Screenrant and many other websites are currently covering The Simpsons’ latest episode with a considerable amount of positivity and fervor. And I must admit, I have no intention to diminish anyone’s positive outlook. However, in my opinion, the aforementioned article endeavors strenuously to put a positive spin on the current state of the show, but this analysis falls short for various reasons.
The Simpsons has devolved into a series reliant on gimmicks for viral advertising. Discussions about the show now rarely touch upon its plot, characters, or humorous elements in the latest episode. Instead, the focus is on headlines like “THE SIMPSONS REFERENCED THIS ANIME” or “THE SIMPSONS HIRED BANKSY.” None of these superficial tactics rectify the show’s dismal state, which has persisted for arguably two decades. It’s disheartening that the show must cling to other aspects of pop culture merely to retain relevance.
While the Screenrant article briefly acknowledges merits beyond the “Primal” inspired sequence, it fails to delve deeply into them. Just because something receives serious attention doesn’t automatically qualify it as good or necessary. I don’t mean to discredit the efforts of the animators and writers behind this segment; they likely achieved precisely what they intended and captured the desired tone. Yet, if this were any other show, I might not take issue with their approach.
However, this is The Simpsons. During my formative years, it was the epitome of groundbreaking comedy on television. It never felt compelled to emulate predecessors or chase after the latest trends. While it did parody other facets of pop culture, such as movies and TV shows, these were distinct from the current reliance on gimmicks. The Primal sequence in question wasn’t even a parody; it served as an homage to something fresher and more innovative than what The Simpsons has become.
In its heyday, The Simpsons embodied the zeitgeist and defined pop culture. If a show garners more attention for its gimmicky opener than its actual content, it’s evident that it’s following rather than leading. Moreover, if the purported highlight of your COMEDY show is dispensing with comedy, as suggested by one of the article’s sub-headers, then there are undoubtedly more significant issues to address than any gimmick can remedy.
Nothing should persist indefinitely on airwaves. Over time, characters evolve, plots shift, and the essence of the show at its inception changes. The characters no longer retain their original essence, and no amount of New York-based “modern art” or Genndy-inspired sequences can salvage what has essentially become a show past its prime. In reality, such attempts only accentuate its underlying issues.
Check out our Episode on THE FALL OF THE SIMPSONS on the Animation Destination Podcast: