Dead Tree Alert: Apparently I Wrote Something About The Simpsons
Fox
One of the wonderful things about working in the magazine business is that every now and then you work on a "long-lead" project; which is to say, something that you do well in advance, and then forget that you have ever written, until, as happened this morning, it gets published.
For a Time International package looking back at the year 1989, I wrote an essay on The Simpsons (which just squeaked in under that timeline with the airing of its Christmas special—if you don't count its Tracey Ullman origins). And look! Here it is!
There are indie movies, indie music and indie publishers. But because of the way the television business worked — series produced for millions of dollars to reach millions of people — there was never much that you could call indie TV. Until The Simpsons.
I realize that is an absurd claim to make for one of the most popular television shows in history, produced by a mammoth multinational media company (Fox), which has generated billions of dollars in merchandising and licensing revenue. But before Springfield's most famous yellow-skinned residents came to rival ubiquitous corporate mascots like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny, the Simpsons were an outgrowth of that most indie of art forms, the alternative comic. ...
A stretch? Maybe but roll with it. Anyway, read the rest if you are curious what I had to say—I can't wait to find out myself!
Even I have to admit that I now catch new Simpsons only every now and then, but it still has a top spot in my personal cultural pantheon. How about yours?
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1
Spot on - great article! Very much enjoyed it
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2
ah the simpsons, one of the greastest funniest shows ever. And an abject lesson in knowing when to stop.
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3
I would be curious to hear Groenig's comments on whether Married With Children had an influence on the Simpsons development.
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4
@rhys: I distinctly remember the episode where Homer goes into space as having several rather derisive jokes about Married with Children. Don't know if it could be considered flattery though.
@Carlos: I also remember a little sketch the Simpson's did when the Cosby show went off the air- much more complimentary towards Cosby, but Homer in fact promised us that they would keep chucking out shows until someone force them off the air. I consider that a contract, and would be upset if they went out before squeezing every penny they can from the franchise. Disclaimer- I haven't watched a new episode of The Simpsons since Arrested Development got kicked off of Sundays. -
5
I used to love The Simpsons...would never miss an episode. I can't remember the last time I actually tuned into it. It's a series past it's prime, and it feels like lately they have run out of ideas. I miss the old Simpsons. I went and saw the Simpsons movie in the theaters...and was disappointed. i was really hoping for the old school Simpsons. I hope they realize when it's time to call it quits before they kill the memory completely.
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