Simpsons: Worst Episode Evah! 11-18-07

[What Exit?]

Really, WTF? Both subplots were awful. The show really blew like never before. Ack!

What were they thinking?

[Marley23]

Doesn't somebody say this every week?

I thought the first act was flat-out great, the funniest one I've seen in a long while. After that it fell off. They've never done the "it was all a dream thing" before, as far as I can remember, nor should they because it's dumb. (Even worse, I figured it out ahead of time.)

[An Gadaí]

The one called The Wife Aquatic was the worst I've seen. I don't even bother to tune in to new episodes anymore. It stinks nowadays.

[alphaboi867]

Homer after his makeover was just plain creepy. :eek:

[El Cid Viscoso]

I haven't seen it yet. Do I brace myself hurricane style or earthquake style? Thanks in advance.

[Menocchio]

I loved it. But then, I'm a tremendous comics nerd. The Cool comics store is spot-on for the one I go to, right down to the owner and his girlfriend. And hell, any show with those three guest stars is A-OK with me.

[mobo85]

JABF17 "Husbands and Knives"
Written by Matt Selman

I liked this one. Much like last week's, it reminded me very much of an older episode in terms of writing. I agree with those who say the first act was the best, and I would like to have seen more of the new comic book store owner, but at least the B plot set the A plot into motion.

Comic Book Guy: "Phillip K. Dick! It can't be! It's if as Superman moved to Gotham City!"
Martin: "Which he did in World's Finest Comics #94! See?"
Comic Book Guy: "That was an imaginary story dreamt by Jimmy Olsen after he was kicked in the head by Supergirl's horse Comet. It never really happened."
Bart: "None of these things ever really happened."
Comic Book Guy: "Get out of my store."

(But the Simpsons are real, right? Right?)

Bart: "All right. I get it. You're cool. You're not 'mainstream.' You wear a porkpie hat."
[Inexplicable jump-cut to Homer at work]
Homer: "Mmm...pork pie."
Bart: "But let's see what you know about superheroes!"
Milo: "Hey, I'm all about the capes. Flame on."
Bart: "Who's stronger- the Thung or the Mulk? And show your work."
Milo: "Whoa, head rush! Okay...well, the Mulk kicked a tidal wave into the sun, whereas the Thung gave a piggyback ride to the 1985 Chicago Bears...that's a tough one."

[RealityChuck]

The comic book store plot was classic Simpsons and one of the best I've seen in awhile. The other was only so so. I really think they missed a bet -- the story should have revolved around the Comic Book Guy getting back at the new comic book guy.

[Marley23]

I agree with those who say the first act was the best
I have a name, you know. (And feelings... sniff.)
Great guest character and great use of Jack Black. I loved the exchange you quoted, and yeah, the first part did feel like an older episode. (When was the last time Bart was into comics?) I don't think you needed to be a comic book geek to enjoy the jokes about all the dead characters, and born-again Robin was very funny. (At least, I'm not one.) Alan Moore and Dan Clowes were very funny.

Oh, and the "for rent" poster on The Android's Dungeon was great. :D

[What Exit?]

I have a name, you know. (And feelings... sniff.)
Great guest character and great use of Jack Black. I loved the exchange you quoted, and yeah, the first part did feel like an older episode. (When was the last time Bart was into comics?) I don't think you needed to be a comic book geek to enjoy the jokes about all the dead characters, and born-again Robin was very funny. (At least, I'm not one.) Alan Moore and Dan Clowes were very funny.

Oh, and the "for rent" poster on The Android's Dungeon was great. :D
I don't know, the comic jokes were largely lost on me. The minor comic book writers being super heroes elicited my WTF moment #1 and as Og is my witness, I did not need to see the scene of Homer's nipples weeping. ::shudder::

Is anyone who did not hate this episode also not into comics? That might make the difference.

Jim

[pepperlandgirl]

I'm not into comics, and I liked this episode. But then, I also liked the Halloween episode everybody else seemed to hate....

