Simpsons had already done it first, albeit not as a whole episode/segment).  The Sherlock Holmes compaint on the other hand amounts to nothing; its an incredibly common subject of parody and has been featured in pretty much everything, plus Zoidberg's bit was more of a "Zoidberg's so stupid" joke then anything resembling a legitimate parody or Sherlock Holmes.  In this case I think its Lisa as the detective anyway (correct me if I'm wrong) so I doubt it'll retread over anything Futurama has already done.

Also, as a correction to User I think Odenkirk only wrote one segment (though I forget which one).  The Holmes one is Matt Selman I believe.

And the third (often not listed) segment seems to be something about Ned seeing into the future but not much is known about that yet.

[Reply #608 on:]

heh I didn't mean to disagree with you on everything Otis. Your criticisms seemed slightly unjustifed, But Then I showed I had some concerns over 'Sleeping With The Enemy' So you didn't accuse me over 'being too defensive' Honestly it was nothing personal. (This time)
 
I'm not sure your right DTB snpp doesn't list it that way (unless its been updated since I last looked) I'm guessing Selman just contributed a lot to it.

[Reply #609 on:]

I'd have to say I'm most looking forward to the fast-forward episode, which could be excellent if done right. I also like the sound of the one about Quimby facing a recall election. "Pranksta Rap" sounds like the next "Helter Shelter"...

On a different subject, congrats to DtB on becoming a Professor. 

[Reply #610 on:]

Isn't it great the way you not only have the site reinforcing your geekiness, people actually point it out to you as well.

'Pranksta Rap' All depends on 50 cents apperance, I've heard it features him teaching Bart to rap which could be absloutley fucking awful. even if the rest of the episode is great it would probably be outweighed by that.

[Reply #611 on:]

Apparently, they're going to be singing a duet. 

[Reply #612 on:]

I'm looking forward to "Fat Man, Little Boy" I think it's called? Anyway, it's about Bart Having a mid life crisis when he's only 10. I'm looking forward to this one most because it's a direction they really haven't gone with Bart's character before, and I think that that's what the show really needs at this point. 

[Reply #613 on:]

Also, there is going to be a Twilight Zone parody where Ned can see into the future in THOHXV

[Reply #614 on:]

What the hell!? A rapping Bart, I predicted that. If Homer goes to Prison in the same episode, I am so sueing FOX for reading my post and brain.

Also, I remember how amusing the Otto show thing is but remember this scenario has been done several times? With Apu (Twice), two horses, Dwayne and Chester.

[Reply #615 on:]

 

Originally posted by newhook_1:
 I'm looking forward to "Fat Man, Little Boy" I think it's called? Anyway, it's about Bart Having a mid life crisis when he's only 10. I'm looking forward to this one most because it's a direction they really haven't gone with Bart's character before, and I think that that's what the show really needs at this point. 

I generally like Bart focused episodes, but this whole plotline just doesn’t add up to me, unless they’re saying Bart’s only going to live until age 20...

 

Originally posted by Nurdbot:
 Also, I remember how amusing the Otto show thing is but remember this scenario has been done several times? With Apu (Twice), two horses, Dwayne and Chester.

Oh yeah, you just reminded me, and an elephant...

[Reply #616 on:]

Well they don't literally mean mid-life crisis but whatever the 10 year old equivalent is. the story is he loses his last baby tooth and thats what sets him off on it.

Nurdy technically Bart rapped before in that shitty (no offence DTB) Do that bartman song, so selling out has been in the show since season 2 to be fair.

[Reply #617 on:]

Don't forget "Deep Deep Trouble" too...

[Reply #618 on:]

Having a "mid-life" crisis at that age isn't as farfetched as one might think (though obviously it will be exxagerated, given that this is a comedy show).  I remember being scared to death of turning 12.

I think its basically going to be about Bart fearing that he'll grow up to become like Homer, which hasn't really been dealt with in any big way yet.  I'm really looking forward to it.

Woodbot-We don't know that its a Twilight Zone parody yet.  It could be but its only speculation at this point.

Bart's "rap" with 50 Cent is probably in the credits or whatever.  Not that I'm looking forward to it, but I think it'll be minor.

And personally I'm looking forward to "Sleeping with the Enemy" far more then I would be "The Otto Show" or "Homer and Apu" (among others).  SWTE just has a far better plot. 

[Reply #619 on:]

   

Originally posted by DotheBartman:

I think its basically going to be about Bart fearing that he'll grow up to become like Homer, which hasn't really been dealt with in any big way yet.  I'm really looking forward to it.

Hmm... interesting. I figure it's going to be about Marge giving Bart more responsabilities because he's getting older, and Bart trying to act like a child again to get out of said responsabilities. You know, instead of buying a new car like a 40 year old man, who's trying to act 20, Bart buys an etch-a-sketch or some other children's toy to try and act 5. I like your idea better, but I think both would make for entertaining episodes.

[Reply #620 on:]

It actually wasn't really my idea, more just the impression I get from the episode (especcially given the title: "Fat Man and Little Boy" suggests such a conflict).  But yeah, I wouldn't be suprised to see Bart buying "new things" and all of that as well, if only for comedic reasons.

