Worn-out Jeans
As much as we attempt to vary our editorials, there is one undeniable theme that runs through each of our 80+ rants; the Simpsons, in whatever state they're currently in, is not the biting satirical show accentuated in its cliched "classic era". We did not pioneer this idea. Despite petty disputes between how the show has improved or deteriorated in recent years, it is generally accepted among critics, fans, and even certain Simpsons staff, that the cartoon clan approaching their 17th season just doesn't pack as hefty a punch. However, there remains one important holdout. When Al Jean relieved Mike Scully as executive producer of "The Simpsons", fans dedicated enough to know these names rejoiced. In one summer, the man who "dropped the ball" was replaced by the same writer who initially got it rolling back in season 3 and 4 (less Mike Reiss) so to say fans were optimistic about the change in regime is an understatement. Season 13 and 14 assured doubters that a throwback to the "golden age" was in the realm of possibility, but as dull episodes returned in bunches the following two years, aspirations were dashed and hopefuls sunk back into their seats. In many of our show-bashing editorials, Al Jean has been held in high regard. He took a show in ruins and attempted to rekindle the same fire that he helped build a decade earlier. As seasons 15 and 16 dragged on, and Al Jean interviews piled up, it has appeared that Jean has become more of the problem than the solution. Having well exceeded the standard 2-season run as showrunner, his compassion for the show seems misplaced and his attention to detail lost entirely. If he's still contributing the fabled 20-hour workday that he managed in seasons 3 and 4 - when he had a co-showrunner in Mike Reiss - than Jean must be wornout entirely. That is unlikely the case, and instead of pulling an all-nighter to shore up the third act for FABF06, Jean seems content in "settling" for the easy joke or obvious conclusion. What becomes most upsetting is his inability to accept what so many clearly recognize. Jean's outright refusal to acknowledge the show's slipping in quality should present tremendous concern to its fanbase. In his most recent interview taken between season 16 and 17 production, Jean attempted to clear up the confusion. "Well, I remember people saying the show had gone downhill since seasons one and two. It's just human nature. There are very few cultural things that people think are better now than they were. I don't perceive any drop in quality." This naivety diminishes his claims that "the next season is as good as we've ever done". Perhaps Jean truly believes the show is still running smoothly or maybe he has yet to come to terms with the fact that not even he can reassemble the fragments left from Scully. For his sake, I hope it's the latter, but as long as he continues to dismiss criticism as "human nature" he is hindering any form of recovery. When questioned in 2003, Jean fired a bolder, more depressing remark. "My mom gives me criticism on certain episodes. But we won the Emmy last year, we're nominated again this year, the ratings are up - I won't agree that things are going downhill." Does he think fans will be comforted knowing the showrunner perceives no dip in quality? Evidently he chooses to ignore general fan feedback, as he cites continuity as their key to longevity. As actors on live-action programs age, "the viewer looks at it and says, "The show isn't the show I loved 10 years ago. That doesn't happen to us." Unless Jean has been on the moon for the last ten years with his "eyes shut and his fingers in his ears", there is no excuse for such an ill-informed comment. Worse yet is Jean's confusion as to what made the golden era so golden. "I was happy to write "Lisa's Sax" but I don't exactly know why it's such a fan favourite." Lisa's Sax was a perfect blend of humour and storytelling - it was Al Jean at his finest. If he cannot understand what made that episode standout in a monotonous season 9, how can he be expected to lead the show back to former glory when he's forgotten where it came from? I hope season 17 depreciates this editorial. I hope my misplaced speculation and doubts are resolved. Like it or not, Jean has publicized that he intends to "ride this gravy train until it crashes". As a dedicated supporter of Jean through good and bad, I can only bash the show so long without holding the executive producer partly responsible. If Jean can't remember the formula for what attracted millions of fans to "The Simpsons", maybe they need to find someone who does. 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.
