Should the Simpsons take a back seat in the own show?

[HellCat]

The more I catch more recent eps via repeats, the more I'm reminded of a big fault I find with the recent seasons. Namely, how apparently nothing can happen anymore without the Simpson family involved and how apparently everyone in Springfield is on close terms with everyone else.

Does anyone agree the family should be held back? During the classic eps they only got involved as was needed or realistic.

[Golgo13]

You mean shifting focus like in Simpsons Spin-off and 22 Stories.

I don't think it would do much good seeing as how just about all the characters in the show follow the same method of humor at this point.

A Frank Grimes spin-off, though, that'd be interesting.

[HellCat]

You mean shifting focus like in Simpsons Spin-off and 22 Stories.

I don't think it would do much good seeing as how just about all the characters in the show follow the same method of humor at this point.

A Frank Grimes spin-off, though, that'd be interesting.

No, I mean not shoehorning the family into every corner of the show, like how EVERYONE seems to go to Homer for everything.

[Aldrius]

I agree. It seems like they enjoy shoving the Simpsons into everything when they don't need to. Especially Homer. Alot of the best season 2 episodes involved only a few characters, with the others doing relatively little.

Though I think the show's biggest problem right now is that it needs to have a joke in every line of dialogue. =\

[jrh31584]

I believe that the converse is also true. There are things that happen within the Simpson family that should stay there, without getting, say, Sideshow Mel or Lindsay Naegle involved.

[DarthGonzo]

The writers of the show at this point are like fans that want to have their cake and eat it too. Meaning that fan favorite characters end up appearing in just about every episode to do their shtick - whether its appropriate or not in the context of the episode. There's a wealth of great characters in this show but the current writers feel the need to cram them down our throats as often as possible. The trouble is, the more they use them the less funny and more annoying they become. And then of course - since the show is titled "The Simpsons" - there has to be something for the Simpson family to do. To that end they wind up sharing considerable screentime with pretty much the entire Simpsons cast in just about every show.

[SirLemming]

I believe that the converse is also true. There are things that happen within the Simpson family that should stay there, without getting, say, Sideshow Mel or Lindsay Naegle involved.

Very true.

As for the main question, I think the real solution is just to end the show. The side characters could stand to get some more episodes once in a while, but that can't sustain the show.


BTW, I just have to take this opportunity to link to SomethingAwful's "leaked Simpsons movie script". It's funny stuff, and disturbingly accurate. Also, be warned that it contains harsh language.

http://i.somethingawful.com//sasbi/2006/12/bobservo/script1bigwm.gif
http://i.somethingawful.com//sasbi/2006/12/bobservo/script2bigwm.gif
http://i.somethingawful.com//sasbi/2006/12/bobservo/script3bigwm.gif

[Classic Speedy]

BTW, I just have to take this opportunity to link to SomethingAwful's "leaked Simpsons movie script". It's funny stuff, and disturbingly accurate. Also, be warned that it contains harsh language.

http://i.somethingawful.com//sasbi/2006/12/bobservo/script1bigwm.gif
http://i.somethingawful.com//sasbi/2006/12/bobservo/script2bigwm.gif
http://i.somethingawful.com//sasbi/2006/12/bobservo/script3bigwm.gif
I read that on NoHomers. Absolutely hilarious, mainly because it's so true.

[The Myst]

That's the funniest thing involving The Simpsons in about 10 years.

[Aldrius]

Eh. Funny, but I don't really think it's accurate. :P

Other than the 'scenes need to be longer than a page' thing... those are some short scenes. o.o

[Anime 51]

They should do an episode about what happens in Springfield while the Simpsons are away.

[Shredder565]

I haven't been watching it in the last few years, and I was with the show from the start. Looks like I haven't missed much.

The Creators on the DVD Commentaries say that there was nothing like this show when it first premeired, and that's why fans think the first ten seasons are the best. But after rewatching all the seasons on DVD, and then tuning in to later episodes.....the difference in quality is jarring.

A whole episode with Kim Bassinger and Alec Baldwin? Loads of Guest Stars every season when they where originally brought because they fit into every episode? Retreads of previous plots? ( The one where Milhouse fakes his own death the way homer did to get out of work 7 years ago).

Can a show that's been on for so long still be as fresh and funny as it was ten years ago, or is it time to call it quits?

I haven't even been keeping up with the Halloween shows, if only because who wants to watch a Halloween show two weeks after said Holiday? They USED to be able to make it on time with that one.

[btv]

I haven't even been keeping up with the Halloween shows, if only because who wants to watch a Halloween show two weeks after said Holiday? They USED to be able to make it on time with that one.

That's not always their fault though. If you hate them for doing that, hate Fox instead for the scheduling.

[HellCat]

This is kinda becoming yet another general Simpsons grievance thread...