Simpsons Round-up!

Well, it's been a bit over a week now and I still haven't got a damn review up for The Simpsons 450th. Well, not really a review, I suppose. More of a round-up.

The episode, entitled,"Once Upon A Time in Springfield," was reasonably solid, (for a 21 year old show). Like many of their gems, this one was Krusty-centric and featured a surprisingly-good guest stint from Anne Hathaway. Here's the official synopsis:

In the landmark 450th episode of THE SIMPSONS, Krusty is approached by two network executives who want to bring on female co-star, Princess Penelope, to increase the show's female demographic. The onstage and behind-the-scenes rapport between Krusty and Princess Penelope grows and before long, Krusty asks for his co-star's hand in marriage. Meanwhile, when Mr. Burns puts a stop to the free donusts at the plant to cut costs, Homer, Lenny and Carl decide to meet with a head-hunter who speacializes in nuclear workers and opens their eyes to opportunities free of draconion donut-cutting measures.

Couldn't have put it much better myself. Guess I'll just highlight a few noteworthy nuggets that stuck in my funny bone.

Upon seeing Princess Penelope for the first time, 'girling up' the Krusty Show, Millhouse remarks: "First girls ruin Sex in the City, now this."

Famed cartoonist extraordinaire, Glen Larson, (The Far Side), guest voices as himself, hired to work in the Cap City Nuclear Plant to whip up fresh cartoons for emplyees to stick on their wall, (and not get).

One hot and heavy Hollywood romance is referred to as, "QueenLatifaRod."
Can you guess the happy couple?

At Krusty's wedding, featuring guest voice, Jackie Mason as, (who else?), Krusty's long-suffering father, Rabbi Haiman Krustofski, Bart wonders where Mr. Teenie is, seeing as he should be Krusty's ring-bearer. Krusty explains he locked him in the Torah room till the wedding was over. We then see Mr. Teenie wreaking havoc on every chosen-person's favourite holy book. (Mmm, that's good sacralige!)

In a last-ditch effort to convince Princess Penelope not to go through with the wedding, Bart pulls out Krusty's first wife, a chain-smoking hippie, (whose name I don't remember), and former catwoman, Ertha Kitt, who is voiced by herself, (apparently). It sure sounded like an impression.
All in all, an episode worthy of syndication, where constant repetition and, perhaps, (illicit drug use), will cement it the title of classic Simpsons gold! Bravo, guys. And thanks for all the laughs.


Immediately after the episode, Fox broadcast an hour-long (psuedo) documentary in honor of The Simpsons 20th anniversary. The special, entitled, "The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special - In 3D! - On Ice!" was hosted by Morgan Spurlock, of "Supersize Me" fame and was a nice little tribute, though I personally could have used a little more meat. All that aside, it was fun to watch people like, Dan Rather, Mike Judge, Seth McFarlane, (yes, even him), Matt Stone and Trey Parker, and so many more recount their favourite Simpsons moments, or at least stuff they admire about the show.
Like I said, the special was a bit light on analysis and heavy on sentiment, not that I particularly mind that. I just think it's high time somebody with some teeth came out with a real hard look at The Simpsons and it's massive, though largely uncredited impact on, not only the landscape of contemporary TV, but also society in general.
There was some of that, I suppose, by not much. One such example might be Spurlock's visit to a real live nuclear power plant, as well as a brave expedition to uncover the show's most devoted nutjob - I mean, fan. (Hello, kettle? It's me, Pot. Um, yeah, you're black). There was also an ammusing little rant from a representative of the Catholic Church or anti-defammation league or whatever. To be honest, I don't think it was all that serious.
In short, I love The Simpons with all my heart. Always have. Always will. That said, I can't help but think the best thing for it now would be to rest. I still laugh. (At this point, its ingrained in my DNA - damn, I'm gonna have lucky kids), but I truly believe what the show would benefit from most is to be missed. Then, perhaps, in a couple years or so, come out with a new product. Another movie? Maybe. Personally, I'd love to see Mr. Burns as the villain - or Sideshow Bob! Maybe even a series of well-spaced DVD/Blue-Ray adventures. This way, the creative juices, and talent, are given the chance to recharge.
Just my two cents. One thing's for certain. Whether still in production or in memory only, The Simpsons legend will live forever!

Thank God for that.

D.A.