The Simpsons New HD Opening Sequence

[HomeMoviesFan]

See it here!

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2009/02/sundays_simpsons_goes_hd_updat.php

Yeah, it's...um...new and bigger, but better? Not so sure on that one...

[HG Revolution]

Necessary to have a new opening to a show that should end very, very soon?

[garfield15]

Okay, Homer getting hit by the car made me laugh very hard. So did Otto taking the radiation part and then....randomly eating it.

[Taekmkm]

When I see it in the usual 30 second segment, I'll judge it then.

I do like how they try to include all the characters.

[CyberCubed]

It was nice. That couch gag was only super-long for that one episode, right?

[HomeMoviesFan]

When I see it in the usual 30 second segment, I'll judge it then.

Huh? This is the one that airs Sunday. And the episode after that (with a different couch gag), and so on...

[Cartoon1]

First Simpsons and next month South park will have an HD opening. :D

[SirLemming]

I wonder if the Krusty billboard will be an addition to the couch/chalkboard gag routine.

Necessary to have a new opening to a show that should end very, very soon?
It is when the show itself is going HD. And who knows when it will end.

[Dr.Pepper]

That couch gag was too long IMO. Also I am glad that Bart doesn't skate past Bleeding Gums Murphy (or whatever his name is) anymore. That just bugged me.

[Darklordavaitor]

Eh, not really impressed. Am I the only one who's really getting tired of basically every new piece of Simpsons trying to add as many little cameos of the show's characters as possible in order to be cute?


Necessary to have a new opening to a show that should end very, very soon?
Huh? Last I heard, it was on contract until season 24, so we should be getting plenty more Simpsons for a long time to come.

[Jackson54]

I do not like it. It's interesting, but it's horrible.

It is now safe to say that The Simpsons had entered its last days.

[Peter Paltridge]

Yikes, what a lousy couch gag. For such a momentous occasion, I'd rather they pick something short and funny.

There may be some new variables in here. I hope the billboard is one because "Krusty: Now Doing Funerals" won't be funny every single time. Ditto for many of these other gags...I hope some of them are interchangable.

The thing I was most wondering about -- whether they would replace their old TV with an HD set at the end -- has been answered. And a purple one!

The raven in the beginning has three eyes.

[sdp]

I liked it but I don't know, changing it after 20 years?

Why?

If its not changed every year why change it after the original has been on for so long, especially 20 years...

[ChibiGoku]

Honestly? I loved the couch gag. While I didn't particularly like how it ended, the TV falling down is what made it up for me. As mentioned before, Homer getting run into the door was great. Wonder if that'll be a permanent change in the intro.

Honestly? The animation didn't quite impress me as I had hoped it would. Though the original intro is outdated by today's standards, the actual animation itself was rather fluid. Here, it feels a little bit stiffer and not as much movement. Not quite sure how to explain it, really. The changes and additions to the intro were nice though, but not so much the animation.

But that's the only real complain. It's been ages since I really sat down to watch The Simpsons, partially because of the declining quality of the series. However, I might check out the episode this sunday, to see how it holds up in general in HD.

[SpaceCowboy]

That opening would have been much better if it had just been like the older one, only with updated animation and deletion of Bleeding Gums Murphy.

[Undrave]

Plenty of little added touches like the Tomaco Juice, the Mr. Sparkle box and the Krusty-os (I wonder if its the ones with REAL METAL Os! :p ) etc.

[Mesousa]

I wonder if the Krusty billboard will be an addition to the couch/chalkboard gag routine.

Yep, it looks lke it has potential to become a gag.;)

I actually loved this opening, because I was one of the people that is getting sick of the old intro.

The couch gag made me laugh hard. Usually I don't like long jokes, that one worked for me!

[DarthGonzo]

That was horrible. The sad part is that I was actually looking forward to it.

Too much going on. Too many characters. Not feeling it at all.

[Nexonius]

Wow, that was a big letdown. Why change an intro that's been well known for years for something that's anticlimactic? They could have just reanimated it to fit in with HD capacity. And on top of that, the new couch gag bored me. They're trying too hard. Again.

And it's funny that I actually posted the news about The Simpsons having a new HD intro a couple of weeks ago. And I was so excited.

Now all we need is Family Guy's new HD intro.

[Mesousa]

Too much going on. Too many characters. Not feeling it at all.

Isn't that what replay value's for?

[Moto Pete]

EASTER EGGS


- the "power plant crow" has three eyes
- phineas q. butterfat's ice cream parlor has the marge-esque blue ice cream cone on top (from homer alone)
- astronaut homer is in the framed picture next to the chalkboard
- patty and selma's cart is full of cartons of lady laramie 100's
- magazines on the supermarket checkout rack: what I assume to be scientific canadian (I can't make out the second word, but a map of canada is on the cover; also, anxious mother, donut fancy and peephole (with a person using a peephole on the cover)
- marge is reading anxious mother with the "absolut krusty" ad on the back
- items ahead of maggie on the checkout belt: frosty krusty o's, mr. sparkle, tomacco juice
- the checkout display actually seems to accumulate as items are scanned. it's 236.60, then 243.26 when the krusty o's are scanned. when maggie is scanned, the total goes up to 486.52. therefore: krusty o's are $6.66 (clevar!) and maggie is, as mentioned before, $243.26.
- when the music room is first seen, there are three pictures. the first one is bleeding gums murphy.
- jessica lovejoy is in the front row in the music room, playing some sort of horn. however, her hair is purple
- sherri and terri are not playing instruments, but rather using some type of handheld device (sidekick?)
- the building visible for a split second as homer drives by it (immediately after the sax segment) is the springfield prison. nothing profound but it's probably something they wanted you to find just to be disappointed
- helen lovejoy's bag is from the springfield mall
- all of the krusty tv's in the tv window (in the bart skateboard segment) are now... guess
- the springfield church and retirement castle are visible as maggie is "driving"
- the steering wheel toy used by maggie now has krusty's seal of approval on it

okay, here we go. here are all of the characters in the QUICK PAN ACROSS SPRINGFIELD TO THE SIMPSON HOUSE:

the duff blimp (yes the duff blimp is a character)
agnes
skinner
chalmers
milhouse (pitching)
richard (fielding)
lewis (fielding)
groundskeeper willie (on his WILLY tractor)
ralph (playing in the sand... on the gravesite of frank grimes!)
squeaky voiced teen
miss springfield (wearing the mayor sash... so yes, she technically is the mayor)
mayor quimby (guess)
some gray haired guy with a black shirt and pants... doing jazz hands?
martin
kearny, dolph and jimbo threatening martin
cletus and brandine, looking at...
SPIDERPIG
patty and selma in their conical bikini tops, sunbathing
capt. mcallister holding blinky by the tail
burns and smithers
kang and kodos in their flying saucer hovering above
(there's a wall with EL BARTO on it; oddly neither springfield city hall nor springfield elementary had EL BARTO on them)
sherri and terri, still using their handheld devices
krusty taking a smoke break
kent brockman in front of a ponytailed cameraman
bumblebee man and luigi, looking up at the flying saucer
eddie and lou
fat tony, legs and louie, next to a freshly-dug hole... legs and louie are holding a wrapped body
snake, pilfering lou's gun while lou looks none the wiser
the springfield elementary bus... and miss hoover is changing the tire
outside the bus: janey and some assorted kids
inside the bus looking out the window: wendell, looking queasy
dr. hibbert, looking at some paper
duffman
jessica lovejoy (with correct black hair!)
sideshow mel pushing mr. teeny in a stroller
five-fingered god ascending from a white mountain, shaking his fist at the devil
the devil on a neighboring plateau, looking up at god, shaking his fist
in the simpsons' yard: rod and todd, playing with some birds

ok that's done

- was lisa wearing a bike helmet in the previous opener? because she is here.

--------------Care of No Homers

[PowerZord]

Wow, that was a big letdown. Why change an intro that's been well known for years for something that's anticlimactic? They could have just reanimated it to fit in with HD capacity. And on top of that, the new couch gag bored me. They're trying too hard. Again.



It had to change because things can't stay the same forever. they have to change in order to fit in current times. It's time to let go of the 90's and let the simpsons update itself.

[Mek]

That was horrible. The sad part is that I was actually looking forward to it.

Too much going on. Too many characters. Not feeling it at all.

For once, I agree.

[DarthGonzo]

This opening shows the dangers of getting too comfortable letting the computer do a lot of the work for you. Nothing in that opening (or in the show in general) has any life or soul to it. It's too shallow, too false, too mechanical. And adding to this is how busy it all is. Someone needs to tell the people working on this show that we don't need to see every single character all the time. The new openings to King of the Hill and American Dad show the correct way to upgrade something. This new Simpsons opening is just nonsense.

I can't believe there are actually people who like how this turned out.

[Martin Juneau]

Well it's good to updated the theme sequences but is it necessary to be cute and 3D-ish characters?