[Marley23]

Is anyone who did not hate this episode also not into comics? That might make the difference.
I'm not into comics. I read Maus years ago, but if I weren't a Doper I'd have no idea who Alan Moore is. I've never read any of his work. I did see the movie version of Ghost World, but I don't know anything about the author. He was just pathetic. :D

Agreed about the nipple thing. Surgery humor just never makes me laugh, so I wanted all that stuff to end before it started.

[RealityChuck]

I'm not into comics all that much -- I never heard of one of the three comic book artists, and you don't have to be into comics to know about (Pulitzer Prize winner) Art Spiegelman or Alan Moore -- they write literature.

But most of the gags were understandable to anyone with a basic knowledge of popular culture. Heck, anyone on this board could get the joke as to who was stronger Thung or Mulk, even if you didn't know who they were parodying. We've had the "Who would win in a fight?" question asked plenty of times.

[What Exit?]

I'm not into comics all that much -- I never heard of one of the three comic book artists, and you don't have to be into comics to know about (Pulitzer Prize winner) Art Spiegelman or Alan Moore -- they write literature.

But most of the gags were understandable to anyone with a basic knowledge of popular culture. Heck, anyone on this board could get the joke as to who was stronger Thung or Mulk, even if you didn't know who they were parodying. We've had the "Who would win in a fight?" question asked plenty of times.
That unfunny part yes, but the 3 obscure comic book writers playing on what I suppose is their public personna? The Robin joke was even less funny and I even had some idea what it was about. Sorry, it just didn't work for me. The Marge/Homer part of the show was really and truly horribly bad.

[Snooooopy]

I thought it was a pretty good episode. But I didn't like the way the writers just put the new comic book guy chracter aside and forgot about him. What they should have done is have the meteor at the end fall on his head.

[middleman]

Though I don't read many anymore, I am a lifetime comic fan. As such, having Alan Moore guest on the Simpsons was pure gold.

I don't care if he reads the phonebook, I am psyched.

But to hear him sing Little Lulu? RIOT! To hear him discuss corporate explotation(Little Watchmen!) EPIC!

His voice did not sound like what I expected. It sounded like Hank Azaria making a voice that might sound like Moore.

I've always found Moore fascinating. He's like a Michael Jordan in comics, yet many (culturally literate) people have no idea who he is.

While I definitely enjoyed this episode more as a comic fan, you don't have to be a fan of a certain subject to appreciate a well written joke. I vaguely know of Frank Geary and care nothing of architecture, but I loved the jokes from the Prison Snitch episode.

"Hey, Geary. Like nonlinear shapes much?"

I'm not sure the insider jokes in this episode were well written, but it IS possible to be insider and broadly funny at the same time.

[Hey, It's That Guy!]

Damn, I wish I had seen this episode. I love Alan Moore.

[middleman]

Because of the writer's strike, it will probably be reaired soon.

[Hey, It's That Guy!]

Because of the writer's strike, it will probably be reaired soon.
I just checked the Fox website, and it will be available online in a few days. I love that! I stopped paying for cable when I moved this summer, so I just have rabbit ears to get the local stations, and my reception sucks. But I can watch most shows online on the network websites, and they even have limited commercial interruptions. What an age we live in!

[Thudlow Boink]

I really think they missed a bet -- the story should have revolved around the Comic Book Guy getting back at the new comic book guy.I'd like to see this resolved in a future episode.

[NDP]

I really think they missed a bet -- the story should have revolved around the Comic Book Guy getting back at the new comic book guy
I'd like to see this resolved in a future episode.

I wouldn't count on it. The next time we see CBG he'll probably be back at his store like nothing happened. At best, maybe we'll get some throwaway line explaining how he got back into business again.

While we're on the subject, add me to those who thought the story about the competing comic book store was far better than the one about Marge's exercise studio (another development that I think will also be dropped and forgotten by the time of the next episode). Jack Black was ideally cast and put to good use in his too-brief role. I just wish they did more with him instead of abruptly shifting to Marge & Homer plotline.

[cochrane]

Come on, this was a good episode. I don't know what some of you were watching instead.

