There was actually a time when I was passionate about this show (when I read the incredible tongue-bathing My Sister My Sitter got, I was ready to throw things…more on that later). I had barely begun my second stint at college when I completely lost all passion for this show, and I think I may have seen eight episodes (and the movie) since. So suffice to say that I’m fine leaving this incredible long-runner be.
Just a few tiny tidbits before I can leave in peace:
If you have a really long memory, you’ll recall that in Bart Gets Hit By A Car, Bart goes to Hell, whereupon the Devil tells him “You’re not supposed to be here until the Yankees win the World Series again. That’s not going to happen for a hundred years.” Question: After a well-publicized sporting event that happened on October 26, 1996, was there ANY reaction whatsoever? Jokes, a mention in the magazine, a mention on another Fox show, a tribute cartoon, anything? If Homer and Bart could give a little tribute to the end of The Cosby Show, I think this deserved something.
Were there any repercussions to Groundskeeper Willie being deported? The way it went down (a quickie thrown-in closing gag) made it look like they weren’t serious, but I don’t recall him being used again.
Did anything from the movie stick? I already know that Dr. Nick Riviera didn’t stay dead. My guesses are that the bullies were shocked by Martin finally standing up to them but recovered, “Harry Plopper” stuck around for a bit before fading out, the lake eventually got cleaned up, and Mr. Burns regained his wealth because Mr. Burns ALWAYS regains his wealth.
Was there anything on the show (or any other Fox show) about the 2012 Olympics logo? NBC’s rights limited their options, obviously, but I could see them having a little fun with it…say, Nelson walks by a poster, squints, frowns, and says “Eh, not seeing it,” while Bart just sits on the curb and grumbles because he’s still miffed over Springfield losing an Olympic bid.
Lastly…why did My Sister, My Sitter get a free pass? I don’t recall anyone who has it on their list of “Worst Episode Ever”. Look, even if you hate Lisa (and I think Mr. Burns deserves it a lot more and am baffled at the free pass he gets, but that’s another issue), you have to agree that this episode was a horribly written, incoherent mess. If you want an episode where Lisa is put in her place, there are several where she’s not dragged through the mud in the most childish, ham-handed, unwatchable way imaginable. Of all the episodes that no one ever dares criticize, this one irks me the most.