How would you rate The Old Man and the Key [Archive]

Kalbelgarion

03-10-2002, 05:40 PM

A very solid Simpsons episode. 4.5/5 from me. :)

We haven't had a Grandpa episode in quite a while, and this one was a winner.

This one highlighted the one thing that the show has always lacked-Teenager to parent relations. It was hilarious how Grandpa's situation mimiced a classic teen predictamint.

Everyone seemed to be characterized fairly well. Homer was a tad stupid, Lisa was sensible, Bart was careless, Grandpa was senile, and Marge was reasonable and showed her gambling problem.

The funniest part was the "Ode to Branson" song. I loved all the stars that we all thought were dead. :) (Heck, I would have died laughing if Jim Neighbors popped out of there. My Mother and I have had this ongoing joke/argument about his being alive for years now. ;))

And of course anything to do with the Beaverly Hillbillies is always funny. :D

Nicely done, Mr. Vitti and Al Jean. :)

lisa_the_greek

03-10-2002, 05:42 PM

I was NOT IMPRESSED. There were some funny jokes, but most of the episode was just, like...... :smoking: I expect more out of Jon Vitti :)

Jake

03-10-2002, 05:42 PM

Well, I'd like to say this is too weird for two reasons:

1. I've been waiting for Vitti to do an episode forever, and it was good, but...

2. The first few minutes freaked me out since my grandfather died on Thursday. :(

Oh, well I'll just skip a real review this week... (9/10) A. The best part was the ZZ Top lookalikes giving Granpa and his woman the go ahead.

Jake

BTW, Grades for:

Futurama: C-. Err, the first bad Futurama ep, not very funny.

King of the Hill: Hillarious and the best KoTH ep in a while with the World War 2 vets fighting with the 'Nam vets was very amusing. Grade: A+

rossjman1

03-10-2002, 05:45 PM

4/5

irv

03-10-2002, 05:46 PM

I'm interested in hearing what all you John Vitti circle jerkers who were saving your wad for this episode think.

Jake

03-10-2002, 05:49 PM

Originally posted by scurvineEVIL
I'm interested in hearing what all you John Vitti circle jerkers who were saving your wad for this episode think.

You just want to be on the recieving end.

irv

03-10-2002, 05:51 PM

Everyone's on the receiving end when it's a circle jerk.

NoOneFamous

03-10-2002, 05:53 PM

It was alright, but pretty boring. The first act was funny, the 2nd act was OK, but the 3rd was pretty bad. Especially that musical review which wasn't funny at ALL, yet seemed to stretch on forever like a bad Mad TV act. I give this ep a 3/5 for being realistic and somewhat funny, but it loses 2 points for being boring and dragging on.

Funny stuff:
blue man group couch gag (Ironically I was listening to a BMG song right before I turned the Simpsons on)
scrabble ship
"Old Man yells at cloud"
"dude wheres my virginity"
ZZ Top at old folks home
Grandpa acting like a teenager, Homer and Marge as the adults
"Grease" parody with the car race scene

BAD Stuff:
abe & viagra - Gross! I didn't need to hear that. I'm sick of cheap sex jokes like that. If you're going to do a sex joke, at least make it something more than a viagra joke!!! Viagra jokes are so overused.

The Senors gang - they appeared out of nowhere, weren't funny, and were pointless to the episode.

Branson - UGH, once again, the Simpsons suddenly go somewhere in the last segment of the show. All of the jokes involving Branson weren't funny either.

Summary: They're desperate for funny material and it shows. Everything in the episode has basically already been done.

Today's Futurama episode was so much funnier.

James

03-10-2002, 05:57 PM

One of the most energetic and funny episodes in ages! I laughed about every minute, and for some reason exploded into some breath-taking, minute-long laughter when Charro said "Hoo-chie" in her exaggerated Spanish accent and when Yakov talked with Callus after the musical number. It had a classic, rambling, hilarious, and witty depiction of the seniors of the Retirement Castle that I haven't seen in years! There were some minor plot and writing problems, like an abrupt ending, but overall, I gave it a "WOO-HOO" grade. In the top 4 this season. A good showing for the clever and humorous side of Vitti.

Uncie Moe

03-10-2002, 05:59 PM

I voted for 2/5...To me this episode really resembled a Scully episode and it seemed they tried really hard to pack this episode with alot of Satire and good references(The Marge gambling problem, didnt do anything for me though) and they pretty much failed in the laugh department. I did like the jab at teen sex romp movies and when Grandpa ran into Sea World and aske dif he was at Dairy Queen. The best quotes were "Sure, school's not doing anything for you" after Bart asked if he could go with Grandpa and something Jasper said during that confrontation in Kwik-E-Mart. I also got a chuckle when the one old guy put that boot on the stick on the brakes. But those were the only good points for me. Homer's lines were absolutely idiotic.

