As I was watching an episode this weekend, it occured to me many of the deep background/throwaway characters had been brought to the forefront. Many have even evolved or changed over the years with varying degrees of success or failure.
Flanders was kind of a jerk when the series started (remember him bragging about his RV and seemingly taunting “Simpson”). Instead of exploring him as a religious hypocrite, be became an incredible character who really was as good as advetised (Basically the Bizarro Homer).
Even smaller, Dr. Hibbert’s habit of laughing at everything kind of evolved bringing on some AWESOME moments (Like Nelson’s impersonation or when he sees the T-Shirt of the Ford peeing on the Chevy and his wife asks him doesn’t he laugh at EVERYTHING? (sternly) “Yes…Yes, I do.”).
But one that I have seen that DIDN’T do much for me was the development of Arnie Pie into Angry Artie. The whole antagonism with Kent Brockman just seemed forced by the writers to attempt to bring out a new character.
Anyones you’ve seen that bug you or that you particularly like?
I like the way they use Krusty to make fun of every kids’ show and talk show cliche. Star-studded-reunion-show Krusty, merchandising-shill Krusty, angry-stand-up-comic Krusty, things like that.
I’m still waiting for the episode where they show us Hans Moleman’s backstory.
Worst development is the attempt to cram as many peripheral characters in any given episode as possible. Worst offender I can remember was that episode where Bart and Homer were tethered to each other (a horrible episode in so many other ways, too) and there was that scene where Homer and Marge were spanked by the populace (I think this was the episode with that scene)… ugh. Particularily abused in this way is the seacaptain that goes Arrr.
Also, there doesn’t seem to be much left of Nelson besides the ha ha.
I thought Nelson had developed quite nicely with his crush of Lisa , which was NOT relegated to one episode. Since then, he has shown particular sensitivity to her.
Also funny was MILHOUSE’s crush of Lisa and his development as an even bigger loser than the Simpsons (and Homer’s disrespecting him).