Your Review Of "The Sweetest Apu" (DABF14) [Archive]

RexDart

05-05-2002, 05:35 PM

People might complain and make a big deal out of the few reused jokes: impersonating Ganesh, civil war recreation. Yet that doesn't drag down what is probably my favorite episode of the season thus far.

The first act was a little slow, maybe the civil war stuff didn't work so well. Homer retreating in shock with the music playing over and over was perfect though, a hilarious sequence!! I just kept laughing every time the music started up again.

The second act had some great Homer dialogue, like Homer reassuring Apu that he is, in fact, scum. It was excellently done.

The third act had some fun at the expense of divorce lawyers, a group of people that deserved some mockery. The lawyer seeing only dollar signs at the prospect of a nice settlement for Manjula is a great commentary on the way marriages end these days.

Overall, an excellent episode!

10/10

Speed-Bump

05-05-2002, 05:35 PM

A great episode. It had its unrealistic parts (Homer walking backward)but they were ignorable. THe episode had a nice feeling to it. It had some great parodies (wild wild west). The dialogue was perfect.

brancely

05-05-2002, 05:35 PM

Awful episode, worst of the season so far. The plot was not funny, and too many jokes fell flat. Plus, all the times the octuplets came on stage mae me want to punch them. Has Manjula's voice changed? Cuz if it did......

(Note: Tey had another unfunny Homer's angry voice, fist-shaking moment that made me want to puke)

Tirefire

05-05-2002, 05:36 PM

A 3/5. Ranks right in the middle of the season for me. Had 2 or 3 really good jokes, intermingled with a bunch of bland ones.

NoOneFamous

05-05-2002, 05:36 PM

4/5. Pretty good episode. Quite a few good LOL moments. Good plot. I don't have much to say about this one right now. I hope this is the last Apu/Minjula episode, as I don't really like them, but this one was the best of them.

There were a few things I didn't like though, but they didn't really bring down the episode that much.:

Disco Stu was used again.. he is used way too much

Frink's Civil War robot was too ridiculous

Apu and the squishee lady "make out" scenes were pretty disturbing... so was the recording that Minjula watched.

Homer backing away all the way to his house was funny, but too Family Guy-ish.

Homer was somewhat annoying in this episode, I think all of his annoying traits were used. ("Cause if it did!!" *fist shake*, that grab your coller and gasp noise, ect)

Marge was out of character - she wanted to see male strippers???

~ Otherwise, above average episode.

James

05-05-2002, 05:38 PM

A solid B/B+ (good episode). It had excellent jokes (Windel, Karma Baloney, the McBain interview among many others) and a solid storyline with good characterization. This season seems to be going through ups and downs...this is another good period.

jRac87

05-05-2002, 05:39 PM

mmmm...karma-bologna

Prof. Frink13

05-05-2002, 05:41 PM

I gave it a 4/5. Pretty Good episode

J.Re*

05-05-2002, 05:41 PM

Apu said Karma was Bolonga
Homer said Mmmmm... Carmel Bologna

Mafia

05-05-2002, 05:41 PM

what were the exact words with Skinner and Frink when Skinner goes "Well this is inacurate." and then Frink appears with the wild Wild West machine. what were the exact words?

best Apu episode in awhile.

The homer walking backwards was good... the ladder one was pretty good too. It showed show irony which i like.

Cole

05-05-2002, 05:46 PM

Enjoyable episode. Although, I didn't laugh too much. It had an entertaining story that kept me interested. The ending with Hoemr on the ladder seemed a little lame to me, leaving a bad aftertaste. I'm gonna go with a 3.5 possibly a 4 right now. I'll have a more detailed review after I rewatcth this episode.

Mafia

05-05-2002, 05:49 PM

the episodes lately have been a larger improvement. episodes have been quality, good, or great since 2002 started (exception: Latest Gun)

Bill Mcneal

05-05-2002, 05:53 PM

what the hell? Did you see the episode on fox or did you get a copy from a file sharing program?

Kursty

05-05-2002, 05:53 PM

A great episode

Very smooth transition between scenes, well writen --something that hasnt been so for the past few weeks, bah past few seasons --not no anoying sceaming Homer or alot of stupidity.

I loved the whole New Yorker gag, with the strip, and the Lenny. Another highlight was when the Simpsons were discussing Apu's play. The lawyer was preatty funny "when will you humans learn..." he got a bit silly with the dancing on the table

overall this was a 4/5
its 5/5 if u base it on like the past 3 seasons (11,12,13) but 5/5 should be saved for like classics

Jake

05-05-2002, 05:53 PM

Originally posted by Tirefire
A 3/5. Ranks right in the middle of the season for me. Had 2 or 3 really good jokes, intermingled with a bunch of bland ones.

Ditto. The best jokes were the Tom Brokaw's "The Greatest Generation" lines and the tanks superceding the civil war reinactment. After that, it kind sucked.

I, too, voted 3/5.

Jake

ps the second (6:30/7:30) King of the Hill with Boomhauer being a boy toy had to be the funniest King of the Hill--EVER!!! 6.2/5 :D

Cole

05-05-2002, 05:54 PM

Originally posted by Jake
ps the second King of the Hill had to be the funniest King of the Hill--EVER!!! 6.2/5 :D

Agreed. I laughed so hard during that episode. It was definately the funniest of the season and it was much funnier than tonight's Simpsons.

lisa_the_greek

05-05-2002, 05:58 PM

I was doing other things(work) while I was watching it, so I wasn't really paying attention. :mad:

But what I did hear was funny. :)

NoOneFamous

05-05-2002, 05:59 PM

"I will never lie about being cancelled again"

For some reason, my favorite quote from this episode is:

Homer: So anyway, if you take THAT bottle down and pass it around -
Apu: Yes yes, I know!! You'll have 47 bottles of beer left!

