TELEVISION: 20 years - A 'Simpsons' extravaganza

Niagara Gazette

September 25, 2008 09:49 am

— BY PHIL DZIKIY AND PAUL LANE

It appears “The Simpsons” is like the New Coke. It’ll be around forever.
All right, maybe it won’t be around forever, but it certainly feels that way. The show’s 20th season starts Sunday (8 p.m. Fox), with the season premiere featuring Homer Simpson and Ned Flanders as bounty hunters.
From a crudely animated series of short clips on the Tracey Ullman Show to a cultural phenomenon, there’s a lot to be said regarding the long-lasting power of “The Simpsons.” And who better to say it than Night & Day’s resident “Simpsons” experts, Phil Dzikiy and Paul Lane?

QUESTION: 20 years is a long time. Why has “The Simpsons” lasted so long, and what makes the show so great?

PAUL: I am really not sure why “The Simpsons” has lasted. The show has remained quality for the vast majority of its 20 years on the air, and it still posts solid, if not spectacular ratings. Perhaps its placement on Fox — never known for having the highest standards — has something to do with that, but I’d like to think not.
Rather, “The Simpsons” is like that comfortable shirt you won’t get rid of no matter how much your spouse protests — it’s been there for you for years, never fails to deliver and makes you feel just a tad better.
There’s also the animation factor, of course — in real life, Homer would belong to the AARP, Lisa would be a doctor and Maggie would be months from her college graduation.
I have held some 10 jobs since graduating from college eight years ago; I can’t imagine having the desire to do the same thing for 20 years, but nearly everyone involved with this series has. Thankfully, none of them has lost any zeal for the job, which is another part of this equation. Everyone involved WANTS “The Simpsons” to be good, so it is.

PHIL: The show was once both a marketing and ratings juggernaut for Fox. It’s absolutely the most important show in the history of the network, so “The Simpsons” gets free reign, for the most part. To compare the situation to another medium, the show is like the Quentin Tarantino to Fox’s Miramax.
As for greatness, there are really too many reasons to name, but here’s a one-two punch: Great characters and some of the best writing television has ever seen.

Q: Is there any way to sum up the cultural impact of “The Simpsons?” Just how wide-reaching is it?

PAUL: Has any other show invented multiple words put into the dictionary, delivered a hit movie, offered more quotable lines than every movie you saw in college combined, been more recognizable or made more money? I don’t think so.
Rather than just having a cultural impact, “The Simpsons” has become a part of life. The series can make biting commentary when it wants to — including about itself — but more often than not it’s merely meant to deliver a few chuckles, which many people don’t get enough of in life and desire more of.
There’s a generation of students now who don’t remember life without the show (heck, I barely do). Whether the new shows that air Sunday nights or the reruns that are rivaled on syndication only by “Law & Order,” everyone is at least familiar with it on a cursory level. It’s like cloudy Buffalo afternoons in March — always there. Especially in an era where new shows are aired for the first time with their heads already fastened into the guillotine, there’s no series that ever again will pull this off. That’s what has embiggened “The Simpsons” to the cromulent place the series holds in the world today.

PHIL: I think there are people out there who use words like “D’oh!” and “Yoink!” who haven’t even seen an episode of “The Simpsons.” And if the Simpsons aren’t the most recognizable fictional characters in the world, they have to be pretty close.
Before “The Simpsons,” most people considered animation to be a child’s medium, especially on television. It’s an unfortunate belief to begin with, but that’s definitely changed. Without “The Simpsons,” it would have been a tough road for “Family Guy,” “King of the Hill,” “The Critic” and (obviously) “Futurama.” Even “South Park” would have a tough time getting on the air of a cable network without the success of “The Simpsons.”
Stepping outside of animation, any show without a laugh track owes some debt to “The Simpsons,” as do shows with quick-paced fantasy sequences.

Q: How does the show stack up to other sitcom greats?