[Dr. Daedalus]

Just as I feared, the animation is way too stiff. And the new gags/characters didn't really add anything (like the crow during the choir) and will become more tiresome every time this intro plays.

Am I the only one who isn't thrilled that we see Ralph, Jimbo, and Kearney before we see the Simpson family? It's nitpicking, I know, but I don't like it. Especially since Ralph is the most overrated secondary character ever.

I also noticed Burns wasn't in the Power Plant, though it's just as well, since Burns hasn't been a presence in the series for quite a few seasons now.

And yay, super long couch gag again. Is it so hard for the writers to keep these under five seconds? I guess if you have a weak plot you have to pad it somehow...

[DarthGonzo]

Just as I feared, the animation is way too stiff.

This show could be done in flash now and I don't think anyone would notice by this point.

And yes I suppose you could say the same for Family Guy, but to say that about the Simpsons when the animation used to have a lot of life to it is just criminal.

[Mesousa]

Just as I feared, the animation is way too stiff.

Care to explain how?

[J. B. Warner]

I thought for sure that an HD opening would allow the animators to get a little more lavish with the animation, like they did for The Simpsons Movie...and yet half this sequence looks like it was done in Flash. Just look at the supermarket scene - they barely even inbetweened it.

I don't understand it. How is it that with every new advance in technology this show's animation crew makes, the animation becomes more stiff and lifeless? Is it intentional? 'Cause we all know how much Matt Groening and friends hated the fluid, bouncy animation from the original "Some Enchanted Evening" pilot - I can almost see Groening peering over the directors' shoulders going "Stiffer! Stodgier! Less movement!" And then he goes home and draws a "Life in Hell" strip that consists of the same drawing of Binky repeated over the course of 20 panels.

Regarding the content of the opening, yeah, it's way too cluttered. Why do we get a gag about Jimbo, Kearney, and Ralph before we even see Bart, for God's sake? What's the point of throwing in characters like Jessica Lovejoy and Sideshow Bob, or things like the Mr. Sparkle box and Frank Grimes' tombstone? This whole thing feels like an effort to have the fans play "spot the reference", instead of just acting as an introduction to the show and its characters like the previous opening did. More evidence that the writers are happy to eschew character-based humor in lieu of snarky in-jokes.

And the worst part is, it'll never change, because they're so full of themselves that they think we want all this to happen.

[Dr. Daedalus]

Care to explain how? There's no squash-and-stretch or life to it. Everyone stays perfectly on-model all the time, which is technically proficient but lacking in soul. Compare the scene where Maggie is placed in Marge's grocery cart in the old and HD versions. In the old, she does this startled look where she bobs her head up and then becomes relaxed. In the new one, she just blankly smiles at Maggie and barely moves at all.

Or when Lisa exits the band room and does a little final bob, it's choppy.

Or when Chief Wiggum brandishes his stick, his body doesn't move at all, just his arm. Exciting.

About the only bit of animation in this intro I like is Grampa waking up in the car, and that's less than a second long!

And this isn't related to stiff animation, but for some reason, Homer getting out of the car looks too CG. It looks like they just animated his car in CG and decided to animate him in CG too, and the difference between the normal Bart and Lisa is obvious.

[Aldrius]

Well that was boring.

But wasn't it funny when the people animating and writing winked at us?

...eight... thousand... times...

Seriously, every ten seconds could have been accompanied by somebody going "that's our [character]!!" It's awful.

[DarthGonzo]

If this looks bad in a little window on my computer it's going to look horrible on my widescreen HD TV.

The worst part is from the looks of the new episode description we're getting another flashback episode that re-writes the show's history.

[Kevin]

This intro could of been so much better. I agree with Speedy Boris about the animation. It looks like it has no soul to it. The couch gag started out funny, but then it dragged out too much.

[Nexonius]

On the new episode: WTH...little continuity much? Just a few more crappy shots at the old tired revising material and I'm done with this show.

[simpsonsfan]

It seemed okay to me. But I agree its been too long to change the theme song now. How come I had a feeling that HDTV would be mentioned?

[SuperMegaHyper]

:crying: I am now convinced Matt sold his soul.

[DarthGonzo]

:crying: I am now convinced Matt sold his soul.

You needed convincing? He sold his soul a looooong time ago.

[SuperMegaHyper]

You needed convincing? He sold his soul a looooong time ago.I thought it was pretty good pre-Simpsons movie.

[Eddy]

I didn't like it at all. The extra characters felt tacked on and unnecessary. And the animation was way too stiff.

[Peter Paltridge]

I just realized: the perfect cough gag to top that off would have been a reanimation of the "extended circus" one that MG loves and has put in at least five times.

Instead...yeesh.

[John Pannozzi]

You needed convincing? He sold his soul a looooong time ago.
Futurama is the creation of someone who sold his soul?

[creativerealms]

Thanks for reminding me of all the pointless background characters that are in this show now. Too bad most are gag characters and the rest are pushed aside for more Homer and Lisa plots.

I mean it's clear that they wanted to please fans with all the gags, characters and in jokes in that intro but frankly it looks like they tried too hard.

[Dudley]

I gotta say that this was pretty bad. The animation is really stiff, and the side characters getting more prominent appearance is kinda annoying. It could've looked well if they were on the screen for less than a second, but some of them were more prominent than the main characters themselves.

And what's with the monobrow baby? He appears less often in the show than any other character, yet he's in the opening?!

I know the show's has a contract for 4 more seasons, but I have my doubts that this show will last that long, at this point.

[DarthGonzo]

And what's with the monobrow baby? He appears less often in the show than any other character, yet he's in the opening?!

It's like the people who put this together got their advice from those Simpson sites/forums who think characters like Gerald, the Baby With the One Eyebrow, the Crazy Cat Lady and the Rich Texan are the best dang characters on the entire show.

Sad.

[MasterDartz]

Sideshow Bob making an appearance was a real treat.

[DarthGonzo]

Sideshow Bob making an appearance was a real treat.

I'd agree if the character was still interesting.

[MasterDartz]

I'd agree if the character was still interesting.


I still like him. Not that it's saying much, but the only episodes I've enjoyed lately were the ones he's been in.

[Ghostbuster Man]

That was awesome!

[Nel]

It was okay. I liked the TV falling at the end.

As said before, animation was way too stiff. Lifeless, soulless, etc.

[Dr. Daedalus]

I'd be interested in knowing who directed this new intro. There's no way David Silverman had a hand in this. His work would be more cartoony.

[Leviathan]

Interesting. With this new opening, the show ditches its last link to the cartoony, Klasky-Csupo Simpsons look. Took them long enough.

The animation on the new opening is much blander (compare Marge's shock to Maggie being rung up and put in the bag), so any benefits from HD are rendered moot.

[Nexonius]

I'd be interested in knowing who directed this new intro. There's no way David Silverman had a hand in this. His work would be more cartoony.


It was probably someone from Film Roman.


And on the intro again: Are they on tight schedule or tight budget or something? Could they have just waited until the season's over so they can work on the HD intro a lot more?

[SirLemming]

I agree that this could be a heck of a lot better. Aside from the overabundance of side-characters and other things that kind of ruin the simplicity of it (like the bird flying by during the logo), it actually looks kind of cheap in several places. Cheaper than the actual show. Something about the way the scenery layers move just makes them look incredibly flat.


Futurama is the creation of someone who sold his soul?
It's been 10 years since Futurama.

[DarthGonzo]

Cheaper than the actual show. Something about the way the scenery layers move just makes them look incredibly flat.

Like a pop-up book even. As if the characters are cut-outs simply pasted on flat backgrounds with no depth or feeling of space.

How can something be so busy and so empty at the same time?

[Mesousa]

Like a pop-up book even. As if the characters are cut-outs simply pasted on flat backgrounds with no depth or feeling of space.

How can something be so busy and so empty at the same time?

Maybe...it's not finished? And that this is just a prototype?

[D Dubbs]

Maybe...it's not finished? And that this is just a prototype?

Doubtful, since it's premiering tomorrow.

[Dudley]

What's with the crow anyway?

[Nel]

What's with the crow anyway?

Just there for the "power plant mutates animals" gag, I think.

[DarthGonzo]

Just there for the "power plant mutates animals" gag, I think.

Well they should have thought twice about it. It's incredibly annoying. At least remove the squawk.

[warnerbroman]

and with that the old Simpsons are gone

[DarthGonzo]

and with that the old Simpsons are gone

Pretty much.

I've been close to throwing in the towel with this show for a long time now. This might be what does it for me. If the first episode that airs along with the new opening is halfway decent I wont bail just yet.

But I doubt it.

[Dr.Pepper]

Well they should have thought twice about it. It's incredibly annoying. At least remove the squawk.
I agree. I found the crow very out of place

[Iridium128]

and with that the old Simpsons are gone

Honestly, the old Simpsons has been gone for about ten years.

