Rate/Review: Pray Anything (EABF06)

[Andy]

Hey, folks. Please review tonight's new episode in this very nicely-made thread here.

this thread will remain closed until the finish of tonight's episode. also, whoever wants to change my 'meh' poll options can do so.

[Sam]

Pray Anything:

Pros
-Good premise
-Noticeable, and more compact plot
-No Jerkass Homer (exept to Flanders, which is in-character)
-More witty lines
-In character Lovejoy and Flanders
-I felt it really tied together nicely with Colonel Sanders

Cons
-Richtexan

5/5. Couldnt have hoped for much better from this ep. I'm rating it based on what I thought it could amount to. On another scale, it was about 3/5 due to not very many laugh out loud moments.

Post Classified As: First In Thread!

(Beep)

[defrocked]

2/5 A few pretty funny parts amidst so much lame.

[nowhere]

Dreadful.
1/5
Seriously that sucked.

[Toxic Monkey]

boooooooooooooooooooooooo, worst of season.

2/5, coz of their fox bashing and the "holly shi.." part.

[Kefka]

This was a very MEH episode. Not very many good jokes. The only part I laughed at was the Blackboard. WTF was up with that speaking in Tongues shit... that was kinda stupid.

Did anyone notice when Lovejoy was driving away, it just seemed the animators got lazy and just dragged the car down the road? It lookec ompletely lame.

[HellBender]

3/5

An average episode with a few good jokes. But nothing great

[Necromancer]

That was painful. 2/5

[Stackhouse]

Ewww... 2/10

[Drayken II]

Rather good, however flanders seemed a bit off and gay, as did moe.

[Mafia]

not too bad. not too good. some good jokes. an interesting episode, but it lacked enough jokes to keep me attached. nice to here maggie rosewell (if that is indeed her name) as Helen.

[Gagnonsux]

Actually this was the best Homer episode of this season. I thought the story was pretty good, didn't get too wacky, and Homer was not overly jerky. The only thing this episode lacked were many truly great jokes and am abrupt ending. I'd put this episode in the upper half of this season's episodes.

[she-gles]

awesome episode

[or_smth]

Arr Matey,

This just goes to further the proof that the episodes this season are turning out to be the opposite of our anticipation. I thought this episode might actually be good

I found it pretty stupid to begin with, no real tie-in between scenes, idiotic. Not only was it offensive to a multitude of people, it was offense in a way that makes you angry at it. In previous years it had been with class, this was just a bunch of random things thrown in.

I can't describe it further because there wasn't any real redeaming points. I laughed at the ending scene just for the shear oddity of it but nothing else.

1.5/5. Did we really need a 15 second shock scene? It had already been done about 4 episodes ago.

[doyle]

didnt meet my expectations. it wasnt very funny at all. no really good religion jokes. the carl scene was terrible i want to forget this one and look forward to barting over.

2.5/5

[Urts]

I enjoyed this episode quite a bit more than the last two. There were some lame jokes and Homer was a bit of a jerkass at times, but I really thought it worked out well. I laughed out loud several times. I also enjoyed the element of divine mystery that this episode captured.

The third act was a bit lagging, but this episode was an improvement. Would've loved to see Hutz play that lawyer, though. :(

Rating: 4/5

[NoOneFamous]

"Spongebob is not a contraceptive" = funny chalkboard gag, and good jab at the annoying Spongebob fad! Hey that rhymes!

couch gag = ???

As seems to be the trend lately (especially in The Great Louse Detective), act one was nothing more than a series of gags, most of which were really lame, with things such as Moe wanting to marry Gil as a basketball, more annoying TV parodies (that really aren't funny anymore - you cant just make up any random TV show idea and say "ON FOX!" and expect it to be funny), Homer's annoying whining and screaming, and the monkey throwing the diaper at the judge. Almost every gag in the 1st act was either childish, stupid, or meant for shock value. I'm really sick of the entire first act being nothing more than a series of loosely connected gags.

Then, we get into the main plot in act 2... or, at least, I thought it was going to. This episode was really all over the place. First, Homer keeps praying. Then, their house is unsuitable to live in AGAIN, because of some stupid reason. How many times has the Simpsons home had problems? Its a plot device that they've used WAY too many times. So, the rest of the episode is filled with more terribly lame gags, and the flood?? WTF?? I realize its supposed to be like Noah's arc, but I was hoping they wouldn't make it *that* biblical. The entire town also flooded in like 1 minute! This, along with last week's "Strong Arms of the Ma" and many episodes recently, is the type where I think "ok, this has got to be a dream or something!" But it never is! And you know what else is stupid? God flooded the town because of a simple beer party! Nobody was really doing anything super evil, they were just getting drunk! The whole flood thing was totally ridiculous. This episode felt preachy, unlike the other religion episodes, which discussed religious topics, not shoved them down your throat.

So, this episode pretty much had all the problems that plague the new episodes: too much surrealism (yeah, I know the flood is a biblical story, but still), a plot thats all over the place, no real focus of a conflict (or too many conflicts rather than one focused one), rushed ending, poor characterisation (like making Flanders seem gay just for a stupid joke) and lame joke after lame joke. When I say lame joke, I mean it - I only laughed once or twice this entire episode. Also, this episode seemed very rude and hate-filled... I want the Simpsons to cheer me up, not make me mad.

1/5: F - A total throwaway episode, my new worst of the season.

[gravymaster]

3/5
I thought it was pretty good, and not as wacky as I feared it would be.
Pros
-Homer playing air guitar with the cross
-Church beer blast
-Rod and Tod speaking in tongues
-Gil and Moe
Cons
-Texan dancing (totally stupid)
-Some of the jokes fell a bit flat and seemed akward

Why do I get the feeling that some religious groups are going to be in a tiff over this episode?

[Compdude]

I was very disappointed. At a glance, almost nothing was funny or clever. The only two noticeable exeptions were Lovejoy's "Holy shiiiiiiiining light", and that deligthful godly ending.

2/5. I am so pumped for the 300th episode next week though.

[Blue Phoenix]

(1/5) Simply God-awful

Stappled together plot that was an excuse to tell joke after joke. Another Homer is an idiot episode. Flanders has become a shallow one trait gag character.

I did find the Buddha joke humorus and it did show the writing staff remebers what faith Lisa is.

[Tomacco]

A very mixed bag of an episode.
The WNBA game didn't eat up too much time, and the Gil/Mascot gag made it worth it. They jumped to the theme of the episode pretty fast, and therefore didn't waste much time. However, the third act spent a lot of time on randomness, which detracted from the episode. Most of the cons were in this act, particularly the Rod and Todd speaking in tongues, the two of every animal gag, the strip poker (what the hell was that?), and Carl worshipping the deer head.
I felt Homer was a bit of a "jerkass" in this episode actually, more than usual this season. I've also noticed this season they've been forcing Homer's "Mmmms" a lot. There's been about 8 of them this season alone, contrary to about 8 between seasons 11-12. However, Lovejoy's participation in the episode was nice, as well as Ned.

Well, all in all the story was pretty good. I didn't mind the flooding so much. I thought it was much worse in "Mom and Pop Art". The ending was fine. The episode's biggest problem was that too many jokes fell flat, or maybe there just weren't enough jokes in general. Basically, very few laughs, but fairly solid and original storyline.

3/5 - Could have been better, with humor mostly.

[Andy]

Tonight's episode was pretty funny, and it's probably one of the better ones this year... but the third act was rather mmm... far-fetched. It almost seemed like they wanted to tack on Lisa's 'scientific' explanations to make the scene the least bit realistic. But still, the rest had some very funny moments.

[Bubble Crum]

I love every episode but this one8 didn't really work much for me. The concept worked but didn't follow through. My favorites were Basketball Gil which was good only a short time and a joke that actually slips my mind so it couldn't have been that good. 3/5 third worst behind Treehouse and Helter Shelter.

[frostilicous]

I thought it was great until the very end....Would have been a lot better if Homer just lost the church with Flanders suing Homer for all of the stuff that he's stole over the years, or have the bear from the bear patrole episode come invade the place.

I hate the idea that there can't be a conclusion that is "anti-religion"

[Stackhouse]

Wow.. quite a bit of mixed reviews.

[Datoupee]

Another amazing episode 5/5. I won't read anymore comments about these new episodes because it is clear that many of you enjoy saying bad things about the show. For the hard work with writing and producing these episodes... i feel they are amazing and better then any other program on tv.

[Wavy Gravy]

Praise be the glory of God! I loved this episode, and as I have still yet to see EABF02, "Special Edna", this edges out DABF18, "Large Marge" as my Season 14 favorite. I seriously felt like I was watching something from the Oakley-Weinstein era. Great gags, great plot, great animation, and a great ending that wasn't totally out of the blue (well, in a way it was, but you know what I mean). I loved seeing Homer's reversion to a man of God, and all the different things he prayed for. The smaller things were good too - Lisa Leslie's guest appearance, Gil as Ms. Swish, that lawyer character (who will definetely be the episode bio in my guide page for this one), Lovejoy preaching at the Bowl-A-Rama, and every Flanders scene was dead-on accurate for his character. Seeing how Homer redid the church was great. And I loved all the minor character appearances (Gil, Colonel Tex, SLH, Dr. Nick, Lenny and Carl, Helen Lovejoy, Wiseguy, Rod and Todd, etc.) All in all, a sensational classic - I hope we see more of Neal Boushell in the future. 5/5!

[FlawlessFlanders]

It was okay, I'd say about 4/5.

It was a lower episode in this season, but it was still pretty good.

[Mr. Plow]

An odd, but funny episode. I need to rewatch it again though, since I didn't really catch all the jokes. Some fell pretty flat. 4/5.