PAUL: “Cheers” immediately comes to mind when I think of the best series ever. It didn’t have as long a run, but there wasn’t a single bad episode, nor one that was even really sub-par compared to the rest. The same can’t be said of “The Simpsons,” but the series has rebounded in recent years with many decent episodes and is still an “in place” for Hollywood’s elite to be featured as a guest star.
If you condensed the run of “The Simpsons” into the time that “Cheers” aired, the quality would probably approach that of the Boston-based bar show. The only other series I could put up there in terms of quality would be “Seinfeld,” and even that series tailed off at the end with a much shorter run.

PHIL: It’s at the top. That’s right. Number one. There isn’t another sitcom in TV history that has maintained its greatness for so many years. I would put at least eight seasons (three through 10) up against the seasons of any show. “Seinfeld” probably comes closest as far as recent shows go, but if I could only watch one sitcom for the rest of my life, “The Simpsons” wins in a landslide.

Q: Has the show maintained its spark, power and wit? Have any other animated shows surpassed it?

PAUL: I’d say yes to the first question, the show just lacks in some of the richness that earlier seasons delivered, where three plotlines in a single show would all feel like the best thing you’d seen that entire year.
No show has surpassed it, but “South Park” could if it continues its upward trend; unlike “The Simpsons,” “South Park” has become far more clever as time has passed, with its double meanings and social commentary surrounded by some of the best writing on television.
“King of the Hill” will never be mentioned at the zenith of animation, but I could make an argument that it belongs in the top three, as it’s been maddeningly consistent for more than a decade with its subtle Southern charm.

PHIL: The short answer to the first question is no. The show isn’t what it once was. That being said, it’s still one of the better shows on television. And you never know. It could be again at some point with the right writers. After all, the movie was pretty good.
“South Park” has certainly surpassed “The Simpsons” at this point, by a fairly wide margin. However, “South Park” might just be the best show on television now, so that’s not much of a slight. “King of the Hill” is always underrated, but if I had to pick a new episode to watch, I’ll still take “The Simpsons.”
The worst thing right now, for me, is seeing a younger generation flock toward the detestable “Family Guy,” which could never hold a candle to any season of “The Simpsons.” There are kids out there who actually think “The Simpsons” isn’t funny, while “Family Guy” is the most hilarious thing they’ve ever seen.
I couldn’t tell you why. Constantly making random references that half of the audience doesn’t get? One-dimensional characters? Horrible animation? I don’t get it. But a lot of people do, even those who I think (usually) have a good sense of humor. “Family Guy” has fooled millions.
So, by all means, Simpsons, don’t make us leave Springfield anytime soon. We still need you.

Night & Day’s “Simpsons” buffs, Phil Dzikiy and Paul Lane, go through some of their bests – and worsts — from the series here.

Top five episodes

PHIL:
1. “Lisa the Vegetarian” — Equally hilarious, touching and satirical, “Lisa the Vegetarian” is still probably my favorite episode after all these years. Sure, the Paul and Linda McCartney thing is a little forced at the end, but the character development and storytelling is perfect. And the propaganda film “Meat and You: Partners in Freedom” is Troy McClure’s second-finest hour on the show. Plus, you’ve got the Flanders family reunion and the visit to Storytown Village.
Top it all off with a classic family sing-along. “You don’t win friends with salad!” To quote a classic Homer line, “It’s funny because it’s true.”
2. “The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show” — Likely one of the most well-known “Simpsons” episodes, wherein new characters are inserted to the “Itchy and Scratchy Show” to fix sagging ratings. But who would voice “Poochie,” the “kung-fu hippie from Gangsta City?” Homer, of course.
Poking fun at television and “The Simpsons” itself, this episode was a satirical high point. It also had one of the funniest “Simpsons” moments ever — Poochie’s inevitable demise.
3. “Last Exit to Springfield” — Widely regarded as one of the best “Simpsons” episodes for a reason, “Last Exit to Springfield” sees the show firing on all cylinders. The power plant goes on strike and Homer finds himself heading up the union, fighting for a new contract with a dental plan. Homer is at his best when he’s a dimwitted but devoted father who means well, not when he’s the selfish jerk he’s written as in some later episodes.
4. “A Fish Called Selma” — If you can’t laugh at a “Planet of the Apes” musical, called “Stop the Planet of the Apes, I Want to Get Off!” ... well, forget you. It’s one of the most hilariously inspired moments in show history. This episode also shows one of “The Simpsons’ ” main strengths — even secondary and peripheral characters could carry a great episode. The writing and characters were that good.
5. “Bart the Lover” — An old, overlooked gem. Bart leads along his lonely teacher, Edna Krabappel, with fake love letters from “Woodrow,” who is represented by a picture of NHL great Gordie Howe. This leads to poor Edna being stood up by her mystery man.
When Bart realizes his faux pas, he and his family gather to write a parting letter that will heal Krabappel’s wounded heart. One of the sweetest episodes for sure, and of course, very funny. “And, oh yes ... I really hate yo-yos.”

