“The Simpsons” has changed over the years. Much like an aged grandparent who goes from refusing the hearing aid and dentures, to refusing to acknowledge that such a need even exists…our favorite characters have evolved.
For example, take Milhouse. In the beginning, he was a nerd, but above all, a somewhat lovable one. After all, he did find “true love” before Bart did (Samantha Stankey, anyone?). And in that every same episode, his friendship with Bart seemed to mean something. He was pretty lame, but not hated.
Now it’s as though the writers are taking out all their frustrations-marital, sexual, job related and otherwise-out on the poor kid. Homer in particular seems to hate him…“Wiggum? He couldn’t catch cooties at Milhouse’s birthday party!” Not only that, but he now apparently is a bed-wetter, who sports Teletubbies underwear, and runs crying to his mother during bad song/dance routines. Oh yes, and he cries at recess. Bart doesn’t even seem to hang out with him anymore…all of his big adventures tend to happen with Lisa now. Well, not counting that three adventures episode.
Then there’s Disco Stu who went from a non-existing entity to a fully developed fringe character. Good for him.
Let’s not forget Homer, either…in the early episodes, he was actually a pretty strict authoritarian dad. I mean, he did lay down the law in the Itchy and Scratchy movie episode, and he was always yelling at Bart. Now it’s Homer with all the wacky adventures and stupid stunts. Whenever he punishes Bart, it’s usually because the boy has been particularly annoying.
Oh, yeah, and Bart doesn’t call up Moe anymore. Hell…Moe has changed. He’s become decidedly more emotionally troubled as the series has progressed.
Any character developments that you dopers have noticed?
Just my feeling.