That made me LMAO for some reason.

--------------------------------------------------------

I agree about tonight's King of the Hill - hilarious! The show is finally loosening up a bit, and it just keeps getting better.

mike

05-05-2002, 06:01 PM

I thought it was real good. I gave it a 4/5.

Peace.

Tomacco

05-05-2002, 06:02 PM

On the sunject of KOTH, these were 2 of the worst episodes all season. "Sug Night" (the first one) was WAY too predictable! And the second one, "Dang Ol' Love" was one of the most boring and dull KOTH's ever made. The last 5 or 6 KOTH's have been really disappointing to tell the truth.

By the way:
http://www.thespringfieldshopper.com/!SWEETESTAPU.gif

Handsome Pete

05-05-2002, 06:03 PM

Episode got a 3/5 for me, though it's more like 3.5. There were some good jokes strewn throughout the episode, but some things didn't work for me (the mechanical spider from Wild Wild West, though funny, didn't exactly fit in. I know, I'm complaining about something that was funny). The plot was alright, and Homer's dreams were awfully good.

lisa_the_greek

05-05-2002, 06:06 PM

I was doing other things(work) while I was watching it, so I wasn't really paying attention. :mad:

But what I did hear was funny. :)

Jessica Lovejoy

05-05-2002, 06:06 PM

Not a bad episode, 'though I thought the whole civil war reinactment part was totally unnecessary and not that funny. "Mmmmm, carmal bologna" had me laughing for a while, as did Homer's hang gliding fantasy. Overall it was pretty cool, but definately not the best of the season. 3.5 out of 5.

SNUH

05-05-2002, 06:07 PM

I thought it was one of the better episodes of the season thus far. I laughed out loud several times!

Matty

05-05-2002, 06:08 PM

Jonah,

in your guide, 'First Words', the babies say
Mommy, will you let mommy come back?

I think the 2nd mommy should be daddy

|RABiD|

05-05-2002, 06:10 PM

DAM TOMACCO! thats hella fast! nice guide as usual...for tonites episode! it kicked ass!

Homer walking backwards was priceless and one of the funniest gags all season. Way too many jokes and funny stuff to list. My overall mark....

OVERALL: 9.1/10

Rowdy

05-05-2002, 06:10 PM

The first act was very slow and unfunny, but things got a bit better in the latter two. I still thought a great deal of the jokes were kind of stretching it. Particularly the suicide scene. I mean, if Apu really cared about his wife, he wouldn't have had the affair. Of course, a short while later he tries killing himself because he's losing someone that he didn't give a damn about in the first place. Finally, we all knew how it was going to end, so the plot just dragged on and on.......oh well, at least Homer had a pretty good humor batting average tonight. The scenes featuring Homer's shock over the affair and Krusty's "hilarious" reactions were fantastic. 3/5

First Nineteen Season 12 Episodes: 59/95
First Nineteen Season 13 Episodes: 62/95

Pmc325

05-05-2002, 06:11 PM

Uck, horrible. The plot was terrible and the jokes were either way out there or just not going far enough. I only laughed at Homer going backwards. I have it a 2 out of 5

Zjraus

05-05-2002, 06:14 PM

I liked the backing up thing (but not with the ladder). It is like the rake thing in Cape Feare, you either like it or hate it. Overall, this episode was good. The jokes were mostly good, and Homer wasn't such an idiot. I really hope Barney is returning to drinking, he is much funnier that way. The Cival War thing was sort of pointless, but nonetheless, not bad. 4.5/5, very good episode.

Kalbelgarion

05-05-2002, 06:15 PM

M'eh. Too many gags fell flat and left a bad taste in my mouth...

-The old folks in the tanks
-Frink's Spider Robot
-Homer's shifting eye
-The "ET" fellow being shot
-Kirk's loneliness
-The dinner at the Simpsons, with Gineesh and the chocolate temple
-Apu about to hang himself
-His reincarnation chart
-The New Yorker section
-The "My Fair Lady" play
-Apu about to eat a lightbulb
-Homer looking into Apu's bedroom, and hopping away

Bleh! There were a few LOL moments, most of which are covered in Tomacco's guide. That, coupled with the belivable plot, helps give this episode a 2.5/5.

My faith in Al Jean is all but lost, now. :(

Cole

05-05-2002, 06:20 PM

Originally posted by Tomacco
On the sunject of KOTH, these were 2 of the worst episodes all season. "Sug Night" (the first one) was WAY too predictable! And the second one, "Dang Ol' Love" was one of the most boring and dull KOTH's ever made. The last 5 or 6 KOTH's have been really disappointing to tell the truth.

"Sug Night" wasn't that funny, but it did have its moments. I thought the whole scene with Hank talking to the two hippy girls was pretty funny. "Dang Ol' Love" was absolutely hilarious. I love episodes that focus around Boomhauer and this had to be the best one.

Sug Night: 4/5
Dang Ol' Love: 5/5

I thought those were two of the best episodes of the season.

Anyways, back to the Simpsons now -- The chalkboard had to be the funniest one since the "Nobody reads these anymore" or the subliminAL messaGOREs one.

Jake

05-05-2002, 06:29 PM

Originally posted by Tomacco
"Dang Ol' Love" was one of the most boring and dull KOTH's ever made.