Stitchface

03-10-2002, 06:12 PM

"You must _think_ I'm dead"
"No,I have your obiturarie clipping right here
:: fades to dust ::

for no reason,my favorite of all smileys..:violent:

Smilin'JoeFission

03-10-2002, 06:20 PM

A+ One episode this season that exceeded my expectations!!! Second best to "Half Decent Proposal"

The best parts?:

"You sunk my Scrabble Ship!!!"

How the leader would let his jacket burn than not let anyone know what store he's been to.

Homer deciding to take the second bus after realising Flanders is on it.

The whole "you thought we were dead" routine(best part for me)

Many thought this was very Scullyish, but this episode brought back many of the classic Simpsons elements of great episodes.

Handsome Pete

03-10-2002, 06:21 PM

I thought it was a pretty good episode, 4/5. The best part was when Grandpa was acting like a teenager, and Homer being his concerned parent. Even funnier was when Grandpa ran into the room upstairs and turned on "Big Band" music, like a teenager turning on loud rock 'n roll. How Grandpa lost his license earlier on, ScrabbleShip, "Dude, Where's My Virginity?, the Itchy and Scratchy Radio Show, the town of Bronson, "That's Familiar!", and the Beverly Hillbillies-like ending were also good. The story, like many recent episodes, was lacking in several parts, but overall it was all right.

NoOneFamous

03-10-2002, 06:30 PM

Originally posted by Smilin'JoeFission
Many thought this was very Scullyish, but this episode brought back many of the classic Simpsons elements of great episodes.

I just got ask... how? How is this episode even remotely comparable to great Abe Simpson episodes like "Old Money", "Lady Bouvier's Lover" or "The Flying Hellfish"??

irv

03-10-2002, 06:37 PM

People who couldn't be entertained by this episode should just give up on the Simpsons all together. It's obvious that you weren't going to be entertained by this episode no matter how it turned out.

DotheBartman

03-10-2002, 06:53 PM

Wow, one of the funnier episodes in a while. The first act was particularly hilarious, with "Man yells at cloud", "Is this Dairy Queen" and many other moments. It was great to see Jasper and Crazy Old Man again, and we got a great musical act about forgotten celebrities! My only problems with it would be that Zelda's character wasn't too well developed (oh well, all the more reason not to care that Grandpa dumps her), and the Branson thing did seem a little awkward. Otherwise a very good episode, and we've been overdue for a Grandpa episode for a while.

B+

Ps: Sorry to hear about your grandfather, Jake. :(

Fiddle Boy

03-10-2002, 07:14 PM

It was not very good i think it sucked HAHAHAHAHA

odoil rules

Ignignot

03-10-2002, 07:17 PM

my comments:
I liked how Grandpa devoloped a better relationship with Bart like in the flying Hellfish. I think Grandpa needs to develop a relationship with Lisa. Man yells at cloud, man that was hillarious.

__________________________________

Jake

03-10-2002, 07:34 PM

Originally posted by scurvineEVIL
People who couldn't be entertained by this episode should just give up on the Simpsons all together. It's obvious that you weren't going to be entertained by this episode no matter how it turned out.

Ryan, for once I agree with you. This WAS a Vitti ep since it didn't have any LOL moments, but the ep was very good because of the likeability of the characters.

Jake

DotheBartman

03-10-2002, 07:37 PM

Originally posted by Jake

Ryan, for once I agree with you. This WAS a Vitti ep since it didn't have any LOL moments, but the ep was very good because of the likeability of the characters.

Jake

You know, I was thinking that as well. Homer was actually upset about Grandpa possibly being dead. In your standard season 11 episode, would he have been upset? Maybe, but I actually would have doubted it.

thecapecoddah

03-10-2002, 08:22 PM

4/5, lots of moments made me chuckle but there were a few jokes that didn't click for me as well... I'll hafta re-watch it tomorrow. Awesome first act in my opinion.

I agree with Jake that the funniest moment was the ZZ Top lookalikes... that had me laughing out loud.

bartron

03-10-2002, 09:09 PM

Best joke for me: "Wilford Brimley in: The Angina Monologues".

Other than that, pretty weak. The song REALLY got on my nerves.

Rowdy

03-10-2002, 09:19 PM

I didn't get the hobo jokes and a few other scenes near the start dragged for a while though. Everything else was wonderful. The whole relationship between Homer and Grampa was downright ROFLMAO material. I also digged the song. In fact, it's the best musical number since "Checkin' In"

Grade: 4/5

Season 12's First 13 Episodes: 40/65
Season 13's First 13 Episodes: 46/65

As for Futurama, it was ok. Nothing special. 3/5

King of the Hill was really awesome. Possibly the best of the season. 5/5

Malcolm was funny for the first time in awhile. There's still room for improvement though. 4/5

Jake

03-10-2002, 09:21 PM

Originally posted by bartron
Best joke for me: "Wilford Brimley in: The Angina Monologues".