[HomertheGreat]

a mixed-bag episode for me, a lot of jokes fell flat mostly all of the Moe jokes (what the hell where those about?) but I think a plus for this episode was that it was very plot driven. Rev Lovejoy and Flanders played very good roles in the episode. I didn't really mind the flood I thought it tied into the episode well. And I loved the ending with God and Kernal Sanders that was hilarious. OVERALL- 3.5/5

[Handsome Pete]

This episode could have had some potential, but it was completely squandered in favor of lame jokes and an utterly inconceivable story. Frankly, the story was way too out-there for me, and that wouldn't be terrible if it had not been for all the lousy jokes that were strewn about in this episode. The Rich Texan's dancing, the church homewarming, Rod and Todd speaking in tongues...it was just all handled horribly. Sure, there were a few good ones (Colonel Sanders as God's right-hand man, for example), but these were spacing far apart from each other. Also, the pacing was odd. The first act went along well, but the second and third just sped along too quickly. By the time the Simpsons owned the deed to the church, I was going, "What just happened here?"

Overall, 2/5. First act got a 3/5, the second a 1/5, and the third one got about a 1.5. I mean it when I say that God must have hated this episode.

[JonMDavis]

Is it possible to erase 30 minutes from one's memory? This was easily (easily) one of the worst 25 episodes ever, in my opinion. I liked the chalk board gag, but was that the first time it had to do with sex? Can't recall. Anyways, the plot was just dredful and the first segment was quite possibly the worst I have ever seen. The WNBA bit was terrible, and didn't they just have an opening segment revolve around hockey? The only thing that kept it from being the worst episode ever was the third segment and the monkey skating, which wasn't exactly great. Very few of the jokes worked for me. They played Moe too far and for too many times. I was beginning to like this season as a whole, but this one was a huge step back for me.

1/5

[Stina]

It was okay.

3/5

[Tomacco]

It's gonna feel so weird to see two new episodes in a row next week.
I hope both are good, or that the second one is good. Cuz if the 1st one is good, and the second one sucks, I still leave with a bad taste in my mouth.

But truthfully, my hopes for "Barting Over" have gone up lately. It's been so long since we've had an episode showing Homer's love for Bart.

[whoismrbungle]

1/5

What the hell? What was this? It wasn't even funny.

It made next to no sense, had a bunch of stupid topical references, and didn't even have any satire on religion.

Even Lenny and Carl have been cheapened.

Don't get me wrong, I'm open to the new episodes as being good, as why not, they can, but this one just sucked totally.

The Simpsons are dead in my mind. Its been coming to this for a while, and this episode proves it.

Wow, I can't believe any of you enjoyed it. Did you guys see Shanghai Knights this weekend?

See, its jokes like that, that plague the simpsons now. Tony Soprano Church Board? NOT FUNNY.

Nevermind.

[Dennis]

I stopped watching after about 15 minutes from disgust. But it wasnt that godawful...oh wait, yes it was. 1/5.

[Tomacco]

Wow, seems people are giving this worse reviews than "Helter Shelter". Hmm.

Well, rest easy because the writers of this episode were only one-time guest writers, and will never write another Simpsons episode again.

[Lard Lad Donuts]

Loved It! 5/5

[doyle]

Originally posted by Tomacco


Well, rest easy because the writers of this episode were only one-time guest writers, and will never write another Simpsons episode again. thank god for that

[~B+]

I'm surprised this got such bad reviews... thought it was pretty hilarious.

4/5

~B+:

[whoismrbungle]

really? one time ordeal?


Good. They sucked. We need Conan to come write a few.

[Drayken II]

Originally posted by Tomacco
Wow, seems people are giving this worse reviews than "Helter Shelter". Hmm.

Well, rest easy because the writers of this episode were only one-time guest writers, and will never write another Simpsons episode again.
Helter shelter was a steaming pile, but the one with frank grimes jr (damn, can't remember the name) is the worst of the season IMHO.
I'm not getting my hopes up for barting over. It just seems like "we got 300 episodes, and will make lame jokes referencing that for the entire episode" kind of premise. From what I've seen of the Tony Hawk skating part, its just another stupid pop culture reference trying to appeal to the new, younger audience.

[Moose of Doom!]

:sigh: This could've been so much better. Yes, my family laughed, but not as much as Strong Arms of the Ma or even The Blunder Years. The jokes that did work though were hilarious.

Good-
Bacon-Fudge
Gil's latest job
This season's first new character (and replacement for Lionel Hutz)

Bad-
Animation seemed off.
Another pointless guest voice (funny lines though)

Ugly-
Flanders' behavior
Flanders' voice
Watching this episode and switching to Inside the Actor's Studio during the commmercial (We laughed so much much more at ItAS)

EDIT: the 300th commercial: Strangling gag good, midair battle weird, and Lisa's 300X time just bad.

[whoismrbungle]

Isn't Blink 182 supposed to be in it?

The only good episode of the season has been the private eye one.

Yeah, but let's stick to the topic at hand.

What was good in this episode? I can't think of anything worth while. When I see my friend tommorow, there is nothing I can bring up to laugh about. That's never happened to me in any episodde before.

[thecapecoddah]

3/5, several good gags but all in all not a memorable episode. The rich Texan needs to die or at least stop dancing. I also noticed that Ned's voice sounded weird at times, but it didn't bother me too much.

[Maddog53]

I had bad reception, and right now I'm going through a personal crisis, yet I still found time to post a review over at TV Tome. Click here. (http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/EpisodeReviewPage/showid-146/epid-165527/blockid-97961/)

Gotta run.

Maddog.

[Gagnonsux]

I'm surprised so many people are singling this episode out for having bad jokes. Every episode this season has had a fair number of jokes that bombed. This episode seemed about average in regard to bad jokes, I think they have become more noticed due to less laugh out loud great jokes.

[Tomacco]

The Grimes Jr. episode just finished re-airing 5 minutes ago. "The Great Louse Detective" is what it's called.

And they won't be mentioning the 300th episode thing during the actual episode since it was made before they intended it to be the 300th episode. Maybe a chalkboard gag about it, but thats probably all.

[Drayken II]

Originally posted by whoismrbungle
Isn't Blink 182 supposed to be in it?


Only helps to prove my point.

[whoismrbungle]

oh yeah! Tonite had a bunch of good jew jokes thrown in.

I'm guessinf that the shows writers for today were jewish, as who else could have gotten away with it.

[Drayken II]

Originally posted by Tomacco
The Grimes Jr. episode just finished re-airing 5 minutes ago. "The Great Louse Detective" is what it's called.

And they won't be mentioning the 300th episode thing during the actual episode since it was made before they intended it to be the 300th episode. Maybe a chalkboard gag about it, but thats probably all.
Thanks, I kept thinking "the Great Louse Detective" was the one with the private investagator for some reason.
Oh well, I'm a dumbass.

[Tibor]

This episode had great potential, but it was so awkward and hit and miss that it fell into mediocrity. I had such high hopes for it, but it was ultimately forgettable. The only real laughs I got were with Homer's abuse of the Church. I did like the use of Lovejoy though, even if it was done better in "In Marge We Trust".

Did the voices seem to be off at times to anyone else?

Verdict:
It could have been so much more.

[no_msg]

BOOOORING! This episode reminded me of everything that makes me dislike sentimental episodes like Lisa's Substitute (while many people hail it as such a great episode, I feel the humor content wear a bit too thin a bit too often). Otherwise, it fit every criteria of the average insanely critical maniac on this board - decent plot, no jerkass Homer, etc.

2/5. Bah.

[Sultan of Seltzer]

wow, it seems everyone either totally loved or totally hated this episode. i happen to be one of the ones that LOVED IT! 5/5

[Tomacco]

Check out this pattern:

"Treehouse of Horror XIII"
Expectations: 4/5
Results: 3/5

"How I Spent My Strummer Vacation"
Expectations: 3/5
Results: 2/5

"Bart vs Lisa vs Third Grade"
Expectations: 5/5
Results: 3/5

"Large Marge"
Expectations: 2/5
Results: 5/5

"Helter Shelter"
Expectations: 2/5
Results: 2/5

"Great Louse Detective"
Expectations: 4/5
Results: 3.5/5

"Special Edna"
Expectations: 4/5
Results: 5/5

"Dad Who Knew Too Little"
Expectations: 3/5
Results: 3/5

"Strong Arms of the Ma"
Expectations: 2/5
Results: 4/5

"Pray Anything"
Expectations: 5/5
Results: 3/5

Ultimate conclusion?: Set my standards for every episode at 3/5.

[NoOneFamous]

Originally posted by Sultan of Seltzer
wow, it seems everyone either totally loved or totally hated this episode. i happen to be one of the ones that LOVED IT! 5/5

The fact that you're actually comparing the "emotion" in this episode to Lisa's Substitute scares me...

[whoismrbungle]

Wow, large marge was the worst this season, and it got 5/5.

Nevermind, lots of epusodes were the worst this season.

What is "jerkass" homer? And why does everyone hate him?

[|RABiD|]

WOW! nearly everyone disliked this episode! Sure, a few jokes fell flat but i still enjoyed it lots. I loved when Homer fell and screamed for like 10 sec and it was revealed to be a small drop. And the bacon driver screaming "FUUUUUUDGE!!" before driving into some. Not the best episode of the season but still good.

[InsiderAL]

4/5 better than helter shelter.
The lawyer was not first new character of season. The third grade teacher was I believe.

[no_msg]

Originally posted by NoOneFamous


The fact that you're actually comparing the "emotion" in this episode to Lisa's Substitute scares me...

I really don't care. If I want emotion, I'll watch something emotional. If I want comedy, I'll watch [earlier episodes of] the Simpsons. Why would I eat lobster at a McDonald's?

And that's why I'm comparing this episode to Lisa's Substitute. That's not hard OR frightening to understand. I found Lisa's Substitute a little too dry. This episode amplified that dryness.

[Evan Conover]

How did this episode get green-lighted? This episode tonight was an example of a Mike Scully patented "overdone" episode where a plot involving one member of OFF goes so unnecessarily far, it ruins the episode. I'm not talking about the useless WNBA beginning, either. I thought these kinds of episodes were all done being made too! :( Yes, it was funny on some parts, but it plainly & simply flopped.

2/5

[whoismrbungle]

oh c'mon, who didn't know that it was going to be a small hole. It would have been better if it was no hole at all, and just homer laying on the ground screaming.

[Tomacco]

That screaming hole thing just confused me.
I was waiting for a thud, so I guess it tricked me. I didn't laugh though. I was just like "what the hell? Why'd he scream like that?".

[Kalbelgarion]

I liked it!

