For What It's Worth
"The beetle-browed people on the Internet seem to have no life except The Simpsons. They see everything as part of a vast plan, but boy, is there ever no vast plan! Go figure! That's why they're on the Internet and we're writing the show."
- Ian-Maxtone Grahame
[In response to Nohomers.net questions] "I want to thank everyone, not only for asking interesting questions, but also because I feel like we have some real friends and fans out there, people we would never have known about were it not for NHC. It honestly makes a difference to know you're out there."
- Josh Weinstein
"We were pitching new names for characters and I pitched the names of all three members of the Flanders family: Ned, Rod and Todd. Everyone was looking at me like 'Tune in, eight o'clock Sundays!'"
- Ian-Maxtone Grahame
"We were huge fans of the show before we started working on it in Season 3 -- even before we worked on it, we felt it was the best. show. ever."
- Josh Weinstein
Ian Maxtone Grahame: Writer/Co-executive Producer seasons 9-present
Bill Oakley and Josh Weinstein: Writers/Executive Producers seasons 3-8
Hundreds of hands work to create "The Simpsons", and while most of their faces are unrecognized among fans, there is a certain comfort in thinking that the personalities that bring Springfield alive, are for lack of a better term, "nice". Society in general seems to adore modesty in those who may have much to boast. Typically, as success and approval begin to grow, so too does confidence. And when confidence crosses the ego barrier into arrogance, there seems to be a disconnection between celebrity and fans, as the struggles to achieve fame along with the assistance from friends and family are often forgotten altogether. Although these quotes present merely a snapshot, a brief glimpse into the characters of two different sets of Simpsons writers, it is enough to divulge into the essence of their character.
However a TV show becomes successful, there is one variable that ultimately decides the fate of that program - the fans. In an era where watching "The Simpsons" has deviated slightly from pleasure to chore, it is reassuring to feel appreciated by the show's crew, especially when that crew's portfolio spreads across the fan-defined "golden age". Perhaps Grahame's words, taken from a 1999 interview, are out of context, but to a long-time supporter of the show, who is constantly forced to defend its significance to friends and family baffled by my fascination, the comments are nothing short of a slap in the face. Just who am I defending? What am I trying to uphold? Since Grahame's pretentious remarks, I have slowly disassociated myself with the cartoon, discussing and analyzing its highs and lows only with a small number who share in my passion. No longer do I feel compelled to correct a casual-viewing friend who states as an aside "The Simpsons sucks now" with an overblown "it's still good" rant. In an obscure sense, I felt cheated by "The Simpsons". I used to buy the crappy comics, reply to "top 25 episodes EVER" threads, and above all else, hold "The Simpsons" staff in the highest regard as I knew how. And however honest Grahame's comments were, it indefinitely altered my perspective.
Enter 2005, when it was announced at Nohomers that past Simpsons writers and showrunners Bill Oakley and Josh Weinstein would be fielding questions and discussing "The Simpsons" with all internet-accessible fans. Oakley and Weinstein may not be household names in the writing industry (yet), but to Simpsons fans, they're as big as it gets. In one week in October and again in January (and inbetween answering questions here) Oakley and Weinstein did what to many in the business would dub unthinkable, especially considering the critical nature of Nohomer's members. Not only did they thoroughly reply to both compliments and criticisms, they seemed genuinely content in discussing a show they have been removed from for nearly a decade. Many of their counterparts may have long-forgotten, but Oakley and Weinstein vividly remembered what it was like to be fans themselves. They tackled fan's scepticisms with self-criticisms, admitting their (comparatively small) mistakes while taking pride in their accomplishments and sharing credit in their triumphs. It was a refreshing site to behold, and although no longer affiliated with "The Simpsons", my respect for the show was somewhat restored. These guys helped create the success story behind "The Simpsons" and while they may be more grounded than certain parts of the current staff, surly their admirable ethics and unwavering dedication has been passed down since their departure. "The Simpsons" staff may not be the perfectly aligned combination of the mid-90's when humour flowed like a bolt of electricity from one writer to the next, but a slight emergence in season 17 proves that there is still magic being made in the California studio. Perhaps the next time I hear "The Simpsons sucks now", I'll decide to fire back a "Now wait just one minute..."
By Jason LevyLegal Notice and Disclaimer: "The Simpsons" TM and FOX and its related companies. All rights reserved. This site, its operators, and any content on this site relating to The Simpsons are not authorized by FOX.