PAUL:
1. “Homer at the Bat” — Who else but Mr. Burns could buy an all-star team? Burns did just that, “hiring” nine major leaguers to play for the company softball team during the playoffs. Every player had his own quirks while the family remained at center stage, which made this episode among the fullest the series has ever produced. Homer + Darryl Strawberry x Ken Griffey’s grotesquely swollen jaw = funny.
2. “I Love Lisa” — One of few episodes that centered around Ralph Wiggum, this show saw him develop a crush for Lisa after she was the only one in class to give him a Valentine’s Day card. This episode had plenty of laughs and showed that Ralph was more than a one-line delivery device. I would choo-choo-choose this episode any day.
3. “Flaming Moe’s” — This episode saw Moe rip off a homemade drink of Homer’s and turn it into a multimillion dollar idea. Friendships were torn apart and then renewed, Bart got caught making a prank call, a “Cheers” reference was made and Aerosmith made a cameo – a definite recipe for success.
4. “Homie the Clown” — Realizing a lifelong dream after reading a billboard, Homer enrolled in clown college to become a Krusty imitator. A close replication to the real thing, he accepts one too many of the perks usually afforded to Krusty and becomes entrenched in the real clown’s mob affairs. Aside from seeing Homer in polka-dotted pants, this episode yielded probably the best sequence ever: Krusty’s betting against the Harlem Globetrotters in a staged basketball game, then screaming at the television as the Generals lose. “Oh, I thought the Generals were due!” Krusty said. “He’s spinning the ball on his finger! Just take it.”
5. “The Itchy and Scratchy and Poochie Show” — Aired near the end of the series’ first decade on the air, this episode did a fantastic of poking fun at itself while not being preachy. To revive dull ratings on a long-running cartoon, the animators for “Itchy and Scratchy” decided to bring on an “edgy” partner in Poochie the Rockin’ Dog. Only problem was, the audience hated him. The entrance and exit of hipster housemate Roy only added to the multiple layers of humor.

Worst episode

PHIL: Season 15’s “The Regina Monologues,” which revolved around the Simpsons taking a trip to England. Out of all the bad “The Simpsons are going to (insert location)!” episodes, this one is the worst.
Two of the series’ worst flaws — the contrived trips to other countries and exceedingly shameless celebrity appearances — both rear their ugly heads in this terribly unfunny episode. The bit with Ian McKellen is especially cringe-worthy.
Sadly, this was the last “Simpsons” episode written by the great John Swartzwelder, who may have been the best overall “Simpsons” writer (and certainly the most prolific) throughout the show’s run. Judging by this episode, though, maybe it was time for him to go.

PAUL: Season 12’s “The Computer Wore Menace Shoes,” during which Homer was abducted by a secret group after spreading too much gossip over the Internet. He and the entire family end up on some island after the dog spews poisonous gas (don’t ask), where they end the episode in a blissful trance and chanting about the benefits of “The Island.” Why an island? Why are they happy? How’d they get back? Horrible, HORRIBLE writing.

