By James Riswick
Staff Writer
Ahh, The Simp-sons…
This melodic sound and those fluffy white clouds over Springfield act as Pavlovian bait as we plop ourselves down on the couch for yet another half-hour devoted to America’s favorite yellow-tinted family.
This past Sunday marked the Simpsons’ 300th episode, and although it was in a way its 302nd thanks to the discounting of two holiday specials – D’oh! – it is time that we sit back and honor this jewel of Americana. No matter where you’re from (even here in London), there is no doubt a time between 5 pm and 8 pm when the exploits of Homer Jay Simpson blink onto the screen, enriching our lives with witty satire and straight-up comic stupidity.
Certainly, there are people out there who hate “The Simpsons.” But for every one of those, there are countless others who can list off Bart’s first words (“Ay-caramba!”), the name of Mr. Burns’ beloved teddy bear (Bobo), or even how many times Homer has actually said d’oh (your guess is good as mine, but I guarantee somebody knows).
There is really no point in trying to explain the mark “The Simpsons” has left on the psyche of the American public. After all, chances are you’ll see some part of yourself in at least one of the many zany characters of Springfield. For me, I think I rest somewhere in between Homer, Lisa and the Comic Book Guy.
Granted, the past few seasons have arguably not had the creative pizzazz the previous seasons did, but it takes a very special show to last fourteen seasons, and an incredible one to remain as funny as it has. There have been some good episodes, some great episodes and certainly some bad and boring ones to boot. Anything from the first two seasons comes to mind when thinking of the latter. But we all have our favorites, and with 300 episodes in the can, there is no shortage of picks.
My personal favorite is when Homer joins the Naval reserve, a half-hour of remarkably cheesy humour that leaves me laughing every time.
“Status report, Mr. Moe,” asks Homer.
“Main power’s out. Auxiliary power is out.”
“Enough of what’s out, what’s in?”
Moe replies, “Ice blended mocha drinks and David Schwimmer.”
I love it. No other sitcom could have such a premise. Ray Romano could not join the Naval reserve. Alex P. Keaton would not be threatened with a “booting” for insulting Australia. Jill Taylor could not be given breast implants or go to a women’s prison for stealing a bottle of Kentucky Bourbon. And it’s unlikely that the nation of Brazil would threaten to sue after a TV visit by the Huxtables. Yet all these things and more have happened on “The Simpsons.”
Homer and clan are American icons and thankfully will be around for at least two more seasons. And although all good things must come to an end, at least we can be comforted with the fact that these 300 plus episodes will be gracing our TVs at 6 p.m. for years to come.
February 20, 2003