It seems that jokes on the Simpsons that revolve around God are usually hilarious. This one episode actually had a coherent plot, great gags, great characters, and a lesson! That all adds up to one great episode.

Now, for one to thoroughly enjoy this episode, one has to understand that there’s more to it than just the jokes. Homer’s transition and character-building are what truly make this episode great. If you would rather have an episode with jokes but no coherent plot filled with substance, watch “…Stummer Vacation”.

Act one started the episode out on a high note. Most of the WNBA jokes were okay (such as Lisa Leslie’s grammar, Homer’s fantasy, and the WNFL line). I loved how Flanders and Homer were perfectly in character. Now, a few rotten jokes (such as the Rick Texan’s dancing, and Bart’s growling) weren’t too pleasurable, but the good far outweighed the bad.—4/5

Act two was also filled with great material. The is where Homer learns Flanders' secret and transforms into a God-loving man. Homer’s reliance on God spoke volumes for his character. Homer is always looking for the easy way around a problem, and we’ve seen in the past that he has been willing to blame God for some of his problems. Homer’s dumb luck and his reliance on prayer supplied some great laughs, and really furthered the plot. I felt sorry for Ned and the entire town when Lovejoy left, and everyone lost faith in God and in Homer. It was the same feeling I got last week at the act break, when Marge was mugged. You could really see that Homer was corrupted, and even his own loving wife saw it. Homer’s faith and perception of God hurt the entire town, and his “absolute power” corrupted his absolutely. Also, Homer’s fall and scream at the Church is up there with “LM”’s “Batman” episode and “Strong Arms”’s “Tetris” scene as the best jokes of the season. :) –5/5

Act three was a slight letdown, but nonetheless was very good. Homer continued to wallow in sin, and took either his luck or God for granted. By the end of the act, it was really evident that Homer learned his lesson, much as he did in “Homer the Heretic”. I could feel for Homer, and I’m glad the ending included a moral. –4.5/5

Overall: 4.5/5. A very solid episode that could have been slightly better, if the jokes were written with a little more tact.

(Just for the record, I’m not a fundamental Christian, or anything. I’m not even a theist. But I still thoroughly enjoyed this episode)

This season:
Pray Anything-4.5/5
Special Edna -4.5/5
The Dad Who Knew Too Little-4/5
The Great Louse Detective-4/5
Strong Arms of the Ma -4/5
Bart vs. Lisa vs. 3rd Grade-3.5/5
Large Marge -3.5/5
Treehouse of Horror XIII-3/5
How I Spent My Strummer Vacation-3/5
Helter Shelter -1/5

[Stackhouse]

You people giving this episode 1s and 2s/5... watch it again when it re-airs at 10 o'clock or if you taped it. I just watched it again and found it funnier and better the second time.

[NoOneFamous]

About the hole gag... I see how they were trying to make it funny by making us think he fell in a huge hole, but it just didn't work. And how would him falling into a 1 foot hole cause him to break his ankle? Even more ridiculous, how would THAT result in him winning the deed to the church?? I hate to be nitpicky, but I get the feeling they didn't even proofread this episode at all.

[Tomacco]

Yeah, I find episodes that never had any real LOL jokes to begin with are the ones that really get better on repeats. I find the original LOL jokes are always such let-downs on repeat viewings (the Tetris joke doesn't hold up a second time).

[DotheBartman]

WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!

Okay, I've about had it. What were they thinking? Every joke was lame (save for maybe two or three chucklers at most) and often "gee-whizish". There was no intelligence or depth whatsoever, the characters had no likability to them and there was none of the thought that usually goes into a religiously themed episode. In fact, save for showing God eating popcorn chicken, and a few moments that seemed like they were ripped from an 8 year old trying to re-write "Homer the Heretic", there was nothing religously themed about it at all....just joke after joke after joke, and none of it was funny. It wasn't so much individual moments of shittiness (though there were plenty. Homer gets electrocuted on his tongue?), but rather a whole, unfunny, shoddily written package.

I have nothing positive to say about this episode, seriously.

Grade: F (if "Large Marge didn't exsist it would be the worst since "Homer the Moe", and considering some episodes this season, that's a feat).

[Kalbelgarion]

Originally posted by NoOneFamous
About the hole gag... I see how they were trying to make it funny by making us think he fell in a huge hole, but it just didn't work. And how would him falling into a 1 foot hole cause him to break his ankle? Even more ridiculous, how would THAT result in him winning the deed to the church?? I hate to be nitpicky, but I get the feeling they didn't even proofread this episode at all.

It's a standard tactic in comedy. Build your audience up to expect one thing, then have it turn out to be something completely different. That hole gag worked for me.

And people hurt themselves by unexpectedly falling short distances all the time. Nothing unusual about that.

Also, that lawyer was a spoof on all those other sleazy trial lawyers who advertise on television and specialize in injury cases. I'm sure you've seen their cheesy comercials in your area.

[Old Time Bike]

i agree with Kalbelgarion's review.

[Drayken II]

Originally posted by Kalbelgarion




And people hurt themselves by unexpectedly falling short distances all the time. Nothing usual about that.


Ever go down a flight of stairs and think you've just gotten down the last one, but there is another? It hurts.

[Kalbelgarion]

Sorry, sorry...I meant to type "unusual", not "usual"... ;-/

[skittlebrau]

No, sir, I didn't like it.

I'm not a religious person and I hate such vagrant religious tones being thrown in my face. That, and it just wasn't a good episode at all. I didn't laugh once, and I hated Homer for praying for every damn stupid thing.

2/5 Pathetic episode.

[or_smth]

Originally posted by Kalbelgarion


It's a standard tactic in comedy. Build your audience up to expect one thing, then have it turn out to be something completely different. That hole gag worked for me.

And people hurt themselves by unexpectedly falling short distances all the time. Nothing unusual about that.

Also, that lawyer was a spoof on all those other sleazy trial lawyers who advertise on television and specialize in injury cases. I'm sure you've seen their cheesy comercials in your area.

See, that's one of the things wrong with these new seasons. If you recall to the Stonecutters episode (sorry, the name eludes me at the moment) when Homer is getting whacked and going through torture in order to join he gets ready to take the "6-story Plummet" (or whatever they call it). He is made to believe he is going to fall (like any other sitcom), hits the ground, everyone laughs floor breaks and then he falls six stories.

Here he just falls in a pit (and in a metaphorical sense, the pit of mediocority :D)

[huh?]

I loved the chalkboard gag, I didn't see the couch gag, and there were alright, but I just thought the ending was somewhat stupid with the flood and then Lisa trying to explain it being feasible. I agree with the person who said that there can't be an anti-religion conclusion, as this would have been more interesting if it did that. 3/5.

[Bob Underdunk T]

2/5

:LOL: Spounge Bob is not a contraceptive. :LOL:

[Handsome Pete]

You know, Lisa's scientific explanation thing at the end of the episode really seemed out of place, mainly because she hadn't really acted that way previously. I suppose that the writer of this episode had put himself into a corner and needed something to escape.

Oh yeah, before I forget, the whole "God hates this episode" thing I posted wasn't serious. You know, it was just to fit in with the poll theme. I'm atheist, actually.

[Simpson Purist]

5.5/10, a better title for this episode would've been "Jerkass Homer the Heretic".

Pros
-The lightning gag actually worked well
-Arnie Pie
-"God: The Original Tony Soprano"
-The ending with God and Buddha talking popcorn chicken, very Homer the Heretic-ish
-The 24 promo, JACK IS GOING TO GO NUTS!!

Cons
-Moe has homosexual tendencies? :-/
-Jerkass Homer annoyed me quite a bit during the 2nd act

Can't say I'm too excited about "Barting Over", I hope the meta-reference is not in the episode.

[ILikeTheSimpsons]

4/5 I liked a lot of the jokes, actually. I know it wasn't the greatest episode of the season, but I think people had their hopes far too high for this episode. The really good parts were Gil as the mascot, Cletus "Back to you, Bob Saget," fudge/bacon, Hibbert trying to get the cat stuffed animal, and I really liked Homer being lazy again (for the parts that he was anyway). "You'll be bunking with me, Reverend" was good too, I think people get too mad over that because it makes Flanders seem gay. I don't think it does, I just think the writers know viewers have dirty minds...I didn't find anything really wrong with this episode, but I'll admit a few jokes fell flat.

[Amelia]

I give it a 2/5, I hate to say it, but I thought it was a pretty lame episode......>___<

[YesMan]

Did anyone notice, Helen Lovejoy's voice sounded.. pretty normal..? Is Maggie Roswell back, or what..? ;-/

[Tomacco]

Maggie Roswell actually did voice Helen.

[Moleman...Hans]

Wasn't as good as I thought it would be, but it deserves a 3.5/5. had a lot of funny parts and either thought the ending was wacky, I liked it. Did you notice on the checks they gave Flanders said his name? How'd they know he would win? ;-/

This episode was average basically, but last season's 10th episode, "Half Decent Proposal" was much better. "Half Decent Proposal" was a 4.5/5 for me. Oh yeah, Flanders definately wasn't gay in this. He was just acting like he always does. Bunk with me doesn't mean anything.

P.S. My dad gave this episode a 2.5/5. He liked it but not as much as he thought he would. same thign with me.

[Cole]

Very, very disappointed in this episode. I just ... didn't find it funny. In fact, the funniest part was actually in the first seconds of the show: the "Spongebob is not a contraceptive" couchgag had me dying laughing for some reason. Other than that ... almost every joke fell flat. The WNBA player getting into the stupid grammar argument with Bart. Gil, who I usually love, just wasn't funny as the WNBA's mascot. Then, the church humor seemed to miss every time. It either came off as sacrilegious or preachy. The flood, albeit better used than in "Mom and Pop Art", was still unnecessary and was a very forced and cheap way for the writers to end the show. 1/5. Worst episode of the season to date. I really should have watched the NBA All Star game instead.


I'll be honest ... I find it harder and harder to sit through this season's episodes of The Simpsons. I never thought I'd see the day when I started considering watching other shows on Sundays. :(

[Simpson Purist]

Is it just me, or is the 1st act getting shorter and shorter? I mean, the commercials popped up right after the episode credits.