What was so boring and dull about it? In terms of the empathy level, that ep ranks up there with something out of Seasons five or six of the Simpsons.

thecapecoddah

05-05-2002, 06:30 PM

3/5. One of the most hilarious first acts in history IMO, but the rest was pretty mediocre with a lot of jokes falling flat for me. Still a relatively enjoyable episode, though.

Mike Scully

05-05-2002, 06:32 PM

Originally posted by Jake

What was so boring and dull about it? In terms of the empathy level, that ep ranks up there with something out of Seasons five or six of the Simpsons.

I agree. It's rather sad seeing a hilarious and touching KOTH episode and then a Simpson episode with such forced/plastic emotion as tonight's episode.

Smilin'JoeFission

05-05-2002, 06:34 PM

This episode was about average. Some parts of the plot seemed insensitive, but all around, it was really entertaining. The transition from the Civil War reenactment to Homer's discovery was super, and I couldn't have asked for a better 1st act. The blackboard quote was timeless. But these were the best lines of the show:

"Keep 'em coming, Brokaw"

"You can run, but you can't glide!!!"

"If you don't want to lose at Cribbage, don't come to my place!"
"OK, I won't"
"No wait! You can come...I'm so lonely..."

"Mmmm...carmel bologna...."

"So when you take the next bottle down...pass it around...."
"I know, I know, you'll have 47 bottles of beer on the wall"

Final Grade- A-

Wiggle Puppy

05-05-2002, 06:35 PM

Pretty funny. The best part was when Homer backed-up all the way home, and then backed-up on the ladder.

Kalbelgarion

05-05-2002, 06:40 PM

Originally posted by Wiggle Puppy
Pretty funny. The best part was when Homer backed-up all the way home, and then backed-up on the ladder.

The problem I had was...why was Homer even there, looking in Apu's window?

DotheBartman

05-05-2002, 06:46 PM

Wow, this was rather bland. I didn't recoil in disgust, but I didn't really laugh much either. I guess its a C or 3/5.

On the subject of King of the Hill, I didn't watch tonight's, but I can only assume they were better then last week's. That was some of the most bottom of the barrel, trash television I have ever seen.

NoOneFamous

05-05-2002, 06:50 PM

Originally posted by Kalbelgarion
My faith in Al Jean is all but lost, now. :(

Hmmm... better change your sig then. Although, I've noticed that you tend to like Al Jean episodes that most people hated, and you hate his episodes that most people seemed to enjoy. ???

Kalbelgarion

05-05-2002, 06:55 PM

Originally posted by NoOneFamous
Hmmm... better change your sig then. Although, I've noticed that you tend to like Al Jean episodes that most people hated, and you hate his episodes that most people seemed to enjoy. ???

I liked "Lastest Gun..." but hated "Blame it on Lisa". So sue me. ;)

I loved most of the mid-season stuff, and everything from "She of Little Faith" to "Tales from the Pubic Domain" got a 4/5 or 5/5 from me. Everything after that, though, I haven't been able to give over a 3/5. Looks like Al Jean already hit his peak.

Dennis

05-05-2002, 06:56 PM

Why was Manjula's voice so different? Did Jan Hooks not do the voice?
Anyway, 4/5. Good episode but the civil war reenactment went on for too long.

Uncie Moe

05-05-2002, 06:57 PM

I gave it a 4/5 and rate it the same way I did for I am Furious (Yellow) as an 8/10. Although there were alot of flaws(homers fist shaking, his whispering againt this time about "things are going great", Marge wanting to see strippers was out of character,etc.) but this was just a plain and simple enjoyable episode to watch. Something the simpsons did to get their name. I liked the transistion from acto to act, and I thought the opening act was really good and I liked how the plot developed and Im glad they didnt waste too much time on how the affair happened because it allowed time for the Manjula Apu story to fold out. Plus's for good jokes, parodies, good use of minor characters, and I thought this episode would be filled with vulgar jokes but they were some decent sex jokes that worked. I notice everyweek, the characters are slowly starting to be like their older personalities were(Moe,Lenny,Carl,Barney,Skinner,even the Simpson family). I have enjoyed the last two episodes and im hoping they can end the season of a high note!

Tomacco

05-05-2002, 06:58 PM

I didn't even notice tha Manjula voice change, but I can recognize a subtle difference. Whoever replaced Jan Hooks (I can only assume it was Tress McNeil) did a good job.

Am I the only one who has noticed the pattern of couch gags?

DABF01 + 11: Gardner makes Simpsons from a bush.
DABF02 + 12: Slot machine with Simpson heads.
DABF03 + 13: Claw machine grabs Homer.
DABF04 + 14: Repo men haul off the couch.

NoOneFamous

05-05-2002, 07:04 PM

Originally posted by Tomacco
I didn't even notice tha Manjula voice change, but I can recognize a subtle difference. Whoever replaced Jan Hooks (I can only assume it was Tress McNeil) did a good job.

Am I the only one who has noticed the pattern of couch gags?

DABF01 + 11: Gardner makes Simpsons from a bush.
DABF02 + 12: Slot machine with Simpson heads.
DABF03 + 13: Claw machine grabs Homer.
DABF04 + 14: Repo men haul off the couch.

I noticed Manjula's different voice almost right away. The new voice actor still did a decent job, though.

I also noticed the repeating couch gags.. have they given up on them?? I think this is the 3rd of 4th time the repo men one has been used this year.

Tomacco

05-05-2002, 07:06 PM

No it's the second time the Repo men have been used. My point was DABF01-04's couch gags are now repeating in the same order starting at DABF11. I predict next week's couch gag will be the Charlie Chaplin parody.

