The new episodes seem to be almost entirely based around Homer. There also seems to be a lack of multiple storylines, so they get tired very quickly. The humour seems to be moving more and more towards the inane and ridiculous, while this worked with Family Guy, it really doesn't work with the Simpsons.
While they've been declining since the first few series, they're still better than most american crap. Futurama's better, but you have to be into sci fi to get most of the jokes.
"Futurama's better, but you have to be into sci fi to get most of the jokes."
Naturally. It's not like the Jetsons, is it?
I think this decline was deliberate - after all, FOX cancelled other quality pieces of entertainment, or moved them to crap slots and then cancelled them. If nothing was done, why, The Simpsons would be next!
"Futurama's better, but you have to be into sci fi to get most of the jokes."
well i dont know about that, the thing is about some jokes (and this is true about the Simpsons and Futurama) is that there are loads of references to people and jokes that only Americans would understand.
Damien and I have talked about this many times before. Infact, not a day goes by that my brother and I dont talk about the Simpsons and its decline. I find the several series of Futurama MUCH funnier than the new episodes, but ofcourse it would be unsafe to assume any show going for as long as the Simpsons have would be able to keep quality standards. That said, I dont find Family Guy funny much at all. Oooh, and is anyone here a fan of 'Mission Hill'? Much better alternative to the New Adventures of the Simpsons, or Futurama, personally.
My theory on the new Simpsons is that the show which has always been a parody of pop culture and family life has become SO fixed in pop culture itself (Kids these days have never known a world that wasnt occupied by the show) that all it can achieve these days is self mocking and tired cameo's based entirely around the hype created by the overused guest stars.
I fear it is too late to turn the tide around. But thats not to say the new episodes have no shed of humour. I've laughed atleast once during every episode. Im also sure I get most of the Americana related jokes. However, after watching episodes from the early nineties, where every minute I'd be belly laughing, it really is sad to watch the newer series.
I put it down to key fundemental changes to characters. With shows like this I think a formula MUST be stuck to. Unlike South Park, where the show has always been quite lucid, and in my opinion has just gotten better and better, the Simpsons was once a well oiled sitcomy ship. Early on the decision to keep the characters fixed in time was decided. Which is fine. Im even willing to except that the dialogue can refer to times when the characters we're the same age as 'the past.' Thats fine, because the Simpsons is non contextually specific AND must keep up with pop culture to work. However, three shifts exist. Four very evil ones:
1. Maude's Death. Pointless. Annoying. And UNFUNNY. I think I read something about the women who does her voice died, which I'm not sure about.
2. Apu's Many Babies. He was never a major character, why does the Simpsons have to get involved with it anyway? NOT FUNNY.
3. Apu's Marriage. See above.
I am nerdy it up excessively here, and I should be greatful that a show like the Simpsons existed in the first place, because it WAS great. But it's just such a shame that it has become what it has. I'll leave you with one of my favourite quotes, I think its pretty fitting.
'Homer just gets stupider and stupider every year.'
'Professor, THAT'S NOT A QUESTION!'
'oh yeah? he's thrown a kettle over a pub, what have you done?'
I prefer to watch an old episode of the Simpsons I've seen 5 times before than watch a new one. The newer one rely on Homer being stupid too much, and he has got too stupid to be believable. Even in a cartoon where the characters have yellow skin, believability is vital.
I think that the simpsons is the coolest. They have been going down hill but they are still making me chuckle.
There is a fine line between the simpsons and family guy. In simpsons they will make you have a quick giggle on the inside. Family will make you lol. They are just plain funny. I like how in family guy they do quick little flash backs and they are just pure humor.
"Futurama's better, but you have to be into sci fi to get most of the jokes."
well i dont know about that, the thing is about some jokes (and this is true about the Simpsons and Futurama) is that there are loads of references to people and jokes that only Americans would understand.
No, really really. I've heard someone say before that Futurama isn't as joke-packed than The Simpsons, but it's probably moreso. Almost everything that happens is a parody of or tribute to some sci-fi element. It's still a great show even if you don't get most of it, but there's another whole layer of humour on top of the usual slapstick and satire.
Advertisement
Post Reply
