This Was No Boat Accident

Two posts in one day, which is more than I do in a year. What could have brought on this case of blog rage?

The Simpsons jumping the shark.

I know that I'll probably be in the minority here. A lot of people still hold The Simpsons in high regard, although a lot of people feel that the show is well past its golden age. I really didn't fit in either camp until To Surveil, With Love

Lip sync the opening to a Kesha song? Matt Groening and the gang have both influenced and lampooned pop culture for two decades now, but with this they cross over to the other side of the street, begging the popular kids to sit at their lunch table.

The Simpsons started out as part of a struggling Fox network (indeed it propped up Fox at one point). They were the unruly brats of TV, such an ingrained part of pop culture that even heads of state couldn't help but put in their two bits (I'm looking at you, Herbert Walker). After twenty years, they are now middle aged gazillionaires, and the writing staff alumni has gone on to run their own shows for wads of cash as well (and, of course, rule late night TV). No longer the bad boys, they now find themselves to be "The Man".

They could have parodied the song, or even the whole instant pop diva culture that the music business has devolved into. But sadly, they spent a kings ransom to animate their opening to a popular but eventually forgettable song from a soon to be forgettable singer. Ten years from now, is this idea going to seem as good as it was in the writing room, or is it going to be a "oh no, how did we ever think this song was cool?" moment. If they had done this 13 years ago to "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba we'd be looking at the tape today and howling with derisive laughter.

Losing the show's pathos was sad. Losing the show's satirical edge is pathetic.

KGH