[Reply #621 on:]

 

Originally posted by newhook_1:
 I figure it's going to be about Marge giving Bart more responsabilities because he's getting older...

The Simpsons have celebrated god knows (and hardcore fans of course) how many Christmases, but still remain the same age...

[Reply #622 on:]

Well yes, but the assumption is still that they will eventually "get old".  I guess whenever the series (and movies) stops will be when this bizarre time-lock finally ends. 

[Reply #623 on:]

Simpsons ending? I doubt it now, just when the season before last finishes we get news that another series is popping up.

[Reply #624 on:]

Well I think it'll end eventually.  I don't know that it'll end anytime soon, but eventually it will end.

[Reply #625 on:]

It has to end sometime, unless they cryogenically freeze the voice actors, only letting them out for short periods whilst they record their voice parts...

[Reply #626 on:]

Catch 'em if you can

Well, well, well. A decent diversion from the more important things I had to do today. It had it's share of just plain unfunny jokes (and Marge and Homer laughing at the newlyweds who wanted children went on for far too long, and wasn't funny in the first place). And, once again, I must bitch about the fact that the Grandpa/Raoul subplot died in the ass.
But, now that that unpleasentness is behind me forever, I can say that overall I liked this ep. I've not seen 'Catch me if you can,' so that montage was mostly lost on me (though it looked great), but even I had to laugh at an irrelevent Moe-nun. I found the finale to be a little strange, but there were enough bits of mirth to make up for it.

C+ for me.

[Reply #627 on:]

U.K viewers for some strange reason the Sky digital interactive t.v guide appears to have scheduled a new episode- 'The Ziff who came to dinner' for tuesday at 8:30. but be warned it could be a mistake.

[Reply #628 on:]

I was flipping through my Simpsons comics last night out of boredom, and I found this. This is my new all-time favorite scene.

Television: "And now, back to 'Krusty's Really Uncomfortable Couch'!"

  That rules!

For anyone who doesn't get it, I'll explain. There used to be a kid's show called "The Big Comfy Couch". It was about a clown girl and her friend, a puppet, who sat on their couch and read stories. When I was in Kindergarden, my teacher showed us the program every day.

When I read this, I suddenly felt a rememberance of the show, followed by realization of how obscure the refernce was, followed by the realization of how perfect the parody was.

[HOMER] It works on so many levels! [/HOMER]

[Reply #629 on:]

Heh, which issue is that from? I was looking through issue 85, (the one where they get the satalite dish), for it but to no avail.

[Reply #630 on:]

Issue 49.

Speaking of issue 85, did you notice that Patrick Verrone wrote that one? He also wrote Bart Simpson #16, if I remember right.

[Reply #631 on:]

I did actually, it's nice to see him become active in other Bongo Comics besides Futurama. He's a great talent.

[Reply #632 on:]

 

Originally posted by Otis P Jivefunk:
So first, we basically have ‘Parasites Lost’ with the Fantastic Voyage parody.

Keep in mind that The Simpsons did a parody of that LONG before Futurama did... Simpsons Comics #8, anyone?

[Reply #633 on:]

I don't read The Simpsons Comics...

[Reply #634 on:]

Nor should you, quite frankly....

[Reply #635 on:]

C'mon, DtB. I can see why you don't like Simpsons Comics (there not my favorite part of the Simpsons franchise, and I only have a few random issues), but there are some good gags. Really, it's one of the best adaptations of a series to the comic book form that I've ever seen. Sure, the stories are a bit wacky, but I think that there are some stories worth reading. But hey, if you don't like 'em, fine by me. To each his own.

[Reply #636 on:]

Yeah, I've just never liked them much, at least from what I've seen.  Too many of them seem like recycled plots from the series and it just seems too....let's say "toned down" and child-friendly.  Too many stories that seem more Saturday-morning then Simpsons.  I think it just loses most of the spirit of the series.  I will give it that it has its moments though.  And I haven't read the "Futurama" ones so I don't know how those compare.

[Reply #637 on:]

I agree with that. Many plots from the comic book are more an amlgum of plots from the show. Still, there are some half-decent ones out there. As for Futurama, while it still has that "toned down" aspect to it, I think it is a much better tribute to the show than Simpsons Comics is to its parent. If you ever get the opportunity (or if you feel like it), I would reccommend reading an issue or two. Just a suggestion. 

[Reply #638 on:]

I've wanted to for a while actually.  I'll probably read the first issue or two (through the book collections) in the back of a book store sometime...just to see what I think.  The fact that they are in some cases even written by actual writers such as Verrone sounds especcially encouraging.  I think the main problem with Simpsons comics is that its written by people who aren't actual professional writers on the show itself, and its hard to duplicate that quality.  That, and at least half the issues seem to have some fantastical element that the show would reserve for THOH episodes (superpowers, etc).

I'll also submit that I don't really read comics....so I haven't seen what other show representations there are out there and what the qualities are like.  I am guess that the Bongo comics are probably better in general then most of them.

[Reply #639 on:]

Simpsons comics have gotten alot better since Ian Boothby has started writing like every single one. The plots are still wackier than the Scully era, but there have actually been some laugh out loud funny gags.