Best to leave before it gets Stale?

[on:]

In retrospect, The simpsons Broke its leg in the Sixth Season and should have been shot promptly. Wether this was because matt left or not, im not sure (Did he?)
Maybe im just gettin depressed but i dont find the eps as amusing as i did in the first season.
Do you think it was good to call it quits before it got old, and not the perverted husk the simpsons have become?

[Reply #1 on:]

Hey, what's that over there...? Eww, it's a dead horse! And you're beating it, you sick bastard!

Anyway, while I agree that ending the show before it gets stale would be the most merciful thing to do, Futurama is/was still on the rise. It could have easily lasted another 3 or 4 seasons without getting old. It went before its time.

[Reply #2 on:]

Sorry, mistook "was good" for "would be good".

[Reply #3 on:]

whats that got to do with anything that was sed?

[Reply #4 on:]

 

Originally posted by Australian Guy:
Maybe im just gettin depressed but i dont find the eps as amusing as i did in the first season.
Do you think it was good to call it quits before it got old, and not the perverted husk the simpsons have become?

Hm, this thought often crosses my mind, but I try to block it out most of the time.  There have been a lot of weaker episodes lately (such as this Sunday's ep).  But then again, there are always excellent eps mixed in, such as The Why of Fry or The Sting.  So, I'd say that Futurama shouldn't have been cancelled just yet.  Just because there's always the potential of a kickass episode to be in the mix, even if the strong episode is just an island surrounded by a lake of weak episodes.

[Reply #5 on:]

I would say Simpsons Season 6 was when they were in their prime, and definately should not have stopped at that point.

It would have been nice to spread some of the plotlines in Futurama out over a period of 2-3 more real seasons (24-27 episodes per season, like a normal show).  Probably 75% of the episodes in production season 4 have been plot build-ups and finishings.  So no, I don't find myself getting burned out on the series.

[Reply #6 on:]

It's only really when you get into double figures the Simpsons goes really downhill...that's my two cents.

[Reply #7 on:]

Imortallity is what futurama deserved

[Reply #8 on:]

We could easily of got 2 or 3 more years of quality episodes, after that, who knows!

[Reply #9 on:]

Futurama should have been on air for at least seven Seasons ... DAMN YOU, FOX!

[Reply #10 on:]

I cant`t belive FOX would cancell Futurama. They need a high quality animated show after the simpsons is gone, and i know that Futurama would be perfect for that job. if we would get 22-25 episodes every season Futurama could last for many years, but Fox exec never liked the show. I HATE FOX!!!

[Reply #11 on:]

hell no!  I dunno about all anyone else, but I believe in Futurama, there won't be no bad season if Fox kept it running.  The Simpsons, hey, I still watch from tme to time.  Futurama wouldn't ever go stale, dude.  And I personally think season 5 has some of the best episodes.

[Reply #12 on:]

well, Mabye CN will pick up some new episodes if it picks up in ratings on the Adult Swim?

[Reply #13 on:]

 

Originally posted by Pothead:
well, Mabye CN will pick up some new episodes if it picks up in ratings on the Adult Swim?

...

 

Originally posted by Anarchist:
Hey, what's that over there...? Eww, it's a dead horse! And you're beating it, you sick bastard!

[Reply #14 on:]

While I would've hated seeing Futurama getting stale, it certainly was killed too early. Episodes like "Leela's Homeworld" and "The Why of Fry" came too early... If the show were able to live longer, I think that one would've been (production) season five and one would've been (production) season six. There were so many more stories left to tell... Its depressing that it died so early.

[Reply #15 on:]

it is terrible that it died so young but on the other hand cancelling it so early has made it infamous as opposed to mainstream and stale. and in the end isnt it the cult classic-y things such as owning the dvd sets and saying "eh-wha?" to unsuspecting passers by really what brings us together here today?? im not saying they should have done it...but its always good times to damn fox under your breath for being so blind.so dont you worry about the cancellation let me worry about blank.

[Reply #16 on:]

Approach this post with caution, it's just my opinion

Your right, they had so many more awesome stories to tell. I just find it depressing that in the time they could have told some of those stories, they wasted valuable space on eps like 'That's Lobstertainment', ah well.

But I think Futurama could have carried on for probably at least 2 more seasons before going too stale. But I keep thinking to myself, some of the best eps in Season 4 are eps like 'The Why of Fry', 'Leela's Homeworld', and 'The Sting', all eps, which if it was certain it wouldn't have got cancelled, then would have probably been made in later seasons. But then what does this say about the quality of Season 4? taking out some of it's very best eps, the quality drops. And unless that quailty could have been replaced by equal amounts of quality, which is doubtful when you consider eps like 'Kif Gets Knocked Up a Notch' and '300 Big Boys' which are already the milking of the season, then to milk it even more would probably make it the worst Futurama season so far. And if it were continue in that trend, then it would begin to get stale soon. Sure there would still be good eps, but more weak ones between, so I'm kinda in a way glad it's been cancelled before it gets like that 

[Reply #17 on:]

The Simpsons broke its leg in Season 6?  No, no, no... Season 7 was when I feel it was at its peak.