[warnerbroman]

Honestly, the old Simpsons has been gone for about ten years. true but the open was around since day 2

[aalong64]

'Cause we all know how much Matt Groening and friends hated the fluid, bouncy animation from the original "Some Enchanted Evening" pilot - I can almost see Groening peering over the directors' shoulders going "Stiffer! Stodgier! Less movement!" And then he goes home and draws a "Life in Hell" strip that consists of the same drawing of Binky repeated over the course of 20 panels.
I couldn't have put it better myself. I really enjoyed the lively, bouncy style of that pilot, and the first couple of seasons in general (although to a much lesser degree). It really bugs me that Groening is so strongly against fun animation. The show could have a whole other dimension of enjoyment if he weren't so adamant that the movement be as stiff and lifeless as possible.

(On the other hand, I do have a lot of respect for the man. He's clearly done much more good than bad, even though he perhaps gets more credit than he should.)

This new intro shows pretty much everything that's wrong with the show today-- the stiff animation; overuse of in-jokes; pointless, redundant character cameos shoved into every scene, etc... and since it follows the template of the original, it gives us the opportunity to see just how awful the show has gotten in a really simple, direct comparison to the beginning of the series. One thing I don't understand is how they like to add all these shadows and stuff to these characters who were conceived as, and meant to be, crude-looking, flat characters. If they want to make the show look nicer, do it by actually having fun, entertaining animation, not by trying to change the characters' designs.

In case you can't tell... I hate the new intro. Along with pretty much everyone else in this thread, it seems... :ack:

[Bloody Marquis]

Yeah. I definitely have to agree that the new opening looks dull and lifeless. They should've just made a complete remake of the original opening with the unused characters replaced with the more recent ones.

[JTurner954]

I was skeptical before watching it and now that I have, I loved it. It was about time they added some newer characters like Disco Stu and took out Bleeding Gums Murphy (Was The Cat Lady there as well?) . Homer getting hit by the car was good too. After 200+ episodes, he was bound to get hit one time or another.

And now they have an HDTV to keep with the times just in time for the digital switch (if they didn't move the date up). It amazes me how people could hate such a smart show that is so aware of the times.

[Jazman]

Eh...Nothing special in my eyes.

Also, the problem with the endless cameo's from past characters is that the newer fans won't know who half of those people are. Jessica Lovejoy? One episode in season...5 or 6, god I don't remember.

[Darklordavaitor]

It was about time they added some newer characters like Disco Stu
Didn't Disco Stu die in the movie, though? Doesn't that make adding him in the intro now sort of pointless?

[Bloody Marquis]

Didn't Disco Stu die in the movie, though? Doesn't that make adding him in the intro now sort of pointless?
That was Dr. Nick.

[Racattack!Force]

...What is the point of that crow? What's the point of squeezing in EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER into the intro? It looks like a messy, cluttered, lifeless mess. :sweat:

[creativerealms]

I was skeptical before watching it and now that I have, I loved it. It was about time they added some newer characters like Disco Stu and took out Bleeding Gums Murphy (Was The Cat Lady there as well?) . Homer getting hit by the car was good too. After 200+ episodes, he was bound to get hit one time or another.

And now they have an HDTV to keep with the times just in time for the digital switch (if they didn't move the date up). It amazes me how people could hate such a smart show that is so aware of the times.

yes Cat lady was there. This was actually my problem with it, characters like Disco Stu, Cat lady and Rich Texan were clearly in the intro, and seemly prominate. All three are gag characters that were funny the first time they appeared but got less funny every time they show up to the point where they are forced on us God damn it.

I have no problem with them updating the intro, they should have updated back in the late ninties really but this was the wrong way to do it.

[jbanks97]

I had a feeling something like this would get a "OMG SKY FALLING" reaction out of this crowd:D. I really can't say I loved it-it was nice to see some of the newer characters added, but alot just felt incredibly tacked on to the original opening. The couch gag went on for at least a minute too long. Either way, I still admire the way this show is willing to update with the times and still never age. (The falling HDTV was hilarious at the end).



Pretty much.

I've been close to throwing in the towel with this show for a long time now. This might be what does it for me. If the first episode that airs along with the new opening is halfway decent I wont bail just yet.

But I doubt it.


You've been with this show for TWENTY YEARS and an update to something that's been around since episode 2 is what finally does it for you?

Also re rubbery animation: The animation hasn't changed much since Film Roman took over in season 4. I kind of agree with the merits of your argument........but that was 17 years ago. I've long since let that go and still enjoy the simpsons.

[nakak]

...an update to something that's been around since episode 2 is what finally does it for you?
Technically, the opening we're used to didn't appear until episode 14. While the first season opening had the similar format, there were some differences (ie: Lisa actually came home first, not Homer)

[J. B. Warner]

You've been with this show for TWENTY YEARS and an update to something that's been around since episode 2 is what finally does it for you?

It's not just the fact that the opening's been updated that's irritating people - it's the fact that they updated it with crappy animation and a million pointless in-jokes.

[Dr. Daedalus]

Homer getting hit by the car was good too. After 200+ episodes, he was bound to get hit one time or another. I'd have been more amused by it if Family Guy hadn't already done that four years ago.

EDIT: Also, Homer was run over in Treehouse of Horror IX. Not canon, but still.

[Mesousa]

It's not just the fact that the opening's been updated that's irritating people - it's the fact that they updated it with crappy animation and a million pointless in-jokes.

Aren't in-jokes good?

It's a like a guessing game.

[J. B. Warner]

Aren't in-jokes good?

It's a like a guessing game.

Yes - in moderation. When the writers shove a hundred thousand of them into one minute of animation, it basically feels like they're screaming "Remember this? And this? And how about this? See, aren't we clever for putting things in that only hard-core viewers like yourself will understand? It's all we know how to do now, but isn't it clever? Isn't it? ISN'T IT! LAUGH! LAUGH, DAMN YOU, LAUGH!!!"

I never used to subscribe to the "'The Simpsons' should have ended ten years ago" crowd, but I think I'm migrating in that direction now.

[chdr]

Aren't in-jokes good?
Not when they're being constantly being thrown in your face for absolutely no reason.

[Cartoons90]

I liked it, at least.

[Mesousa]

Yes - in moderation. When the writers shove a hundred thousand of them into one minute of animation, it basically feels like they're screaming "Remember this? And this? And how about this? See, aren't we clever for putting things in that only hard-core viewers like yourself will understand? It's all we know how to do now, but isn't it clever? Isn't it? ISN'T IT! LAUGH! LAUGH, DAMN YOU, LAUGH!!!"

Well, Homestar Runner make similar in-jokes, and no one's complaining about that.

[Djm912]

I didn't think it was that bad. Kinda cute. In all honesty, though, this new opening doesn't stand a chance, as it's stuck with the albatross known as the recent seasons of The Simpsons.

[JTurner954]

It also amazes me that something as small as a crow offends people. I'm not going to insult the writers and explain why that joke is funny but I bet the haters will get it in another 10 years when the staff mentions it in the DVD commentary track. I noticed a decrease in the "they stole it from Family Guy" comments because they mentioned Family Guy doing a similar thing in a commentary track sequence on Season 3 (or was it 2?) so there's still time for people to catch up.


If I hate a show, I stop watching it instead of watching it for years and years. Why is it so hard for people to stop watching a show they hate? It's like they want the show to make fun of them and if that's the case ... Congratulations! Your hate and constant excuses are helping the show continue. If you'd like another example of this attitude, watch Adult Swim (especially on Sundays).

Al Jean said as long as the ratings are good, they'll continue so if The Simpsons are truly causing you pain and suffering: STOP WATCHING! I hated Ally McBeal and I did better things than talk about it to other people. Other people stopped watching as well and it's gone. Now the same thing is happening with King of the Hill and other shows. Bad shows go away when less people stop watching. Last year's Halloween marathon on Adult Swim is an excellent example of this.


EDIT: Also, Homer was run over in Treehouse of Horror IX. Not canon, but still.

200+ episodes - 1 episode = 200 episodes or more

[Eddy]

Now the same thing is happening with King of the Hill and other shows. Bad shows go away when less people stop watching.
King of the Hill is a bad show?

A lot of us have stopped watching The Simpsons. I myself stopped watching it years ago but I still catch reruns of the newer episodes every now and then. But it's still upsetting to us knowing how good the show used to be and seeing what it has become. The Simpsons was once brilliantly written, featured characters with personality that you actually cared about, and it was actually worth tuning in to watch every Sunday night.

But these days The Simpsons is but a mere shell of its former self. I remember a time when the characters actually had personality, I remember when the show was actually well written, I remember when they didn't shove characters who were once funny down our throat all the time, I remember when special guest stars actually meant something and brought something to the plot rather than just randomly appear as if the show was saying "LOOK WHO WE COULD AFFORD TO GET!".

