Rate/Review: Pray Anything (EABF06)

[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

[Ryan]

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.

[The Governor]

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.

[The Governor]

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."

[The Governor]

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.

[The Governor]

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.

[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