Harry Shearer Leaving The Simpsons

It was quite a shocker yesterday morning to read that Harry Shearer was apparently leaving The Simpsons. There have been some struggles between the voice actors and production team before, but from what I've read it seems all the cast have been together for it then. Now it's just Shearer that's leaving, which is weird. Show runner Al Jean told The Hollywood Reporter that even he has no idea why Shearer doesn't want to do the show anymore. Shearer seems to have said that he wants the freedom to do other projects, which sounds odd since all of the voice cast has a lot of freedom. The production team seems to be willing to try to work with him to make him stay, except that he should have the same deal as the rest of the cast, money-wise. And I guess he could want a bigger salary, but to walk away from an over 25 years legacy just to get even more money (more than $14 million over two years) rings a bit false. What would he do that'd pay more in that case?

The last reason I can think of would be that he's simply tired of it. That he doesn't think it's fun to do any longer, and think that 25 years is enough. Anyone could get tired of doing the same thing for over 25 years, but if that is the case I feel he would've told the rest of the cast and production team already, and prepared them for it. His leaving is very sudden and mysterious so I don't think the reason is as simple as getting tired of it.

I honestly can't think of any good reason why he would leave, but I hope he changes his mind and come back and see it to an end. Mr. Burns, Smithers, Skinner and especially Ned Flanders, are such major characters and I can't see the show going on without them or with someone else voicing them.

Edit: Just after I posted this Al Jean tweeted out a link to this article, which indicates that not all hope is lost yet. We will just have to wait and see.

Image from here.

Review: Simpsorama

I watched the Simpsons/Futurama crossover episode "Simpsorama", and I thought it was really good. It felt a bit short, but many of The Simpsons episodes lately feel that way, I don't know if it has to do with the shortened runtime. And obviously it will feel shorter the more characters you have to focus on, and with a crossover episode there's quite a few.

The story is a pretty good one, simple but gives most of the characters something to do and let them interact with each other. It was very funny with good jokes, and only a few of them was a wink to the audience, wich was nice.

The characters interacting with each other works really well. How the characters react to each other is very believable and I think it suits both shows. The Futurama part I feel is slightly too far out for a Simpsons episode, but it's not enough that it bothers me. I still considered this an in canon episode, though it's sort of a mix between the regular episodes and a Halloween episode. The characters feel true to themselves, which is the most important part of a crossover.

It's hard not to compare this episode to the Family Guy/Simpsons crossover, seeing as they premiered so close to each other. Simpsorama is a much better crossover, mostly because The Simpsons and Futurama could be in the same universe, they are not that far away from each other (unless you count a 1000 years as far) in terms of comedy and how the shows approach subjects. I think Family Guy would do a better crossover with South Park, they feel closer to each other than Family Guy does to The Simpsons.

Simpsorama was a very fun episode, a nice send off to a show that ended to soon, and just a good crossover, so check it out if you haven't yet.

Image: Fox

5 Great Simpsons Episodes After Season 10 (Spoilers)

When you talk about The Simpsons with people, the general reaction is "I like it up to season 8/9/10" or "I used to like it but it's not good anymore". This is so common that I'm starting to think that people say that just because other people are saying it. I like proving people wrong so I decided to make a list of five great Simpsons episodes after season 10, not in any order. Obviously this is just a matter of opinion, but if you think Simpsons is not as good anymore, you might want to give these episodes another chance.


1. Alone Again Natura-Diddily (S11E14)
This episode deals with the death of Maude Flanders. It's almost never a good idea to kill off a regular, but if you want to do it, this is probably how it should be done. The episode focuses on Ned and how he handles the loss. It even makes him doubt his faith in God, and even if it's just a moment it shows that this is a big life changing episode for the character. This episode changed things for the character, and that doesn't happen to often in a series like this, where very few episodes directly follows the previous ones. But this is something they follow up on several time in the coming ten seasons. From mentioning Maude, to Ned doing things in her memory, to him start dating for real again. This episode also gives Homer a chance to be sensetive and it shows that he really does care about Ned, even if he's not very good at showing it often. It's very nice to see that side of Homer, and that the two of them do have a real friendship.

If you're after a lot of laughs, this isn't the episode for you. There are a few times you'll laugh but they mostly treat it with respect. Though it does move a little fast, it's a great episode, with some very nice writing and character development. The ending is also quite optimistic, which is needed after a relatively sad episode. This is one you should check out.


2. Hungry Hungry Homer (S12E15)
Homer discovers that the owner of The Springfield Isotopes are planning to move the team to Albuquerque and tries to tell everyone. When no one believes him, he decides to go on a hunger strike.

This is another episode that doesn't have a B-story. While it does take away time from the other characters, we get more focus and time for the main story which is welcomed in such short episodes. What I love about this episode is to see Homer so commited to something, and it being something good. He commits to standing up for the little guy, and doesn't give up, even when it's easier. He decides what he wants to do, and then sticks to it. This episode really shows on Homer's inner strength. The episode is also very funny, with plenty of jokes. If you want a funny episode and see Homer at his best, this is one for you.