I honestly believe that the reason The Simpsons is still on the air is because it carries the name The Simpsons. And I really believe that anyone who defends this show and says that it's still good is just looking through the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia and doesn't want to admit just how bad it has become.

[DarthGonzo]

And I really believe that anyone who defends this show and says that it's still good is just looking through the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia and doesn't want to admit just how bad it has become.

That or they got into the show after glory days were already over and to them today's Simpsons is "their" Simpsons.

These days I watch the show because, like a train wreck, it's hard to look away.

[DeadJohNNyAngel]

I've seen the new Simpsons HD opening on youtube and while I can admit yes it is stiff and lacks fluidity
other than that it's alright, but that only minor to me.

The involving of every character is rather nice and hard to accomplish in such a short time frame and
yet I applaud them in their success considering their large character cast.

Other than fixing the stiffness, I'm okay with it really and look forward to their
new episodes with great optimism. :)

[JTurner954]

King of the Hill is a bad show?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't there a long gap after Season 2 until more DVD sets were released?? Are they even releasing the show on DVD anymore? Many people on the [TZ] Adult Swim board certainly seem to hate the show ( I dare not check the official AS board for any opinions) and the ratings certainly aren't that high either (Wasn't KOTH cancelled once then brought back then cancelled again?)


A lot of us have stopped watching The Simpsons. I myself stopped watching it years ago but I still catch reruns of the newer episodes every now and then.

So you've stopped watching it and yet you haven't? You're bringing this anger upon yourself. If you stopped watching, I guarantee you'll be a lot happier.


But it's still upsetting to us knowing how good the show used to be and seeing what it has become. The Simpsons was once brilliantly written, featured characters with personality that you actually cared about, and it was actually worth tuning in to watch every Sunday night.

But these days The Simpsons is but a mere shell of its former self. I remember a time when the characters actually had personality, I remember when the show was actually well written, I remember when they didn't shove characters who were once funny down our throat all the time, I remember when special guest stars actually meant something and brought something to the plot rather than just randomly appear as if the show was saying "LOOK WHO WE COULD AFFORD TO GET!".

I honestly believe that the reason The Simpsons is still on the air is because it carries the name The Simpsons. And I really believe that anyone who defends this show and says that it's still good is just looking through the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia and doesn't want to admit just how bad it has become.

Throughout your post, I was saying "it still is" through many of your comments. Yes, they use lots of celebrities for cameos. Some of them are funny; some are not. And yet they've still had them voice original characters (off the top of my head, Sarah Michelle Gellar and [though I didn't see the episode] Jack Black). Times change. People change. This new intro is yet another example of it. If people truly hated it, the show would be cancelled by now. Ironically, many criticisms people have for the newer episodes are ones that I've had for the earlier seasons. I like more characters. It keeps the show fresh instead of being about the same thing over and over. Which leads me to ....


That or they got into the show after glory days were already over and to them today's Simpsons is "their" Simpsons.

These days I watch the show because, like a train wreck, it's hard to look away.

If that comment doesn't define denial, I don't know what does. Last year in one of the Toon Zone chats, I wanted to know what season caused this sudden hate. Truth be told, the chat was about Seasons 11 -18 and yet I could only find two bad seasons. I'm sure a log of it exists somewhere, but if not I would gladly go through it again on TZ and defend The Simpsons (and even though this is the internet where people hate popular things, I bet I wouldn't be the only one to defend "the dark saga" of The Simpsons) Of course it's much easier to keep watching to let the show continue or stop watching the show (and mean it) until The Simpsons are taken off and replaced with something else.

[DarthGonzo]

If that comment doesn't define denial

Denial? I know which episodes I like and which ones I don't like. But after 20 years (well longer considering I was watching during the Ullman days) one gets an emotional attachment to something and even though you know it's nowhere near as good as it used to be it's hard to let it go. It's like visiting a relative you remember fondly from your childhood. You used to have a good time with him, but now he's old, and tired and on life support. Even though there's little left of a once great relationship you still love this person for everything they once shared with you and it's hard to turn your back on them.

I know that's a deep analogy but that's how I feel about the show. I'd like to be able to say I've stuck by the show to the very end but they certainly haven't made it easy these days.

[Eddy]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't there a long gap after Season 2 until more DVD sets were released?? Are they even releasing the show on DVD anymore? Many people on the [TZ] Adult Swim board certainly seem to hate the show ( I dare not check the official AS board for any opinions) and the ratings certainly aren't that high either (Wasn't KOTH cancelled once then brought back then cancelled again?)
I haven't been following the DVD releases but I thought the majority of the Adult Swim board seemed to like the show from the comments I saw. And just because a series is canceled doesn't mean it's bad. Likewise, just because a series is still on the air doesn't mean it's good.


So you've stopped watching it and yet you haven't? You're bringing this anger upon yourself. If you stopped watching, I guarantee you'll be a lot happier.I stopped tuning in on Sundays to watch it years ago. I've caught reruns on weekday nights every now and then, but I haven't been watching those as often because they've been getting into the bad episode territory.


Throughout your post, I was saying "it still is" through many of your comments. Yes, they use lots of celebrities for cameos. Some of them are funny; some are not. And yet they've still had them voice original characters (off the top of my head, Sarah Michelle Gellar and [though I didn't see the episode] Jack Black).The majority of the celebrity voices serve no purpose at all. Why does Tony Hawk just happen to be staying in an apartment right above Bart in Springfield? There's no reason for them. They're really just showing off people they can afford to get.


Times change. People change. This new intro is yet another example of it.To me it's just another example of why this show should have been canceled years ago.


If people truly hated it, the show would be cancelled by now.Again, I really believe the reason a lot of people are still watching this show is simply because it is The Simpsons, regardless of how bad it is. It carries The Simpsons name and people are going to watch.


Ironically, many criticisms people have for the newer episodes are ones that I've had for the earlier seasons. I like more characters. It keeps the show fresh instead of being about the same thing over and over.But The Simpsons has been reusing plots over and over. For years. They might change a character or two, but they've been repeating themselves. And a larger cast =/= a better show. They're making too many characters more than what they need to be. Remember when Comic Book Guy and Gil were actually funny? Man, those were the days.


If that comment doesn't define denial, I don't know what does.What denial? He's sad to see what The Simpsons has become yet he still watches because he can't look away because of the attachment he feels to the series. But he knows the show has really gone down the toilet over the past ten years.

It's sad to think that The Simpsons is one of the greatest cartoons of all time but now half of the series sucks.

[DarthGonzo]

What denial? He's sad to see what The Simpsons has become yet he still watches because he can't look away because of the attachment he feels to the series. But he knows the show has really gone down the toilet over the past ten years.

THANK YOU

I'm tired of people telling me to just stop watching this show. 20+ years is a really long time. The show has been a constant in my life for a long time, through the good and through the bad. It's hard to let something like that go, no matter how bad it's gotten.

[runekey]

is this episode today???

[DarthGonzo]

is this episode today???

Yup.

[Mini Garbonzo]

is this episode today???
You mean the episode with the new HD opening that everyone is discussing here right now because that is the purpose of the thread which also happens to be the one that almost everyone seems to hate and for several good reason? Yes.

[TeamFX]

true but the open was around since day 2

Don't you mean Season 2? As far as I know, the original original for majority of the 1990 midseason was slightly longer and had a few variables of its own when the show first aired. As for the current intro, compared to the quintessential version we're all familiar with, it's a pity they didn't go for the production value the producers implemented for the show's special 19th season opener (which I believe tied in with the Simpsons Movie). Guess we'll find out for sure by Season 21. :sweat:

[runekey]

You mean the episode with the new HD opening that everyone is discussing here right now because that is the purpose of the thread which also happens to be the one that almost everyone seems to hate and for several good reason? Yes.

well sorry. I thought mabey it was such a big deal that everyone was discussion it a week in advance:sad:

I for one really liked the opening. THEY HAVE A BIGGA TV NOW :o! And the high definition is uber-hawt.

[Mini Garbonzo]

well sorry. I thought mabey it was such a big deal that everyone was discussion it a week in advance:sad:

Oh, I didn't mean that as an insult, I just didn't want to answer with only one word.

[runekey]

Oh, I didn't mean that as an insult, I just didn't want to answer with only one word.

oh. sorry to misjudge you.

[jbanks97]

it's honestly incredibly tiresome to read anything "new" about the simpsons because comments about "it's not as good as it once" "it's been on too long" and "the show peaked with lisas substitute" are almost guaranteed to accompany it. Regardless of how one personally feels about the show continuing, I would think people have gotten used to the fact by now. Can't those who like the show still - enjoy the show without being reminded of it's longetivity and questionable quality, and those who don't always have their DVDs ?

[DeanBurrito25]

I loved the intro. Alot. What people need to realize is that The Simsons can't stay old forever, they have to change sooner or later. I personally saw no problems with the intro.