Did anybody notice that while the cover of "Death of Superman" had Krypto sitting next to the Flash, "Death of Aquaman" had a white seahorse on the cover?

I liked Marge opening a second Shapes in a Krusty Burger.

Good quotes:

Homer: We're going to be rich. We can finally start a family.
Marge: We have a family.
Homer: A good one!

Marge on the Opal show - So when is Straightman gonna pop the question?
Opal: You're all getting German cuckoo clocks! You're getting a cuckoo clock! And you're getting a cuckoo clock! And you're getting a cuckoo clock! And you're getting a cuckoo clock! And you're getting a cuckoo clock!

Lisa: Are you OK, Dad? I see food on your plate and no blurring motions.

Surgeon: OK, Mr. Simpson. Count backward from ten.
Homer: Fine, I admit it. I'm drunk.

[jackelope]

I've always found Moore fascinating. He's like a Michael Jordan in comics, yet many (culturally literate) people have no idea who he is.I had no idea who Alan Moore was, but I saw the episode at vibrotronica's house and he knew, so I pretended I did too.

[Least Original User Name Ever]

I dunno, I kinda liked the episode. It's not great, and it wasn't unwatchable.

[Trunk]

I love the stretched skin.

Marge: "I'm just going to put this old, sweaty blanket in the closet."

Sweaty blanket.

[Thudlow Boink]

Marge on the Opal showWas anyone else hoping to hear Marge say, "Hi Opal"?

[SmackFu]

Like others, I liked the comic book plot, and wish it had gone somewhere, instead of that stupid surgery bit.

[Mikemike2]

I liked this episode. It was certainly not the "worst ever." There were some good lines in the Marge and Homer episode. "it's great to live on wife support."

Usually they put things back to the way they were at the end of the episode. Although the enhancements were a dream, we are still left with a rich Marge running a chain of gyms, a closed comic book guy store and a closed Crusty Burger.

[Reloy3]

I really liked the Comic Book Plot, and even the "Shapes" plot until it started to be about Homer.

The Watchman Babies made me laugh, rewind the TIVO, and laugh again.

[middleman]

I had no idea who Alan Moore was, but I saw the episode at vibrotronica's house and he knew, so I pretended I did too.

He's very famous in a niche market. Check him out for general interest. LINK (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Moore)

He wrote the "Citizen Kane" of comics called Watchmen. They are finally making it into a movie after 20 years.

He also wrote the comics From Hell (Johnny Depp film) and League of Extraordinary Gentelmen (Sean Connery abortion).

Watchmen rank in many noteworthy listing of top 100 NOVELS of all time (not comics, but against authors like Joyce and Salinger).

But if you aren't a geek, it is perfectly understandable if he is off your radar.

[Max the Immortal]

I predict that between this episode and the next, Marge's problem gambling will rear its ugly head, and she'll lose her chain of gyms. Krusty may be able to get his old burger joint back at a bankruptcy/liquidation auction of some sort. I have no idea about the comic book rivalry.

[Gadarene]

middleman:
Because of the writer's strike, it will probably be reaired soon.

Big Bad Voodoo Lou:
I just checked the Fox website, and it will be available online in a few days. I love that! I stopped paying for cable when I moved this summer, so I just have rabbit ears to get the local stations, and my reception sucks. But I can watch most shows online on the network websites, and they even have limited commercial interruptions. What an age we live in!

If you meant this response sarcastically, then well done, sir. If not, that's absolutely hilarious.

[Little Plastic Ninja]

For the first time in I don't know how long, I stopped in the living room as the episode was going on -- I don't watch a lot of TV, but my family does -- and just stood there alternately slackjawed and laughing. Watchman Babies! Alan Moore! Korean covers of Tom Jones songs! For once, Simpsons had me laughing helplessly.

I didn't watch the rest of it, though, for no other reason than that I was working on a high-maintenance download.