[HellBender]

Anyone who complaints about the ending being too wacky should watch "Mr. Plow" again.

[irv]

that was a very bad episode. first disappointment of the EABF's. the dialogue was horrible. everyone was out of character. none of the jokes were funny at all. it was worse than the average fan script.

given how great of a story idea this was, they really fuckin blew it.

1.5/5

[Gamblor]

I think the ending would of been a lot better if Lisa didn't try to give an explaination for it. It would of been great if they just cut to God and Sanders....

The first act was boring and unfunny
The second act was the best, it was very old school Simpsons
The third act was the worst it just was to odd...

GRADE: B-

[Handsome Pete]

Originally posted by Cloud Cole
I'll be honest ... I find it harder and harder to sit through this season's episodes of The Simpsons. I never thought I'd see the day when I started considering watching other shows on Sundays. :(

I'm sure some of us feel that way, including myself. I mean, on Bravo, they were having the interview with the voice cast of the Simpsons on Inside the Actor's Studio. Having missed it earlier (it was on earlier, wasn't it?), I decided to watch the last half hour of it...and I found that more entertaining than the latest episode, even if they just made them recite lines from the show some of the time. If I had known "Pray Anything" would be that bad, I would have just flipped it to Bravo and watched the interviews...well, sort of.

[Urts]

Pretty shocked about the low ratings this one is getting. It's strange how I've liked episodes this season that have been unpopular on the boards, but disliked ones that have been popular. "Large Marge" and "Strong Arms of the Ma" were my two least favorites of the season, but they were both pretty highly-rated here.

Oh well, I still agree with most of the ratings the episodes have been given this season.

[Simpson Purist]

The reason for this was that the expectations were way too high for this episode. I must've been one of a few who was too excited about "Pray Anything".

[DotheBartman]

If cartoon network ran their "Futurama" reruns earlier so that they aired at the same time as new Simpsons episodes, I'd watch that instead. I MIGHT tape Simpsons while it was happening, but I'd choose to actually watch Futurama nothenless. Same would go if new episodes of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" or new episodes of "Futurama" aired in that spot. In fact, if they suddenly renewed Futurama, cancelled Simpsons, and put Futurama in Simpsons' old spot, I'd be pretty much thrilled.

Not that I'll for sure have anything to watch on Sunday's at 7:00 anyway (btw, I was lucky enough for the Bravo thing to play at 6:00 over here), if this season's trend continues. I'm about ready to follow in Farscaper's footsteps and just quit for good, to the shock of most anyone I tell that to in real life.

[no_msg]

Originally posted by DotheBartman
If cartoon network ran their "Futurama" reruns earlier so that they aired at the same time as new Simpsons episodes, I'd watch that instead. I MIGHT tape Simpsons while it was happening, but I'd choose to actually watch Futurama nothenless. Same would go if new episodes of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" or new episodes of "Futurama" aired in that spot. In fact, if they suddenly renewed Futurama, cancelled Simpsons, and put Futurama in Simpsons' old spot, I'd be pretty much thrilled.

Not that I'll for sure have anything to watch on Sunday's at 7:00 anyway (btw, I was lucky enough for the Bravo thing to play at 6:00 over here), if this season's trend continues. I'm about ready to follow in Farscaper's footsteps and just quit for good, to the shock of most anyone I tell that to in real life.

Okay, you don't like the show. We get it.

[NoOneFamous]

Originally posted by HellBender
Anyone who complaints about the ending being too wacky should watch "Mr. Plow" again.

What? The Mr. Plow ending was not really that wacky... at all. Ok, so maybe a radio needle can't balance a car, but who cares, it was funny. Springfield getting flooded in about 10 seconds isn't. I mean, Springfield was flooded before by Homer, but that at least made some sense.

And, after careful consideration, I declare this episode to be right up there with Simpson Safari as one of the worst of all time. and I think that if you gave this any higher than a 3, you need to think to yourself, "did I REALLY enjoy this? Or did I just give it a good rating because it came from my favorite show?"

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by Simpson Purist
Is it just me, or is the 1st act getting shorter and shorter? I mean, the commercials popped up right after the episode credits.

You're not alone. When the act ended I was thinking "that was it? Commercials already?". It could also, though, have something to do with the general pacing. Its so fast and nonsensical now (its actually confusing to watch now, because of the pace), that it makes pretty much everything seem like it should've been longer. Matt Groening once said "every Simpsons episode plays like a little feature", but I don't think that applies so much with the current Simpsons, as it doesn't feel.....complete at the end. It really does feel like "just a bunch of stuff that happened".

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by NoOneFamous



And, after careful consideration, I declare this episode to be right up there with Simpson Safari as one of the worst of all time. and I think that if you gave this any higher than a 3, you need to think to yourself, "did I REALLY enjoy this? Or did I just give it a good rating because it came from my favorite show?"

Agreed. Stuff like this shouldn't be allowed on any show, let alone The Simpsons. Its about at the point that, even though Fox is pretty much a wasteland in terms of their shows, I'd almost rather watch one of those then the newer Simpsons, because of stuff like this. Hopefully the writers of this episode never, ever write anything for The Simpsons EVER again, because its obvious they have little to no understanding of what makes the show great.

[Max Power]

Oh Your God!

2/5. Just barely.

[Tomacco]

I dunno, I think some people here, mainly DotheBartman, might be acting a little overdramatic about this episode. I'll admit it wasn't incredibly funny or anything, but there was so much less to groan about than past episodes.

Upon a second viewing, I'm bumping up my grade to 3.5/5. The first two acts are fine. Perfectly fine, seriously. There are some good one-liners, a couple of jokes that didn't work so well (but didn't really detract from anything), and the plot was rolling pretty quickly. The second act had some good bits, like what happens with the cracks in the wall when Raphael pulls off a piece. I liked the exchange of doormats, and the courtroom scene as well:
Lovejoy: How's your wonderful wife?
Snyder: She was run over by a clergyman.
(Lovejoy collar pulls)
I think the standout of act 2 was the characterization of Lovejoy and Marge. In fact, Marge was great throughout the entire episode. Nobody commented on her yet, but her character was dead-on all night. The 3rd act featured the only detractors of the episode for me, being the tongues joke, the strip poker, and Carl and the deer head. Those three jokes in such close proximity caused trouble, unfortunately. Otherwise, I found the episode was fine. Pretty good plotline without much disjointedness. No LOL moments, but chuckles throughout the whole episode just made it a plain enjoyable episode to watch. This one ranks with EABF01 and EABF03 for me, which are in the middle rankings of the season.

[HellBender]

Originally posted by NoOneFamous


What? The Mr. Plow ending was not really that wacky... at all. Ok, so maybe a radio needle can't balance a car, but who cares, it was funny. Springfield getting flooded in about 10 seconds isn't. I mean, Springfield was flooded before by Homer, but that at least made some sense.

And, after careful consideration, I declare this episode to be right up there with Simpson Safari as one of the worst of all time. and I think that if you gave this any higher than a 3, you need to think to yourself, "did I REALLY enjoy this? Or did I just give it a good rating because it came from my favorite show?"

Actually, you're missing the point. The part of the ending I was complaining about is God's intervention. Making the snow melt and everything.

Pretty much the same kind of ending we got tonight.

[YesMan]

I'm suprised at all the bad reviews.

Althought this episode didn't quite meet my expectations, it was still a fairly solid episode.

A well deserved 4/5.. maybe 3.5/5

[homer5000]

Hmmm...4/5. You know, I don't care if you love it or hate it, I just...liked it. Oh, and for the few people thinking it is one of the worst episodes ever probably have about 77 "worst episodes ever". Yes, that does cover how many episodes between Season 10 and the amount of episodes that have aired now. C'mon, there are worser episodes than this (praying worse than a bagboy strike?). Did anyone notice Ruth Powers at the party? That's too good. I was laughing so hard during the whole "Flanders Shoots/Moe Proposes" part. Another DYN, that there was three parts in the episode which had Maggie highlighted? Something not done on the shows for ages. Though that might change in EABF17. It was OK, and funny too. 4/5...

[StrideR]

Interesting... very interesting.

Amazingly, I wasn't too bothered by the level of stupidity that went into this episode. Semi-retirement has been successful, it seems.

OK, it's not just what you do, it's how you do it. Some people haven't figured that out yet, especially the writers. None of the current writers deserve to be working on the show, except Schwartzwelder, and even he is wearing out his welcome.

My gripe with this episode, as most episodes before it, is not with the amount of jokes it had to offer. My complaint/protest is with the premise of the episode, and how it was written. Unfortunately, I can hardly remember any lines from the episode right now to make my point.

As a 22 minute presentation of animated comedy: 4/10
As an episode of The Simpsons: 1/10

If anyone needs me, I'll be getting wasted at Frinky's.

[Jake]

Originally posted by Datoupee
For the hard work with writing and producing these episodes... i feel they are amazing and better then any other program on tv.

So, a lot of work went into building the atomic bomb.

Anyway, I didn't care for this. The only part I was lauging with was the part with Arnie Pie, otherwise I had a silly grin on my face from all the: "what the hell is this?" feeling I was recieving.

2/5, or D-

Jake

[jagrmeister]

I have been saying that Al Jean is overrated for a while now. The atrocious quality of "Pray Anything" is further reason for The Simpsons to fire this mediocrity. The gags were horrendous - not even in the realm of being modestly humorous. Think about all the attempts - Bart: "Oh, I'll go back to being bored." ; Lisa Leslie correcting Bart on grammar; Carl praying to animal head; Ned crying to Marge "Why do you lie?"; Krusty hitting Rev. Lovejoy with a bowling ball. Pathetic. I'm also growing tired of the contingent of Simpsons fans who have such low standards or are either so defensive of Jean that they are rating the recent shows highly. The Simpsons fans that are critical of these shows aren't the problem; we're the ones who are demanding a return to quality.

[Channel Surfer]

I'll say this right off the bat. I don't think it's as bad as "Simpson Safari" (this episode had a point). But it's no "Homer the Heretic" either. All IMO below.