The only animation I'd consider "stiff" is when Maggie and Gerald are shaking fists at each other. Everything else looks fine. I don't know why so many people are complaining, we're all going to get used to the intro regardless.

[Racattack!Force]

Upon another look, I see what all you guys were saying. The animation is lifeless. Marge doesn't have the look of shock she had in the classic opening, when Maggie is put in the bag. And Maggie and that other baby shakes their fists at each other is pretty jerky, and makes for some awkward movement. The cramming of at least 100+ characters just seconds before the couch gag...is that supposed to be a nod to older fans? Because you'd need TiVO just to see some of the characters in that second-long scene. :sweat: Its too fast and pointless anyway. With the reused parts from the previous intro, they pretty much looked for ways to fit in other (meaningless) characters. :shrug: They would have been better off converting the classic, well-known intro into HD.

[Master Moron]

But these days The Simpsons is but a mere shell of its former self. I remember a time when the characters actually had personality, I remember when the show was actually well written, I remember when they didn't shove characters who were once funny down our throat all the time, I remember when special guest stars actually meant something and brought something to the plot rather than just randomly appear as if the show was saying "LOOK WHO WE COULD AFFORD TO GET!".

I honestly believe that the reason The Simpsons is still on the air is because it carries the name The Simpsons. And I really believe that anyone who defends this show and says that it's still good is just looking through the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia and doesn't want to admit just how bad it has become.

We're looking through glasses of nostalgia? You're the one who thinks that the guest stars used to add to the plot. I remember in one of the earlier episodes Fox advertised that Magic Johnson guest starred and all it was was Homer calling him on the phone. And then there was that awful Krusty comeback special episode where they just shoved as many guest stars into the show as possible.

Anyway, I can't believe some of the ridiculous complaints in this thread. It's like people are actually going through the opening frame by frame to find things to complain about. I mean, I didn't even notice Jessica Lovejoy in the opening but apparently her appearing for a few seconds is the worst thing the Simpsons has ever done.

[Pepperidge]

Personally, I'm disappointed that they didn't use the classic "skinny" design for the devil. It's like they forgot that they already had an established design for him after a certain point.

[Dr. Daedalus]

We're looking through glasses of nostalgia? You're the one who thinks that the guest stars used to add to the plot. I remember in one of the earlier episodes Fox advertised that Magic Johnson guest starred and all it was was Homer calling him on the phone. And then there was that awful Krusty comeback special episode where they just shoved as many guest stars into the show as possible. And of course, George Harrison and Tony Bennett. The use of guest stars for the sake of it isn't a new phenomenon to the show. I will agree with you on that.
Anyway, I can't believe some of the ridiculous complaints in this thread. It's like people are actually going through the opening frame by frame to find things to complain about. I mean, I didn't even notice Jessica Lovejoy in the opening but apparently her appearing for a few seconds is the worst thing the Simpsons has ever done. Well hold on now. While I agree that some of the complaints are a bit silly (i.e., I think it's not worth getting upset over that one second pan to the Simpson house because it goes by so fast your brain can barely register the new character additions anyway), there HAVE been some valid criticisms in this thread that aren't complaining just for the sake of it. Like the too-rigid animation or superfluous additions to familiar scenes.

Y'know, the more I think about it, I kinda wish the staff had done something more... daring... for their 20th season proper and widescreen debut. When you get right down to basics, this is the exact same intro we've seen for 19 seasons. Same shots and everything. The moments that weren't altered too much from the familiar opening (such as Bart at the chalkboard or Homer in the car) were practically traced over. It's WAY too samey, even with the new stuff.

Imagine if they had created an entirely new intro. You could still have the same trademark song and the same basic idea of the family rushing home, but change things up a bit. Put in some new camera angles so it doesn't feel like the same worn intro with a new coat of paint.

I think that's what is secretly frustrating a lot of people here, that here we have this landmark event (face it, it is) and the staff barely did anything to celebrate it other than add some new characters, a couple new gags which were "meh" at best and stretch to fill the entire screen. Kind of a letdown.

[Master Moron]

So, I've been rewatching the older opening and I noticed that Bart skateboards past Marge's bowling partner. Marge's freakin' bowling partner! Now, you can call Jessica Lovejoy a pointless cameo, but at least she's the daughter of a recurring character and could show up again. Marge's bowling partner only appeared in one episode to my knowledge and I see very little possibility of him ever showing up again, yet they used him in the opening for almost two decades. Why didn't any of you complain about that?

I also noticed that there seemed to be a mistake in the sequence with Lisa in the music class. Lisa, Terri, and Sherri look like giants compared to the rest of the kids in the class. I mean, Sherri and Terri are sitting right next to Millhouse and they're both like, twice his size. The movement may be stiff in the new opening, but there's nothing that looks as bad as this. Yet, no one ever seemed to complain about this.

As for the sequence where Maggie gets stuffed in the grocery bag, the thing that I noticed is that in the older opening the cashier is white(well, yellow) and in the new opening the cashier is black. So, perhaps Marge's reaction of simply smiling and not being shocked in the new opening is because she's racist against white people. While a white person grabbing Maggie and ringing her up is shocking to Marge, a black person grabbing Maggie and ringing her up clearly does not shock her and she seems quite happy about the situation. Either that or she's just used to the cashier ringing up Maggie for the past 20 years or so.

[SirLemming]

Look, I understand that it can be frustrating when people who clearly haven't liked the show in years stick around and make the same complaints over and over again whenever a new episode airs. That's why I've largely stopped posting in new episode talkbacks unless I have one really specific point to make. However, a new intro is a major milestone in the series, and I think it's completely reasonable for both lovers and haters of the show's recent years to weigh in on it. It's a good discussion piece.

[Goodfellow]

It was awesome, but it threw me off when it first started because I was like, "Um, why is this in widescreen?" and then realized that they are doing what they should have done a few years ago. Why did they wait until 2 days before the conversion to start doing the shows in widescreen? Will the reruns from this season be in WS?

[Dr. Daedalus]

So, I've been rewatching the older opening and I noticed that Bart skateboards past Marge's bowling partner. Marge's freakin' bowling partner! Now, you can call Jessica Lovejoy a pointless cameo, but at least she's the daughter of a recurring character and could show up again. Marge's bowling partner only appeared in one episode to my knowledge and I see very little possibility of him ever showing up again, yet they used him in the opening for almost two decades. Why didn't any of you complain about that? He was also briefly seen in "Team Homer". But I think the reason why nobody complained about it is because we were all used to the old intro that people didn't give it a second thought. It's much easier to find faults in something new than something familiar. I'm sure that the characters Bart skates past in the new intro will be accepted in time.

Besides, in 1990, there weren't as many secondary characters in the show, so they had to put SOMEBODY in there. It's just that the staff never made an updated version of the intro for a long, long time, so Jacques was sort of stuck, despite his irrelevancy post season 1.
I also noticed that there seemed to be a mistake in the sequence with Lisa in the music class. Lisa, Terri, and Sherri look like giants compared to the rest of the kids in the class. I mean, Sherri and Terri are sitting right next to Millhouse and they're both like, twice his size. That was a welcome fix.
As for the sequence where Maggie gets stuffed in the grocery bag, the thing that I noticed is that in the older opening the cashier is white(well, yellow) and in the new opening the cashier is black. So, perhaps Marge's reaction of simply smiling and not being shocked in the new opening is because she's racist against white people. While a white person grabbing Maggie and ringing her up is shocking to Marge, a black person grabbing Maggie and ringing her up clearly does not shock her and she seems quite happy about the situation. Either that or she's just used to the cashier ringing up Maggie for the past 20 years or so. Heh... I think you're thinking about that scene way too much. Funny to read, though.

Why did they wait until 2 days before the conversion to start doing the shows in widescreen? Apparently the deadline has been pushed back to June, though.

[DarthGonzo]

He was also briefly seen in "Team Homer". But I think the reason why nobody complained about it is because we were all used to the old intro that people didn't give it a second thought. It's much easier to find faults in something new than something familiar. I'm sure that the characters Bart skates past in the new intro will be accepted in time.

The difference is that Jaques was only used once in the series and although his inclusion in the old opening seems odd I really didn't care because I had nothing against the character.

On the other hand I'm absolutely sick of Disco Stu, the Crazy Cat Lady and The Rich Texan in the show itself. They were all nothing but one-joke characters who were very funny when they first appeared but have been shown over and over and over again these days to the point where I'm just sick of all of them. There are so many better and longer-lived characters that Bart could have skateboarded past. Even throwing sideshow Bob in there seems unnecessary.

The whole thing just seems like whoever put it together had a lack of restraint coupled with a serious ADHD disorder. Just because you can stick every single image associated with the Simpsons into the opening sequence doesn't mean you should.

