Simpsons At 20

[DFW HOYA]

In honor of the show's 20th anniversary (having surpassed Gunsmoke as the longest scripted primetime show in television history), here is a real time-waster: 19 years of the opening credits' "couch gags" from the show in less than five minutes. (A real-time link to the gags is also found on the link.)

Among the favorites: the episode where the Simpsons run towards the couch and the Flintstones are sitting there instead.

laughingsquid.com/every-couch-gag-from-the-opening-of-the-simpsons/

[strummer8526]

Good find! I'm a fan of the one where the old animation of the family is already one the couch, and they all run away (1:53 in the video).

[jgalt]

Barts chalk board messages are better i wish there was a compilation of those. Has anyone noticed that these have gotten much longer as time as gone on. I watched an episode a few months ago and it seemed like half the show was the couch scene!

My favorite is the rocky and bullwinkle one though.

[theexorcist]

Favorite Simpsons line of all time? I like to go with "We started out like Romeo and Juliet, but it ended up in tragedy!"

(Runner-ups for this board - "All I can remember about the last two months is that I gave a guest lecture at Villanova. Or maybe it was a street corner." and "There's a hundred little punks graduating from Syracuse this year that would beg to kiss my ass!")

EDIT - Oh, and great find, DFW!

[Bando]

"To alcohol: the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems."

[hoyatables]

Enjoyed the special tonight though I have to say I was really struck by one line towards the end, which noted that the Simpsons has been on "as long as the Berlin Wall has been down."

[Boz]

Enjoyed the special very much.

I thought it was somewhat unfair, however, to point out the problems that certain Catholic groups have had with the show, while not also pointing out how many other Christian groups have praised the show for the fact that, while it certainly mocks religion, religion is an important part of many of the characters lives and, while they may not always enjoy it, the Simpsons are still in church every Sunday.

But that's a minor point. Overall, a very nice celebration of THE defining television show of my generation, and probably the generation after me as well. I probably could have watched a whole 'nother hour of that.

I definitely enjoyed the bit at the end where one of the writers commented that Internet message boards aren't what they used to be 10 years ago, and he doesn't really read anything new on the Internet. A good jab at all the obsessive fans, including myself.

Having said that, the Simpsons really isn't as good as it used to be. I know very few people who disagree with this assertion. I'd hate for it to go off the air though.

Oh, and there is a list of all of Bart's chalkboard messages at www.snpp.com/guides/chalkboard.openings.html

Like much at SNPP, this is user supported and incomplete, and I'm not sure how much it's been updated in recent years. I think SNPP ran into some legal trouble with the show or network a few years back and, while not shut down, I don't think they update it much anymore.

[rosslynhoya]

It's not even "other Christian" groups, Boz; the Catholic Church has praised the Simpsons as well.

www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0905655.htm

What I found distressing about that particular segment of the retrospective was their unrestrained pride in taking on such unassailable targets as the Catholic Church, the Bush family, and Big Business. Wow, talk about doing cutting edge satire

Also mildly depressing was the comment (I paraphrase) about how today's controversies come from their profane depiction of Jesus and their sodomy jokes, while the show's original controvery from 20 years ago stemmed from the mere fact that the son disrespected his own father. I agree that the show is the iconic series of our generation, but this observation about the absolute plummeting level of our culture is a rather sad thought to ponder, let alone brag about.

[TC]

Jan 11, 2010 13:48:05 GMT -5 rosslynhoya said:

Also mildly depressing was the comment (I paraphrase) about how today's controversies come from their profane depiction of Jesus and their sodomy jokes, while the show's original controvery from 20 years ago stemmed from the mere fact that the son disrespected his own father.

That's because it was a pretty one-dimensional show back then (Bart does something, Homer chokes Bart, blah blah blah). Now there are lots of dimensions and even Bart has been fleshed out as a character with multiple layers and a great deal of heart.

[Boz]

I think one thing that distinguishes the Simpsons from most animated shows and, hell, most sitcoms and TV dramas IS, actually, the depth of the characters.

Sure, many of the townspeople are still one-dimensional stereotypical figures, but not all of them, and DEFINITELY not the family itself.

As I mentioned, despite the lampooning of religion, the family is religious and that means a lot to them.

Like they mentioned in the show yesterday, despite all of their dysfunction, in the end, Homer and Marge DO love each other more than anything.

Despite Lisa's iconoclastic and intellectual nature, she is at times, a Simpson, laughing at Itchy and Scratchy, appreciating Homer's craziness, etc.

And despite Bart's rebelliousness, he is a momma's boy quite often, he does like his dad, and he comes through for his sister when the chips are down.

Honestly, they are some of the most well-developed characters in all of television. Granted, they've had 20 unaging years to make this happen.