Anyway, I found this episode to be very uneven, amusing in its own little way from point to point, but very dead at other points. It had its share of lame gags, such as Rod and Todd speaking in tongues and Homer's shocking (where upon he recovers in the very next scene). But there was enough to laugh at from point to point (nobody's mentioned Homer's perception of distance from the couch to the TV, witch was a LOL moment for me, rather then a WTF). And, of course, the scene with God at the end was funny to me. And there was a little heart at the end of act 2 with Lovejoy leaving the church. And I mostly liked the characterizations, especially Marge like Tomacco said, in this episode (except Lisa, who was reduced to commenter at the end).

As for the plot, it seemed to run through the motions. Homer jealously watches Ned make half-court shot. Homer wants to learn Ned's secret. Learns Ned's secret. Begins praying, of witch coincidences lead him to believe prayer is the answer. Gets church (in a bizarre way by falling in the 1 foot hole), corrupts it, God "punishes" Homer, he learns lesson, the end. No real twists and turns, and it even felt disjointed at points, what with their house falling apart (does this ever get resolved?), then later the family appearing at church. I guess it was supposed to show God's divine intervention isn't always where we expect it, but it still felt abrupt in its execution. Nothing offending, but it lacked any pointed satire (if satire at all), or little that was particularly memorable.

Which is why I give the episode a C. I felt it had enough to fill airtime, and I'd watch it in syndication, but it didn't give me anything to be excited about. It definitely needed some refinement.

Season 14 list:

Treehouse of Horror XIII B
Special Edna B
Strong Arms of the Ma B
How I Spent My Strummer Vacation B-
The Dad Who Knew Too Little C+
The Great Louse Detectives C+
Large Marge C
Pray Anything C
Bart vs. Lisa vs. the 3rd Grade C-
Helter Shelter D

I have a feeling this may become a cult episode, assuming those who like it stick to their convictions.

[Jake]

Originally posted by jagrmeister
The Simpsons fans that are critical of these shows aren't the problem; we're the ones who are demanding a return to quality.

Here's the problem, while I agree with the fans on the internet about how the show is on the slide, we're not he majority. We don't have the $$$ behind our collected opinions and the show isn't being made to cater for people who want a smart, and emotional satire, it's being made for people who want to see something with the Simpson family in it and Springfield aired at 8 p.m. As long as there are over-stimulated 11 year olds who laugh at Homer, fox will never cancel--or care about--the Simpsons.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by jagrmeister
I'm also growing tired of the contingent of Simpsons fans who have such low standards or are either so defensive of Jean that they are rating the recent shows highly. The Simpsons fans that are critical of these shows aren't the problem; we're the ones who are demanding a return to quality.

Or maybe you guys are so cynical you would give "Last Exit to Springfield" a .1/5 had it aired this season.

Or not. It's all opinion. Just like your statement about which fan base is the problem. But remember, people on both sides do explain their reasoning. And that’s what makes the issue of the decline (an over discussed topic, IMO) such a difficult one to define, assuming one believes in the decline at all.

[Maddog53]

Originally posted by Channel Surfer
Or not. It's all opinion. Just like your statement about which fan base is the problem. But remember, people on both sides do explain their reasoning. And that’s what makes the issue of the decline (an over discussed topic, IMO) such a difficult one to define, assuming one believes in the decline at all.

I couldn't agree more. It is all just opinion. For instance I actually like the movie Vanilla Sky. I'm probably one of five people who actually do. I don't care, I have my reasons for liking it, just like people have their reasons for loving the new episodes of The Simpsons. You can disagree, but bashing someone for stating an opinion is kind of dumb. But that's just my opinion.

Maddog.

[NoOneFamous]

Originally posted by Channel Surfer
And there was a little heart at the end of act 2 with Lovejoy leaving the church.

I hate to sound like such a complainer in this thread.. but I have another point to make. This wasn't anything close to real emotion. It was 100% forced, thrown in by the writers with the intention of getting the old school fans to shut up. Rev. Lovejoy is one who doesn't really care about his preaching anyway, and just because a few bad things happened at the bowling alley wouldn't immediately cause him to just leave town. The only reason it seemed like real emotion was because of clever directing, overdramatic acting for the situation, and the sad musical score in the background. Real emotion has to be, well, real. I can't really explain it, but I'm sure you can tell the difference between Lisa saying goodbye to Mr. Bergstrum and this.

Theyve been doing the forced emotion a lot this season.. by doing an emotional scene to please the "complaining fans", which is usually only a small segment in an episode, followed by more wacky gags, almost like an apology to the kiddies for the "boring emotional scene."

[Jake]

Originally posted by Channel Surfer


Or maybe you guys are so cynical you would give "Last Exit to Springfield" a .1/5 had it aired this season.

This makes no sense. I've given lesser episodes this season better ratings than a ".1/5".

Or not. It's all opinion. Just like your statement about which fan base is the problem. But remember, people on both sides do explain their reasoning. And that’s what makes the issue of the decline (an over discussed topic, IMO) such a difficult one to define, assuming one believes in the decline at all. [/B]

The "Decline", as I see it, is the show becoming what it made fun of and doing things the original creators shunned, like clip shows, and being too unrealistic. However, if you like clip shows and love gags that have no base in reality whatsoever, you'll think the show is better than ever...blah blah blah

As I wrote two posts ago:

it's being made for people who want to see something with the Simpson family in it and Springfield aired at 8 p.m. As long as there are over-stimulated 11 year olds who laugh at Homer, fox will never cancel--or care about--the Simpsons.

I'm going to cut to the chase--the above statement is the truth. Nobody on the show truly gives a fuck what we think. They might acknowldge we exist, or even make attempted jokes about us, but when it comes down to what the show cares about nowadays, it's making money off the masses. They know the show has become a tradition and as long as it is around, the indifferent masses will watch it, no matter how 'evolved' it becomes and no matter how much we, the minority of critical fans, think it has 'declined.'

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by Maddog53
I couldn't agree more. It is all just opinion. For instance I actually like the movie Vanilla Sky. I'm probably one of five people who actually do. I don't care, I have my reasons for liking it, just like people have their reasons for loving the new episodes of The Simpsons. You can disagree, but bashing someone for stating an opinion is kind of dumb. But that's just my opinion.

Maddog.

Thanks for backing me up. I think the reason people bash those who like the new episodes is because they blame them for their perceived decline (I'm trying hard to be impartial). They want the show to be better, but feel it won't happen when several chime in with their "5/5s" and their "The Simpsons is better then 102% of the shows on TV". Their venting because they're not happy, IMO.

Originally posted by NoOneFamous
I hate to sound like such a complainer in this thread.. but I have another point to make. This wasn't anything close to real emotion. It was 100% forced, thrown in by the writers with the intention of getting the old school fans to shut up. Rev. Lovejoy is one who doesn't really care about his preaching anyway, and just because a few bad things happened at the bowling alley wouldn't immediately cause him to just leave town. The only reason it seemed like real emotion was because of clever directing, overdramatic acting for the situation, and the sad musical score in the background. Real emotion has to be, well, real. I can't really explain it, but I'm sure you can tell the difference between Lisa saying goodbye to Mr. Bergstrum and this.

If you can't explain it, how do you expect me to buy your statements?

Anyway, I said there was a "little" heart, not full blown emotion. You can have varying degrees of emotion, just like comedy. Tear jerking emotion is to tear jerking gags as plastic emotion is to failed gags. Act 2, IMO, ended with a bit of heart, reinforcing why Marge was against the new church, and amplified (to some degree) the seriousness of the situation.

No, this wasn't "Lisa's Substitute" train scene emotion to me. But it wasn't forced either.

[Jake]

Originally posted by Channel Surfer
They want the show to be better, but feel it won't happen when several chime in with their "5/5s" and their "The Simpsons is better then 102% of the shows on TV". Their venting because they're not happy, IMO.

People usually 'vent' because they're not happy (no brainer there!), but when someone does a critque of another's stance like the quote above, it's because they're uncomfortable being around someone who takes the show more seriously than they do.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by Jake
This makes no sense. I've given lesser episodes this season better ratings than a ".1/5".

The "." at the ".1/5" was intentional, a light mocking of those who give consistent negative reviews. I wasn't referring to anyone in particular. Just playing on perceptions

The "Decline", as I see it, is the show becoming what it made fun of and doing things the original creators shunned, like clip shows, and being too unrealistic. However, if you like clip shows and love gags that have no base in reality whatsoever, you'll think the show is better than ever...blah blah blah

Well, then the problems began to escalate in season 4. Look at "So it comes to this: A Simpsons Clip Show" and "Marge vs. the Monorail".

I'm going to cut to the chase--the above statement is the truth. Nobody on the show truly gives a fuck what we think. They might acknowldge we exist, or even make attempted jokes about us, but when it comes down to what the show cares about nowadays, it's making money off the masses. They know the show has become a tradition and as long as it is around, the indifferent masses will watch it, no matter how 'evolved' it becomes and no matter how much we, the minority of critical fans, think it has 'declined.'

Actually, I think they care too much about what we think. Just in all the wrong ways. Just consider all the allusions to past episodes this season, especially the, IMO, forced Stampy appearance in "Large Marge". It's clear (to me) the writers want to cater to us in some way, but aren't about to write the episodes in your preferred style. (which I assume is a season 2 or 7 style, because they seem, to me, the most character driven with some strong emotional sequences).

Anyway, what I want from the current show is not to adapt to a past style, but to proceed into a new style altogether, taking the roots of "The Simpsons" with them. And they’ve been changing their styles enough for me, even if execution and content need improvement. Just compare the styles of seasons 2 and 5. Or 7 and 10. Or 11 and 14. Yes, I want the show to be intelligent (despite the relativness of this term) with strong characters, humor, satire, emotion, ect. But I also want it to be ever changing.

Besides, I still think they make great episodes. Such as last years "Little Girl in the Big Ten" (best since "My Sister My Sitter"). Or good ones like this years "Special Edna".

People usually 'vent' because they're not happy (no brainer there!), but when someone does a critque of another's stance like the quote above, it's because they're uncomfortable being around someone who takes the show more seriously than they do.

And I was critiquing another's critique on people's love of the modern shows. Does that mean people who love the modern episodes take it more seriously then you (who's critiquing a critique of a critique of the show) or I?

