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The Simpsons is Good Again

Super Eyepatch Wolf・2 minutes read

Recent seasons of The Simpsons have shown improvement in quality after a decline, with writers focusing more on character-driven comedy and meaningful storytelling. While the show had previously faced criticism for excessive jokes and lack of depth, recent episodes in seasons 33 and 34 have received praise for exploring character identities and introducing experimental storytelling.

Insights

  • Recent episodes of The Simpsons have shown improved quality in seasons 33 and 34, receiving praise even from critics who previously criticized the show, indicating a positive shift in production and storytelling.
  • The decline in quality of The Simpsons post its 10th season, known as "zombie Simpsons," is attributed to excessive joke counts, lack of character development, and storytelling depth, with recent seasons aiming to address these issues by focusing on character-driven comedy and nuanced storytelling.

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Recent questions

  • What is the quality of recent Simpsons episodes?

    Improved quality in seasons 33 and 34.

  • What is the humor style in modern Simpsons episodes?

    Relies on absurd and silly scenarios.

  • How do modern Simpsons episodes address social issues?

    Falls short in addressing social issues.

  • What changes have occurred in character development in recent seasons?

    Characters undergo drastic changes in personality.

  • How does Season 34 of The Simpsons differ from Season 33?

    Focuses on meaningful stories and character development.

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Summary

00:00

"The Simpsons: Quality Decline and Revival"

  • In 2003, a teenage individual experiences disillusionment while watching The Simpsons, particularly due to a joke involving British Prime Minister Tony Blair flying on a jetpack.
  • The departure of key creators like Matt Groening led to a decline in The Simpsons' quality post its 10th season, leading to the era known as "zombie Simpsons."
  • Recent episodes of The Simpsons, particularly in seasons 33 and 34, have been receiving praise for improved quality, even from critics who previously criticized the show.
  • A Vulture article titled "The Simpsons is good again" highlights the positive changes in the show's production leading to increased quality in recent seasons.
  • The decline in quality of The Simpsons was measured using IMDb episode review scores, with season 30 being the lowest rated season in the show's history.
  • To assess the quality of the new era of The Simpsons, the individual plans to watch, review, and score each episode of seasons 33 and 34, aiming for a minimum average score of 7.0 to declare the show "good again."
  • Seasons 29 and 30 of The Simpsons, the lowest rated in the show's history, are criticized for feeling like an imitation of the original show, constantly referencing past episodes and lacking a distinct identity.
  • The modern episodes of The Simpsons are noted for their excessive joke count, with an average of 8 jokes per episode, leading to a lack of focus on plot, character development, and narrative coherence.
  • The high joke count in modern episodes is theorized to keep viewers engaged through constant stimulation, akin to social media content designed to maintain attention.
  • The downside of prioritizing joke count in episodes of The Simpsons is the sacrifice of meaningful storytelling, leading to frantic plots, absurd visual gags, and a lack of character growth.

17:04

Decline in Simpsons quality and character development

  • The humor in modern Simpsons episodes often relies on absurd and silly scenarios, lacking depth or meaningful commentary.
  • Classic Simpsons humor was more balanced and meaningful, exemplified by episodes like The Gentle Ben talk show.
  • Modern Simpsons attempts to address social issues but often falls short, as seen in the Bart versus Itchy and Scratchy episode.
  • The show prioritizes joke quantity over meaningful storytelling, resulting in shallow character development and lack of substance.
  • Characters like Homer and Marge undergo drastic changes in personality and behavior in seasons 29 and 30, deviating from their established traits.
  • Season 30 features episodes that undermine the core characteristics of Marge Simpson, turning her into a caricature of reality TV aspirations.
  • The decline in quality and substance in seasons 29 and 30 is evident in the lack of meaningful storytelling and character development.
  • Season 33 marks a shift towards more thoughtful and character-driven comedy, with a significant decrease in joke count.
  • Writers in seasons 33 and 34 are given more autonomy over individual episodes, resulting in more personal and nuanced storytelling.
  • Episodes like Lisa's belly in season 33 showcase a more introspective and emotionally resonant approach to storytelling, focusing on character depth and personal experiences.

33:45

Simpsons Seasons 33-34: New Directions, Experimentation

  • Season 33 of The Simpsons introduces a new directive for writers to experiment and push the show in new directions.
  • An episode in Season 33, "A Serious Flanders," stands out for its departure from classic Simpsons humor and its intense, violent storyline.
  • "A Serious Flanders" revolves around Ned Flanders finding money that belongs to dangerous hitmen, leading to a chain of violent events.
  • The episode challenges Flanders' morals and questions the foundation of his character, portraying him in compromising situations.
  • Season 33 of The Simpsons receives an average score of 6.4, with standout episodes like "A Serious Flanders" and others.
  • Season 33 also includes episodes that lack individuality and nuance, falling back on familiar zany comedy and storytelling.
  • Season 34 of The Simpsons introduces episodes that build on the positive changes from Season 33, focusing on meaningful stories and character development.
  • Episodes in Season 34 explore characters like Duff Man and Carl, delving into their identities and personal journeys.
  • Season 34 features experimental episodes that dissect and question the essence of The Simpsons as a long-running TV show.
  • "Treehouse of Horror 33" in Season 34 stands out for its segments, including a disturbing Babadook parody and an anime reimagining of The Simpsons, receiving critical acclaim and viral attention.

51:08

"Escape from Simpsons World: Meta-Fictional Critique"

  • Simpsons World is a theme park where robotic versions of characters from The Simpsons act out scenes from classic episodes repeatedly.
  • A malfunctioning Homer becomes self-aware and attempts to escape with his family from the theme park.
  • The episode criticizes modern Simpsons for relying heavily on references to classic episodes.
  • The episode explores the concept of being trapped in an endless cycle of repeating perceptions and references.
  • The characters and creators of The Simpsons are depicted as trying to break free from the shadow of the show's past.
  • The episode is praised for its meta-fictional elements and its departure from the classic Simpsons formula.
  • Season 6 of The Simpsons is highlighted as a perfect blend of heartfelt storytelling and sharp comedy.
  • The season is lauded for its enduring jokes and iconic episodes like "Bart's Comet" and "Lisa on Ice."
  • The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of accepting change and not clinging to past expectations in media consumption.
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