Cole

05-05-2002, 07:08 PM

Originally posted by The Jolly Bengali

I agree. It's rather sad seeing a hilarious and touching KOTH episode and then a Simpson episode with such forced/plastic emotion as tonight's episode.

Yes, tonight was another night for me where I enjoyed KoTH more than The Simpsons. For me, lately, KoTH has gone from being filler before The Simpsons to the main attraction. The "forced/plastic emotion" you mention is the problem I had with this episode. I didn't really care what happened to Apu and Manjula (even though I knew they would end up back together). I just wasn't really that interested. And Majula's reaction to the affair and Apu's guilt about the affair were very two-dimmensional and unbelievable. I'm not saying tonight's episode was bad, I enjoyed it -- it's just that it seemed to be lacking in empathy and emotion.

Plus, I really didn't find Manjula's lawyer funny at all. He was a washed-up stereotype that has been used a million times and characterized better by lesser shows. Since Gil became a lawyer in "Sweets and Sour Marge" I think that he woud have been much better for the role than the "money-hungry, soul deprived stereotypical lawyer" -- who likes to. . dance :uhh: Right. . .

Mafia

05-05-2002, 07:13 PM

Originally posted by Cloud_Cole

Since Gil became a lawyer in "Sweets and Sour Marge" I think that he woud have been much better for the role than the "money-hungry, soul deprived stereotypical lawyer" -- who likes to. . dance :uhh: Right. . .

gil better stay a lawyer... CAUSE IF HE WASN'T....

beer barron

05-05-2002, 07:23 PM

It was alright. The funniest part was when Homer kept walking backwards all the way home.

skittlebrau

05-05-2002, 07:32 PM

It was okay. Not too many laugh moments, but for some reason, I laughed heartily at Moe putting on a top hat to impress Marge. that's about it. 3/5

PLEASE , no more Apu and Manjula episodes.

Andy

05-05-2002, 07:33 PM

Taped it, so I saw it late.

Things I liked:
--Good ep continuity
--Homer's backing away, away, away
--The octuplets' 1st words ('Cookie!')
--Some of the civil war re-enactment
--The chalkboard gag
--Some of the list of demands was funny
--Reincarnation chart (Alfred E., assistant to Lorne Michaels)
--Sex jokes not as frequent/cheap (except in badminton scene)

Things I hated:
--Homer's stupid whispering (he likes you!)
--Homer as a voyeur in the last scene (It's been done)
--The divorce lawyer guy
--Marge out of character (the Golden Banana)
--Me hoping that Smooshies aren't a permanent thing
--Fox (crap) lied in the press release-- Tress played Manjula, not Jan Hooks
--Already overused gag: "That's good adultery!"
--"Anyone for penis?"

Overall, an okay episode. Just okay.

Mike Scully

05-05-2002, 08:37 PM

Originally posted by Cloud_Cole

Yes, tonight was another night for me where I enjoyed KoTH more than The Simpsons. For me, lately, KoTH has gone from being filler before The Simpsons to the main attraction. The "forced/plastic emotion" you mention is the problem I had with this episode. I didn't really care what happened to Apu and Manjula (even though I knew they would end up back together). I just wasn't really that interested. And Majula's reaction to the affair and Apu's guilt about the affair were very two-dimmensional and unbelievable. I'm not saying tonight's episode was bad, I enjoyed it -- it's just that it seemed to be lacking in empathy and emotion.

Plus, I really didn't find Manjula's lawyer funny at all. He was a washed-up stereotype that has been used a million times and characterized better by lesser shows. Since Gil became a lawyer in "Sweets and Sour Marge" I think that he woud have been much better for the role than the "money-hungry, soul deprived stereotypical lawyer" -- who likes to. . dance :uhh: Right. . .

Agreed with everything you said; the dancing lawyer got old really fast, and I didn't feel at all for Apu or Manjula (The Bart Wants What it Wants had the same problem). Doesn't it feel weird to see an episode of King of the Hill that leaves you feeling very interested in the lives of the characters, and then seeing the clown music play as the FOX guy says "And coming up next! The Simpsons!" and thinking, OK, now it's time to get silly!

Although, to be fair, there have been some episodes this season where the story/character-driven side was pretty good (DABF04, DABF05, DABF09).

|RABiD|

05-05-2002, 08:40 PM

Originally posted by The Jolly Bengali

Agreed with everything you said; the dancing lawyer got old really fast, and I didn't feel at all for Apu or Manjula (The Bart Wants What it Wants had the same problem). Doesn't it feel weird to see an episode of King of the Hill that leaves you feeling very interested in the lives of the characters, and then seeing the clown music play as the FOX guy says "And coming up next! The Simpsons!" and thinking, OK, now it's time to get silly!

Although, to be fair, there have been some episodes this season where the story/character-driven side was pretty good (DABF04, DABF05, DABF09).

I watch King of the Hill and i didnt find anything emotional about it. Both KOTH episodes weren't even that good. Im not a big fan of the show. Its rather boring if ya ask me...

BigJimW

05-05-2002, 08:54 PM

Originally posted by Matty
Jonah,

in your guide, 'First Words', the babies say
Mommy, will you let mommy come back?

I think the 2nd mommy should be daddy

Already spotted that and let him know.

BigJimW

05-05-2002, 08:57 PM

Originally posted by |RABiD|
DAM TOMACCO! thats hella fast! nice guide as usual...for tonites episode! it kicked ass!

And, if I can get grabs and the episode, it's gonna get faster.

