As a movie lover who grew up with The Simpsons, I can attest that it holds a special place in my heart and in pop culture history. Having watched every episode since its debut, I must admit that the series’ “golden age” was truly unparalleled, delivering one iconic moment after another. However, having read Al Jean’s and John Vitti’s insights on their experiences working behind the scenes during those glory days, it makes me wonder if I should have appreciated the show more for its hardships rather than just its successes.
For over three decades now, I’ve found myself hooked on “The Simpsons,” a TV show that’s become a household name. Over the years, discussions among fans about which phase of this iconic animated series shines brightest have been as frequent as new episodes. Many believe the program’s golden era, spanning from its debut (a heartwarming Christmas tale) all the way through the 1990s, was when “The Simpsons” truly hit its stride. It’s tough to contest this notion, considering the sheer number of remarkable episodes that graced our screens during this time.
Despite the show’s success, as shared by its longest-standing team member Al Jean who has been part of The Simpsons since its inception, the creative process wasn’t always smooth sailing behind the scenes. In an interview with The Guardian, Jean recalled a specific episode that he and other staffers dreaded might result in the show’s termination.
Reflecting on my time during what others might call a ‘golden era,’ I can tell you, it didn’t seem so golden in the moment… A particular episode from season three stands out – ‘Homer at the Bat.’ During our second script reading for this one, there was an eerie silence that filled the room. It was by far the worst reading we had ever experienced. Mike Reiss and I exchanged glances, both thinking we might be about to lose our jobs.
Jean also states that fan backlash was very much present during the “golden era” as well:
From the beginning, we were already poking fun at our own success. In season two, there was a joke about Simpsons T-shirts. People would comment on how ‘Lisa became too verbose and intellectual’ – that happened during the Christmas special [where she eloquently countered her aunt’s criticisms of Homer]. So, it seems we reached our peak in the third act of the very first episode!
‘Simpsons’ Fans Can be Fickle, But Sometimes They Have a Point, Too
Previously employed writer John Vitti, known for his contributions to iconic episodes like “Mr. Plow,” “Cape Feare,” and “Lisa’s Substitute,” shares Jean’s views, remarking that criticism about the show no longer being as great as it once was is a sentiment he’s heard since season two. However, he also addresses fans’ worries regarding the increasingly extreme and simplified portrayal of certain characters, a trend often referred to as “Flanderization.
Over time, some Christian viewers perceive Ned Flanders as a caricature rather than a genuine character. While it’s true that his religious fervor has increased over the years, this wasn’t the initial intention. The original portrayal of Flanders was to depict him as a kind and friendly individual who considers Homer a friend. He’s content with his own life and doesn’t realize or intend to drive Homer up the wall. It’s fortunate that Flanders remains oblivious to this, as it could be an easy joke for writers to exploit this dynamic. However, in the pursuit of stronger laughs, the show has occasionally leaned too heavily on this relationship dynamic.
Initially, it was surprising, but as Homer became more aggressive, our audience – even some internet users who aren’t typically known for their empathy towards characters – didn’t dislike Homer; they disliked you. This is an essential point to bear in mind when writing, serving as a reminder of the significant impact writers have on their characters’ perception.
Many viewers believe that the current version of “The Simpsons,” under showrunner Matt Selman, represents a rekindling of the series’ original quality. However, some maintain that the show’s “golden era,” characterized by its nostalgic hand-drawn animation and biting satire of American family life, was unparalleled in excellence. Regardless of personal opinions, it’s evident that “The Simpsons” has established itself as a longstanding source of humor for audiences.
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2024-12-19 06:01