Above "Wilford Brimley", the sign should've said: "Quaker Presents".

bartman454

03-10-2002, 10:05 PM

Ah my first simpsons episode review on the no homers club, anyway this was one heck of an odd little episode for me so lets take a look at it act by act

ACT 1: This was probably the funniest bit during the show as it opened up with Homer in full XFL garb that had me on the floor dying. Also unlike other episodes this season this one got straight to the main story after the first act for once, that and homer's little bit "I told him i loved him but i never said i was in love with him". very nice way to open the show

Act 2: Still pretty funny throughout the second act, that is until abe runs into the jacket sponsor people (what the hell!)and takes place in a deathrace and then drives off the dam tunnel bridge. I really think the writers could have done something different with this as the whole jacket gang wasnt a very funny bit at all, but after this i was still in the show.

Act 3: eh Branson, Missouri yuck the only thing that saved this act from being one of the dullest ones in simpsons history was the flanders bus bit and "10-10-320 Mr T" i PITY THE FOOL WHO DONT LIKE T sorry about that anyhow this act went on way too long and it seemed as though the writers were trying to pound in a new joke every nanosecond, just tell the story please

Overall this episode did feel a bit like scully near the end of the second act and the third act although the whole first act, some of the second act, and a Mr T third act saves this episode from failure as i give it for my first viewing C+

NoOneFamous

03-10-2002, 10:17 PM

Wow.. I agree with bartman454 100%. You said everything I wanted to say but in a much better way. Great review!

:bang:

03-11-2002, 05:59 AM

Very funny episode, not an instant classic, but much better than we've been getting. I dug the jacket people, people that buy those things have escaped scorn thus far. I dug the whole, "Dude were's my virginity" part, and it was nice to see the episode end with Grampa regaining some of his dignity. Why does FOX love Branson all of a sudden? Didn't KOTH go there last week? Is this the beginning of a Yackov Smirnov comeback? I'd give it a B+

Fiddle Boy

03-11-2002, 06:28 AM

very funny in parts Is this the Darie Queen but not very oringnal :shocked:

Citizen Kang

03-11-2002, 07:32 AM

I gave it a 4/5

A pretty funny episode. I like it when the episodes get a little abstract and wierd. Grampa running up to Lisa's room and blasting Swing music and Homer yelling "You call that music?!?!" was great. The souvenier Jacket gang was great too(having lived in Florida for many years). Overall a good episode. Futurama was really good too.

And then the Star Wars trailer was an added bonus....

tim_duncan2000

03-11-2002, 07:53 AM

I thought this was an okay episode, and it did have quite a few funny parts. I didn't like Act III that much, and the jacket gang bit was not that good and went on for too long. I was glad that Homer didn't act happy when he thought Grampa was dead, because that would have been the Season 11 reaction to it and would have been uncalled for. I don't think this was a great episode, but it wasn't terrible either. It was way better than crap like "Homer the Moe" or "The Blunder Years"

Greg Durand

03-11-2002, 10:51 AM

1/5, F, bad, however you want to put it.

Jessica Lovejoy

03-11-2002, 11:21 AM

This episode was pretty average, however I thought it was quite funny at some parts. I actually liked the whole Branson Missouri bit - who remembers in "Bart on the Road" when Bart tells Milhouse, Nelson and Martin that Branson is like Las Vegas run by Ned Flanders? How ironic that we then see Flanders and his kids getting on the bus to Branson, heh... Anyway... I thought the funniest gag was the whole BRONSON Missouri bit; that had me laughing out loud for a few minutes. Overall I'd say it's a 3.5/5 C+/B-. Not bad.

fenfool

03-11-2002, 12:28 PM

Originally posted by BlindPsychic
Guess the Band and Song correctly and get a cookie!
Can you feel it, see it, hear it today?
If you can't, then it doesn't matter anyway
You will never understand it cuz it happens too fast.
And it feels so good, it's like walking on glass
It's so cool, it's so hip, it's alright
It's so groovy, it's outta sight

Faith No More, "Epic", now gimme my cookie, BlindPsychic!!!!

BlindPsychic

03-11-2002, 01:02 PM

Originally posted by fenfool

Faith No More, "Epic", now gimme my cookie, BlindPsychic!!!!
Took you guys long enough,
*gives fenfool a cookie*

Paranoid Android

03-11-2002, 01:17 PM

Damn, I'm completly taken off guard that you guys like this episode. This episode was just as worst as the last one. There was nothing funny about this episode except the man yells at clouds thing, and that just got chortle. btw, did you notice that Lisa had the little green elves lunch box, somebody here said they haven't seen a reference to them in a while. There was also a Munster's parody that was somewhat funny. But overall I give this episode a 1/5. Tsk tsk . . . :bored:

lisa_the_greek

03-11-2002, 01:52 PM

Originally posted by scurvineEVIL
People who couldn't be entertained by this episode should just give up on the Simpsons all together. It's obvious that you weren't going to be entertained by this episode no matter how it turned out.

I was expecting a good episode... This wasn't a BAD episode, it wasn't like "Kill the Alligator and Run", but it just wasn't that funny..... The last *good* episode was "Half-Decent Proposal" IMO.