Citizen Kang

05-05-2002, 08:58 PM

This episode was ok. I laughed a lot but when it ended, I said "It's that it?" It seemed very short. The story was alright. And I wish they had got Jan Hooks to play Manjula 3/5 :smoking:

irv

05-05-2002, 09:36 PM

I really enjoyed tonight's episode. If anything, it really only got good after the first act. Solid plot, in my opinion. 5/5

Roarke

05-05-2002, 10:09 PM

4/5.

Loved the pre-civil war stuff, Homer's Indian sentence etc. The rest was very solid, good stuff.

Over all, a great Sunday line up. I'll agree with Jake over Jonah on the KotH issues, Dang Ol' Love was great. Sug Night wasn't as good, but I still enjoyed it.

Was it just me, or did tonight's Malcom just restore fate in the show in others? The description of the school clics was hilarious, and the edge it lost in previous episodes was relit, at least to me.

Mike Scully

05-05-2002, 10:22 PM

After last week's episode, I considered season 13 to be the best since 8, but witht this episode, it's pushed back to best since 9.

The whole storyline just runs through the motions, without much emotional connection to Apu's plight. Homer catches Apu having an affair, tells about it to Marge, Apu admits his guilt, Manjula catches it on video, almost divorces Apu, Apu follows a list to win Manjula back, I sleep. Also, many of the jokes just fell flat or ran really long: the dancing lawyer, Homer walking backwards twice, the talk show host getting shot by McBain, scenes with the Octuplets. I would have enjoyed more references to Apu's cultural background, like the other Apu episodes. There should have been some scenes with Apu in bed wondering if he should confess.

I guess there were some good moments. Everything about the civil war reenactment was very funny, especially Frink's spider robot. Marge watching the marriage video was nice. Bart's "I want to suck your blood" as Ganesh had me ROFL.

As for the Apu/Manjula saga, I actually liked the idea. For most characters, I wouldn't have wanted them to be fleshed out to such an extent, but Apu's character had potential for great storylines. Homer and Apu was great because Apu's polite hardworking mindset paired with Homer's opposite personality was amusing. Much Apu About Nothing was, plain and simple, a brilliant political satire. Unlike most people, I really liked The Two Mrs. Nahaspeema... Apu's attempt to balance his obligation to his family and his embracing of American culture is very funny and relevant to Indian-American children like me and some of my friends. I really loved how Apu's mother is so ridiculously underreacting to what her son did; I've heard of a few instances where Indian-American people I know get married without their parents' permission. I'm With Cupid was a pretty sweet episode, with brilliant jokes about our perceptions of cultural stereotypes, and it was nice seeing Apu come up wth romantic surprises for his wife. Eight Misbehavin, however, took the Apu/Manjula saga too far. Apu became too fleshed out, and any trace of his humorous, stereotypical elements were lost, and Apu having kids was just really boring. Those problems continued with The Sweetest Apu.

I'll have to see this episode again to give a grade, but its looking to be in the C-/D+ range.

fenfool

05-06-2002, 06:31 AM

Didn't care for this ep, and I've given most of this season 4-5's. I just think adultry, especially when the guy has 8 kids, is a tough premise to make funny. Had some funny moments, but didn't hold my interest very well. 2/5

Burnsie

05-06-2002, 06:48 AM

I liked all of it, except for one thing: They hinted that Manjula, um, "holds out" on Apu, which could very well be what drove him to his deed. But they never mentioned that aspect again. If that's the case, then I think it was too unfair for Apu to have to go through so much trouble (e.g. eating a light bulb) to get her back.
The civil war reenactment was a nice touch; my brother does that stuff. The barney gag had me fooled: I expected him to go into a drunken Stonewall Jackson rage.

Wavy Gravy

05-06-2002, 06:49 AM

Aah...

That coulda been better. The episode seemed kinda slow, IMHO. The Civil War re-enactment occured without any reason why and went on WAYYYY too long. The scenes with Apu and Anette were very disturbing, and there were a huge amount of sex jokes (Apu's remarks in Homer's dream, the double entendres at the badminton game, Anette spelling "Do me" out of licorice rope, etc.) Not only that, but a lot of the jokes got old fast (Homer backing away all the way home, that stupid divorce lawyer) too much Scully-era crap (the octuplets wreaking havoc in the Kwik-E-Mart, Manjula wanting Apu to eat a light bulb) and the characters were way off (Marge wanting to go to a strip club, Apu trying to hang himself). The Executive Producer credit says "Al Jean", but it's getting harder and harder to believe...

2/5

Burnsie

05-06-2002, 06:53 AM

I was waiting for someone to ask why Apu's kids have grown older while Maggie has not. Wasn't Maggie one of the reasons why Manjula wanted children? And now her's are older than Maggie? WHAAAA?

Lance_Murdock

05-06-2002, 07:13 AM

I didn't care for this episode...too many jokes fell flat and the storyline was weak. In my opinion, they should have Manjulla leave Apu and take the kids with her. I haven't cared for the whole marriage/octuplet thing from the start... I want the old Apu back. Looks like we'll be getting the old Barney back, now that they've let him have a drink.

I did like Frink's giant spider machine, as he tends to always go over the top on his inventions. I'm getting really annoyed with the whole "collar-grabbing, embarassing-sound" that seems to be showing up more in these episodes. It's a really stupid gesture and doesn't feel right for the Simpsons. I noticed some other posts mention that as well, so it can't just be me. ;)

Last and least was the whole "backing up" thing. What's the deal with this crap? It was funny once (the Sideshow Bob rake gag). It's like the writers say "okay, what can we do to kill a couple of minutes in this episode?" It's like the whole Bart/Dog chase thing... It just gets old.

