Oh, no! Did that hit Crazy Stairs?

[vovat]

Tonight's Simpsons episode was a somewhat quiet one. Even though there weren't a lot of big laughs, my general reaction was mostly positive. We hadn't really had very many Marge/Bart episodes recently, so it was cool to see another one. The subplot was almost over before it had begun; I think I see what the writers were saying about not being able to do a proper subplot now that there's less time per episode. Still, it had its moments, like Homer and Moe taking a walk on the beach with the Rich Texan. I also liked how Homer was worried because Marge wasn't upset about his latest crazy scheme; I kind of wish they'd been able to focus more attention on that. As for the main plot, the scene with Bart and the bullies in the mall was one of the funniest parts, and Apu singing is always amusing. I also liked Marge's concern that the part of the county they were in wasn't incorporated. Characters worrying or arguing about unlikely and/or absurd things is generally comic gold. I also have to mention the couch gag, which was great. Is that the longest one they've ever done? Overall, the episode isn't one that's likely to make my list of favorites, but it wasn't at all bad, either.

The Family Guy episode wasn't the best in recent memory, but the show pretty much guarantees some quality jokes even when the overall premise is a bit on the trite side. I liked Stewie's attempts to live the stereotypical college lifestyle, and Peter and his friends' conversation with the workers at the park.

I also watched the American Dad episode, although I was a little lost, since it was apparently the second part of a two-parter. While I'm still not thrilled by the show, I'll admit it had some funny moments. I liked Stan's dream of Bush bringing democracy to Saudi Arabia, and Steve as a prophet. I think the show's main weakness is that most of the characters aren't very interesting. They don't seem to have that much personality beyond the stereotypes. Oh, well.

I think I've come up with the tracklist for that mix CD of songs about religion. If anyone is interested in a copy, let me know. I'm also probably going to make my best of 2005 mix soon, so I might just send those out at the same time. That's assuming that anyone wants them, of course.

Finally, happy birthday to daveychu.

Comments

[mmpoetatheart.livejournal.com]

i never really watch the simpsons that much but i enjoy and look forward to your critiques and comments about them. Thanks for the great reading!

[vovat.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. You must be pretty lost if you read the reviews without watching the actual show, though. {g}

[mmpoetatheart.livejournal.com]

I usually pay attention to the ads about them and i watch them sometime..I just don't watch them frequently.

[revme.livejournal.com]

I would totally be down for mix CDs. Of either or both flavors!

And I'm missing the simpsons, because the Penn & Teller special was on at 7pm, instead of the 8pm I was expecting (my plan was to tape P&T and watch it tomorrow, but since this way covers up Nothing+Simpsons+War At Home, I'll just download the new simpsons later.

I will totally see Family Guy/AMerican Dad, though.

[onib.livejournal.com]

Well, I'd at least be curious to hear which songs you picked for the list.

[vovat.livejournal.com]

Okay, here's what I decided on. The justification for some of these might be a little weak, but they all basically fit the theme. I might make another post with details on the songs at some point.

1. John The Revelator - Frank Black and the Catholics
2. Down To The River To Pray - Alison Krauss
3. Spirituality - Hypnotic Clambake
4. Jesusland - Ben Folds
5. Jesus Loves Me - Jale
6. Jesus Was Right - Frank Black
7. Kiss Me, Son Of God - They Might Be Giants
8. Might Makes Right - Camper Van Beethoven
9. God - Tori Amos
10. Jumping In Gomorrah - XTC
11. The Vatican Rag - Tom Lehrer
12. If You're Feeling Sinister - Belle and Sebastian
13. Churches Off The Interstate - Laura Cantrell
14. The Virginian - Neko Case and Her Boyfriends
15. The State I Am In - Belle and Sebastian
16. Dear God - XTC
17. Mess - Ben Folds Five
18. Two Lives - The Young Fresh Fellows
19. Hallelujah - Cracker
20. Hallelujah - Rufus Wainwright
21. Dead - Pixies
22. Tower Of Babel - Elton John
23. Six Sixty-Six - Frank Black and the Catholics
24. When I Die I'll Live Again - John Herrmann, Dirk Powell, and Tim O'Brien

[kristenjarrod.livejournal.com]

For a second I thought the show was going to be about how Marge and Bart bought that tea house, and I was so happy when they didn't.

That A Team plot on Family Guy was lame. I'm getting kinda tired of seeing story line after storyline of Peter and his friends getting together to do something, or maybe its just because Joe gets on my nerves.

[vovat.livejournal.com]

That A Team plot on Family Guy was lame.

Yeah, it was pretty weak, although it had some funny moments. I wish they'd focused more attention on Brian going back to college, and less on that.

I have nothing against Joe, although I don't think he's generally as funny as Cleveland or Quagmire.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I loved the Ashlee Simpson joke. Pretty obvious, of course, but I thought the use of "Old Man River" was hilarious.

[kristenjarrod.livejournal.com]

I hope there is another Cleveland storyline coming up. The one this summer that revolved around him was great. (where Loretta leaves him)

This is so wrong, but I loved the joke where Stewie was about to film Meg getting undressed.

I know its just a TV show, but If Meg would take off the hat, she'd look cute!

[bethje.livejournal.com]

What's wrong with Joe. {g}

[slfcllednowhere.livejournal.com]

Sure, I like mixes.

[vovat.livejournal.com]

Cool. I'll probably send that and my Best of 2005 mix together, if you're interested in both.