Cole

03-11-2002, 02:00 PM

I gave this episode a 4/5. It wasn't anything special, but it had some heart and some very clever moments. The XFL bit was the funniest (the MVP is sweeping toenails at the beauty parlor). The souvenir jacket guys were funny, though pointless (they sure do like to make fun of Planet Hollywood). Grampa calling Apu "Achoo" was also very funny. Now, up until here I would give it a 5/5. Time for the third act: :( ehh. . . let me just say this: keep the Simpsons in Springfield. Introducing new locations during the third act never works out. The "Angina Monologues" joke was the funniest by far -- from there, things went down hill. The song wasn't too bad, but it wasn't too funny either. Grampa drving all the way there to call her a "hoochie" seemed a little-bit odd and anticlimatic. Then the episode just sorta ends there, it didn't seem to really prove anything or have much of a purpose. Act 1: 5/5; Act 2: 5/5; Act 3: 3/5. Total: 4/5

As for the rest of the night. Futurama had to be my least favorite episode ever. I know Bender is suppose to be a jerk and only care about himself, but he just seemed to be way too huge of an ass last night. Plus, the whipping of the slaves got really, really old. 2.5/5 Worst Episode of the Season. King of the Hill was pretty good. Not one of my favorites, I never really like episodes featuring Hank's dad: 4.0/5.0. Malcolm in the Middle was very funny, the best show of the night. The kids attacking the opposing team was too funny and Malcolm's obsession with that Sims-like game was hilarious. The best Malcolm of the Season and perhaps the first time I felt it was better than The Simpsons, KoTH, AND Futurama: 4.5/5.0. So, here is my final review for last night's comedies:
1. Malcolm in the Middle
2. The Simpsons
3. King of the Hill
4. Futurama

NoOneFamous

03-11-2002, 02:04 PM

Originally posted by scurvineEVIL
People who couldn't be entertained by this episode should just give up on the Simpsons all together. It's obvious that you weren't going to be entertained by this episode no matter how it turned out.

People who rate this episode as an A or B need to stop settling for mediocrity. Its like, any episode that doesn't entirely suck is rated as a masterpiece now. I mildy enjoyed this episode, but it was below average at best. If "The Old Man and the Key" script was used for other show but the Simpsons, everyone would say it was absolutely horrible, and that show would probably be canceled soon after.

morbot

03-11-2002, 02:50 PM

Was it just me or did anyone else find the characters in this episode to be too out of character? I realize they were doing the typical "kid gets his license" only reversed type show, but still.

Rather than be crotchety and cynical like his normal self, Grandpa was at times, stupid. Out with his "gang" and stuff, when most of the time people at the old folks home seem to prefer the sheltered existence from the outside world.

And Homer, rather than being his usual lazy half assed parent, was all the sudden like an old TV sitcom dad. He was making all sorts of efforts to punish grandpa, and I just felt like he was all over the place as far as character. He didn't seem like the typical self.

Most the other characters did fine, but it would have been nice to see them expand on the Springfield Retirement Castle, rather than create a new character (with the van) and new enemies (the stupid souvenere jacket people) when they could have developed some of the bit roles more. And there were some funny lines, and good jokes... but the whole time I couldn't get past the feeling that this episode was so forced.

It seemed like someone found an old script for "Family Ties" that they didn't get to use before it was canceled. Where Granpa has taken the place of "Alex Keaton" first getting his license, and Homer has taken over for "Steve Keaton" as the overprotective parent. Now there's nothing wrong with the Simpsons parodying other shows, but this didn't feel like a parody of a Family Ties type show. It felt like someone literally found a Family Ties script in the dumpster, replaced a few names, and then drew the characters to fit it.

2/5 in my opinion. A bad episode saved only because it did have a few funny spots.

Wavy Gravy

03-11-2002, 04:13 PM

I give it a 4/5. I really like how Al Jean is turning this show around. A good Grandpa episode doesn't come along very often, and I was glad to see this one - especially with so many funny parts. Homer's XFL stuff, Grandpa's "big backseat and a lot of gas" line, the cool comatose, "Is this Dairy Queen?", Jasper breaking his beard, the Itchy and Scratchy Radio Show, the Bronson, Missouri thing, the musical number, Homer's Herman Munster bit, the "Beverly Hillbillies" ripoff at the end, and Lisa's "This has been a Gracie Films pree-sentation!" all made me laugh. One of my favorite scenes was at the Kwik-E-Mart:
ABE: Thank you, Achu.
APU: Not "chu", "pu".
CRAZY OLD MAN: I got problems with both.

All in all, a classic in my opinion.

