Disapointed by new Simpson's episodes... (1 Viewer)

[Kenneth Harden]

...I was watching a episode at work last night, and it was a new(er) one where they went to a beach house for the 4th of July. Well, when Homer went to the quickie-mart, he bought condoms, an enima, and some other stuff. This is NOT the Simpsons. That is something for Family Guy or the like.

It doesn't offend me at all, but I would think they could be a bit more creative and shed the TV14 rating some of the episodes are now getting.

I love the show, but I have a feeling the end of the tunnel is near - what happened to clean, clever, witty humor that was sutable for everyone to watch :frowning:

 

[Kevin Porter]

The Simpsons has never been a show that relied on vulgarity for it's humor. It relied on satire and wit. Family Guy's humor was very vulgar but it used it in a smart way. That's just another way the two shows are different. Lately it seems the show has been dumbed down. The writers aren't making high standards for themselves. The episodes have been funny but not when compared to the earlier classics. I'm sure many people would rather them quit the show and focus on DVDs as they have said the reason for delay is because they want their focus on the show.

 

[MatthewLouwrens]

I heard somewhere that one of the characters will have a gay experience this year.

(They did emphasise that it will not be one of the kids.)

 

[Daniel J.S.]

^^^Er, that episode was "Summer of 4 ft. 2" which was shown WAY back in the seventh season. It's hardly a newer show. And I think your wrong about the vulgarity; the show has always mixed literate with vulgar humour and very well I might add. My complaint about the newer shows is that there's more focus on zany madcap humour rather than satire. But I can't slam the show, because every time I think they're going downhill, they pull out a keeper and restore my faith.

 

[ThomasC]

Well, when Homer went to the quickie-mart, he bought condoms, an enima, and some other stuff. This is NOT the Simpsons.

I thought it was absolutely hilarious, and didn't make the show any worse. He was buying all that to cover for the illegal fireworks he wanted to buy.

 

[Richard Kim]

IMHO, "Summer of 4 ft. 2" is one of the best Simpsons episodes ever. Aside from its humor, it also illustrated the difficulty in fitting in and trying to find new friends as a kid, which I could relate to and found it very moving.

 

[Nick Sievers]

"I forgot my swimsuit as well, but I improvised".

I find most people are dissapointed by the recent seasons, I still get good laughs from the show - it is clearly past its prime but I don't want to see it end. It has been a part of my life for so long now that when they finally decide to end it, I will actually be a little sad to see it go for good.

 

[WillG]

Well, when Homer went to the quickie-mart, he bought condoms, an enima, and some other stuff. This is NOT the Simpsons. That is something for Family Guy or the like.

I think you may be missing the purpose of the joke here. It is a satirical take on the old "have to buy an embarrassing item" gag. It's been seen a million times where someone has to buy an embarrassing item but just throws it in between several benign items when dealing with a clerk. But, via Homer's dumbness, he asks for all embarrassing items to cover for fireworks

 

[Marc Colella]

I think you may be missing the purpose of the joke here. It is a satirical take on the old "have to buy an embarrassing item" gag. It's been seen a million times where someone has to buy an embarrassing item but just throws it in between several benign items when dealing with a clerk. But, via Homer's dumbness, he asks for all embarrassing items to cover for fireworks

Exactly, and that's what made it hilarious.

The best was Marge's reaction when taking the items out of the bag:

"Homer, I don't know what you have planned tonight - but count me out".

 

[Paul_Medenwaldt]

"Homer, I don't know what you have planned tonight - but count me out

This is one of my favorite quotes from any Simpsons episodes after he goes and buys condoms, an enema package and a porno magazine. I still remember falling on the floor laughing when he ordered it and then took it home and Marge then went through the bag.

I'm sorry Kenneth, but your reading way too much into this. This episode was well before Family Guy and like others have brought up, its the irony that he would want to buy illegal fireworks but try covering it up by purchasing all these other embarrassing items.

Paul

 

[Rob Speicher]

Season 7 (and that episode) was very funny.

 

[MarkHastings]

I think you may be missing the purpose of the joke here. It is a satirical take on the old "have to buy an embarrassing item" gag. It's been seen a million times where someone has to buy an embarrassing item but just throws it in between several benign items when dealing with a clerk. But, via Homer's dumbness, he asks for all embarrassing items to cover for fireworks

Ironically, I was just watching Airplane 2 last night where Sony Bono is in the airport giftshop. He casually asks for a newspaper, a candy bar, and "the 2nd time bomb on the left" This is a great example of the humor that the Simpsons take and put a new/fresh spin on it.

 

[brentl]

"Well, when Homer went to the quickie-mart, he bought condoms, an enima, and some other stuff."

EVERYBODY needs an enima

 

[Chuck Schick]

Man that was one of my of my favorite gags, especially Marge's line. One of the items was Old Harper- haha.

I don't think buying condoms and enemas in a convenience store are lowbrow humor. Using them would be.

 

[Todd K]

Kenneth, you are not alone in you thinking.

Here is an article talking about the decline of the show:
http://slate.msn.com/id/2078501/

For me the show went downhill after the season that ended with Burns getting shot. And I'll always vote for season 4 as the best, but these are just my opinions. If you're still getting laughs, great, but the humor just isn't my type anymore.

 

[MarkHastings]

Todd, that article was interesting. I unfortunately have to agree with most of it, especially this line:

The Simpsons no longer marks the elevation of the sitcom formula to its highest form. These days it's closer to It's Garry Shandling's Show—a very good, self-conscious parody of a sitcom (and itself).

In one respect, I miss the "Old" Simpsons, but in another respect, I like the (to quote the article) newer "Gary Shandling" type of episodes.

Also, as great as the old episodes were, I sometimes find myself laughing harder at the newer ones just because of the complete 'moronic' quality to the show. One of the longer running gags has been the "Does Homer even work anymore?" - I know the show has definitely progressed to the point where it seems like Homer is never at the power plant, but after 14 years, how boring would it be to see him going to work every episode.

I do agree that the show could be much better than it is. It must be hard to come up with new and funny ideas after being on the air for so many years.

 

[Kenneth Harden]

I guess I arrived too late in that scene. My bad.

However, when the clerk was doing the whole 'fireworks are illegal...' as the customer was walking out was funny as hell.

 

[Rob Speicher]

Stand up for yourself poindexter!

 

[Anthony Hom]

That quickie mart scene was great because I thought it was the Summer of '42 drugstore scene, and I totally forgot, it was actually the liquor store scene from American Grafitti. The bottle of old Harper was the giveaway. So that show was actually a mix of Summer of 42 and American Grafiitti. Great film references.

Marge " Homer, I don't know what your planning for 4th of July, but count me out! "

 

[Jeremy Allin]

Great thread guys. I'm glad to see so many people like this episode!! Just thought I'd chime in with the exact dialogue and some pics just for fun:

Homer: I'll bet this place sells illegal fireworks. Just go in and act casual like you buy 'em all the time.

Homer: Hi, um...let me have one of those porno magazines, large box of condoms, a bottle of Old Harper, couple of those panty shields, andsomeillegalfireworks, annnd one of those disposable enemas. Uh, nah, make it two.

Store Clerk: My apologies, sir, but the sale of fireworks is prohibited in this state and is punishable by a...follow me.

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Marge: Gee, I don't know what you've got planned for tonight, Homer, but count me out. Didn't you buy any meat?

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It's great to see a negative Simpsons thread turned around!