[theexorcist]

Jan 11, 2010 14:17:37 GMT -5 TC said:

Jan 11, 2010 13:48:05 GMT -5 rosslynhoya said:

Also mildly depressing was the comment (I paraphrase) about how today's controversies come from their profane depiction of Jesus and their sodomy jokes, while the show's original controvery from 20 years ago stemmed from the mere fact that the son disrespected his own father.

That's because it was a pretty one-dimensional show back then (Bart does something, Homer chokes Bart, blah blah blah). Now there are lots of dimensions and even Bart has been fleshed out as a character with multiple layers and a great deal of heart.

I have to severely disagree with this. The first year's episodes dealt with bullying, trouble in the Simpsons' marriage, the objectification of women, preteen alienation, and depression and attempted suicide. There usually was some hilarious intra-family violence, but it was never as big a part of the show as the spin made it seem.

[theexorcist]

Jan 11, 2010 14:28:03 GMT -5 Boz said:

I think one thing that distinguishes the Simpsons from most animated shows and, hell, most sitcoms and TV dramas IS, actually, the depth of the characters.

Sure, many of the townspeople are still one-dimensional stereotypical figures, but not all of them, and DEFINITELY not the family itself.

As I mentioned, despite the lampooning of religion, the family is religious and that means a lot to them.

Like they mentioned in the show yesterday, despite all of their dysfunction, in the end, Homer and Marge DO love each other more than anything.

Despite Lisa's iconoclastic and intellectual nature, she is at times, a Simpson, laughing at Itchy and Scratchy, appreciating Homer's craziness, etc.

And despite Bart's rebelliousness, he is a momma's boy quite often, he does like his dad, and he comes through for his sister when the chips are down.

Honestly, they are some of the most well-developed characters in all of television. Granted, they've had 20 unaging years to make this happen.

Oh, and this is why the past few years have been so awful - put some guest star on as a new character who becomes the focus of the show. The worst was when Ray Romano was on as someone only Homer could see - he disappears and is never heard from again after Ray marked his box with the Simpsons.

Previous years used guest stars much better, or made them logical one-offs (Homer's mother, who leaves, or Bart's first crush).

[TC]

Jan 11, 2010 14:38:38 GMT -5 theexorcist said:

I have to severely disagree with this. The first year's episodes dealt with bullying, trouble in the Simpsons' marriage, the objectification of women, preteen alienation, and depression and attempted suicide. There usually was some hilarious intra-family violence, but it was never as big a part of the show as the spin made it seem.

Ever watched the Ullman shorts?

Just checked imdb, and I'm pretty surprised - you're right about season 2 at least. I thought Bart the Daredevil - which to me is one of the more heartwarming episodes - appeared much later on and it was definitely season 2.

George H. W. Bush didn't criticize it till the good-old-days of 1992 (season 3), when the Billboard charts were ruled by guys jumping on cars and pulling their privates and albums with pictures of underwater naked babies reaching for dollars. Things were so much simpler back then.

[strummer8526]

Jan 11, 2010 14:41:20 GMT -5 theexorcist said:

Jan 11, 2010 14:28:03 GMT -5 Boz said:

I think one thing that distinguishes the Simpsons from most animated shows and, hell, most sitcoms and TV dramas IS, actually, the depth of the characters.

Sure, many of the townspeople are still one-dimensional stereotypical figures, but not all of them, and DEFINITELY not the family itself.

As I mentioned, despite the lampooning of religion, the family is religious and that means a lot to them.

Like they mentioned in the show yesterday, despite all of their dysfunction, in the end, Homer and Marge DO love each other more than anything.

Despite Lisa's iconoclastic and intellectual nature, she is at times, a Simpson, laughing at Itchy and Scratchy, appreciating Homer's craziness, etc.

And despite Bart's rebelliousness, he is a momma's boy quite often, he does like his dad, and he comes through for his sister when the chips are down.

Honestly, they are some of the most well-developed characters in all of television. Granted, they've had 20 unaging years to make this happen.

Oh, and this is why the past few years have been so awful - put some guest star on as a new character who becomes the focus of the show. The worst was when Ray Romano was on as someone only Homer could see - he disappears and is never heard from again after Ray marked his box with the Simpsons.

Previous years used guest stars much better, or made them logical one-offs (Homer's mother, who leaves, or Bart's first crush).

This has been one of my biggest problems w/ recent seasons. Remember Dustin Hoffman as Mr. Bergstrom? Awesome. You knew he was a celebrity voice, but his character fit, and he was funny, and it helped advance Lisa as a character. Now, we get Tony Hawk, courageously playing...Tony Hawk. Kid Rock, Britney Spears, etc., etc.—they all just played themselves in random, meaningless cameos. Hell, at least Ray was a character and not just "an appearance by Ray Romano." That character was odd, but the episode was good for a few laughs.

The guy attacking message boards at the end of the special might be the reason I start tuning back in like clockwork every week, like I used to. It was really funny.

[Boz]

OK, so I had posted this to Facebook, but I figured you all'd appreciate it.