Duffman89

03-11-2002, 05:16 PM

I thought "The Old Man and the Key" was the best Grampa Simpson episdoe ever made. The jokes were the best of Season 13, with a few exceptions. Overall, the episode deserves an A+. :D

bartman454

03-11-2002, 05:45 PM

Well i just watched this episode for a second time and i gotta admit i found it a little bit funnier in parts. The whole "pu, and chu" bit was well done and i did like the whole branson missouri bit a little bit better (mind you i say little). As for my previous problems with this episode i still gotta say the jacket gang was pretty dumb and was not really needed to move the plot, hell since snake was at the race how come him and grandpa didnt go at it? And did anybody think that the story was moving so fast that you really couldnt connect with the fact that grandpa was in love with zelda. i'll upgrade this episode to a B-/C+

Al Jean has done a lot of good stuff this year and this episode hit a bump not an abyssmal pothole. If Jean wants to keep going on a good streak with the show his best bet would be to start the main story of the show by the beginning of the second act and by also making us care about the characters as well as laughing at them (isnt that always the hardest part ;) next week we see tales from the public domain with Homer in Homer's Odyssey, Lisa as Joan of Arc and Bart as Hamlet, should be fun :D

Cole

03-11-2002, 06:08 PM

Here's a question:

The girl that was with snake during the death race -- his girlfriend. She looked alot like the girl from A Hunka Hunka Burns in Love (the one Seinfeld's Elaine voiced who fell in love with Snake). Could this be the same girl?

StrideR

03-11-2002, 06:25 PM

So...this was it? The best they could come up with? Al Jean and Vitti, and still...barely average(I'm ashamed to admit it). Well...I had hopes. The jokes showed effort and could have been funnier, but delivery killed them. I didn't post for a long while, hoping that when I did, I'd be glad to write something down. Well, I guess this is it. This is as good as it gets. I've finally become ashamed of OFF, despite it's steady ratings. Maybe it's time I admitted to myself that The Simpsons is not the funniest show anymore. Maybe it's time I stopped watching. Maybe...

Zero the Hero

03-11-2002, 06:30 PM

i wont let me vote, but i think it was pretty good, it was kinda wierd but good. the jokes werent as funny as they usually are and it could have been better so i would give it a 4/5 or 3/5

Bluesman

03-11-2002, 06:53 PM

Good freaking god this was terrible. 1/5. I didn't really laugh at anything, some parts made me chuckle, but they weren't at all memorable. This ep was just one big advertisement for Branson, MO. with that dumbass song number near the end. Al Jean officially sucks now.

Al Jean :violent:

NoOneFamous

03-11-2002, 07:02 PM

I like the way Kevin Campbell, stride_83, and Fat Morbo think!

(I like the way Mr. Snrub thinks!)

I miss Mike Scully, and I never thought I'd say that before.

Bluesman

03-11-2002, 07:09 PM

Originally posted by NoOneFamous
I like the way Kevin Campbell, stride_83, and Fat Morbo think!

(I like the way Mr. Snrub thinks!)

I miss Mike Scully, and I never thought I'd say that before.

I like the way stride_83 and Fat Morbo think too, but I am definetly going to disagree with you on the last point. I am glad Scully is gone, but Al sucks and I miss Oakley and Weinstein the most.

NoOneFamous

03-11-2002, 07:14 PM

Well you're right, I am glad that Mike Scully is gone, but I still think that he was better than Al. Even Mike's worst episodes at least held your interest, and his first two seasons were still high quality.

Ned Flanders272

03-11-2002, 07:29 PM

i gave it a 4/5

|RABiD|

03-11-2002, 07:34 PM

Hey NoOneFamous...how can u say that? Sure Mike Scully had a few awesome episodes, but for his first 8 episodes as Executive Producer, Al Jean's episodes have ALL been good! Do u want Scully back and have Homer stupid and crazier than ever and have every episode end with the family going to an island or something? Honestly! the show HAS improved and can only get better! I loved this episode, and I think many people agree with me on this one.

Cole

03-11-2002, 07:41 PM

Originally posted by NoOneFamous
Well you're right, I am glad that Mike Scully is gone, but I still think that he was better than Al. Even Mike's worst episodes at least held your interest, and his first two seasons were still high quality.

I want you to go watch Simpson Safari, Saddlesore Galactica, or even Kill the Alligator and Run and tell me if you still think they held your interest more. The Old Man and the Key may not have been the best episode, but it kept my interest and was better than all of the ones I listed above. Al Jean is much, much better than Mike Scully and I think most people here will agree with me.

Simpson Safari: 1/5
Saddlesore Galactica: 1/5
Kill the Alligator and Run: 2/5
The Old Man and the Key: 4/5

DotheBartman

03-11-2002, 08:41 PM

NoOneFamous: While I will give it to you that Jean's episodes aren't perfect, do you think that maybe its a little difficult to improve a show after Scully messed it up? Its pretty #$%@ difficult, I'm sure, and the fact that I'm actually excited to see new episodes again says something. This season has been mainly a transition season. We have already seen a toning down of Homer, and there haven't been any overly ridiculous endings from Jean (most have been pretty normal in fact). No one ever said that any improvements would happen at all, and in my opinion, they're happening rather quickly. The plots actually seem more interesting to me than in the Scully episodes, and for once I actually don't expect episodes to suck most of the time(though a few, like Large Marge, I actually do expect to suck). I'm actually getting interested in the characters again (rather than wanting Homer to bleed to death), and I simply couldn't say that back in season 12 without REALLY trying. You could argue that we're all just blindly worshipping, and perhaps some of us are, but in my opinion this season has ranged mostly from average to a little above average, with a couple really amazing episodes. In season 12, it was usually average to below average. In seasons 10 and 11, it was even worse. In my opinion, while it may be subtle, that's an improvement.

