TV: The Simpsons 500th Episode

So its come to this: The Simpsons have hit 500 episodes! However, rather than have a whole episode focus on it, it decides instead to present a fairly average Simpsons episode. While the show isn’t as funny as it used to be, to the point where many considered it irrelevant years ago, that doesn't mean it can’t still provide a few good laughs, some Homer-level stupidity and an enjoyable 20 minutes which is basically all I’ve ever asked for. The couch gag is the only scene that directly acknowledges the new milestone, flashing through every cough gag the show has ever made. It has an almost tearjerking effect, on me at least keep in mind that I am a bit of a fanatic. Of course being The Simpsons it rapidly cuts to Homer strangling Bart and then moves on. 

The plot revolves around Springfield finally having enough of the Simpsons and deciding to exile them from the town. They find new life in a community outside of town, The Outlands, but find they miss Springfield; and maybe the citizens of Springfield miss them too. Of course in the new town, they get a new theme song and new hillbilly styled clothes. This may sound similar to other episodes, even the recent Simpsons Movie, but lets be honest there’s no plot they haven’t done at this point. The best we can hope for is that they can present it differently enough and with enough moments of hilarity to keep us entertained which this episode definitely does. Homer’s breakdown is brilliant (“Manning up!... Girling down!!!”) and Maggie even gets stuff to do, although her Mad Max-esque turn is rather far-fetched. 

The scenes of Homer and Marge sneaking back to Springfield are sweet and touching, although they do miss out by having them go to some odd places rather than more classic locations - say the golf course where they first made love. They also briefly acknowledge things that the show has traditionally ignored, like Homer's changing voice and the fact Maggie never cries. The guest appearance of Julian Assange is surprisingly well handled, he doesn't hijack the episode nor does his appearance seem totally random - he even gets a few good lines. 

It’s when the episode moves into the final act that some cracks start to appear in the plot. After kicking Homer and Marge out of town for a second time, people gradually start to come to their new community, for no good reason at all. It’s not really said if they miss the family or they just like the idea of The Outlands. Anyway they all move in and set up a new version of Springfield, essentially resetting the episode. 

But after 500 episodes I can’t bring myself to totally insult the show, its still brilliant after all this time and probably will continue to be until they finally let it die.