The Simpsons!

[coolsome]

Yes a thread for the show The Simpsons of which I am a huge fan of. So post your thoughts about your favourite episodes characters ect.

And as always last weeks episode was, without a doubt, the worst episode ever.

[Darth Marsden]

Last time I watched the Simpsons, it had basically turned into the first season of Family Guy. Is that still true?

[Ribs]

This coming week's episode has a subplot where Homer gets into a TV show that used to be really popular, inspired by the writer's getting into Lost soon after it finished. So therefore I find myself obliged to watch it.

[coolsome]

I think my favourite episode is Cape Fear. But there are so many great eps its so hard to choose.

I haven't watched the newer episodes much I've gotten a few laughs out of them but I much prefer the older episodes.

[St_Eddie]

I saw the thread title and I immediately knew that it was created by Coolsome!

'The Simpsons' at its peek was/is a fantastic show (seasons 1-9). However, the later seasons have really sullied the good will that the show had built up. I believe that the main reasons that the later episodes are such failures are:

* The show used to have real heart. I can't remember who said this but it's so true; "an episode used to end with Marge sat on Homer's lap, as they cycle off into the sunset. Now they end a show with Homer blowing a tranquilizer dart into Marge's neck!"

This is why the show feels more like 'Family Guy'; they've lost the heart and soul. The writers are only interested in making (crappy) jokes now and have all but abandoned the concept of character and emotion.

* The show used to have plots which were grounded in reality. Sure, the stories were exaggerated for comedic effect but at their core we could all relate to them to some extent.

Now the stories have become increasingly outrageous and downright stupid. I know there are apologists who say "well, they ran out of ideas, so cut them some slack" but that's no excuse. If they ran out of ideas then they should have bowed out gracefully.

It's worth noting that it's unlikely that Fox will commission any further episodes of 'The Simpsons'. I only wish that they had made that decision earlier (due to not wanting to run the concept into the ground), as opposed to milking it dry and waiting until viewing figures started to drop sharply.

As for my favourite ever episodes; I'm going to go for 'Behind the Laughter', 'Deep Space Homer', 'The Mysterious Voyage of Homer', '22 Short Films About Springfield' and 'Treehouse of Horror VI' (the segment entitled 'Homer³').

[tobar]

Originally Posted by St_Eddie

I only wish that they had made that decision earlier (due to not wanting to run the concept into the ground), as opposed to milking it dry and waiting until viewing figures started to drop sharply.

Not everyone agrees.

[coolsome]

Originally Posted by St_Eddie

The show used to have real heart. I can't remember who said this but it's so true; "an episode used to end with Marge sat on Homer's lap, as they cycle off into the sunset. Now they end a show with Homer blowing a tranquilizer dart into Marge's neck!"

We should write for the Simpsons and bring back its heart..and make less Lisa-centric/Bart-hating episodes.

[St_Eddie]

Originally Posted by coolsome

We should write for the Simpsons and bring back its heart..and make less Lisa-centric/Bart-hating episodes.

I've always thought that they should have made one final season where each episode concentrated on one of the side characters (e.g. Bumblebee Man, Snake, Cletus etc.). It would be the perfect way to inject some fresh stories into the show, without having to resort to ridiculous plots.

The Simpson family could still feature, cropping up for a cameo in each episode, as they interact with the starring side character; with their combined appearances across the season adding up to one whole B-story for them.

It might not have worked but it would certainly have been a more interesting way for the show to bow out, whilst celebrating the rich world of characters that were created over the shows run.

[coolsome]

It worked for that episode 22 short films about Springfield and the spin off showcase. If they made episodes like those but not shorts it would work well.

[Ribs]

I still like the show. It's enjoyable, but not necessary viewing material and nowhere near as good as it was all the way at the start.

They got Daniel Radcliffe to say "You are tearing me apart, Lisa!" which must count for something, right?

I really can't choose a favorite episode. My favorite run of episodes is probably Season 8 as a whole, as I can't think of a single negative. And also because of the way Skinner says "N'orleans".