WoodersJKOL

03-11-2002, 10:50 PM

where can u get them online?

Cole

03-12-2002, 09:34 AM

Originally posted by DotheBartman
NoOneFamous: While I will give it to you that Jean's episodes aren't perfect, do you think that maybe its a little difficult to improve a show after Scully messed it up? Its pretty #$%@ difficult, I'm sure, and the fact that I'm actually excited to see new episodes again says something. This season has been mainly a transition season. We have already seen a toning down of Homer, and there haven't been any overly ridiculous endings from Jean (most have been pretty normal in fact). No one ever said that any improvements would happen at all, and in my opinion, they're happening rather quickly. The plots actually seem more interesting to me than in the Scully episodes, and for once I actually don't expect episodes to suck most of the time(though a few, like Large Marge, I actually do expect to suck). I'm actually getting interested in the characters again (rather than wanting Homer to bleed to death), and I simply couldn't say that back in season 12 without REALLY trying. You could argue that we're all just blindly worshipping, and perhaps some of us are, but in my opinion this season has ranged mostly from average to a little above average, with a couple really amazing episodes. In season 12, it was usually average to below average. In seasons 10 and 11, it was even worse. In my opinion, while it may be subtle, that's an improvement.

Very well put. I completely agree. And just think about it, if the episodes are improving this much in this transition season (Season 13). Just think about how great Seasons 14 and 15 could be. :)

Originally posted by WoodersJKOL
where can u get them online?

Where can you get what online? What is 'them' referring to?

kevin

03-12-2002, 01:16 PM

worst of the year so far, it was so bad. It had some laughs but the plot didnt flow well, and Grampa put up a dissapointing performance.

Big Baby Jesus

03-12-2002, 03:16 PM

Originally posted by Cloud_Cole
Here's a question:

The girl that was with snake during the death race -- his girlfriend. She looked alot like the girl from A Hunka Hunka Burns in Love (the one Seinfeld's Elaine voiced who fell in love with Snake). Could this be the same girl?

Yes. At the end of A Hunka Hunka Burns in Love it lead us to believe that she was going to get back with Snake. And the character didn't speak because they couldn't get Julia Louis-Dreyfus back to do the voice.

Cole

03-12-2002, 03:40 PM

Originally posted by Freakzilla

Yes. At the end of A Hunka Hunka Burns in Love it lead us to believe that she was going to get back with Snake. And the character didn't speak because they couldn't get Julia Louis-Dreyfus back to do the voice.

Thanks. Thats what I thought, I just wanted to make sure I was right. That is very cool that they fit her character into the story -- maybe we'll be hearing from. . . ehh, seeing her again. ;)

NoOneFamous

03-12-2002, 03:47 PM

Originally posted by Cloud_Cole

I want you to go watch Simpson Safari, Saddlesore Galactica, or even Kill the Alligator and Run and tell me if you still think they held your interest more. The Old Man and the Key may not have been the best episode, but it kept my interest and was better than all of the ones I listed above. Al Jean is much, much better than Mike Scully and I think most people here will agree with me.

Simpson Safari: 1/5
Saddlesore Galactica: 1/5
Kill the Alligator and Run: 2/5
The Old Man and the Key: 4/5

The problem here is that you are comparing Scully's worst to Al's average.

thecapecoddah

03-12-2002, 04:30 PM

More critiques: http://www.nohomers.net/interactive/reviews/DABF09.shtml

Many more coming to that page in a day or two.

Bart Skateboarder

03-12-2002, 04:52 PM

I thought this was the worst episode of the season. I really did not like the plot. I was dragged on way too long too. I gave it a 2/5.

Smilin'JoeFission

03-12-2002, 05:44 PM

I wonder when we'll see Tomacco's guide page...

Kalbelgarion

03-12-2002, 06:05 PM

Originally posted by Smilin'JoeFission
I wonder when we'll see Tomacco's guide page...

He's gone until next Sunday...so I guess we'll get two reviews and two guide pages early next week. :)

rossjman1

03-12-2002, 06:21 PM

In the newer episodes why is it that the first half of the episode seem so draged out and the ending half it's rushed?

NoOneFamous

03-12-2002, 07:03 PM

Originally posted by rossjman1
In the newer episodes why is it that the first half of the episode seem so draged out and the ending half it's rushed?

Lazy writers who care more about inserting a joke into every second of the show, even if the joke isn't funny, than devoloping a good plot.

Cole

03-12-2002, 07:33 PM

Originally posted by NoOneFamous

The problem here is that you are comparing Scully's worst to Al's average.

