"The Simpsons", as many TV trivia buffs recall, moved from creator Matt Groening's cartoon strips to animated action on the old "Tracey Ullman Show" on Fox about seven years ago. The two minutes or so that the the Simpsons short clip occupied blatently contrasted with the rest of Ullman's variety show. The animation was experiencing severe growing pains, as the characters' heads were all about double the size of their counterparts of today. Not to mention, those original Ullman shorts, well, stunk. The character's names were hardly mentioned, never mind the complete abscence of any comic identity.
So it was a miracle of sorts that Fox decided to take a risk and give the Simpsons a fighting chance, with a half hour Christmas special. It would turn out to be the defining holiday special of the decade. We knew the characters' names now, so with that out of the way, we could now enjoy their wonderful demeanors. Homer, the Simpson father, was obnoxious and bumbling, but in a lovable sort of way. Mother Marge was the picture of motherly love, and the size of her hair made it a very large picture. Their son, Bart, would be more aptly named Brat. He was a smooth talking, mischieveous lad, sure to have his share of troubles. Of course, he became an instant idol to nearly every boy in America. Lisa, the daughter, was virtually angelic. Brainy and kind, she can't believe this is her family. Lucky for us, it is.
And oh, the town of Springfield! The Simpsons' hometown was certainly unique, and its inhabitants only added fuel to the fire. From Homer's boss, the eternally greedy Mr. Burns, to the humble Pakistani convenience store owner, Apu, Springfield played off the Simpson family like Abbott off Costello. Ned Flanders, Krusty the Clown, Chief Wiggum, Otto the bus driver, and countless others. If you have no idea who these characters are, you owe it yourself to watch the show. Why? Because "The Simpsons" is not a kiddie show like most people think.
Don't get me wrong, it was a kids' program when it started way back when. My, how things have changed. "The Simpsons" has transformed from an average cartoon the kids can laugh at, to producing most of the best adult (that's right, adult) comedy on TV. For four seasons, "The Simpsons" has been the satire factory, lampooning just about everything we hold sacred in this world. From the American family, to the royal family, to the first family, the show's writers have made biting attacks at scores of heralded figures, all through the actions of the simple Simpsons of Springfield. A guy most of you might know, Conan O' Brien, was the head writer for a couple of "Simpsons" seasons, and he started a comedy carnival that hasn't shown any signs of growing stale. Talented authors like O' Brien, combine with terrific voiceover work to create a masterpiece. Dan Castellaneta is particularly wonderful as the voice of hilarious dolt Homer. Julie Kavner's gravel-like tone gives Marge a distinctive dialect. Also pivotal are Harry Shearer, Hank Azaria, and Phil Hartman, who lend their voices to tons of secondary characters.
Well, that's all I can say. I'm usually able to describe an excellent show much more vividly, but watch "The Simpsons", and see why it's a television gem that speaks for itself a whole lot better.
Comments? I'd love to hear them. art@benzene.net
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