The Realm of Reality
The Simpsons troubles in a post-golden era have been well documented. Every fan has a specific feature of "The Simpsons" which they prize closest, and identify as the driving force for what originally attracted them to the show's yellow glow. However these features have evolved and fragmented between seasons, one perpetual characteristic preserved the cartoon's universal appeal. Unlike animated comedies that preceded them, "The Simpsons" was, in a sense, 'real' - characters were unlikely to fall off a cliff, appearing moments later with merely a scrape and a frown to illustrate their misfortune. Outside of the 'cartoon within a cartoon' Itchy and Scratchy Show, Simpsons characters were distinctly identifiable. Their emotions, reactions, and tribulations were natural, and even if a viewer couldn't relate to a particular on-screen character, they could at the very least understand their actions. This concept served as the show's foundation, from which social commentary, satire, and the American family could be explored and exploited. The show was constructed as if played by live-actors, and the advent of animation supplemented this concept by allowing the series to explore hundreds of locations, and by incorporating a style of humour that only animation can facilitate. However, the ideology that an entertaining story necessitates a jarring, attention-seeking synopsis (revealing homosexual character, family goes to prison, child divorces parents, character is kidnapped, character adopts baby, etc) has eclipsed the show's fluidity, and the sheer volume of episodes does not excuse this ongoing concern. Simpsons viewers are being treated more and more like Family Guy viewers - nothing should be taken seriously, characters must act on impulse, and always prioritize laughs over logic. To think the attention spans of the Simpsons-viewing public has shrunk beyond recognition is not only concerning, but disrespectful. Why won't there ever be another "Lisa's Substitute" or "A Street Car Named Marge"? In a technological era of limitless sources of entertainment, it appears that the Simpsons staff does not believe their audience's patience can withstand real character development, where the grounds for a character's dilemma can actually exist in the realm of reality. Characters have reverted to their stereotypes, contributing nothing more than an updated catchphrase, and lacking the complexity that once graced the fictional town of Springfield. Small character decisions when summated as a whole have desensitized viewers. For example, when Homer destroyed Lisa's bedroom without consult by agreeing to install a telephone tower, a tiny fragment of his character's credibility was destroyed. At the time it was merely a vehicle for advancing the plot, but it is these decisions that have diminished the cartoon. When Marge and Homer, who at a time hired babysitters when they went out for an evening, flee across the country from their ten and eight-year old children, how can anyone possibly relate to the character's frame of mind? Of course, an episode that doesn't directly compare to real-life situations does not render it unsalvageable, but rather it must meet the criteria 'if this happened, this is how people would respond.' Surly a man completely unqualified for space exploration travelling into orbit stretches reality, but the manner in which the situation was dealt helped to classify that detail perfectly - unimportant. Marge's scepticism and Homer's genuine fear dismissed any feelings relating to the plausibility of the story, and instead diverted concentration onto the story and parade of gags. With this diversion no longer present, attention has been focused elsewhere. Is Homer joining the army after a short dialogue from smooth-talking recruiters supposed to be funny? Or does it raise more questions as to just what kind of program "The Simpsons" have become? Part of the Simpsons charm was its authenticity as the typical American family, but when responsibilities and conventional logic are stripped away, what remains is a product that resembles its animation predecessors. Nobody is going to defy the laws of gravity or turn into an accordion after a grand piano drops on their head, but are these unrealities all that different from "The Simpsons"? Some will refute, but the cartoon can still be funny - clearly it isn't engaging storylines that is keeping the series afloat. However, until the show remembers that television is ultimately about telling a story, their potential is constrained. A good story requires real characters, and when a character's integrity is continually ignored for a cheap, temporary gag, the direction of "The Simpsons" becomes irreversible.
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.