Well, maybe you forgot -- here are your exact words:

Originally posted by NoOneFamous
Well you're right, I am glad that Mike Scully is gone, but I still think that he was better than Al. Even Mike's worst episodes at least held your interest, and his first two seasons were still high quality.

You pointed out that "Mike's worst episodes at least held your interest." I posted what I thought were Mike's worst episodes -- and they did not hold my interest.

DotheBartman

03-12-2002, 07:51 PM

Originally posted by NoOneFamous

Lazy writers who care more about inserting a joke into every second of the show, even if the joke isn't funny, than devoloping a good plot.

Interesting. The plots seem much more interesting to me right now than they did in the Scully years.

Big Baby Jesus

03-12-2002, 07:55 PM

All of the episodes this season the ending's have been rushed.

NoOneFamous

03-12-2002, 09:15 PM

Originally posted by Cloud_Cole
You pointed out that "Mike's worst episodes at least held your interest." I posted what I thought were Mike's worst episodes -- and they did not hold my interest.

Well, they held mine.

Originally posted by DotheBartman

Interesting. The plots seem much more interesting to me right now than they did in the Scully years.

Seems like you may have totally forgotten the first 2 Scully years. Scully's plots may have been all over the place, but to me, they at least felt like they were going somewhere.

Ah screw it. Why am I even trying to defend either of them?

Jake

03-12-2002, 09:42 PM

Originally posted by DotheBartman

Interesting. The plots seem much more interesting to me right now than they did in the Scully years.

Scully's episode had plots?

Tomacco

03-13-2002, 12:44 AM

GUESS WHO!?

This has been the first chance I've gotten to log onto the net on my vacation. I'll have my full review and guide next week.

Overall, the episode wasn't great on story but DAMN irt was funny! That Branson song was the highlight of the episode and one of the funniest simpsons songs ever (made Nick at Nite a city). Parodies of Munsters, XFL, and Beverly Hillbillies were all great, and Grampa was hilarious. 4/5

Al Jean says it was a coincidence that Branson and Yakov Smirnoff showed up on Simpsons 2 weeks after on KOTH, so don't be accusing him of any stealin' now. :D

PS: Futurama was almost unbearable.
PPS: Since I can't update my site now, I'll let you know here that "Sweets and Sour Marge" repeats next Friday, March 22 at 8:30PM.

Cole

03-13-2002, 11:09 AM

Hey Tomacco, hope you're enjoying your vacation -- can't wait to see your guide when you get back.

Handsome Pete

03-13-2002, 02:51 PM

Originally posted by Cloud_Cole
Hey Tomacco, hope you're enjoying your vacation -- can't wait to see your guide when you get back.

Oh, don't we all.

skittlebrau

03-13-2002, 03:07 PM

Originally posted by Freakzilla
All of the episodes this season the ending's have been rushed.

Well, at least it's not "Surf's up!"

DotheBartman

03-13-2002, 04:34 PM

Originally posted by NoOneFamous

Seems like you may have totally forgotten the first 2 Scully years. Scully's plots may have been all over the place, but to me, they at least felt like they were going somewhere.

Ah screw it. Why am I even trying to defend either of them?

No, I didn't forget them, and I didn't think much of season 10 or its plots either. Heck, looking back, season 9 already had problems. I mean, Carnies? Going to Cuba? There were already a few screwed up plots during season 9. If anything, season 12 episodes like HOMR, Trilogy of Error, and Hungry Hungry Homer had better plots that felt like they were "going somewhere". And in all honesty, I'm enjoying most of this season's plots than I was season 12's.

IcE

03-15-2002, 04:29 PM

I liked the first 10 minutes, went downhill from there

WoodersJKOL

03-16-2002, 01:07 AM

Originally posted by Cloud_Cole

Where can you get what online? What is 'them' referring to?

Them being the episodes online, i should have clarified earlier, sorry........ you knwo to download and wach on your computer.

Cole

03-16-2002, 05:22 PM

Originally posted by WoodersJKOL

Them being the episodes online, i should have clarified earlier, sorry........ you knwo to download and wach on your computer.

Oh, I see. I recommend Morpheus or KaZaA.

bartfan

03-16-2002, 07:07 PM

kazaa is good

WoodersJKOL

03-16-2002, 08:44 PM

i got them, but the new eps r always like200MB

Discokev

03-17-2002, 10:54 AM

Kazaa is really Good!!!

Tomacco

03-18-2002, 04:39 PM

Late, but great?
http://www.thespringfieldshopper.com/!OLDMANKEY.gif

irv

03-18-2002, 04:41 PM

i appreciate the work you do, but for the love of christ, antialias your fucking graphics

Tomacco

03-18-2002, 04:43 PM

I don't see a problem. And when you print out the pages, everything looks fine.

irv

03-18-2002, 04:49 PM

But when you view them on the internet, which is what 95% of people do, the graphics are very jagged, meaning not smoothe.

Mr. Plow

03-18-2002, 05:58 PM

It sure is late, but sure is great!

