I have to say, I wasn't expecting much going into this episode. Didn't sound exciting on paper, though I have been clamoring for a more original plot, so maybe I brought this one on myself. Though I will say it picked up in the second half with the CIA and Bart's attempt at espionage.
The ending "It's good enough! Let's go home!" is what I feel like the writers really say when pumping out most Simpsons episodes these days.
Again with the bleeping on this show! But at least it led to something a lot funnier this time, with the David Mamet joke.
Highlight of the episode (easily): The A-Team of Finland!
"You wear a disguise to look like human guys, but you're not a man, you're a chicken, Boo!"
Quite an above-average episode, I thought. I liked Homer's addiction to crappy TV (coming full-circle with the E! True Hollywood Story and Inside the Actor's Studio) better than Bart trying to sabotage his country. But I did like the swerve of Homer getting Bart the bike in the end.
Nice inside joke with the Inside The Actor's Studio spoof --- apparently there when the Simpsons cast was actually on the show, Julie Kavner refused to perform the Marge voice live.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." --- Bart Giamatti, on baseball
Originally posted by Big BadNice inside joke with the Inside The Actor's Studio spoof --- apparently there when the Simpsons cast was actually on the show, Julie Kavner refused to perform the Marge voice live.
Geez Julie; you've become a multi-millionare based on the character alone- just do the damn voice.
I seem to recall everyone else had no problems doing their character voices on the episode of ITAS and they seemed to be having fun (or at least faking it for the cameras and audience).
Considering The Simpsons' first major competition they had to overcmoe was The Cosby Show; I bet the older writers had fun coming up with all the 80's sitcome cliches.
For his bluster, I was surprised at how passive Melvin was in the first two rounds. He really was giving Josh a wide berth, with his offense only being those defensive chokes. Armchair quarterbacking, I kept yelling at him to throw a friggin' punch.
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