My Thoughts on The Simpsons

I have watched The Simpsons series ever since I can remember, so I thought it was cause for a comprehensive review of the show. The Simpsons are, hands down, a fantastic show and lasted longer than I’ve been alive (over 30 years *gasp*). I mean, most performances are canceled after only a few seasons, even if they’re good, but The Simpsons has somehow survived for quite some time. I think it's because the show's foundation is built on the premise of an everyday "family" and shows some relatable stories with a likable cast of characters. There are also many interesting facts about its origins. One, the Simpsons is based on the creator's real-life family, and he writes himself as Bart. Two, the show was initially created in the 80s as a series of shorts for the Tracy Allman show, which evolved into the current version of the Simpsons series that we know today.

The Simpsons are an elementary nuclear family which includes Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa. There is also a cat named Snowball and a dog named Santa’s Little Helper. The stories are relatable, like those about growing up, adjusting to new circumstances, or having your first crush.

Given that the show has been around for so long, they, of course, do some great holiday specials. Specifically, I thought 3the Halloween specials, called the Tree House of Horrors, were the most entertaining. The episode I liked the most was when Homer stuck a fork into a toaster, where he gets electrocuted and somehow begins time-traveling. He arrives at one time period where his family gains lizard features, another where Ned Flanders is giving lobotomies to prevent people's rage, and so many outrageous but funny moments. The episode also plays with the idea of not killing something in the past because it will, of course, alter something in the future. My favorite episode so far, though, is where they emulate the movie A Boy's Life, where it follows Bart from childhood into teenage years and adult life. I would've thought Bart would become a writer, which is what the creator is, but Bart becomes an artist.

There's also lots to say about the town of Springfield, which feels like a character itself because it has such an eccentric population, such as Crusty the Clown, who was supposed to be Homer in disguise. Still, the creators decided to make him a completely different character. There's also Hans Moleman, who's always involved in crazy situations, but the show never zooms in on him; he just always happens to be around—or Disco Stu, who's always dressed and talks like he's in the 1970s. I think if I had to pick a favorite character, it would have to be Homer because he is just a man who is trying to support his family the best he can. He works as the safety inspector at the nuclear power plant, which he hates, but I think many people can relate.

I will say that I think many of the shows that came after The Simpsons have been pale imitations of the original because I think they tried too hard to copy elements of it. But that says all the more about The Simpsons and how it was a driving force behind the types of cartoons that came later in the decade. In conclusion, I think The Simpsons is a fantastic program that anyone can enjoy or at least find something they like, and I'd recommend the show to everybody. If you've been watching The Simpsons for years, what do you like about it the most?