[Dr. Daedalus]

The difference is that Jaques was only used once in the series and although his inclusion in the old opening seems odd I really didn't care because I had nothing against the character. Also a valid point. If Jacques didn't annoy you, there's no reason to hate his inclusion in the intro, even if he was never a major character.
On the other hand I'm absolutely sick of Disco Stu, the Crazy Cat Lady and The Rich Texan in the show itself. They were all nothing but one-joke characters who were very funny when they first appeared but have been shown over and over and over again these days to the point where I'm just sick of all of them. There are so many better and longer-lived characters that Bart could have skateboarded past. Even throwing sideshow Bob in there seems unnecessary. Perhaps they would've been better suited to that quick pan to the Simpson house? I did like seeing Apu and his octuplets on the street, though. That sort of thing is a good thing to include because it shows change in the Simpsons universe. It felt natural, like you're revisiting a town you left years ago and notice, "Oh, looks like Apu finally scored. Good for him."

[Fastbak]

I thought the new opening was great. I didn't see the preview so I got to watch it for the first time in HD last night. Liked all the new stuff like Maggie's enemy in the supermarket and Sideshow Bob and the Cat Lady. The episode was good too.

[DarthGonzo]

Also a valid point. If Jacques didn't annoy you, there's no reason to hate his inclusion in the intro, even if he was never a major character. Perhaps they would've been better suited to that quick pan to the Simpson house?

All of them would have. Again, all three characters are the very definition of one-joke. Disco Stu just struts around, The Cat Lady just screams and throws cats at people (and was only ever funny once) and the Texan just screams, dances around and fires his pistols. The sad part is that, looking at the quick pan to the Simpsons house, there are so many characters that would have and should have been placed by those storefronts: iconic Simpson characters that have been there from the very beginning. Not random, hollow characters who are popular for reasons I'll never be able to figure out.

This new opening seems to be nothing more than a love letter to those uber fans from sites such as No Homers who are still in love with every aspect of the series and go ape-poopy every time a minor yet overused character makes another pointless appearance. I'm surprised they didn't throw Sideshow Mel in there and have him say something.


I did like seeing Apu and his octuplets on the street, though. That sort of thing is a good thing to include because it shows change in the Simpsons universe. It felt natural, like you're revisiting a town you left years ago.Yup. Too bad though that Apu's character has downgraded to scum since he's had those kids, since he seems to spend a lot of time now resenting his life and trying to get away from his kids. But that's true of most of the characters I used to love. Except Grandpa, whose always lovably senile.

[Master Moron]

Look, I understand that it can be frustrating when people who clearly haven't liked the show in years stick around and make the same complaints over and over again whenever a new episode airs. That's why I've largely stopped posting in new episode talkbacks unless I have one really specific point to make. However, a new intro is a major milestone in the series, and I think it's completely reasonable for both lovers and haters of the show's recent years to weigh in on it. It's a good discussion piece.

I never said it wasn't.


He was also briefly seen in "Team Homer". But I think the reason why nobody complained about it is because we were all used to the old intro that people didn't give it a second thought. It's much easier to find faults in something new than something familiar. I'm sure that the characters Bart skates past in the new intro will be accepted in time.

Besides, in 1990, there weren't as many secondary characters in the show, so they had to put SOMEBODY in there. It's just that the staff never made an updated version of the intro for a long, long time, so Jacques was sort of stuck, despite his irrelevancy post season 1. That was a welcome fix. Heh... I think you're thinking about that scene way too much. Funny to read, though.


That's all the more reason to complain. They should have updated the opening 10 years ago. Besides, you can't really argue that they didn't have any other secondary characters to have Bart ride past since several other characters appear during the transition to The Simpsons home, such as Dr. Hibert and Kent Brockman. They could have easily replaced Jacques with one of them.


The difference is that Jaques was only used once in the series and although his inclusion in the old opening seems odd I really didn't care because I had nothing against the character.

I was mainly responding to the complaints about Jessica Lovejoy being in the opening. I don't think anybody has anything against Jessica Lovejoy since she's only appeared in one episode. They're just complaining because it's a pointless cameo, just as Jacques was.


All of them would have. Again, all three characters are the very definition of one-joke. Disco Stu just struts around, The Cat Lady just screams and throws cats at people (and was only ever funny once) and the Texan just screams, dances around and fires his pistols.


I can see your point about The Cat Lady and The Rich Texan, but Disco Stu? He has some of the funniest lines. And I really don't think any of these characters are overused. I mean, has Disco Stu even appeared this season?

[Dr. Daedalus]

That's all the more reason to complain. They should have updated the opening 10 years ago. Besides, you can't really argue that they didn't have any other secondary characters to have Bart ride past since several other characters appear during the transition to The Simpsons home, such as Dr. Hibert and Kent Brockman. They could have easily replaced Jacques with one of them. I do agree that a season 10 revamp would have been welcome. By that point there were plenty of characters so in retrospect, seeing a one-shot just didn't fit.

It makes me wonder if the staff had thought Jacques would be a recurring character at one point, but by the time they realized he never appeared again other than in background shots or as part of a quick gag (the aforementioned "Team Homer"), it was too late and they were stuck with it.

Or maybe that's completely off-base and they just chose a character at random from the model sheets to put in front of the bar. Remember, Kent Brockman wasn't any more of a high profile character than Jacques was at the end of season 1; he only appeared, briefly, in "Krusty Gets Busted", and didn't have his comedic nature yet. And I don't believe Hibbert appeared until season 2. So it doesn't seem AS strange that, at the time, future breakout characters like Brockman and Hibbert were relegated to a split second "blink and you miss it" moment. They were no more important than Jacques was.

Wow, all the debating about Jacques makes me realize how much he's gonna stick out like a sore thumb every time I see that old intro now. :sweat:

I can see your point about The Cat Lady and The Rich Texan, but Disco Stu? He has some of the funniest lines. And I really don't think any of these characters are overused. I mean, has Disco Stu even appeared this season? In terms of one-note characters, Duffman's funnier than all three.

"Don't tell the kids! It's disillusioning!"

[Fastbak]

I liked the details such as picture of Bleeding Gums Murphy hanging in the band room and "Tomacco" sauce on the checkout counter.

[SirLemming]

I never said it wasn't.
I wasn't talking to you. That's why I didn't use a Quote box.

[PowerZord]

It's not just the fact that the opening's been updated that's irritating people - it's the fact that they updated it with crappy animation and a million pointless in-jokes.

Eh.. High definition updated animation vs 2D shaky drawn animation from 20 years ago. Ummm I wonder which is crappy through an Objective tecnichal point of view?

[DarthGonzo]

Eh.. High definition updated animation vs 2D shaky drawn animation from 20 years ago. Ummm I wonder which is crappy through an Objective tecnichal point of view?

Answer: the stuff that's full of life, volume and personality, as opposed to the stuff that's flat, lacking inbetweens and looks like high-def paper cut-outs slapped on to flat backgrounds.

[PowerZord]

Answer: the stuff that's full of life, volume and personality, as opposed to the stuff that's flat, lacking inbetweens and looks like high-def paper cut-outs slapped on to flat backgrounds.


Wrong answer. You're being subjective again and letting your nostalgia get in the way. This isn't the 90's, I'm sorry but that's the reality. Things are born in the media out of a need, this time the need to change with time. I'm sure you can do better? I'm sure you know better?:confused:

[DarthGonzo]

Wrong answer. You're being subjective again and letting your nostalgia get in the way. This isn't the 90's, I'm sorry but that's the reality. Things are born in the media out of a need, this time the need to change with time. I'm sure you can do better? I'm sure you know better?:confused:

I'm all for change, but not when the change results in a convoluted, messy eyesore.

[Sam Hill]

Wrong answer. You're being subjective again and letting your nostalgia get in the way. This isn't the 90's, I'm sorry but that's the reality. Things are born in the media out of a need, this time the need to change with time. I'm sure you can do better? I'm sure you know better?:confused:

I'm going to have to side with DarthGonzo. The old animation may not have been perfect but the way The Simpsons is animated today just seems cold and lifeless.

[DarthGonzo]

I'm going to have to side with DarthGonzo. The old animation may not have been perfect but the way The Simpsons is animated today just seems cold and lifeless.

Exactly. Just because something looks pretty, colorful and high-def doesn't mean it's actually good.

You want to see the right way to upgrade an opening sequence? Check out King of the Hill.

[J!!!]

You want to see the right way to upgrade an opening sequence? Check out King of the Hill.
I never knew they upgraded King of the hill's theme :eek: When did they do it?

[DarthGonzo]

I never knew they upgraded King of the hill's theme :eek: When did they do it?

Last Sunday.

[Master Moron]

Exactly. Just because something looks pretty, colorful and high-def doesn't mean it's actually good.

You want to see the right way to upgrade an opening sequence? Check out King of the Hill.