I give this episode a 2/5 and that's being generous.

:bang:

05-06-2002, 07:39 AM

I liked it. Lots of good jokes, and the story was actually character based. My only problem is: how do the octuplets get older, yet the Simpson kids don't? Bullshite! B+

just kidding about the ages....

Gabbo

05-06-2002, 08:23 AM

2nd best episode of the season after I am Furious Yellow

James

05-06-2002, 09:00 AM

Originally posted by Burnsie
I liked all of it, except for one thing: They hinted that Manjula, um, "holds out" on Apu, which could very well be what drove him to his deed. But they never mentioned that aspect again. If that's the case, then I think it was too unfair for Apu to have to go through so much trouble (e.g. eating a light bulb) to get her back.
The civil war reenactment was a nice touch; my brother does that stuff. The barney gag had me fooled: I expected him to go into a drunken Stonewall Jackson rage.

Also, the animation in the civil war re-enactment was stunning; all the autumn tones!

Gagnonsux

05-06-2002, 09:16 AM

This was a very, very funny episode, but the plot and ending were a little weak. Plus, APu cheating just seems a little off to me. However, despite the weak plot, the jokes were probably the best of the season and Homer was in almost perfect character. (A-)

StrideR

05-06-2002, 10:25 AM

Wasn't expecting anything big, but was still disappointed anyways. The only good thing about the episode was the squishee lady.

-C'mon, you'd have to have a cheap sense of humor to enjoy the stretched out bit with Homer walking backwards. I thought that gag ran out of steam soon after Homer knocked out the first stack of cans. They took what should have been a dramatic reaction and stretched it out to acheive nothing.

-Wasn't to pleased with the Windex/Windel joke either. Really, who would get such an idea.

Basically, by the time Apu did his performance of "My fair lady," I was tired of the episode, so I didn't need to see Homer hopping backwards on the ladder. I'm going to file this one under "You'd have to kill and reanimate me before I ever watch this crap again."

For the sake of the Squishee lady, I'll give this ep a 1/5.

Sideshow Phil

05-06-2002, 11:03 AM

4/5, Really enjoyed the episode, or most of it at least. It appears Apu wasn't done sowing his oats...well that and the kids and Manjula uh, "holding out." I enjoyed the Civil War re-enactment, even the WWII tank charge and Frink's spider robot. As it was a spoof on Wild Wild West, I laughed harder thinking about how Kenneth Branaugh did that role in WWW and laughed recalling how ridiculous that role was for him (as he's excellent at roles written by the Bard).

I liked the recoil in horror bit, that was funny. The second time with the laughter wasn't quite as humorous, and detracted from the first gag a little bit.

Otherwise it was a pretty good episode.

elbarto36

05-06-2002, 12:11 PM

I thought this was a solid episode. I liked the Civil War reinactment and the rest of the plot was good. My favorite joke was probably Apu telling Manjula to take the kids because the porno buyers wouldn't make their move. Overall a good episode and one of my favorites this season. 4/5

ShadowBun

05-06-2002, 12:34 PM

This was a good episode overall. The first act had more ups than downs, with the Civil War reenactment being flooded with jokes (some good, some just okay). Homer's "We need indians to shoot" and Apu's following line were great, as was Homer returning the dented keg. I think they're starting to overuse Disco Stu just a bit though. Finally, the act ended with one of the funniest things I've ever seen in Simpsons history: Homer walking backward, stunned, for over half a minute, then DREAMING about it! :LOL: I had tears in my eyes when the first act ended; for some reason, that walking backwards thing absolutely floored me. Hilarious!!

The second act was up to par with the first. Some good jokes include Homer's eye twitching, Homer suggesting they talk to Krusty, Apu's "I know, I know! Fourty-seven bottles of beer left on the wall!", Moe's top hat and Windel, and Apu's genuine apology. The badminton match, although had some cheap-shots, was funny.

The third act wasn't as good, since the plot got a little choppy (what happened to Apu changing his name?). However, other good jokes involved the Fudge Mahal and Homer on the ladder.

Overall, good. 4/5

Friz

05-06-2002, 01:02 PM

Wow Tommacco... although, giving that you say* the episode at 4.15pm, you probably made the guide before the episode. That would have been impressive.

Anyways. Downloaded the episode... watched the episode... gave the episode 7/10.

*Giving to say you actually saw the epsiode.

StrideR

05-06-2002, 02:07 PM

ARRRGGHHHHH!

Have you all become so cheap? I guess you'd laugh at any joke, if it came from The Simpsons. I'd be ashamed to call myself a fan if I saw that episode with a rational human being. It felt like an episode that was written by a toddler...under duress. Of course, the fact that it dealt with marital infidelity disproves that theory, doesn't it?

Let me get this straight. You watched the episode in it's entirety...and you liked it? I'm honestly blown away. I guess OFF has become the only avenue whereby mindless and nonsensical, meaningless humor can be appreciated on a large scale.

Burnsie

05-06-2002, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by stride_83
... I guess OFF has become the only avenue whereby mindless and nonsensical, meaningless humor can be appreciated on a large scale.
No, "Friends" provides this as well. Much more so, even.
Do you expect everyone to have the same opinions as you?
<Imagines a world where everyone thinks the same as stride_83>...<shudders>

StrideR

05-06-2002, 02:31 PM

Originally posted by Burnsie

No, "Friends" provides this as well. Much more so, even.
Do you expect everyone to have the same opinions as you?
<Imagines a world where everyone thinks the same as stride_83>...<shudders>

Hey, you could do much, much worse.