Either way... Futurama definitely should've lasted longer than 4 seasons.  We still need more shippy scenes!  Which I like!  I'd always wanted it to end with Fry and Leela getting together....

[Reply #18 on:]

Mabye if some rich person could hire some animators, and we could get the Rights to the Show, I bet we could all write out own episodes and sell them to SN!

well, Mabye im just dreaming 

[Reply #19 on:]

 

Originally posted by Pothead:
Mabye if some rich person could hire some animators, and we could get the Rights to the Show, I bet we could all write out own episodes and sell them to SN!

well, Mabye im just dreaming   

But who says dreams can't come true? 

...Now I'm dreaming 

[Reply #20 on:]

 

Originally posted by Australian Guy:
In retrospect, The simpsons Broke its leg in the Sixth Season and should have been shot promptly.

What you talking about, Aussie? Personally I think season 6-8 was when the Simpsons were at their peak. So many incredible good episodes, I'm far to lazy to list them all.

Anyway, once more my take on this: no, Futurama wasn't getting stale, I think at least 3 more seasons could be made, without a drop in quality to be feared. I agreee with McGrady, the reason a larger percentage of this episodes haven't been as joke-crammed (not that they weren't hillarious) as season 2 and 3 is the forcing of the plot-archs. They had to wrap up Fry being in the future, Leela's heritage, Fry & Leela's unresolved love, and Kif & Amy. Ideally they would've been drawn out over the next couple of seasons, and have come to a more natural conclusion.

Yes, it's best to leave before it's getting stale, but Futurama was shot in the back of the head, while it was still warming up for the big match.

[Reply #21 on:]

The age-old debate about when The Simpsons got stale is probably the most contested subject on the internet (even beating out which ST captain was best (It's PICARD, Teral!  )).

I've met people who don't think the show really hit it's stride till Season Six, and those who think it's nadir was Season Six. Personally I think years 3 through the early part of 9 are all good.

On the subject of Futurama, I'm not sure I agree with those who think "Leela's Homeworld" came too early. Personally I think any attempt to do a "Leela finds her past but it isn't her past" episode would feel like a rehash of "A Bicyclops Built For Two".

Futurama definitely deserved at least one more season, even if only to wrap up the series in style. But as others have pointed out, I would prefer it if it remained a "cult" show and didn't go mainstream. It's a lot more fun discussing a show with "cult" fans, who tend to be more interested in the show, than with a casual viewer of a more popular programme.

I just think it's neat to be part of a priviledged minority who had the good fortune to fall in love with a show like Futurama.

[Reply #22 on:]

I think The Simpsons peaked with season 6. It was still good for a while after that, but by season 8 I had already given up hope that it would go back to its former greatness.

This season of Futurama hasn't been as good as the others, but I don't feel like it's peaked. Why of Fry and The Sting have been as good as anything, and I feel like the next Luck of the Fryrish could be right around the corner. So to sum up my feelings on the topic--yeah, I'd rather see the show be cancelled than suck. But damn it, we could have had so many more good seasons.

[Reply #23 on:]

I agree it was cancelled too soon, but I'm also happy we won't have any Fat-Elvis style memories of the show.  I'm torn.

[Reply #24 on:]

this maybe a little off-topic but how do u change ur "rank" e.g. poppler, spacepope or bending unit?

[Reply #25 on:]

It left us wanting more and will be a cult classic for all time. I would rather see futurama die now, than have it go the way of the simpsons. The newer episodes of the simpsons are so bad they have destroyed the old episodes, for me, as well. I can't watch a good episode without breaking into tears at what they have lost.

That will never happen with futurama, because we can only imagine what could have been we will always imagine the best, and that is how it should be.

[people not from Ireland/UK will not understand some of the rest of this]

Blackadder had four seasons, Fawlty Towers only two and they were some of the best comedies out there. Father Ted stopped at three which was planned in spite of Dermot Morgans death and as such is religiously loved by all.

I want more episodes but I know that it had to stop sometime and rather too soon than too late.

[Reply #26 on:]

They should have balanced out both shows.
Would have been perfect if the two shows had 10 seasons each or something, more if the fans requested it.

[Reply #27 on:]

 

Originally posted by CyberKnight:
The age-old debate about when The Simpsons got stale is probably the most contested subject on the internet (even beating out which ST captain was best (It's PICARD, Teral!   )).