[JedExodus]

Originally Posted by Ribs

They got Daniel Radcliffe to say "You are tearing me apart, Lisa!" which must count for something, right?

You got me out of bed to say "no". That's exactly the reason it stinks this weather.

Special guests LMFAO next week.

[ryannumber1gamer]

Season 10 was great (i might even say my favourite season) and i think the best episodes of the season is Viva Ned Flanders and Wild Barts Can't be Broken and Marge Simpson in Yellow Screaming Honkers and my favourite episode of the series is Viva Ned Flanders. and all my favourite episodes are the ones i said there now. 22 Short films about Springfield,The Simpsons 138th episode spectacular, Two Bad Neighbors,You Only Move Twice,Mountain of Madness,The Old Man & The Lisa,Das Bus,Realty Bites,King Of The Hill,Who Shot Mr.Burns,Marge On The Lam,Behind The Laughter & Worst Episode Ever!

[Hayden]

Originally Posted by Ribs

They got Daniel Radcliffe to say "You are tearing me apart, Lisa!" which must count for something, right?

Guest appearances and 'humour' based on thoughtless references are not the show's saving grace. If anything, given the regularity with which they do it, it's a sign that they need to stop production immediately.

Originally Posted by chrisopherson1921

South Park is the greatest animated show ever made. The simpsons is for 6 year olds

You're making yourself too obvious. Effective trolling requires an element of subtlety. Keep at it, though; you'll get there one day.

[St_Eddie]

Originally Posted by chrisopherson1921

South Park is the greatest animated show ever made. The simpsons is for 6 year olds

'The Simpsons was one of the greatest animated shows on TV. 'South Park' is one of the greatest animated shows on TV.

'The Simpsons' will always deserve respect for its earlier seasons but 'South Park' continues to be genius (for the most part).

... Just my opinion of course.

[Debbie82]

Well, I read on the link that Matt Groening reveals that the real location of Springfield is in Oregon. No surprise there.

[Johro]

...except for the fact it's right by both oceans when it needs to be, it's a short car ride to both mexico and canada, there are mountains, fields, valleys, both tropical and coniferous forests... :P It's a town where they need it to be that particular week.

Simpsons 5-10 were probably the best years, although the early seasons are the ones I directly grew up with and have seen a million times so they hold a special place in my heart. As for South Park, for myself, I have found that show to always be touch and go. There would be a hilarious show now and then, a few horrible ones, and ones where they just tried to be offensive...which Family Guy has now shown the world, does NOT make it funny. I generally don't care for South Park, but the odd really funny episode keeps me from putting down to the Family Guy level of hate.

[Shadowknight1]

Originally Posted by Debbie82

Well, I read on the link that Matt Groening reveals that the real location of Springfield is in Oregon. No surprise there.

Ugh, everyone's claiming that now. Did no one actually read the interview? He decided to call it Springfield because of a connection to Springfield, Oregon, but also because there are so many Springfields out there that it works.

IMO, the show started getting really repetitive. The freshest The Simpsons has been was the movie. I haven't seen much of The Simpsons lately, but if it is turning into Family Guy, that's honestly not too terrible as long as they don't imitate the newer seasons where it seems that McFarlane is just trying to get cancelled again.

[Johro]

As for favourite episodes: hm...
off the top of my head;
Hurricane Neddy
Homer's Enemy
Marge VS The Monorail
The Cartridge Family
King Size Homer
Homer The Smithers... etc

[St_Eddie]

Originally Posted by Johro

As for favourite episodes: hm...
off the top of my head;

King Size Homer

Ooohh, I forgot about that one. Classic!

[corruptbiggins]

I still like the show but I don't watch it as often nor does it make me laugh as much as I used to. And these days there are a lot of references that just go over my head as I'm not that up on current pop culture.

As for picking a favourite episode (or episodes), it's so hard to say for certain though one immediately springs to mind and that is Mr. Plow.