There were a lot of recycled ideas, gags, and scenes in “Stealing First Base”. Besides the narrative repetition of Bart getting another girlfriend and Lisa feeling unloved, there were a few specific things as well. The most direct of these came near the beginning, when Bart walked into class to see chaos in Mrs. Krabappel’s absence. Of course, this is extremely similar to the opening of Season 2’s “Lisa’s Substitute”. In “Stealing First Base” the opening chaos in the classroom runs for twenty seconds before we have any dialogue. It includes Nelson spitting in books, Lewis putting a firecracker in…
Tag: Stealing First Base
Crazy Noises: Stealing First Base
“Now, let’s discuss the, um, moe-tive” – Chief Wiggum In our continuing mission to bring you only the finest in low class, low brow, and low tech internet Simpsons commentary we’re bringing back our “Crazy Noises” series and applying it to Season 21. Because doing a podcast smacks of effort we’re still using this “chatroom” thing that all the middle schoolers and undercover cops seem to think is so cool. This text has been edited for clarity and spelling (especially on “gripe”). Sometimes a Zombie Simpsons episode is so sloppy and meandering, so devoid of humor, that it’s nigh impossible…
Synergy Feasts on Crumbs
When it comes to “reviewing” Zombie Simpsons, IGN basically has two tools at its disposal: low standards and positive spin. This week’s sycophantic drivel is heavy on the latter. These aren’t recycled ideas that have been done much better in the past, they’re “variations of themes”. Sarah Silverman’s character (hereafter referred to as “Girlfriend #8”) isn’t a one dimensional character who exists only to kiss and longboard, she’s a “female version of Bart”. Skinner and Willy kissing for hours isn’t wholly unnecessary filler, it “was probably funnier on paper”. It can’t be easy to suck stale crumbs off the floor…
Out of Frame, Out of Mind
“I have to go now, my planet needs me.” – Poochie There is a lot to dislike about last night’s craptacular Zombie Simpsons. But I’d like to draw your attention to what may be it’s most persistent conceit: the dropping of characters, sometimes right in the middle of a scene. First, consider the scene where Lisa is briefly popular before Ms. Hoover illogically shows up on the playground to hand back her corrected test. Is there any reason for Hoover to be on the playground at that moment? Was this so critical that she ran screaming out of the…
Just Nitpicking
“Wait, that did end in heartbreak. Thanks for opening up old wounds, Mom.” – Bart Simpson The irrelevant and drawn out couch gag is a good indication of the lack of comedy invention within. The comedic growth of this show cannot even be charted. It is treading water in a sea of recycled plots and derivative montages. The numbers continue to be awful, with this week’s shit sandwich watched by only 5.69 million people. That’s not as bad as last week, but it’s still the fourth lowest number ever. Unfortunately it’s looking more and more likely that Season 21 will…
Sunday Preview: “Stealing First Base” (Reprise!)
“How many times can you laugh at that cat getting hit by the moon?” – Marge Simpson “It’s a new episode.” – Bart Simpson “Not exactly… they pieced it together from old shows, but it seems new to the trusting eyes of impressionable youth.” – Lisa Simpson “Really?” – Bart Simpson “‘Ren and Stimpy’ do it all the time.” – Lisa Simpson Note: We posted this last Sunday, but “Stealing First Base” finally is on tonight. Recycling the post seemed appropriate and further, laziness isn’t a crime. The mercilessly unfunny Sarah Silverman guest stars on tonight’s next Sunday’s tonight’s “Stealing…
Sunday Preview: “Stealing First Base”
The mercilessly unfunny Sarah Silverman guest stars on tonight’s next Sunday’s “Stealing First Base,” which Simpsons Channel describes for us: Lisa’s classmates ostracize her for being an overachiever but the First Lady Michelle Obama (guest voice Angela Bassett) comes to Lisa’s defense. Meanwhile, Bart’s crush Nikki (guest voice Sarah Silverman) sends him mixed signals when she surprises him with a kiss. So faux-First Lady, love interest number 8,000,0005, and a humdrum plot. Sounds riveting. Get the popcorn ready. Correction: Looks like I jumped the gun a week early, but I still stand by everything else I wrote. Also.