Are you serious? The King of the Hill upgrade was pathetic. It was exactly the same as it was on episode 1 only it was in high def. There were so many characters they could have added to the opening but they didn't. It was such a waste.

[Darklordavaitor]

Are you serious? The King of the Hill upgrade was pathetic. It was exactly the same as it was on episode 1 only it was in high def. There were so many characters they could have added to the opening but they didn't. It was such a waste.
Which is why I liked it so much. How would adding people like Hank's Japanese step-brother or Joe Jack make the opening better?

I'll grant you that replacing Buckley with Lucky would of made some sense, however.

[DarthGonzo]

Are you serious? The King of the Hill upgrade was pathetic. It was exactly the same as it was on episode 1 only it was in high def. There were so many characters they could have added to the opening but they didn't. It was such a waste.

So what else do you think they should have done for the King of the Hill opening, Master Moron? It's not like the Simpsons, which has been on longer and has added more characters. All the important characters are already shown in the old KOTH opening and in my opinion if something isn't broke (which it wasn't) why change it? The opening just got a simple spit shine and was left alone, which I think was very respectful. Sometimes change for the sake of change isn't a good thing.

You want another example on how to properly upgrade an opening then? American Dad, even that one isn't in HD.


Which is why I liked it so much. How would adding people like Hank's Japanese step-brother or Joe Jack make the opening better?

It wouldn't have. The idea of the original KOTH was simply a time-lapse "day-in-the-life" of the main character. He stands there in the alley with his buddies as his family and neighbors go about their daily routine. There's no reason to change that, especially if changing it means throwing in a ton of tertiary characters who wouldn't even make sense roaming around the alley. The only thing I would have altered with the new HD opening would have been to replace Buckley (who has been dead for a decade) with Lucky. But even that isn't much of a big deal.

[Master Moron]

It wouldn't have. The idea of the original KOTH was simply a time-lapse "day-in-the-life" of the main character. He stands there in the alley with his buddies as his family and neighbors go about their daily routine. There's no reason to change that, especially if changing it means throwing in a ton of tertiary characters who wouldn't even make sense roaming around the alley. The only thing I would have altered with the new HD opening would have been to replace Buckley (who has been dead for a decade) with Lucky. But even that isn't much of a big deal.

How is it not much of a big deal? You said yourself that the character has been dead for a decade. It reeks of laziness to leave him in there. I mean, Luanne is married with a child now. It makes no sense to still show her jumping on Buckley's motorcycle. Also, what about Kahn? He lives on the Hills' block and he appears in the show quite often. They could have added him to the opening as well. Or Joseph and Connie. There's so many ways they could have improved it. I can't believe people are actually praising them for taking the easy way out. I mean, that's like a fashion designer getting praised for taking an old design but using it with more expensive fabric.

[DarthGonzo]

How is it not much of a big deal? You said yourself that the character has been dead for a decade. It reeks of laziness to leave him in there. I mean, Luanne is married with a child now. It makes no sense to still show her jumping on Buckley's motorcycle. Also, what about Kahn? He lives on the Hills' block and he appears in the show quite often. They could have added him to the opening as well. Or Joseph and Connie. There's so many ways they could have improved it. I can't believe people are actually praising them for taking the easy way out. I mean, that's like a fashion designer getting praised for taking an old design but using it with more expensive fabric.

Do you really think they were going to go crazy extensively updating the opening to a show that's only got a handful of episodes left to air anyway?

Going back and forth about things with you tends to get people nowhere, Master Moron. So lets just agree to disagree and end this.

[HellCat]

It's reassuring to see I'm not the only one who considers this to be fairly stiff and souless, much like the actual episode animation. When I expressed this view elsewhere, the general reaction I got was that I was still hung up over the season one animation. I'm glad to see there are others who see my actual point :)

So yeah, I'm not that big a fan of it. I agree further that all the cameos and continuity odds just come off as bloated. For some reason in particular, the Maggie getting scanned joke change is the one I like the least. We swap out a fun, wacky gag for Marge standing there grinning like an idiot and another round of their obsession with the fist shaking gag?

[Sam Hill]

It's reassuring to see I'm not the only one who considers this to be fairly stiff and souless, much like the actual episode animation. When I expressed this view elsewhere, the general reaction I got was that I was still hung up over the season one animation. I'm glad to see there are others who see my actual point :)

So yeah, I'm not that big a fan of it. I agree further that all the cameos and continuity odds just come off as bloated. For some reason in particular, the Maggie getting scanned joke change is the one I like the least. We swap out a fun, wacky gag for Marge standing there grinning like an idiot and another round of their obsession with the fist shaking gag?

No one says the The Simpsons has to look like it did in Season 1. Heck, I'd be content if the show looked like it did in Season 11.

The current computer animation is just virtually unappealing to me and hurts my eyes to look at it.

[DarthGonzo]

We swap out a fun, wacky gag for Marge standing there grinning like an idiot and another round of their obsession with the fist shaking gag?

You could watch an entire episode and sit there cataloging show cliches that I'm willing to bet are all written down in the writer's playbooks. Fist shaking, obscure character references, lame sign gags, slams at the FOX network, Homer having a bi-polar tirade, monkey jokes, gay jokes, blood, bodily fluid and violent gags...I'm sure you already know the list, Hell Cat.

It makes the show a chore to watch when there's no creativity to it anymore. Just the same things over and over. It doesn't help that all the voice acting is as snarky and as insincere as possible, as if all the voice actors treat these characters like they're doing stand-up. Everyone is guilty of this, especially Kavner.

[Eddy]

I don't see how cramming a ton of characters into The Simpsons intro makes it better. And honestly? Bart going past Cat Lady and such wasn't my biggest problem with the intro, but the lifeless animation and the added scenes with Ralph and such that just felt painfully tacked on. And removal of Mr. Burns for some reason.

...Why is the Cat Lady and Rich Texan in the theme song and Mr. Burns, a far more important character, has been removed?

[DarthGonzo]

...Why is the Cat Lady and Rich Texan in the theme song and Mr. Burns, a far more important character, has been removed?

Apparently "true" Simpsons fans think they're the greatest thing since sliced bread. Of course, I don't see it but what do I know. I've only been a fan since day 1. I suppose I should just shut my mouth, right? ;)

[Leviathan]

To be fair, Mr. Burns and Smithers weren't in the first season's intro either. In fact, Jacques, Apu, Moe and Chief Wiggum also weren't in the first season intro.

[dtemplar]

On another note, Harry Shearer announced today on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann that The Simpsons will be back for their 21st season, beating out Gunsmoke as the longest running ficticious show on television.

[mowub]

On another note, Harry Shearer announced today on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann that The Simpsons will be back for their 21st season, beating out Gunsmoke as the longest running ficticious show on television.

I recall Matt Groening saying that he wouldn't end the show until it beat Gunsmoke's record.

[simpspin]

I recall Matt Groening saying that he wouldn't end the show until it beat Gunsmoke's record.

Gunsmoke had almost 650 episodes, so if Matt's on a roll, we won't see the show end for quite some time.

But breaking records for the Simpsons on a network that's too dependent on them is like the King of the Hill episode where Bill's record number of TDs is broken by the oposing team handing the star QB the ball.

[SirLemming]

Eh.. High definition updated animation vs 2D shaky drawn animation from 20 years ago. Ummm I wonder which is crappy through an Objective tecnichal point of view?
There's no such thing as "crappy" in an objective point of view. But then again, people don't go on message boards to discuss objective points of view anyway -- there's nothing to discuss about an objective point of view.

Semantics aside, it's insulting to suggest that anyone who prefers the animation in the original intro must be tainted by nostalgia. Some people prefer fluid, colorful animation to precise, technical animation. The old intro was the former, the new intro is the latter. Personally, I agree. The new intro does look "cleaner" --that's the objective truth -- but that's not necessarily a good thing. The colors are less rich, the movements are more stiff, and that's just not what I like.

[Dr.Pepper]

the added scenes with Ralph and such that just felt painfully tacked on.
I agree. I felt that there was no need for that part

[J. B. Warner]

The new intro does look "cleaner" --that's the objective truth -- but that's not necessarily a good thing. The colors are less rich, the movements are more stiff, and that's just not what I like.

Same here. You know things are bad when Season 2 - heck, Season 1 - heck, the Tracey Ullman shorts - look more lively and energetic than Season 20. They complain on the DVD commentaries all the time that they don't do certain subtle lively touches in the animation anymore, so why don't they, oh, I don't know, start doing them again? I mean, heck, the show's still drawn by hand, often by many of the same people who've been drawing the characters since 1989. Do digital coloring and 1080i resolution really make it impossible for the characters to look, well...alive?

[Nexonius]

Do digital coloring and 1080i resolution really make it impossible for the characters to look, well...alive?


From what I saw, yes. It looked like Hand-Drawn Flash.

[Eddy]

I've seen Flash cartoons on Newgrounds that looked more alive than that opening.