Paranoid Android

03-18-2002, 09:02 PM

Hey Tommaco, you left out another tv moment: Homer does a parody of Herman Munster from the show Munsters. Trust me.

DotheBartman

03-18-2002, 09:20 PM

Great job as usual!

Tomacco

03-19-2002, 04:17 AM

Yeah I know I left out The Munsters joke, but that's because of two reasons: 1) I ran out of room. 2) The arody was fairly obvious, so it wasn't so critical to mention.

Wavy Gravy

03-19-2002, 06:46 AM

Sensational job, Jonah! And thank you for using Jasper as the episode bio instead of Zelda. This leaves only three main caharcters I can think of for episode bios - Brandine Spuckler, Luann Van Houten, and Miss Hoover.

Paranoid Android

03-19-2002, 09:47 AM

That's a quote from Jasper in an older episode. Why did you use that one.

Tomacco

03-19-2002, 12:39 PM

The actual guide doesn't always use quotes from that episode for the character bio. So, I took the same liberty.

And yeah, I've been waiting for an opportunity to use Ms Hoover, Lenny, Helen, Jasper, Luanne and Brandine for the bios.
Last season, I got Helen and Lenny in. So far this season, I've got Jasper in. Somehow I think I won't get the chance to put Luanne or Hoover in, because they don't talk anymore.

Redneck Nick

03-19-2002, 01:31 PM

This is among your greatest work, Jonah. Keep it up!

4 Alarm Chilli

11-11-2006, 02:01 AM

I didn't like this episode. The first time I've seen a bad episode in season 13 so far. There were some very good refrences to movies, as well as funny parts, when Grampa shuts his door and plays old 50's music. Overall though I didn't really enjoy this one. D

Dieing Tickles

11-11-2006, 02:24 AM

Was much better than I expected it to be. One of the best Season 13 episodes I've seen so far. 4/5

Rest your giant head

11-11-2006, 06:11 AM

I quite like this episode. It's not perfect,but it still has Vitti's typical humor and many funny jokes. The best gags are "Old man yelled at cloud", Grampa acting like he's dead, several old men going to bathroom although only one asked and Jasper's broken beard. The first two acts were brilliant, but something went wrong in the third one. The ending sucks IMO. 3/5

Sniper Squirrel

11-12-2006, 12:18 PM

not a bad episode, but is it really worth a 4 year bump?

DaRick

07-07-2007, 04:06 AM

The Old Man and the Key, when you think about it, has such potential to suck. Technically speaking, it's worse than even Viva Ned Flanders. There are severe lapses in characterisation, plus questionable animation and a highly derivative plot (a rip-off of Lady Bouvier's Lover with less depth), along with some some Scully-era silliness. For all of that though, the episode is enjoyable and almost a positive channeling of kitsch akin to Viva Ned Flanders or the Scorpions 'Rock You Like A Hurricane'. I say that because this episode obviously cannot overcome its own faults completely.

The first act starts off well, with the XFL gag being a classic, along with the line from Homer regretting that he never told Grampa that he was in love with him. Sadly, this buildup is wasted after Grampa meets Zelda. At this point, the characterisation veers off course, as Homer acts as a siphon of rage when interacting with Grampa. This doesn't strike me as normal; Homer usually treats Grampa with indifference, not overt anger. The parts where Grampa and Zelda meet also fail to engage.

The second act, after Grampa gets his licence, is actually quite good, except for the parts where Homer, Marge and Lisa appear. Homer seems to be ridiculously over-protective of both Grampa and his car, which just seems totally wrong. Marge, while being more in-character than Homer, also seems more nagging and dominant while usual. Except when Grampa is being a nuisance, Marge rarely tries to dominate his decision-making. Even Lisa seems to be somewhat vindictive in her dealings with Grampa, even though this is more justified. The scene at the drive-in had one laugh, as did the 'man yells at cloud scene', while the race between the seniors was funny, if random and Scully-esque. Indeed, the part where the Latino senior stands unfazed while burning alive seems very strange. It's almost something Scully would implement, although Scully would've made it even more zany and strange. I found Jasper's "I broke my beard" line to be funny, though.

The third act is more of a stuff-up, because of more sporadic humour. Luckily, Homer, Marge and Lisa don't get as much of a chance to ruin things more through poor characterisation. Although I liked the Bronson, Missouri gag, I did not think the celebrities at the show added anything to the episode. Plus, it would not be below Scully to add something like the Ernie Ford segment, which I didn't find funny, just very...random. I was however, satisified by the resolution, although not with Homer's cold response. Plus, I kind of laughed at the Beverly Hillbillies style ending.

I have spoken enough about this episode's negative technical aspects. Now for the positives: Olympia Dukais was OK, if not terrific as Zelda, while the characterisation of Bart was flawless. Grampa was fine too, I suppose.

I do enjoy this episode. So, while I cannot ignore the episode's technical sloppiness (or give it a high grade), I can view it as a mastery of kitsch, which I will do. Consider this episode to be the Season 13 equivalent of Viva Ned Flanders. C+