Yeah, venting because one is unhappy is a no-brainer. :LOL:

[Tirefire]

I would call this a typical last few seasons type episode. It showed attempts to go back to the old style Simpsons, while not abandoning some of the newer characteristics. There were a couple of very nice jokes, one I even said was the best in quite some time, but the episode just got kind of far-fetched and I'd have to say it runs about a 2.5/5 for me. It's probably 2nd worst or worst of the season so far for myself, but I usually like to give it 2 glances and even though I rate it somewhat bad, that can't detract from the several bright moments it did have.

[Tibor]

I've been optimistic and have been satisfied with many efforts this season. But there is one thing that I won't forgive- when an episode is forgettable. One of the great things about the Simpsons (IMO) is the way you can always say "'Member when...", and each episode is as memorable and unique as the one before. But this show didn't have that impact. It's almost as bad as when a show out-and-out blows.

[Rowdy]

Average, C Grade episode. The chalkboard gag along with the Ken Burns parody (I've actually seen his Baseball and Jazz documentaries) were probably the highlights.

[StrideR]

Average, C Grade episode. The chalkboard gag along with the Ken Burns parody (I've actually seen his Baseball and Jazz documentaries) were probably the highlights.


I agree... this episode stands for everything I dislike about OFF nowadays, but to be honest, I don't see it as any different from "Strummer" and "Great Louse Detective." The reason a lot more people are complaining this time around is due to the fact that there were a lot less (IMO lame) jokes.

[Jason]

2/5, not many laughable jokes. Not a great episode.

[Simpson Purist]

The real reason why this episode disappointed many: inflated expectations.

On the preview/speculation thread, most of the members were expecting "Pray Anything" to be the next "Homer the Heretic" with plenty of religious satire. While we got some of it, it wasn't quite as deep as most of us expected. I don't know about you guys but when I saw the promo for this episode, I had a feeling Jerkass Homer would make a comeback.

[Tomacco]

Originally posted by Jake
We don't have the $$$ behind our collected opinions and the show isn't being made to cater for people who want a smart, and emotional satire, it's being made for people who want to see something with the Simpson family in it and Springfield aired at 8 p.m. As long as there are over-stimulated 11 year olds who laugh at Homer, fox will never cancel--or care about--the Simpsons.

That's funny, because I'm pretty sure The Simpsons does the best among people ages 18-34.

EVERYONE: Did you maybe stop to think that there are people who actually ENJOY the show right now?? Its ratings are higher than in the past right now, so dammit, they must be doing SOMETHING right!

EDIT: Next time, don't quote me out of context.--Jake

[Simpson Purist]

You'll never go broke appealing to the lowest common denominator.

I still enjoy The Simpsons, heck the only episodes I truly didn't like so far this season were this and "Helter Shelter". Well actually, it's just "Helter Shelter", I thought this episode was more mediocre than very bad.

[irv]

this episode couldn't hold a candle to the previous four episodes

[Lady2Hotty]

By god, that was the greatest thing I have ever seen! Everyones a critic!

[gravymaster]

No Jeebus reference! Booooooo.

[Citizen Kang]

4/5

I enjoyed this episode. I laughed out loud a lot at this one. The third act was kind of wierd and the Homer dancing in the church did remind me too much of THOH but I still liked this episode. It had plenty of religious satire so I don't what some of you been smokin'.

[George Cauldron]

Who is Lisa Leslie, who guest voiced in this episode?

[mohammed jafar]

mixed reviews it seems, yet all the people whose opinion i trust and i feel I can rely on have give it bad reviews

DAMMIT!!

[Simpson Purist]

Cauldron, Lisa Leslie is a famous basketball player from the WNBA. Her appearance was thankless yet funny.

[StrideR]

Hey, most of us saw part of the script from the first act a while back. What were we expecting?

[hwtrash]

Now if they could have just kept the opening (the spongebob chalkboard joke) and the end...God and popcorn chicken, then you might have an episode.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go appear in a taco in Mexico.

[joe h]

I get maybe five episodes a season that I can enjoy, this was one of them. The rest of the episodes this season are way too wacky, almost as bad as season twelve. Then they finally make an episode where everything is explainable. What do you guys do, cry because the show brought up religion, cry because everything is forced, and you cry because the jokes were lacking and lame. Come on, the jokes have been way worse this season, the voice actor have lost any ability they once had to do emotion, and religion is here to stay in some form or other.

But what is funny, two weeks from now they will be back to their shitty, wacky humor, that I absolutely hate and cannot stand, and you will all be loving it. Next week I believe is a bart plot and only a few of those have ever been bad, Bart to the Future.

8/10

[Tomacco]

By the way, who's Ken Burns?

[Gagnonsux]

I famous documentary director from PBS. He is famous for his lengthy series on jazz, baseball, and civil war.

[doyle]

Originally posted by Simpson Purist
The real reason why this episode disappointed many: inflated expectations.

thats probably right. there were a few times in this one where i was expecting a good one-liner, and didnt get exactly what i wanted. this got me down on the episode as a whole. looking back on it, i still feel it was one for the worse episodes this season, but a little better than i had originally thought.

the thing is i let a couple of those things cause me to reflect on it as the episode is still going on, and i sometimes dont noticce other good gags and things like that (for example, while watching, i didnt notice how well marge was characterized, but now looking back, it was dead on)

[Mafia]

after thinking about it, and a "water cooler" talk... I'm lowering my grade to a 2/5, my lowest grade without second viewing. I didn't laugh. Perhaps seasons like Season 14 will be praised during Season 20 (being that the show will never end.... sadly). I can only hope. Episodes semi-hated then (i tend to notice in a lot of reviews that the reasons for disliking some of the older episodes is lack of Bart) are loved now. Atleast classic episodes get "it was okay, but not the greatest" reviews.

Although, I don't think a bunch of episodes this season will ever change people's opinions.

I'm begining to wonder if knowing the plot in advance is a bad thing.

[Tomacco]

Funny enough, all people I spoke to today only went off on the "The Great Louse Detective" rerun, focusing primarily on "Frank Grimes Jr? What the hell is that?". "Pray Anything" got virtually no mention, so I suppose it was just completely average in the eyes of regular viewers.

[Mike Scully]

I'd write a review, except that I remember absolutely nothing that happened in last night's episode.

Grade: D

[NoOneFamous]

Originally posted by Simpson Purist
The real reason why this episode disappointed many: inflated expectations.

Not for me... I had absolutely no opinion of this episode before viewing it. I try to do that these days, so I don't even read much information about new episodes. That way, I can have an unbiased opinion of it before viewing it. I'm sure it was this way for most of us who gave it a bad grade, so I think you just need to except that we think it sucked.

[Dennis]

I am amazed at how many positive votes this episode is getting. It was quite possibly the worst episode of the show ever...besides "The Great Louse Detective," which was slightly worse.

[Kalbelgarion]

Dispite what many of you fellows say, I still stick to my original review. Even if many of you didn't, I felt some strong emotion in this episode.

Lovejoy *does* care, at least a little bit, about the spiritual and general well-being of Springfield. However, when everything turned against him, he got fed up and left town. When he left town, many, including Flanders, dispaired. I really did feel sorry for Ned when he had such a tough time believing Marge, and almost cried. That was the best scene in the episode, and it was quite sad.

Also, many of you are overlooking Homer's transformation, and are just chalking up some good characterazation to "Jerkass Homer". The writers didn't make Homer a "jerkass" just to make him "funny". They did it to acutly show how absolute power corrupts absolutely. Homer felt a connection with God, took it waaay too far, and became quite corrupt. He then turned his back on the town, abandoned Flanders, Lovejoy, and Marge, and wallowed in sin. It took a "miracle" to bring him back, and make him see the evils of his ways.

Like I said before, the jokes aren't the strong point of this episode, although there were some good (and bad) ones. This episode had a real plot with real substance, real emotion, a real moral, and delt with a real topic.

I wholeheartedly stand behind my grade of 4.5/5. I liked this episode, and I can't understand how some of you could possibly equate it with "Simpson Safari". But to each his own, I suppose.

[aquaman2481]

I don't think it was as bad as any of last seasons episodes but i was dissapointed considering the good streak they were on.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by NoOneFamous
Not for me... I had absolutely no opinion of this episode before viewing it. I try to do that these days, so I don't even read much information about new episodes. That way, I can have an unbiased opinion of it before viewing it. I'm sure it was this way for most of us who gave it a bad grade, so I think you just need to except that we think it sucked.

I have to agree, in that I don't think it's inflated expectations that killed this episode (or low expectations that promoted other episodes). I was a defender of "Special Edna" even after learning about the trip to Efcot, and I still enjoyed it afterwards. Likewise, I had low expectations of "Strong Arms of the Ma", yet managed to enjoy that episode as well.

In contrast, I had high expectations for this episode (like many), yet I found it to be very bland. But I also had low expectations for "Helter Shelter", and I found it to be very bad.

While expectations may be a factor for some, it seems (for me) to have little relevance towards the final product.

[aquaman2481]

I don't think it was as bad as any of last seasons episodes but i was dissapointed considering the good streak they were on.

[Julie]

Hmm..I actually didn't think this was one of the Worst Episodes Ever, as some of you are implying. I liked it more than Strong Arms of the Ma, and The Great Louse Detective, but not nearly as much as Special Edna. I thought Gil's new job was pretty funny, along with the Colonel Sanders bit. But the Rod and Todd speaking in tongues and the whole Ned thing threw it off. :/ 2.5/5

[mintjellyonthelam]

3/5
Some great moments (Homer's prayers were best) but too many flat jokes and a lack of focused plot. 3/5 isn't bad, but it could have been better. I still call it good, it's more of a 3.5.

[*Waylon Smithers*]

4/5
A little less than what I expected, but it was very good. Just a little weird.

[Hans Barber]

2.5\5

[Smilin'JoeFission]

Originally posted by Kalbelgarion
Dispite what many of you fellows say, I still stick to my original review. Even if many of you didn't, I felt some strong emotion in this episode.

Lovejoy *does* care, at least a little bit, about the spiritual and general well-being of Springfield. However, when everything turned against him, he got fed up and left town. When he left town, many, including Flanders, dispaired. I really did feel sorry for Ned when he had such a tough time believing Marge, and almost cried. That was the best scene in the episode, and it was quite sad.