[Daxdiv]

I've seen Flash cartoons on Newgrounds that looked more alive than that opening.


Same here. Flash is good if it in the right hands. But then again a Flash on Newgrounds has the excuse that it was normally one man animating it, but when one man animation surpasses a TV, well you got a problem.

[Master Moron]

I don't see how cramming a ton of characters into The Simpsons intro makes it better. And honestly? Bart going past Cat Lady and such wasn't my biggest problem with the intro, but the lifeless animation and the added scenes with Ralph and such that just felt painfully tacked on. And removal of Mr. Burns for some reason.

...Why is the Cat Lady and Rich Texan in the theme song and Mr. Burns, a far more important character, has been removed?

You're acting like they replaced Mr. Burns and Smithers with Cat Lady and Rich Texan. They replaced Mr. Burns and Smithers with Lenny and Carl.

[Avenger772]

I like the new opening. It's more current as far as characters go. Bleedy Gums murphy died years ago. Bit weird to still have him on the sidewalk. At least they have a him in a plaque on the wall.

[wiley207]

I gotta admit the new intro was pretty cool. I was hoping the new intro would be a remake of the old one with some nice surprises added, and it was. Though first time I tried watching it, the cable company interrupted it by sending out an Emergency Alert System test (I know it was the cable company cause our cable box said "EAS" on the time display), but second time I watched the whole thing from start to finish, then rewound it to check out the freeze-frame jokes. I liked the addition of Apu's children, and replacing Bleeding Gums with Disco Stu was a good idea. And I'm glad the Crazy Cat Lady and Rich Texan were thrown in as well, most likely because they've become rather popular in recent years.

Anyone notice that Ned Flanders no longer stands in front of his house either? It's just Rod and Todd. And I like how they added Miss Hoover to the bus with the flat tire, and left the sunbathing Patty and Selma intact. And I was DEFINITELY expecting Homer to just try and outrun the car, but actually getting hit was a big surprise!

Overall, it sure beats the heck out of cutting a portion of the old intro so we don't see Maude Flanders and Bleeding Gums Murphy (Dr. Marvin Monroe is still alive).

[PowerZord]

I've seen Flash cartoons on Newgrounds that looked more alive than that opening.

That's because you're biased or you lack the technology or art Knowledge to appreciate it. This opening is an improvement over the 80's/90's opening. I'm sure people can't let go of their "Good Ol'' days where everything was drawn in sticks and moved like fish"

The real fact is that this an improvement over the original opening of the Simpsons. You don't have to like it, but the fact is that this is an improvement in terms of drawing and production wise. and goes more according to the production current era.

What? You expected more Vhs Vs Beta jokes?

[HellCat]

That's because you're biased or you lack the technology or art Knowledge to appreciate it. This opening is an improvement over the 80's/90's opening. I'm sure people can't let go of their "Good Ol'' days where everything was drawn in sticks and moved like fish"

The real fact is that this an improvement over the original opening of the Simpsons. You don't have to like it, but the fact is that this is an improvement in terms of drawing and production wise. and goes more according to the production current era.

What? You expected more Vhs Vs Beta jokes?

See, the problem is you're trying to make this a bit more black and white than it is. For many people, the technical standard of animation is how much life goes into it. Is this more cleaner and detailed than previous openings? Yes. But it's also very rigid and flat, seemingly trading in a tangible soul for basic eyecandy.

[Racattack!Force]

Sure, it's brighter and cleaner, but it that doesn't mean it can't be lively. :sweat:

[DarthGonzo]

That's because you're biased or you lack the technology or art Knowledge to appreciate it. This opening is an improvement over the 80's/90's opening. I'm sure people can't let go of their "Good Ol'' days where everything was drawn in sticks and moved like fish"

I don't really know where to start with this. You're honestly accusing everyone here who doesn't like this opening (and there are a lot of us) of not only being biased but also being incapable of appreciating the opening because we lack technological or artistic knowledge? So as far as you're concerned it is an cold, hard fact that this new opening is good and people who don't like it have some sort of problem because they're ignorant of artistic and technological advances and/or are stuck in the past? With all due respect PowerZord, please get off your high horse.


The real fact is that this an improvement over the original opening of the Simpsons. You don't have to like it, but the fact is that this is an improvement in terms of drawing and production wise. and goes more according to the production current era.

It's been said several times here already. Just because something looks more colorful, flashier and "on model" doesn't mean it's actually better. Simpsons fans are firmly divided right down the middle with this new opening. Yes, it looks like the current episodes. No one is debating that. But many people feel the entire opening is flat, souless, lifeless and suffers from having way too much going on at once since whoever put it together was more concerned with playing "spot the Simpsons reference" than actually putting together something appealing.

This opening is proof that you really can polish a turd.

[Eddy]

That's because you're biased or you lack the technology or art Knowledge to appreciate it.
I'm sorry, what? I'm biased and lack technology and art knowledge because I prefer animation to have life to it? Just because it's cleaner and in high definition does not mean it is better. DarthGonzo pretty much said everything I was going to say so I won't bother repeating him.

But, yes, please get off your high horse.

[warnerbroman]

the part I noticed immediately was the baby shaking their arms

[Chris Sanders MSX]

I do not like it. It's interesting, but it's horrible.

It is now safe to say that The Simpsons had entered its last days.

How is it horrible ? It's the same one with a few added touches. I liked it, It needed to be updated since so many of the characters have had new things happen that weren't reflected like being dead, having kids or being new. It's cool to see the things they snuck in like the tomaco.

The show enters it's last days because of the opening ? As long as the ratings stay where they are and the show is still funny, you my friend are wrong. It's not that drastic of a change to turn away viewers.

I liked the couch gag too. If it was a little longer it would of been bad, but they ended it just in time to stay funny.

I usually hate change but this wasn't bad at all.

[Master Moron]

This opening is proof that you really can polish a turd.

Ummm...what? I thought you liked the old opening?

[JTurner954]

Please get off your high horse.

Does anyone else feel like we're going in circles? People who love The Simpsons are so passionate towards defending it whereas people who despise it are so passionate towards breaking it down to nothingness. I know this is the internet where popular things are unpopular and saying you like popular things leads to flaming, but enough already (I felt "my challenge" said enough on my side of the matter). Both sides' comments are coming off as spam since I've seen it mentioned so often on these boards.

Do we really need to go as far as calling a show "a turd"? People are getting WAYYYYYYYYYY too personal about this. Taking heat over something like a TV show is just ridiculous and not worth the time to be insulted.

[simpspin]

Does anyone else feel like we're going in circles? People who love The Simpsons are so passionate towards defending it whereas people who despise it are so passionate towards breaking it down to nothingness. I know this is the internet where popular things are unpopular and saying you like popular things leads to flaming, but enough already (I felt "my challenge" said enough on my side of the matter). Both sides' comments are coming off as spam since I've seen it mentioned so often on these boards.

Do we really need to go as far as calling a show "a turd"? People are getting WAYYYYYYYYYY too personal about this. Taking heat over something like a TV show is just ridiculous and not worth the time to be insulted.

It's more like the people who are passionate in wanting the show to be good vs. the 'meh' people who like saying: "It's a tv show, if you don't like it, don't watch it."

[Eddy]

Does anyone else feel like we're going in circles? People who love The Simpsons are so passionate towards defending it whereas people who despise it are so passionate towards breaking it down to nothingness. I know this is the internet where popular things are unpopular and saying you like popular things leads to flaming, but enough already (I felt "my challenge" said enough on my side of the matter). Both sides' comments are coming off as spam since I've seen it mentioned so often on these boards.
I don't know where you got the impression that I hate The Simpsons because it's popular. In fact, I love The Simpsons. I hate what the show has become, true, but it when it was good it was one of the greatest cartoons of all time and no amount of bad episodes will ever change that.

[JTurner954]

I didn't mean to single you out. Your quote just happened to be a good representation of what these debates have turned in to. Every side tries incredibly hard to make their opinions sound like facts.

[FinnMacCool]

Okay, I watched both openings back-to-back, and I couldn't see any of the "lifelessness" people are talking about. Are you guys going frame by frame on this or something?

[veemonjosh]

Okay, I watched both openings back-to-back, and I couldn't see any of the "lifelessness" people are talking about. Are you guys going frame by frame on this or something?

I think it's the part with Marge's reaction to Maggie being scanned at the grocery store that everyone is pointing out as lifelessness.

[dark knight 90]

I think it's the part with Marge's reaction to Maggie being scanned at the grocery store that everyone is pointing out as lifelessness.

Yeah... She blinks her eyes....

She blinks her eyes once. Was that the animators telling us that she is now at ease again???

Just terrible.

[DeanBurrito25]

Yeah... She blinks her eyes....

She blinks her eyes once. Was that the animators telling us that she is now at ease again???

Just terrible.
Don't you think after 20 years, she knows what to expect? ;)