Favorite season

PHIL: Upon further review, I think seasons five through seven are the creamiest of the crop, but I’ll go with season six in a narrow victory over season seven. Though the highs were probably higher in season seven, you can’t go wrong with the sixth season, which featured a steady stream of classic episodes: “Bart of Darkness,” “Itchy and Scratchy Land,” “Lisa on Ice,” “Homer Badman,” “Homer the Great,” “Two Dozen and One Greyhounds,” “Lemon of Troy,” “Who Shot Mr. Burns? Part 1” ... throw in one of the best “Treehouse of Horror” episodes (which features my favorite Halloween segment, wherein Homer keeps going back in time and changing the future), and we’ve found our champion.

PAUL: This is a tough call, but I’d have to go with season four, which featured the excellent “Mr. Plow” and “Brother from the Same Planet” episodes as well as the sweetly funny “Lisa’s First Word.” God not knowing that the St. Louis Cardinals NFL franchise had relocated was good for a few chuckles, as well, in “Homer the Heretic.” A valid case could be made for any season from three through eight or nine, but I’ll give four the slight edge.

Favorite secondary character

PHIL: How hard is this? Secondary characters are vital to “The Simpsons,” moreso than any other show. I could make a top 100 list. But my number one choice has to be the incomparable Milhouse Van Houten. While others may select Ralph Wiggum (too one-note) or Charles Montgomery Burns (certainly worthy), “The ‘House” always wins.
He’s delivered some of the best quotes in series history (”Then why did I have the bowl, Bart? Why did I have the bowl?”), and he’s a loyal best friend to Bart. His backstory is nuanced and often sad (divorced parents), but his character remains strong and underused (he’s great in a bigger role ... watch “Radioactive Man” and “Bart’s Friend Falls in Love.”) Everything’s coming up Milhouse!

PAUL: I initially thought of simpleton second-grader Ralph Wiggum, but the more I pondered it the more I liked Moe Szyslak. The gruff bartender seems somewhat underappreciated for the self-depreciating remarks he makes that are so off-the-wall funny, and he is just all over the place — from violence to compassion to apathy toward his customers’ well-being — which gives him a lot of depth, a bit more than Wiggum. His best moment might be when he tried to open a family restaurant, as his struggles to relate to children were triumphantly funny. No need to draw any stink lines here.

Favorite guest star/one-time character

PHIL: A great character who I’d love to see again would be the evil genius, Hank Scorpio (voiced impeccably by Albert Brooks). That would be my pick. But for sheer silliness, I’ll take Dr. Colossus. And as far as all-time guest stars go, the nod goes to the late Phil Hartman and his many memorable characters (Troy McClure, Lionel Hutz).

PAUL: Sting was good as himself when he tried to rescue from the well and Danny DeVito was great as Homer’s half-brother Herb Powell, but I’d have to go with Adam West, who played a creepy version of himself in the “Mr. Plow” episode, doing the “Bat-usi” dance from his campy “Batman” series and appearing to have gone insane from the experience.

Favorite quote

PHIL: There are thousands of worthy possibilities. But my personal pick is newsman Kent Brockman’s famous jump to conclusions in “Deep Space Homer” after he sees footage of ants floating around in the space shuttle. Some of the ants were very close to the camera and appeared to be quite large. Take it away, Kent.
“Ladies and gentlemen, uh, we’ve just lost the picture, but what we’ve seen speaks for itself. The Corvair spacecraft has apparently been taken over — ‘conquered,’ if you will — by a master race of giant space ants. It’s difficult to tell from this vantage point whether they will consume the captive Earth men or merely enslave them. One thing is for certain: There is no stopping them; the ants will soon be here. And I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords. I’d like to remind them that as a trusted TV personality, I can be helpful in rounding up others to toil in their underground sugar caves.”

PAUL: Homer had a “demovitvational plaque” put up at work after he quit but had to come back, so he used pictures of Maggie to spell out a different message on the sign — “Do it for her.” A picture of my daughter and me on my desk says the same thing.
If we’re going for funniest quote, I’ll nominate the drunken native Homer was sent to help save when he became a missionary to avoid the ruthless people and puppets of PBS. “How can ace be 1 AND 11?” the native asked in a stupor, having just been introduced to blackjack and Christianity by Homer. “What kind of god would allow that to happen?”

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