Also, many of you are overlooking Homer's transformation, and are just chalking up some good characterazation to "Jerkass Homer". The writers didn't make Homer a "jerkass" just to make him "funny". They did it to acutly show how absolute power corrupts absolutely. Homer felt a connection with God, took it waaay too far, and became quite corrupt. He then turned his back on the town, abandoned Flanders, Lovejoy, and Marge, and wallowed in sin. It took a "miracle" to bring him back, and make him see the evils of his ways.

Like I said before, the jokes aren't the strong point of this episode, although there were some good (and bad) ones. This episode had a real plot with real substance, real emotion, a real moral, and delt with a real topic.

I wholeheartedly stand behind my grade of 4.5/5. I liked this episode, and I can't understand how some of you could possibly equate it with "Simpson Safari". But to each his own, I suppose.

I couldn't agree with you more.

Before actually seeing this episode I held a few reservations that with the current state of the show, "Pray Anything" would be unable to deliver the same biting wit and clever satire I usually expect from "spiritual" episodes. I was pleasantly surprised however.

Indeed, the episode started out terrible, with unfunny (and forced) lines at the WNBA. Gil's reappearance with Moe's proposal didn't help this scene either. However, the Rich Texan was used OK. Did anyone else notice Ned's free-throw looked similar to Niles Crane's from a Frasier episode?

Despite its bad beginning, the episode picked up well. I found Homer's various prayers quite amusing. Although nowhere as brilliant as "Bart Sells His Soul", the satire of personal-injury lawyers was welcomed, as was Dr. Nick's line. I don't consider Homer's transformation a return to his "Jerkass" behavior, but more of a result from his power thirst upon acquiring the church. I also appreciated Marge's role, and how she didn't just stand by, or worse, left out until the last scene. Lovejoy's temporary church was quite funny, and Carl's worshipping of Lenny's hunting trophy was also amusing. A return of Arnie Pie's bitter side helped too. The ending seemed a little weak, and more or less illustrated(to me)Lisa's skewered sense or spirituality.

Granted, this was no "Bart Sells His Soul", "Homer the Heretic" or "In Marge We Trust" but a welcome gem (for me anyways) among duds like "Strong Arms of the Ma" and "Helter Shelter".

Grade: B+
"Nobody beats the Rev."

[SNUH]

You go Gil...er...girl...or Gil...

I thought it was pretty funny ...my daughters and I actually laughed out loud a few times.

I rated it a 4.

The average seems to be a 3.6 or 3.7 at this point.

[Hans Barber]

waylon, what movie is that from?

[StrideR]

If you're referring to his/her sig, it's (I believe) from Hannibal.

[The Sweetling]

Btw, how the hell does soot in the air cause rain? Oh, and this episode sucked. Just like the last new episode, and the one before that. Sorry, but this show needs some new blood, not to be taken off the air, but some new blood.

[brancely]

Originally posted by Tomacco
And they won't be mentioning the 300th episode thing during the actual episode since it was made before they intended it to be the 300th episode. Maybe a chalkboard gag about it, but thats probably all.

seems you're forgetting the meta-joke that was shown in the preview for barting over

marge: i cant count how many times your father has done something crazy like this

lisa: its three hundred, mom

there had better be no other jokes like that, because meta-humor just isn't funny

as for last night's, i think the writers blew it, and hopefully they do not come back for another shot

2/5

also, where the hell did the rev get a helicopter?

edit: it has come to my attention that the meta-joke most likely will not be in the episode... thank god

[StrideR]

Originally posted by The Sweetling
Btw, how the hell does soot in the air cause rain? Oh, and this episode sucked. Just like the last new episode, and the one before that. Sorry, but this show needs some new blood, not to be taken off the air, but some new blood.

I say old blood. Specifically: Mike Reiss, Meyer, Greaney, Oakley/Weinstein, and especially Sam Simson and Brad Bird.

[whoismrbungle]

Yes, I remember laughing at the Ken Burns, but that was an elitist laugh, because I know that most people wouldn't get it.

I would call it one of the worst shows ever, in the context that there have been alot of bad shows lately and this is the straw that broke the camel's back of sorts. This one made me lose alot of faith in the show, but if i see it on dvd 10 years down the road (at least, damn!) i'm not gonna hate it.

I enojyed the Simpson's Safari episode. Lots of people here seem to hate it, but, I don't know, it wasn't as bad as this.

And crazy endings were acceptable when normal ones were also around.

[whoismrbungle]

I also do feel that the simpsons is better than every other show on tv. This might annoy some of you. I think its true. Of course, I won't say that and leave the show without its criticism, like some other people.

That's stupid. The show is clearly not at its old glory. Perhaps I make this out to be much bigger than usual. This is because my fox only syndicates like... 15 episodes. I can only see HOMR 100 times before I get angry at the new episodes.

Yeah.

How about those jew jokes though. They had about 3. Not a bad amount for a prime time show. Nevermind.

[Jake]

Originally posted by NoOneFamous


Not for me... I had absolutely no opinion of this episode before viewing it.

I just expect the half-hour to be enjoyable, I hope, sans Large Marge.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by *Waylon Smithers*
4/5


Just out of curiosity, what scale of measurement are you using? Are all 301 episodes on the same scale? Why is Dick Cheney still alive?

[chiefdan]

Originally posted by FarScapeR


Just out of curiosity, what scale of measurement are you using? Are all 301 episodes on the same scale? Why is Dick Cheney still alive?

31 people voted 4/5...so don't just isolate one of them.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by chiefdan


31 people voted 4/5...so don't just isolate one of them.

No... sincerely, I'm seriously asking... I REALLY want to know.

[necrulez]

bit off the wall storyline; bit i kinda liked it; 3/5

[Thomas]

I guess I am in the minority I thought the episode was 100 times better than last weeks debacle. The joke with homer on the swing with the binoculars was awsome classic homer. some nice jabs at the wnba. talking in tonges was great. the moes dinner joke was awsome, reminded me of the life detector gag. nice to see barney again. fudge covered bacon... I could go on and on I loved this one.

[Robbie]

Originally posted by Mike Scully
I'd write a review, except that I remember absolutely nothing that happened in last night's episode.

Grade: D

My thoughts exactly. Very, very forgettable.

2/5

[Warren]

2/5

Not very good.

[Moleman...Hans]

Originally posted by FarScapeR


No... sincerely, I'm seriously asking... I REALLY want to know.

I'm going to sincerely ask a question too. Is anybody else getting annoyedby Farscaper or is it just me? Probably me, but I'd just like to know if I'm crazy or not by getting annoyed by the almighty CRITIC?!

[HomertheGreat]

I'm getting annoyed too, if you don't have anything nice to say about the show then don't say it. It seems to me that you just have gotten sick of the Simpsons. Sure you may like older episodes, but everybody likes those. All you do is come on and bash the show it seems like you can't just sit down and enjoy a new episode, every little thing has to be perfect and if it isn't then its crap. (This could go for some other people too...) (End of Rant)

[brancely]

here we go

[HomertheGreat]

I'm not saying that saying an episode was "bad" is a bad thing because I do it too, I claimed that "Helter Shelter" sucked earlier, but when you just constantly come on here and bash and bash new episodes it gets very annoying

[doyle]

Originally posted by Moleman...Hans


I'm going to sincerely ask a question too. Is anybody else getting annoyedby Farscaper or is it just me? Probably me, but I'd just like to know if I'm crazy or not by getting annoyed by the almighty CRITIC?! there are a good many people that criticize the new episodes on these boards. going by the logic that chiefdan used a few posts ago, i dont think it is right to isolate just one of them, although the act does get old sometimes

[NoOneFamous]

Originally posted by HomertheGreat
if you don't have anything nice to say about the show then don't say it.

How is this logical? What we're doing is reviewing the show, or critiquing it. No critic will every say nothing but good things about anything, all the time. Unless you're so blinded by being a Simpsons fan that you can't admit when an episode sucks, or you've lowered your expectations of the show so much that you consider episodes like these good.

Or maybe you're right, and we should *ALL* post "5/5! AWESOME! WELL ACTUALLY IT SUCKED BUT IT WAS STILL LIKE WAAAAAYYYY BETTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE ON TV!!!" ;-/

Also, don't assume that I hate all the new episodes and give each one a bad grade. Just look at my signature: I've given 2 As, 2 Bs, 3 Cs, 2 Ds, and 1 F this season, which is pretty well proportioned.

[Blue Phoenix]

Originally posted by HomertheGreat
I'm getting annoyed too, if you don't have anything nice to say about the show then don't say it.

Sorry but I refuse to dumb myself down to the level of a brainless nodding sheep. The old slang carnival term for this is a 'mark' someone you can make money off of cause they swallow anything.

I'm reveiwing the show and as I said this sorry excuse for writing gets a 1/5 and LIKES IT.

I don't like the old episodes becaus their the old episdoes I like them becaus they were GOOD.

I've been rather forgiving this season alot of the episdoes have been whatchable with a few being pretty good.

I stand by the fact that last Snuday's episdoes sucks flatout not becaus it's new but becaus it's horrid. Being an episode of The Simpsons does not make it above being bad.

[Tomacco]

Happy Valentines, cuz I love you all!:

http://nohomers.net/staff/jonah/miniEABF06.gif
Click here (http://nohomers.net/staff/jonah/EABF06.gif)

[Hans Barber]

i dont think the episode was that bad, though i gave it a 2.5, but it still wasnt that great. some funny parts, some lame. the show is getting a bit better though,and i think a lot would agree with that. and we do need some old blood. though, al jean is a part of that old blood and has def. helped out. but we need to bring back some old executive producers to help out, though im pretty sure al jean has been executive prior to these past 2 seasons.

[Handsome Pete]

Ah, I forgot about the Ken Burns parody! I actually got it, compared to some of you, apparently, and I thought it wasn't that bad. It may increase my original score of 2/5 slightly, but don't count on anything.

And thanks, Jonah, your "present" is very thoughtful.

Hey, it is!

[StrideR]

Originally posted by Moleman...Hans


I'm going to sincerely ask a question too. Is anybody else getting annoyedby Farscaper or is it just me? Probably me, but I'd just like to know if I'm crazy or not by getting annoyed by the almighty CRITIC?!