Would you be surprised to know I agree 100%?  Although I like DS9, I'm not blind to Sisko's shortcomings as a captain.

 

On the subject of Futurama, I'm not sure I agree with those who think "Leela's Homeworld" came too early. Personally I think any attempt to do a "Leela finds her past but it isn't her past" episode would feel like a rehash of "A Bicyclops Built For Two".

Then again, much hoopla was made of the fact Leela is the only one-eyed alien on Earth. Making only one episode (half of which was an internet-ride and a MWC-homage) on this matter, seem like wasted potentiel (much like another sci-fi show  ). And it's not like Leela went looking for her heritage in "Leela's Homeworld", it just happened upon her. So, that's a grand total of 0.5 episode centered on one of the main aspects of the female heroine. I think they could've made at least 2 more spread over 3-4 seasons without it getting repetitive.

 

I just think it's neat to be part of a priviledged minority who had the good fortune to fall in love with a show like Futurama.

[Scruffy]Second![/Scruffy]

In 10 years time, show a kid a random Futurama and a random Simpsons episode.

Futurama: 95% chance of a great and funny episode

Simpsons: 60% of a great episode, 20% chance of something craptacular

The numbers for a random tv program is even more depressing.

[Reply #28 on:]

 

Originally posted by Teral:
 Simpsons: 60% of a great episode, 20% chance of something craptacular

Was the other 20% lost during the second coming of Jesus.

[Reply #29 on:]

I liked the Simpsons the most between season 3 and 7. 8 went a bit weird but it held up OK and was fine through most of season 9 but cracks started to appear in it then. I watched King Of The Hill today and didn't think it was a bad episode. This was before the "Homer gets hurt in  stupid way" formula outstayed its welcome. Personally I came to despise this formula and the series after he got his head trapped in that bridge in Lost Our Lisa.

So anyway, yes I think it would be a good idea for Futurama go out on a high. Sadly it never got the chance to achieve a real high point as it never really got off the ground.

[Reply #30 on:]

 

Originally posted by Australian Guy:
In retrospect, The simpsons Broke its leg in the Sixth Season and should have been shot promptly. Wether this was because matt left or not, im not sure (Did he?)
Maybe im just gettin depressed but i dont find the eps as amusing as i did in the first season.
Do you think it was good to call it quits before it got old, and not the perverted husk the simpsons have become?

Technically, Futurama is in its fourth season. There has to be a LOT more episode material out there, and perhaps the best seasons were yet to come. Shame it's getting cancelled   

[Reply #31 on:]

if they could make one more episode. i know "the devil's hands are idle playthings" isn't gonna be a good ending, but a good endind would end the comics as well.

by the way, this is off topic. but what happened to hypno toad. i enjoyed insulting him.

[Reply #32 on:]

I DONT THINK THE SIMPSONS HAS GOT STALE ,MAYBE A LITTLE STRANGE NOW AND AGAIN,BUT HEY,ARENT WE ALL.FUTURAMA SHOULD NOT BE AXED BUT FOX WANT TESTING FOR DRUGS.

[Reply #33 on:]

^ no need to shout & welcome to PEEL ^

Anyway, I agree that Futurama could have had at least 2 more seasons.
After seeing the THBB ep today, I'm a little disapointed as I really love/like most of production season 4.
In my opinion from season 3 on, although I love each and every season, is where the really good plots came.....
No, Futurama shouldn't have been cancled now.

[Reply #34 on:]

Okay i'll make this brief and to the point.
Between Seasons 1-10 The Simpsons was perfect, 100% brilliant and endlessly rewatchable. Seasons 11-12 were just as enjoyable and well writen but the plots started to become too far fetched (e.g. The Simpsons Safari). Seasons 13-14 have been a mixed bag. Although they contain an increasingly higher number of mundane episodes they also contain real gems and all time favourites, like the episode were Bart and his friends become a Boy band and The one where Homer takes medicinal weed.

Futurama is 99.9% perfect. the only (and i really mean the only) episodes that weren't as good are, That's lobstertainment and A Leela of Her own. Even these episodes are full of moments of true brilliance. Futurama should and could have gone on for atleast 8-10 seasons. Atleast we have the promise of the final episode providing an satisfying conclusion to Fry and Leelas relationship. When all 4 seasons are out on DVD atleast I will have the complete set to watch and rewatch forever. Waiting to own the complete series of The Simpsons on DVD may take until the year 3000!

You know what, that wasn't actually very brief and to the point afterall, oh well.