[Hey, It's That Guy!]

middleman:


Big Bad Voodoo Lou:


If you meant this response sarcastically, then well done, sir. If not, that's absolutely hilarious.
No sarcasm intended, especially because middleman is awesome. But I don't remember the last time I watched TV in front of my TV. I'd much rather watch episodes online, a few days after they air. I don't need to pay for cable or Tivo or depend on my ancient VCR, and it's great.

[Gadarene]

No sarcasm intended, especially because middleman is awesome. But I don't remember the last time I watched TV in front of my TV. I'd much rather watch episodes online, a few days after they air. I don't need to pay for cable or Tivo or depend on my ancient VCR, and it's great.

Hee hee hee...then your post was unintentionally brilliant, as the fact that the writers don't get paid residuals for episodes shown online is one of the major reasons for the WGA strike. :) It would be difficult, in fact, to find a better encapsulation of the writers' point on that issue.

(I'm not making fun of you at all; I just think it's very funny.)

[cbawlmer]

I loved the comic book subplot. Coolsville is very much like the comic shop my husband manages, though I don't carry a lunchbox purse. They don't have an album of Korean Tom Jones covers, but they have a lot of equivalent tunes. Anyway, a lot of the jokes were funny but very inside. I laughed especially hard at:

Daniel Clowes' bit about wanting to draw Batman, but mostly just being obsessed with drawing and labeling all the parts of his toolbelt.

Asterix and Tintin -- not just for high school French class!

When Milhouse approached Alan Moore and said, "Will you sign my DVD..." I already cracked up before he even revealed the cover, because asking Moore to sign a DVD is already hilarious. Watchmen Babies in: V for Vacation is the icing on the cake.

The cherry on top of the icing on the cake: the Fox Network airs what amounts to a minute-long promo for Alan Moore's Lost Girls. Holy crap, if Rupert Murdoch only knew...

The Shapes subplot was mediocre, but the comic shop plot was 100% tailor-made for our personal enjoyment.

[middleman]

Hee hee hee...then your post was unintentionally brilliant, as the fact that the writers don't get paid residuals for episodes shown online is one of the major reasons for the WGA strike. :) It would be difficult, in fact, to find a better encapsulation of the writers' point on that issue.

(I'm not making fun of you at all; I just think it's very funny.)


Wow! That is true. I missed the irony of Lou's comment as well. Of course, this was because I had no idea the Simpsons could be legally viewed online. I missed the Halloween episode, and was heading over the Fox.

I already supported the writers (not that I am a union guy, but fair is fair), but now my support is even stronger! I am part of the problem and someone needs to get paid.

As for cbawlmer's hubbie's comic shop, I go to it (not the same branch, but the Northside branch. Quality is consistent across the branches) and I can indeed say that I had the same response as her when the episode aired.

"Hey, that's just like my shop!"

My shop always has good music, well organized merchandise, and friendly staff that will engage in snark free discussion or give a helpful recommendation based on what the CUSTOMER actually likes.

Plus, they have a good relationship with creators (especially Terry Moore of SiP fame).

cbawlmer, I am not stalking you or anything. You told me your husband was the manager of the CL BC store in a discussion regarding Krystal hamburger restaurants!

[jackdavinci]

I loved this episode for the comic book references. Plus it was cool to see Marge as a businesswoman. I think she should continue to bring in the bacon in the future. The League of Extraordinary Comic Book Artists or whatever they were was cool. Were they voiced by the actual artists? "Baby Watchmen" was priceless. I liked the new comic book store owner and his girlfriend too (cool turtle shirt!).

[mobo85]

Holy crap, if Rupert Murdoch only knew...

Speaking of which, I'm getting a little tired of the Wall Street Journal jokes. The chalkboard gag a couple months ago was good, but now it's just getting tired. I'd actually prefer copyright-infinging underage lesbian escapades to an overused Fox-bashing joke rather than the clever ones from the past. Or QUALITY PROGRAMMING SUCH AS HOUSE, AMERICAN IDOL, AND AMERICAN IDOL RESULTS SHOW.

[Lochdale]

I thought the initial plot was great. Wish they had stuck with it. That is, focused on the Comic Book Guy's effort at getting back on top.

The omage to the Spiderman cover was cute.