Feel free to argue with me ad infinitum..........


The best Simpsons episodes of the last 20 years, according to me. Each accompanied by a classic line:

1. Bart Sells His Soul
Anytime, chummmmmmmm…..p!

2. Lisa The Vegetarian
You don’t make friends with salad.

3. Marge Be Not Proud
Haven't you learned anything from that guy who gives those sermons at church? Captain Whatshisname? We live in a society of laws. Why do you think I took you to all those "Police Academy" movies? For fun? Well, I didn't hear anybody laughing! Did you?! Except at that guy who made sound effects. Where was I? Oh yeah: stay out of my booze.

4. Homer’s Enemy
I can be lazy too! Look at me, I am a worthless employee, just like Homer Simpson! Give me a promotion!

5. Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala-D'oh-cious
So long, Superman!

6. Behind The Laughter
But reckless spending and interracial homoeroticism were just volume one of the Encyclopedia Self-Destructica.

7. 22 Short Films about Springfield
Aurora Borealis? At this time of year? A this time of day? In this part of the country? Localized entirely within your kitchen?

8. A Fish Called Selma
Sure I love you baby, like I love Fresca!

9. Homer The Great.
Well, it was a real nice secret organization we had once.

10. You Only Move Twice
Ever see a guy say good-bye to a shoe? . . . . Yes, once.

11. Selma's Choice.
Duff Gardens…..HURRAH!!

12. They Saved Lisa’s Brain
Inspired by the most logical race in the galaxy, the Vulcans, breeding will be permitted once every seven years. For many of you, this will be much less breeding. For me, much, much more.

13. Mayored To The Mob
You're all talk, Hamill! You never even finished Jedi school!

14. Cape Feare.
No, that's German for "The Bart, The."

15. Homer The Heretic.
He appeared before me in a dream, and I knew that was special because I usually dream about naked...Marge.

16. Two Dozen and One Greyhounds
Aw, so that's what's been wrong with the little fella’. . .he misses casual sex.

17. Radioactive Man
My eyes...the goggles do nothing!

18. The City of New York Versus Homer Simpson
Of course you’ll have a bad impression if you only focus on the pimps and the CHUDS

9. Wild Barts Can’t Be Broken
Uh-huh, it's a great team, Kent. We never gave up hope. I wanna thank Jesus, and say hi to my special lady Marge. We did it, baby!

20. Lisa Gets an A
My dear, sweet Pinchy. No more pain where you are now, boy. Oh, God, that's tasty! I wish Pinchy were here to enjoy this.

21. Guess Who’s Coming To Criticize Dinner?
You keep using words like Pasghetti and Momatoes. You make numerous threatening references to the UN and at the end you repeat the words "Screw Flanders" over and over again.

22. Missionary: Impossible
I’m not NOT licking toads.

23. That 90s Show
This place is nothing like Animal House. I smashed a beatnik's guitar and he sued me for damages... successfully!

24. HOMR
All right, first item: I lost our life savings in the stock market. Now let's move on to the real issue: Lisa's hogging of the maple syrup.

25. Hungry Hungry Homer
Dancin’ away my hunger pains. Movin’ my feet so my stomach won’t hurt. I’m kinda’ like Jesus, but not in a sacrilegious way!

26. Simpsons Safari
I want to do everything on this box. I want to shoot a lion in the face, fight Muhammad Ali, and ride in a convertible with two happy zebras.

27. Trilogy Of Error
Linguo….IS dead!

28. Homer The Moe
Leonardo what-his-name, Herman Munster motorcade, Birthday party Cheetos, pogo sticks and lemonade, Idiotic stupid jerk, that's right Flanders, I am talking about you.

29. The Heartbroke Kid
EVERY SIGN IS WRONG!!!

30. The Sweetest Apu
I think she likes you!

31. The Great Louse Detective
If I can trank one freak on stilts, I know I've done my job.

32. I’m Spelling As Fast As I Can
…..and a hot plate!

33. I, D’Oh!-Bot
If you can’t build a robot, BE a robot.

34. Co-Dependent’s Day
I’m in no condition to drive. Wait a minute. I shouldn’t listen to myself, I’m drunk.

35. Fat Man and Little Boy
Would you like to meet someone new, but are tired of the bar scene? NO! I will NEVER tire of the bar scene.

[TC]

I'd add Sideshow Bob Roberts and Treehouse of Horror VII (Citizen Kang) in there somewhere.

[strummer8526]

I'd add Monorail.

It's obvious that they tried to add at least some from later seasons—ones that are good, definitely, but probably not as good as anything in seasons 3–7.

[Boz]

Actually, that's my list.

But you're right. I have the wisdom of ten normal people, so I can understand you wanting to refer to me as "they."

;D

[jgalt]

Boz, you have much to much time on your hands, but thanks for the chalk board list!

[SFHoya99]

I'm a huge fan of "Lisa's Rival."