November 11, 2004
Worst. Episode. Ever.
Producers are
postponing a Simpsons feature film for a 2008 release (via
TV Tattle), so the movie's production won't affect the quality of the series. Um, hello?
Treehouse of Horror XV served as yet more proof that they're barely running on cheap gags and nostalgic goodwill. In fact, the show probably should've been put to sleep around the time the family vacationed at a dude ranch. Whenever a sitcom goes to a dude ranch, it's as good as dead. It happened with 'Happy Days', and now it's happening with 'The Simpsons'.
Posted by mhinrichs at November 11, 2004 08:56 AM
Oddly enough, Happy Days is where the famous phrase "jumping the shark" originated to describe the point at which a TV series hits its irreversible decline.
Ironically, they Jumped the Shark long before they literally jumped the shark.
"The Simpsons" is like heroin. Frequent, long-term usage builds up tolerance, but there is greater pain upon withdrawal.
Right on! Thank goodness some people concur with what I've been thinking for years now. The Simpsons ain't what it used to be. One only has to view the earlier seasons to see just how clever and humane it was. What's depressing are the countless articles I read proclaiming how the series has not lost its magic after all these seasons. What short memories people must have. Of course there are a whole generation of younger folk who must watch the current eps and think it's so cool. Pity the poor fools! For now I'll make do with the dvds and hope that one day the Tracey Ullman shorts will make it to disc as well.
I just replay the good episodes in my head:
"'In the Garden of Eden' by I-Ron Butterfly" &c
... with the old organ lady collapsing at the end? Priceless!