Sideshow Phil

05-06-2002, 02:33 PM

Originally posted by stride_83
ARRRGGHHHHH!

Have you all become so cheap? I guess you'd laugh at any joke, if it came from The Simpsons. I'd be ashamed to call myself a fan if I saw that episode with a rational human being. It felt like an episode that was written by a toddler...under duress. Of course, the fact that it dealt with marital infidelity disproves that theory, doesn't it?

Let me get this straight. You watched the episode in it's entirety...and you liked it? I'm honestly blown away. I guess OFF has become the only avenue whereby mindless and nonsensical, meaningless humor can be appreciated on a large scale.

I watched the episode, in entirety, and enjoyed it. It appears that every Simpsons mailing list I come across has people ridiculing anyone who speaks well of OFF, or saying "I enjoyed last nights episode." This has gotten to the point where I rarely post anymore, since most threads devolve into a "OFF rulz" and "OFF stinks" back and forth. Lately some forum members have insulted a large part of the board, and do so under the auspices of "voicing their opinion." I'm tired of this. Tired, tired, tired. It's not even constructive anymore, it's just people telling me that my taste in comedy is terrible because I enjoyed an episode that they despised. All I can say is, people will have different opinions on every episode. Don't beat someone down over a tv show. OFF has always been very entertaining for me - and if that makes me some kind of moron, well, that's my cup of tea. I'm just sick of all the negativity. I watch tv to be entertained. If I'm not entertained, i'll watch something else. I suggest you do the same. There's no need to insult other people over a tv show.

Then again, this being an open forum, you're entitled to your opinion.

StrideR

05-06-2002, 02:39 PM

Originally posted by Sideshow Phil

I watched the episode, in entirety, and enjoyed it. It appears that every Simpsons mailing list I come across has people ridiculing anyone who speaks well of OFF, or saying "I enjoyed last nights episode." This has gotten to the point where I rarely post anymore, since most threads devolve into a "OFF rulz" and "OFF stinks" back and forth. Lately some forum members have insulted a large part of the board, and do so under the auspices of "voicing their opinion." I'm tired of this. Tired, tired, tired. It's not even constructive anymore, it's just people telling me that my taste in comedy is terrible because I enjoyed an episode that they despised. All I can say is, people will have different opinions on every episode. Don't beat someone down over a tv show. OFF has always been very entertaining for me - and if that makes me some kind of moron, well, that's my cup of tea. I'm just sick of all the negativity. I watch tv to be entertained. If I'm not entertained, i'll watch something else. I suggest you do the same. There's no need to insult other people over a tv show.

Then again, this being an open forum, you're entitled to your opinion.

It's 4 years of frustration recently let loose. I also find it hard to believe that we can be as entertained now as were were a couple of years ago.

Burnsie

05-06-2002, 02:48 PM

I found this quote from a Matt Groening interview on SNPP:

"If nobody hated 'The Simpsons', I'd know we've lost our touch."

They expect the show to annoy people, much like Bugs Bunny annoys Elmer Fudd.

StrideR

05-06-2002, 02:55 PM

Originally posted by Burnsie
I found this quote from a Matt Groening interview on SNPP:

"If nobody hated 'The Simpsons', I'd know we've lost our touch."

They expect the show to annoy people, much like Bugs Bunny annoys Elmer Fudd.

I think he's talking about the controversial nature of the show, as opposed to its quality.

Sideshow Phil

05-06-2002, 02:56 PM

Four years...I thought that OFF started to go south (a bit) S10 or so; and, so to some extent, I see your frustration. I'm not nearly as entertained now as I was four years ago since I think I've changed a lot in the last four years, if anything i'm more cynical. I don't watch a lot of tv anymore because the writing on so many shows is terrible; and I've noticed that OFF is sliding as well, but... (notices moderators about to throw up the 'OT' flag) er, anyway, I enjoy show in spite of its (sometimes glaring) flaws.

Burnsie

05-06-2002, 03:03 PM

Originally posted by stride_83

I think he's talking about the controversial nature of the show, as opposed to its quality.
Exactly. I feel that the traits of the show which many people believe to be "low-quality", such as Homer's annoying behavior, Moe's "WHAAAA", the gross sight-gags, the crude sex-jokes, and such are deliberate attempts to annoy the viewer. When Homer does the fist-shaking thing, I imagine they know that we think it's overused and stupid. To me, that's what's funny.

StrideR

05-06-2002, 03:07 PM

Originally posted by Burnsie

Exactly. I feel that the traits of the show which many people believe to be "low-quality", such as Homer's annoying behavior, Moe's "WHAAAA", the gross sight-gags, the crude sex-jokes, and such are deliberate attempts to annoy the viewer. When Homer does the fist-shaking thing, I imagine they know that we think it's overused and stupid. To me, that's what's funny.

If that's the best they can do to spark controversy, they've really gone south.

Burnsie

05-06-2002, 03:31 PM

Originally posted by stride_83

If that's the best they can do to spark controversy, they've really gone south.
Well, you've given new meaning to the expression "take it in stride". a-heh.....a-heh......ugh. :uhh:
Maybe what you should do is shout out: "I can't stand to see you live like this anymore!", then smother the show with a pillow until it dies, throw a drinking fountain out the window and escape this madhouse. ;)

StrideR

05-06-2002, 03:40 PM

Originally posted by Burnsie

Well, you've given new meaning to the expression "take it in stride". a-heh.....a-heh......ugh. :uhh:
Maybe what you should do is shout out: "I can't stand to see you live like this anymore!", then smother the show with a pillow until it dies, throw a drinking fountain out the window and escape this madhouse. ;)

Too bad I never saw that movie.

