I always look forward to a new season opener from "The Simpsons," usually because I am sick and tired of repeats. Sunday's show was a decent enough beginning, even if the show can't help but recycle some elements (St. Patrick's Day parade, Homer going to jail, etc.)
I especially like to see Homer & Ned work together. Obviously, you wouldn't want them be on the same side too often, but Homer is at his best when he can appreciate his next-door neighbor. This episode was no "Viva Ned Flanders" - we'll probably never get to see such a rollicking Ned again - but it was nice.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
"The Simpsons" - 20th Season
My friends, "The Simpsons" is about to reach a milestone that few TV shows reach - well, few episodic fiction shows, anyway. When the new season premiers Sunday, September 28th, it will mark the start of their 20th season.
There has been quite a bit written that brings up "Gunsmoke," another famous show that stayed on the air for twenty seasons. "Lassie" made the 20 year mark too, not a bad age for a Collie. However, non-fiction television - talk shows, how-to shows, etc - make these shows look like pimply-faced teens. Consider "Meet the Press." It has been on for 60 years, and still going strong. It's a TV show that almost pre-dates TV. The "Tonight" show has been around for 54 years. Even "Oprah" has been on 21 years.
For episodic fiction that can compete with these venerable shows, we must look to the soap opera. Many have been around for forty to sixty years, including "Guiding Light", "General Hospital", and "Days of our Lives." And as for episode count, forget about it. These things were on every weekday!
"Gunsmoke" reminds me of something else. From the 1950s to the 1970s, popular culture was in love with the Western. Starting with "The Simpsons," the adult cartoon show came into fashion. That trend lasts until today, although the 00s seem cooler toward new cartoon shows. Let's hope the latest season of "The Simpsons" can recapture some of the verve of the early 90s episodes.
(Source for TV show trivia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_longest_running_U.S._television_series)
There has been quite a bit written that brings up "Gunsmoke," another famous show that stayed on the air for twenty seasons. "Lassie" made the 20 year mark too, not a bad age for a Collie. However, non-fiction television - talk shows, how-to shows, etc - make these shows look like pimply-faced teens. Consider "Meet the Press." It has been on for 60 years, and still going strong. It's a TV show that almost pre-dates TV. The "Tonight" show has been around for 54 years. Even "Oprah" has been on 21 years.
For episodic fiction that can compete with these venerable shows, we must look to the soap opera. Many have been around for forty to sixty years, including "Guiding Light", "General Hospital", and "Days of our Lives." And as for episode count, forget about it. These things were on every weekday!
"Gunsmoke" reminds me of something else. From the 1950s to the 1970s, popular culture was in love with the Western. Starting with "The Simpsons," the adult cartoon show came into fashion. That trend lasts until today, although the 00s seem cooler toward new cartoon shows. Let's hope the latest season of "The Simpsons" can recapture some of the verve of the early 90s episodes.
(Source for TV show trivia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_longest_running_U.S._television_series)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Russia bans "The Simpsons"
"The Simpsons" have been banned in Russia, just as they were not long ago banned in Venezuela. Is this a mere coincidence, considering the two powers are cozying up to each other?
Perhaps it's all the jokes made at the Rooskies' expense. Or maybe it's just to clear the way for more "Worker and Parasite" cartoons.
Perhaps it's all the jokes made at the Rooskies' expense. Or maybe it's just to clear the way for more "Worker and Parasite" cartoons.
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