The newspaper article I read indicated she only did Maude’s voice, and she was leaving because she was tired of the commute.
It may not have been the worst episode but it wasn’t far off. Maybe the irreverence was not a reflection on Maude’s character but toward the voice actor that “abandoned” the show. IIRC there was a huge bonus clause in the voice actor’s contract if they all made it to the 2004 season.
Wanted to chime in that the show was indeed a disappointment.
As a true Simpsons fan, I’m sorry to see that the show appears far past its prime.
I make virtually no effort to watch the new episodes -never miss the ones in syndication, though- and the new ones I do catch all lack the spunk of the earlier ones.
The show has definitely gone south and this episode is as good an indication as any that the end may be near.
I must disagree with all the folks saying that the show has gone downhill. Yes, last night’s episode was not great, but there have been some KICK ASS episodes this year. Homer grows Tomacco? How about when Bart becomes a jockey and Homer falls into Jockey-Land??
One bad episode does not at all signify the demise of the show.
I agree. I think if you compare a contemporary episode with one from the first season it’s not even close. It’s just that we are so used to the extreme level of quality from the show that anything less is a huge letdown. Even a ‘great’ Simpsons is disappointing.
By the way, ANY time Cletus appears I laugh my head off, that was MY highlight of the episode… “yuh-huk!”
Sweet Basil
_
I’m just glad that Willie didn’t get the ax. I thought the episode was good, not great. It all happened so suddenly though, it wasn’t really a shock. This season’s shows have been weird, but I still love it all the same. Also, is it just me or does Flanders have a really large y’know male piece?
“The idea of a walk-in closet sounds frightening. If I’m ever sittin’ at home and a closet walks in, I’m gettin’ outta there.” ~George Carlin
There’s much speculation about that on the Simpsons newsgroup. Some say he does, others say Homer blurred a larger area than necessary to lead people on (the potential viewers of the dating video that the shot of Ned in the altogether was in). I say the animators were just messing with the show’s viewers.
Remember, I’m pulling for you; we’re all in this together.
—Red Green
Hey that sounds right,
Do you know if there are any good Simpsons message boards out there?
“The idea of a walk-in closet sounds frightening. If I’m ever sittin’ at home and a closet walks in, I’m gettin’ outta there.” ~George Carlin