FlexMasterFunk

05-06-2002, 03:52 PM

I thought that this episode was a refreshing splash of humor and story...

There were holes, of course, but nothing that brought the episode down at all...

The jokes were frequent and funny... The chalkboard gag was probably well recieved throughout this forum. and there were numerous other jokes that I can't remember, but they made me laugh...

the story was ok, but the constant jokes are what gave this a 4/5 (for me) I felt this to be a well constructed episode, which followed another well constructed episode (I am furious (yellow)) so things may be slowly turning around for OFF... hopefully....

also, about all this bitching and bickering about how it's possible to still enjoy the simpsons.... well, like it's been said... it's all opinions, you like this, I hate that, you hate that, I like this, I like that... etc..
who the hell is to say what I think is funny, and what it has to do with my brain capacity? I'll laugh at satire, site gags, parodys, slapstick, friggin knock-knock jokes, whatever... If I think it's funny I'm gonna laugh...
uhhhh.... I could go on and on, but it wouldn't matter so I'ma stop now... why'd I even bother typing all that...

PEACE
the flex...

all statements above are the opinions of FlexMasterFunk and are not to be taken seriously/ and or comedically... they are just to be taken... (did that make sense?)

(no it didn't)

bartman454

05-06-2002, 05:21 PM

hello fellow dateless wonders i have just sat through the recent apu misbehavin episode a couple times and thought i would give you my overall opinion act by act

ACT 1: This act was pretty good as it started the story off in a good way with the kids at the kwikemart (anybody catch one of apu's kids on the hot dog roller ouch!) As for the whole civil war reenactment thing while their were a couple of guffaws i thought it was very funny. i personally hope barney doesnt start drinking again i actually like him sober and i think it would be a bad character move for the writers. As for the Disco Stu bit it was funny "The south shall boogey again" but i do agree he is a little bit overused lately i wouldnt get rid of him just spread him out a bit. As for Proffessor Frink's spider contraption eh too far out their. The WWII bit was hilarious (arent we all getting a bit tired of all the WWII films) and was a great parody of the current fandom over the war too bad they couldnt get brokaw for real. And finally the big controversy homer's backing away bit i liked it overall but it did go on a bit too long the writers were probably running short with the episode. overall first act B+

Act II: Another funny act with Homer realizing he's a unich in his dreams (for all you cletus's out their a unich is a slave with no manhood) Also as for Marge talking about double entendres i think that was a parody of how a lot of sitcoms do that whenever someone cheats and i thought it was hysterical when homer was screaming shuttlecock penis dirty love etc. As for the whole dinner bit it was pretty funny and its always nice to see maggie get some on air time. The second act was just about as funny as the first so i give it a B+

Act III: While still funny this was definitely the weakest one in the show the lawyer while funny at first with the dancing started to go downhill after some time. As for Apu's chores they were okay but nothing spectacular and once again what is up with LENNY!@? As for Marge's obsession with the golden banana i think its her thought that if she goes alone she is looked at as immoral but if she's going with a friend because her husband cheated on her its okay i thought the whole bit was pretty funny. As for Homer backing away on the ladder he should have stopped after a second when apu yells what was that and then jump off the ladder and run home but hey thats just me. Overall being generous the act gets a B from me.

This was a pretty darn good episode to watch especially James Lipton guest starring as himself ("It's been an honor tasting your lead good sir) and a cool plot line the simpsons have yet to go down. It looks like John Swartzwelder is back with a vengeance while not as good as last week still pretty darn funny. Next week we see bart in a bubble and lisa at college should be fun til next time this is bartman454 saying "Girls are easy state capitals are hard"

Finch 182

05-06-2002, 06:55 PM

I really liked this episode. Whenever I watch a new episode, I wonder if it would fit into the 6,7 or 8th season. And this one would have.. I really like it. 4/5.
This and I am furious (yellow) were both great episodes that kept the surrealism down.

Andy

05-06-2002, 07:24 PM

I still think whiny Homer keeps these episodes from being placed in different seasons.

Satans Lil' Helper

05-07-2002, 12:33 PM

a better episode than most this season 4/5

Jake

05-07-2002, 03:27 PM

Originally posted by FlexMasterFunk
also, about all this bitching and bickering about how it's possible to still enjoy the simpsons.... well, like it's been said... it's all opinions, you like this, I hate that, you hate that, I like this, I like that... etc..
who the hell is to say what I think is funny, and what it has to do with my brain capacity? I'll laugh at satire, site gags, parodys, slapstick, friggin knock-knock jokes, whatever...

The show has harbored humor from the depths of barely comotose to Einstein's penthouse, but what is really annoying the long time fans is how two-dimsional the characters have become. Click on this link (http://www.simpsonsforum.com/showthread.php?threadid=7904&highlight=empathy) to read a post I made on what I consider the real "problem" of the show.

Jake

Andy

05-07-2002, 03:34 PM

I'm putting a good word in for Jake's thread. He said it better than anyone ever could.

Most of us have grown up with OFF, and for us it is VERY sad to see them not up to par, like the current writers are whipping them and, a la Homer, shaking their fist at them (BE FUNNY...). It makes us yearn for the good ol' days, when television was bland and inoffensive-- no, wait, I mean when the Simpsons had the most bitingly funny characters on TV. Sure, we have the reruns, but they simply remind us of how the new writers are just killing off the characters that made us laugh so many times before.

Am I right, folks?