I'm invoking the inalienable right of every Simpsons' fan by using a phrase cultivated by writers of the show themselves via the character of Jeff Albertson, also known as Comic Book Guy — Worst. Episode. Ever.
To be honest with you I found the events of this week's episode so simplistic that I was utterly confused. I realize Springfield needs to be kept in a suspended state of present which always exists in whatever time period it is in our world. It is just ridiculous for the townspeople's history to be more convoluted and revised than the lives of the characters on Lost. The episode, which sounded like a clip show on my onscreen guide, had flashbacks to early years in Homer and Marge's relationship and a glimpse back at Bart and Lisa's younger days.
The episode featured a framework storyline of Homer and Marge reminiscing after picking up hitchhikers, Squeaky Voiced Teenager and his girlfriend Beatrice. The flashbacks included a young Ned and Maude Flanders also picking up two hitchhikers, Springfield's favorite couple pre-Bart. A second flashback (taking place several years after the first) featured a now-married Homer and Marge going to a party to get a break from their two children, who they leave in the steward of Grandpa Simpson. Embarrassed by Homer's behavior, Marge regrets ever meeting her husband. The Simpson parents were even given another chance to find love.
At the risk of coming off as a purist to the show's "mythology," it just doesn't seem right to have Marge and Homer as teenage lovers in the '80s. The romanticism once associated with Homer and Marge's courtship is now all but defunct. Would I rather want to see Homer growing up with '70s rock or John Hughes? As funny as Weird Science is, Homer's a classic rock guy all the way.
And anyone screaming that I was just being tough on a the show for trying something new, I'd say you absolutely have a point if I didn't also find the episode devoid of anything beyond a chuckle. If I had to pick a favorite joke this week, it would have to be the line delivered by Homer during the sushi fight. "These fish died for nothing!"
I didn't have any interest in seeing another "history" episode and it seems as though the writers had even less passion in writing one. The story was stitched together and never really had any momentum.
What did you think? Did I miss any laugh out loud moments? Is there a genius to the storytelling I just haven't seen yet?
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I'm invoking the inalienable right of every Simpsons' fan by using a phrase cultivated by writers of the show themselves via the character of Jeff Albertson, also known as Comic Book Guy — Worst. Episode. Ever.
To be honest with you I found the events of this week's episode so simplistic that I was utterly confused. I realize Springfield needs to be kept in a suspended state of present which always exists in whatever time period it is in our world...
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