It's a shame you didn't know me in my younger days...

And just to clarify... I WAS being serious about the rating schemes question. I'd really like to know how people rate episodes of The Simpsons. *Waylon Smithers* was just selected because he/she happened to be the only person who'd given the ever-popular 4/5 rating on this page, and I was too lazy to go back and mass-quote (Jake's ability and dedication to do that confound me to this day).

As for my opinions, I say what I think and while I expect to be constantly challenged on my constantly "harsh" opinions, I don't need you, Homerthegreat, or any pimple-faced newbie coming here to boss me around, telling me what I should or shouldn't write.

I tend to constantly disagree with a lot of people, yet I respect their opinions. I've hardly ever (actually, maybe once or twice, but he insulted FarScape... he better recognize) gone after a poster on this board for their opinions, and I don't plan to in the future. Tomacco's reviews are hardly ever negative, but I still consider them after viewing an episode, so I can remember some of the possible good points of an episode that would cause the figures in my ratings to go up a bit.

Finally, I back up my reasoning of why I think an episode is not as good as I'd like it to be. I'll never stop comparing newer episodes to older ones, because they are the reason why I started watching The Simpsons in the first place. I'm not going to give any episode a positive review just because I think it's not going to get any better.

If you don't like what I have to say (to quote someone else on this board),

CRY ME A RIVER AND BUILD A BRIDGE AND GET OVER IT!

I'm back, and I ain't here to please anyone.

Blue phoenix, NoOneFamous and dondelinger, thanks for coming to my defense.

[homer5000]

That guide page is really good, Tomacco. It has everyone of the best parts of the episode. You should also put that Ruth Powers was at Homer's party looking normal as opposed to EABF04 in "Stuff You May Have Missed"...

[Tomacco]

Originally posted by FarscapeR
Tomacco's reviews are hardly ever negative, but I still consider them after viewing an episode, so I can remember some of the possible good points of an episode that would cause the figures in my ratings to go up a bit.

It's nice to see I can have such an influence on fellow fans. ;)
It's true, I tend to be more positive about episodes in general. I focus on the goods, but I do mention the problems, but I try to give adequate recognition to the goods. Even though this is a 3/5 episode for me, I still have to say I enjoyed it, and it's holding up well on repeat viewings. But obviously many people hated it, and that doesn't bother me. I like when people can back up their reasons for disliking episodes. FarscapR and DotheBartman, two people who review here regularly and who are harsh towards new episodes are two people I respect and actually read their reviews, because I find they often DO have good points that I agree with. The only thing is the stuff they complain about doesn't bother me nearly as much as it does for them, so our views on new episodes are ultimately different.

The reviewers who I don't give a crap about and dislike are the ones who bitch and moan about new episodes without offering any insight to the problems or how they could be solved. On the other end of the spectrum, there's the fans who say "5/5 THAT EPISODE RULED!". I don't really take into account what they think, but I'm at least happy that they're supporting the show in general and keeping it going.

[irv]

keep in mind that a 3/5 is a D-

[Simpson Purist]

Good point jphh, but a D grade is still passing ;).

As for how I grade episodes. Well first I don't grade episodes on a score out of 5, I use 10 as a maximum. The reason I do this is because it gives each score a bigger "weight". Sometimes my purism affects the way I review episodes. For example in this week's episode, I just didn't approve of the way Homer handled the church, it kind-of reminded me of the way Homer acted in "Homer the Moe". Most of the time though, I try to watch the episodes with an open mind and not let the classics cloud my judgment.

[Moleman...Hans]

Originally posted by Tomacco
Happy Valentines, cuz I love you all!:

http://nohomers.net/staff/jonah/miniEABF06.gif
Click here (http://nohomers.net/staff/jonah/EABF06.gif)


Awwww. We WUV you 2. Thanks Tomacco.

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by Tomacco


The reviewers who I don't give a crap about and dislike are the ones who bitch and moan about new episodes without offering any insight to the problems or how they could be solved. On the other end of the spectrum, there's the fans who say "5/5 THAT EPISODE RULED!". I don't really take into account what they think, but I'm at least happy that they're supporting the show in general and keeping it going.

Exactly. Al Jean himself has said that he likes to see what fans have to say and take it into consideration, and that he prefers they really speak out rather then just being mindless sheep who love every second, but it doesn't help anyone on the staff to just mindless praise or bash without offering any insight into why it did or didn't work. I like to think, actually, that the CBG "worst episode ever" joke in "Itchy and Scratchy and Poochie" actually does have a point mainly about people that don't give any real insight.

And good to know my opinions aren't going completely unheeded, and that I offer some good thought to this board even with my crazy ravings. ;) Whether the opinion is negative or positive, I always prefer to read comments made by you (Tommacco), Farscaper, NoOneFamous, sometimes Jake, etc. that actually give some real insight rather then just being one sentence wonders all the time.

[HomertheGreat]

ok let me explain my opinion because I guess I didn't do it in the words I wanted too. I don't care about the reviews you can give an episode a 1/5, F or whatever its your opinion. But when you come on and bash and bash the show constantly, why are you even watching the show anymore if you can't sit down and enjoy new episodes on Sunday. If you can't enjoy some episodes there's no point in even watching the show anymore.

[StrideR]

I'll answer that in the best, non-offensive way that I can:

It's too hard to stay away... and I dislike it even more for that. The Simpsons was a phenomenal show. No other show has been able to capture that brilliance that it exhibited for 9 seasons, and I'm hopelessly hooked on it.

Unfortunately, what got me addicted in the first place is no longer there, and it's been replaced by a cheaper substitute. Most shows can make jokes about politics, religion and display some sort of emotion, but I don't watch most shows. I watched The Simpsons because it did more than that: It was intelligent, even handed, artistic, sometimes surreal and overall, earnestly funny. Characters with bulgy eyes, overbites, yellow skin and 4 fingers exploded with more energy and human emotion than "human" characters on most live-action shows. Now I just watch it because I'm addicted, and I don't necessarily like what I'm addicted to. So sue me if I bash new episodes week after week after week. At least, I give the episode a chance... sometimes.

[tim_duncan2000]

Damn, that episode sucked

Here's what I didn't like: (not in any particular order)
- Bart arguing about grammar at the WNBA game
- Homer on the swing repeatedly saying "D'oh" (and the dumb reason why he was doing it)
- The odd gay references with Moe (WTF are they doing with his character? He's been ruined these last few seasons)
- Rod and Todd talking in tongues
- All the stuff with Homer moving into the church
- The flood stuff
- A somewhat PC-thug Lisa at the end
- Homer yelling after only falling in a one-foot deep hole
- Homer being entertained by the "Vengeful God/Loving God" picture
- Lovejoy's collar-grabbing joke (I hate those damn collar-grabs!!)

Here's what I did like
- The lawyer talking about how it was the first time he had a client that was actually injured
- Lovejoy at the bowling alley
- $.30 courtside seats at the WNBA game
- The stuff between Arnie Pie in the sky and Kent Brockman

I know everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but I don't know how anyone can give that crap a good review. It was not much better than some of the worst stuff from Seasons 11-12. 1/5

[Urts]

Originally posted by DotheBartman


Exactly. Al Jean himself has said that he likes to see what fans have to say and take it into consideration, and that he prefers they really speak out rather then just being mindless sheep who love every second, but it doesn't help anyone on the staff to just mindless praise or bash without offering any insight into why it did or didn't work. I like to think, actually, that the CBG "worst episode ever" joke in "Itchy and Scratchy and Poochie" actually does have a point mainly about people that don't give any real insight.

And good to know my opinions aren't going completely unheeded, and that I offer some good thought to this board even with my crazy ravings. ;) Whether the opinion is negative or positive, I always prefer to read comments made by you (Tommacco), Farscaper, NoOneFamous, sometimes Jake, etc. that actually give some real insight rather then just being one sentence wonders all the time.

Yes, I find the fans that refuse to give any episode lower than a 3.5 or 4/5 just as annoying as those who refuse to give any explanation for a "1/5 it sukd!". Still, I have to admit at least partial guilt. Sometimes I'm too easy on episodes simply because I feel that a show as excellent as "The Simpsons" once was, simply couldn't have taken such a nosedive in quality. It doesn't seem possible, it doesn't seem right.

I wish I could simply enjoy OFF as much as I used to, but it pains me to see the greatest show of all time recklessly thrown away. I don't post at this board because I want to complain about the new episodes. I never want to be one of those excessively negative fans that refuses to enjoy the new episodes, but can't the writing staff simply acknowledge a decline? I know they don't want their work insulted, but not noticing a difference in quality between the last few seasons and the first 9 is pure blindness.

I will never stop watching, and I can't see myself ever disliking more than 1/3(about 1/2 in 11 and 12's cases) of a season's episodes. Please note that this post wasn't trying to make argument or criticism, I just felt like saying some stuff.

[Incognito, Guy]

What they need to do is to take all the writers, directors, producers, etc and sit them down in a movie theater. Lock all the doors. Then show every episode of the Simpsons from Season 1 through 8. Repeatedly. Until they come up with an episode that rivals anything from back then. Only then should they be freed :)

I know they can do it. Most of the great episodes stopped years long ago, but even after that they still came out with "Skinners Sense of Snow". They can do it again.

[Channel Surfer]

Comparison Time: Season 13 vs. 14

Season 14:

Treehouse of Horror XIII B
Special Edna B
Strong Arms of the Ma B
How I Spent My Strummer Vacation B-
The Dad Who Knew Too Little C+
The Great Louse Detectives C+
Large Marge C
Pray Anything C
Bart vs. Lisa vs. the 3rd Grade C-
Helter Shelter D

Season 13:

Half-Decent Proposal A
Sweets and Sour Marge B+
Treehouse of Horror XII B+
Jaws Wired Shut B
The Blunder Years B-
Brawl in the Family B-
She of Little Faith C+
A Hunka Hunka Burns in Love C
Homer the Moe C
The Parent Rap C-

And, for the heck of it, Season 12:

Treehouse of Horror XI A-
HOMR B+
Lisa the Tree Hugger B-