[cbawlmer]

cbawlmer, I am not stalking you or anything. You told me your husband was the manager of the CL BC store in a discussion regarding Krystal hamburger restaurants!

Guess what? They did some shifting around of employees and now my husband is the manager of the 1960 store. He's the tall, bald guy named Jeremy. Next time you're in there, tell him you know me from the Dope. :)

[tnetennba]

The fact that Tintin and Snowy (aka Milou) were in it made it an instant personal favorite.

[DocCathode]

"Hey, Geary. Like nonlinear shapes much?"

That should be "Hey Geary, like curvilinear forms much?"

[Tapioca Dextrin]

I didn't like the way the writers just put the new comic book guy chracter aside and forgot about him. What they should have done is have the meteor at the end fall on his head.

Nah. Mulk should have kicked him into the Sun :D

[Hey, It's That Guy!]

That should be "Hey Geary, like curvilinear forms much?"
Actually it should be "Hey Gehry," but who's to quibble?

[ftg]

Pretty good episode (by recent the "standard" of recent years).

Crappy couch gag though.

Loved the Opal bit.

The most interesting part was that they openly named many comic characters: Superman, Batman, Little Lulu, Jughead, etc. But they only did "Thung" and "Bulk" (or somesuch). What was the point they were trying to make?

There was a quasi-reboot in the episode with Homer waking up and back to normal. So I think the CBG will be back as before.

So, Jack Black still has a little bit of career left.

[Bryan Ekers]

Watchmen Babies alone sold the episode to me, though it's well under the Dennis Miller Ratio.

[Eyebrows 0f Doom]

My DVR cut off right before the credits started. Were the three comic book writers actually voiced by the real people? I thought Moore's voice sounded like one of the regular Simpsons actors, but going by posts in this thread I take it that really was Moore?

[Larry Borgia]

A great episode, one of the best they've put out recently. I do wish they'd resolved the stories.

[mobo85]

My DVR cut off right before the credits started. Were the three comic book writers actually voiced by the real people? I thought Moore's voice sounded like one of the regular Simpsons actors, but going by posts in this thread I take it that really was Moore?

Maus is in the haus! All three artists provided their own voices.

"I loved your Radioactive Man."
"Oh, you like that I made your favorite hero a heroin-addicted jazz critic?"
"I don't pay attention to that. I just like when he punches people."

[Marley23]

"Oh, you like that I made your favorite hero a heroin-addicted jazz critic?"
I think it was even better than that - "a heroin-addicted jazz musician who isn't radioactive?"

Quite a voice on that guy, by the way.

[Iggins]

I loved that Alan Moore played up the bat-shit insane persona. Even more respect for that guy...

[Marley23]

mobo was right, Moore's Radioactive Man was a critic, not a musician. And he wasn't radioactive. ;)

Did any other Arrested Development fans listen closely to the Tom Jones cover? I just realized "What's New Pussycat?" was translated to "Annyong Pussycat..."

[kaylasdad99]

Hello?

[cbawlmer]

Did any other Arrested Development fans listen closely to the Tom Jones cover? I just realized "What's New Pussycat?" was translated to "Annyong Pussycat..."

I assumed they chose that song specifically for that reason. I mean, what other Korean words do geeks know?

[Least Original User Name Ever]

Geeks know Korean words?

[SmackFu]

Did any other Arrested Development fans listen closely to the Tom Jones cover? I just realized "What's New Pussycat?" was translated to "Annyong Pussycat..."But "annyong" is hello, so... I vote for coincidence.

[cbawlmer]

Geeks know Korean words?

Not in general, just that one word. And only if they're Arrested Development fans, which lots of geeks are.

But "annyong" is hello, so... I vote for coincidence.

And "what's new" is an idiomatic greeting equivalent to "hello." Translations are almost never word-for-word, especially when you're trying to keep with the rhythm of music. I doubt it's a coincidence -- of all the songs in all the languages they possibly could have picked, they found a cover tune with the word "annyong" in it. The one Korean word anyone is likely to recognize, and then only some people.