3. She of Little Faith (S13E6)
In this episode Lisa decides to quit going to church, after it has sold out to corporate sponsors, and find another way of belief. She finds Buddhism and feels at home, though her family isn't taking it so well.

Lisa is probably my favorite character and this is one of the best episodes about her. It feels so in character that Lisa would find her own way in religion, so I'm surprised this hasn't happened until season 13. It's really interesting seeing Lisa find more of herself and at the same time trying to be accepted by her family even if she chooses differently. You can see the struggle both her and the family is going through, trying to figure out this new situation. I also think this episode took a very adult look at religion. No religion is wrong here, especially Lisa points out that it's about finding what feels best for you. Not the funniest of episodes, but one that comes from an honest place. It's definitely worth a watch.

4. Don't Fear the Roofer (S16E16)
Feeling lonely after his friends and family are mad at him, Homer goes to a bar outside town. There he meets Ray, a roofer who agrees to help Homer fix his damaged roof. Homer and Ray quickly becomes friends, but when the rest of the family don't see any evidence that Ray exists, they become worried that Homer's new friend is imaginary.

The best thing about this episode is the friendship between Homer and Ray. They have good chemistry together and it's just nice seeing them become friends. The hints about what's going on are laid out early and planned out, so there's not really anything that comes out of nowhere when you find out the truth. This episode has a B-story, about how Marge is leaving Santa's little helper at the retirement home, to cheer up the senior citizens. It's a short one, but pretty funny. Overall it's just a great, simple and fun episode that you might enjoy.


5. The Italian Bob (S17E8)

The Simpsons goes to Italy to pick up Mr Burns' new car. After an accident involving cheese they end up stranded in a small italian village. They meet they mayor and shockingly discover it to be none other than Sideshow Bob, who's tried to kill Bart on several occations.

I was deciding between this and another episode, but I only made it halfway through this one before deciding that this episode has to be on the list. This is such a good episode. First of all, Sideshow Bob is always great, no matter which episode he's in, though this is one of the best. He's voiced by Kelsey Grammer, who has created an amazing voice for him. It can get so dark and menacing, but still incredibly dignified. And this episode is filled with jokes, it's a lot of fun. It's also great for the character of Bob to have grown a bit, he get's a family and it's not a one time deal, they will show up in a later season. I always enjoy seeing the characters move forward in their lives. And I just have to mention the theme for Sideshow Bob, it's perfect. You always get an "oh no" feeling when you hear that tune. Do not miss this episode, go watch it now.

Images: Fox

Review: The Simpsons Guy (spoiler-ish)

I watched the Family Guy/The Simpsons crossover episode yesterday, and I'm gonna write down my thoughts on it. Though first what I think about the shows themselves. The Simpsons is my favorite show. It's funny, smart and heartfelt. I have five seasons on DVD and I've listened to all the commentaries on them. I've watched all the episodes up until about season 22. I'm a big Simpsons fan.

As for Family guy. I don't think the show is very good. I don't like the humor which often goes too far and is often pretty insulting. The characters are pretty unlikeable and mostly very mean to each other. That said, I do enjoy watching it every now and then when I'm in that kind of mood. Nothing deep, nothing emotional, just want something to take my mind of other things. I've watched maybe five full seasons of it, and many episodes here and there.














So when I go into this episode I feel a bit cringy. I expect it to be pretty bad. The first scenes feels like filler, everyone is just waiting for the part where they meet the Simpsons. I think the writers were thinking that too, which makes the first five minutes pretty boring.

When they get to Springfield, it feels pretty good. It feels home, when Homer shows up it's pretty funny, though I did question why he would pay for their doughnuts. Seing the families together is pretty surreal, as you would expect, but it's handled pretty well. The meetings are fun, especially Brians meeting with Santa's Little Helper. The dynamic between Stewie and Bart is pretty interesting, while the one between Lisa and Meg doesn't really do anything unexpected. Marge and Louis don't get anything to work with. The big focus is of course on Homer and Peter. It's fun to see how they get along and I find it pretty realistic, I'm buying that they could befriend each other, especially from Homer's side, since he has a habit of making friends (not always the best ones).

The conflict in the episode is basically symbolism for the Simpsons vs. Family guy argument and if Family Guy is copying The Simpsons. It's super obvious and that's how they want to runt it. And for a while, it's pretty funny. I laugh at just how many characters are so alike. The writers knew what to do with the episode, they knew it was just gonna be fanservice.

But then, that fanservice gets too far out, the last ten minutes. A long fight between Peter and Homer. I'm sure this is what most people have wanted to see for a long time, but it doesn't do it for me. It's ridiculous even in normal Family Guy episodes, but when Homer is involved it just feels so weird and wrong.

That's the core problem with this episode. Family Guy goes places where The Simpsons will never go. The Simpsons would never have those kinds of jokes, and although Homer has punched people, he has never gotten into this kind of a fight before. And that's where this episode loses me. The Simpsons are acting out of character, which takes me out of it. I know this isn't really Springfield, I know this isn't the real characters. It all feels fake. The Simpsons will never play on Family Guy's rules. The episode felt Family Guy-run, and it's a shame because if it had been run by The Simpsons it would have worked waay better. But as it is now, I was plesantly surprised, but it could have been so much better.

Images: Fox