[Reply #35 on:]

Regarding Simpsons(cue long rant), seasons 1-8 were the main prime for me.  Season 4 is my personal favorite, but that's a nill point since all of those 8 are fantastic, and there wasn't a TRUE decline during that time (well, season 5 from season 1-4 was a big decline, but seasons 6 and 7 picked up from that nicely.  8 was also a slight decline but again, nothing serious).  Season 9 was still pretty good, but was essentially a "not as bad" version of seasons 10-12.  It was still enjoyable, but all the problems were there...thinner characters, no more satire for the most part, loss of subtley, too much Homer, too much violence and surreality...I could go on.  Seasons 10 and 11 were absolutely dreadful, with only a few truly good eps scattered around.  I mean, shit, they were abominations.  Hardly anything redeeming or Simpsony at all.  Season 12 was somehow more enjoyable, but still retained all the problems, and was only enjoyable in that season 9 "its not artistically redeemable, but at least its somewhat funny" kind of way.  Season 13 was a suddenly a big pick up, with Jean taking over.  There were a few bombs (Frying Game, Weekend at Burnsies), but on the whole it was a big step up, and even enjoyable almost week to week.  Season 14 came and it suddenly got bad again.  The first few eps of the season were dreadful, and when it got to the EABF stuff it still wasn't very good for a while, with a few exceptions.  But around Marge it seemed to pick up again, and after a couple episodes was becoming enjoyable week to week again, and even produced a few classics, most notably "Moe Baby Blues" (written by J. Stewart Burns, no less), which was easily on par with that 1-8 period.  So, its not dead yet (even though it ran away from home for three seasons and is still recovering a little).  It wont reach classic quality again for the most part, but if it can just become enjoyable week to week again, I'm fine with that.

As for Futurama, which obviously is the REAL topic of this thread, it was definetely killed too early.  I know some think its declined, but I don't.  Seasons 1 and 2 were fun, but that was ALL.  It was like The Simpsons' season 9 in a way really, just a little more creative.  They were a lot of fun, but every character is essentially thin (Fry is ultra-dumb and gets himself into jams, Bender is a crook/evil, Zoidberg is merely a bad doctor, etc) and the character oriented stuff like "Jurassic Bark" just didn't happen til seasons 3 and 4, when they evolved these characters (even Bender, and Zoidberg to a certain extent) into multi-dimensional beings that could not only make us laugh, but make us cry and feel for them (Jurassic Bark, Luck of the Fryrish), make us think (Godfellas), and provide generally great stories and satire.  I get the feeling the show was at its peak or reaching it in 3ACV and 4ACV.

At the same time, though, its definetely good that it went off before it declined (trust me, it would have if Fox had let it be successful).  Its sad but true that thanks to 10-12, Simpsons outputs shit on our tv almost daily (especcially since those are the only ones some syndicates show).  Meanwhile, save for "Three Hundred Big Boys"(hate to say that one sucked), Futurama reruns are likely to be all great or at least decent/good, as they play over and over for new fans to find them.

[Reply #36 on:]

Am I the only person who knows just about squat about the seasons of the Simpsons?

[Reply #37 on:]

 

Originally posted by Squeezit:
Am I the only person who knows just about squat about the seasons of the Simpsons?

I also am a knower of squat,thanks 4 the welcome sorry 4 shouting

[Reply #38 on:]

The new episodes suck so bad that the suckiness became retroactive and made all simpsons suck.

[Reply #39 on:]

 

Originally posted by Hulkbuster:
The new episodes suck so bad that the suckiness became retroactive and made all simpsons suck.

But that's not even fair.  The writers of the previous Simpsons did nothing to deserve that.  I absolutely HATED "Three Hundred Big Boys".  I mean, god, it was trash.  Not entertaining at all, incredibly lame.  There was almost nothing redeemable about it at all.  Does that make all the previous Futurama episodes bad?  Or, what if you had done a trashy assignment at school or something?  Would that make all the good assignments you had done suddenly suck?

And I think the people who say there's NOTHING good about new Simpsons episodes weren't watching around 99/00.  I admit new episodes aren't perfect, and in fact a lot of them are bombs, but its improving in a LOT of ways, and there's still some classics.  This year's season finale, "Moe Baby Blues" (written by J. Stewart Burns.  Does he suck now, too?) was EASILY on par with the classics.  And there were others that were perfectly fine, like "Bart of War" and "Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington".  I've made a lot of negative comments about newer episodes myself.  Anyone who has read my posts in the past year at the No Homers Club board will know that.  But I think those that bash EVERY episode are saying that more because of inconsistancy, and that 10-12 period, and because its not "cool" at boards like this to say that the show sucks now, then because there's actually NOTHING redeemable about it.  In other words, they're either pretending to hate every episode, or convincing themselves that they all suck.