The Ricky Gervais penned episode of The Simpsons has just aired in the US, to worryingly indifferent reviews from fans. UK viewers should see the episode soon on Sky One, but its disappointing early word has been so drab.
Many had thought an injection of British wit from The Office comedian would guarantee a brief return to form for the show after years in the doldrums. Yes, while The Simpsons is still held with great affection, wins countless Top 100 comedy/cartoon lists, and will always be one of the most influential comedy series ever, ever made... it's been pretty damn terrible for a good seven years now.
You can always tell within seconds if you're watching a new (unfunny) Simpsons episode. The yellow in the drawings is always much brighter, for one, but the story will undoubtedly be puerile and convoluted (The Simpsons go to Japan, for no realistic reason, etc.)
After so many years in production, the show is definitely reaching its limits. The axe hasn't fallen purely because it's still a very successful series everywhere it's shown, and there are so many repeat showings of the older (funnier) episodes that most viewers don't realize the current quality is very, very low...
It doesn't help that South Park, another long-running cartoon, continues to find innovative and controversial ways to offend (the recent scientology debacle is still ongoing thanks to Isaac Hayes' departure...), the average Family Guy episode can deliver nine times the gags, and even American Dad seems more prescient with its terrorist/governmental themes.
All these shows owe The Simpsons a debt of gratitude, as do a generation of comedians and writers, and while I'm hopeful the Simpsons' movie (yes, it really is happening finally) will be the kick in the arse the TV series needs... I'd rather see it end on a high than limp to a slow, pitiful, death...
It will be interesting to see if Ricky Gervais' episode just didn't translate well with the Americans when it comes to Sky One soon... but in the meantime, check out this wonderful clip from The Conan O'Brien Show with Dan Castallenetta (Homer) and Harry Shearer (Mr Burns) doing all the voices... and "improvising" a very funny scene between Dr Hibbert and Homer!
See it here!!
