Rate and Review: "Ned 'N' Edna's Blend" (PABF15)

[Handsome B. Wonderful]

Can't wait.

[kidpresentable]

darn, i missed it

[tvguy347]

I personally think this was an excellent episode. It really carried the quality of the episode throughout the entire length of it, continually churning out jokes that made me laugh, which says a lot, considering I usually don't laugh at all when watching a new Simpsons episode. The plot was nice, and I think making Ned and Edna a permanent thing will really bring fresh ideas into play, such as the obvious relationship of Ned/Edna, Edna/Rod/Todd, and then Edna's relationship with the neighbors. Definitely deserves a 5/5.

I also don't understand how this episode was boring in the least. I think a lot of people enjoy bashing new episodes, but when a good episode comes along, they bash it for not living up to the classic era. This was NOT a shit episode, yet I see several reviews boasting that the episode was "sloppy" and "not continuous." There are 1, 2, and 3 ratings everywhere; while I respect that, in no way was this episode was as bad as several others in the season.

[The Governor]

LISA:
This is a very good latter Jean-era episode, which has neither highs, nor lows.

MARGE:
Well, what's that feel like.

LISA:
Meh...

[Ernie]

Alright, yes the receptions look very bad right now. I wonder if there is any possibility for the show to actually kick up the number of viewers...

[Food Blog]

I liked this. It did feel a bit forced to begin with, but I can't think of a better way to have introduced their marital status - at least that's likely. Would've liked to see more about Rod and Todd at their new school, but I expect that will come later as there was no reset. As above I'm hoping for some more involvement between Bart and Edna now they live close together. I agree on how everything felt established by the end of the episode, and I enjoyed quite a few gags from this so no complaints here really. Awaiting next week with a mixture of dread and sick anticipation.

[cloneasaurus]

I also don't understand how this episode was boring in the least. I think a lot of people enjoy bashing new episodes, but when a good episode comes along, they bash it for not living up to the classic era. This was NOT a shit episode, yet I see several reviews boasting that the episode was "sloppy" and "not continuous." There are 1, 2, and 3 ratings everywhere; while I respect that, in no way was this episode was as bad as several others in the season.

You're having a go at people having a different opinion to you? You liked this episode, I didn't. There's no need to get so worked up about it.

[Cartoonnetwork]

This is an episode I understand it can create some kind of controversy in the sense that some people may find it boring and others don't. It's an unoffensive outing that I find entertaining for the most part and the gags are not too loud, long or stupid, but it's possible that someone may find them dull.

Still, I believe 3/5 is a more adequate option if you didn't like the episode, although I accept someone could find it boring enough to give it a 2/5. Anyway I believe episodes like this attempt-and at some moments, achieve- what Simpsons episode should do: explaining a down to earth story based on the characters-main and secondaries- and if they are going to include some kind of unrelated first act, at least make it somewhat plausible like the Passion Play and somewhat related to the plot (it's a religious thing-Flanders is in it-the accident revealed that Edna and him were married...although this was done in a very unsubtle way).

I personally think this episode wouldn't look too weird if it had aired during classic era (in the hypothesis that Maude had died in classic era). It would be a little dull or the story would be a little over the place, but nothing in it -except for the Avatar couch gag- contradicts the style and tone of classic Simpsons. After all, The PTA Disbands was a little lousy in story structure and The Canine Mutiny was a bit dull.

The only thing I'm not sure is if they'd have made Flanders and Edna a couple in classic era, even if Maude had died and Edna weren't dating Skinner, but after all they did some odd couples back then like Lisa/Nelson, Grandpa and Mrs. Bouvier and Skinner/Patty.

[zach]

i thought i was definitely gonna hate this with the story line. but it turned out to be not that bad. 2/5

[tvguy347]

You're having a go at people having a different opinion to you? You liked this episode, I didn't. There's no need to get so worked up about it.

Um... no, I'm not getting worked up. If you'd bothered to read my post, you would've noticed I stated that I fully RESPECT everyone else's opinions.

[cloneasaurus]

Well you weren't, because you basically said "this wasn't a shit episode, it looks like people are bashing it because it's fun". that's essentially disregarding the opinions of those who didn't like the episode, by just outright stating that those who disliked the episode were wrong because this episode was "NOT shit", which is subjective.

I don't really want this to escalate in to same petty argument - maybe I just misread your posts - but if you're gunna write "I respect these opinions", then y'know, actually respect them if they're valid

[tvguy347]

Well you weren't, because you basically said "this wasn't a shit episode, it looks like people are bashing it because it's fun". that's essentially disregarding the opinions of those who didn't like the episode, by just outright stating that those who disliked the episode were wrong because this episode was "NOT shit", which is subjective.

I don't really want this to escalate in to same petty argument - maybe I just misread your posts - but if you're gunna write "I respect these opinions", then y'know, actually respect them if they're valid

Because I respect your opinion doesn't mean I'm not going to agree with it. What you seem to be suggesting is that I back off, and not voice my thoughts at all. My opinion IS that I feel that's the case here, when reviewing new episodes.

[Mozy]

This episode just seemed like a filler, just to extend the season a little bit longer. I gave this episode a 2/5 just because there weren't that many funny moments in this episode. I thought the "What the hay, Mrs. K?" part with Rod and Todd was funny as well as the Twitter joke. I had assumed that Flanders was going to end the marriage but it was good to see him get a glimpse of a real married couple and how they function (even though they're dysfunctional) and end up working things out with Edna. I didn't hate the episode but it just didn't seem to be a good episode to follow up on last week's episode, 2/5.

[Handsome B. Wonderful]

You're having a go at people having a different opinion to you? You liked this episode, I didn't. There's no need to get so worked up about it.

And now he's dead.

[Zombies Rise from the Sea]

Ned 'N' Edna's Blend

That is a terrible episode title, what is that supposed to mean in regards to the episode? Anyways, When "The Nedliest Catch" aired, it was a breath of fresh air; I mean to see Ned and Edna connect and find themselves in love, it was something that was different from the whole "reverting to the status quo" thing we've seen in ever so many episodes and as a plus, the episode was really good. So one season later we get it's sequel and with the different conditions it's premiering on, can it really be as good as the first episode?

Not exactly.

For one, the episode feels like a lesser "Nedliest Catch" even though they tried to outdo themselves with a plot that would reflect "Nedna" while also having some cinematic elements and heart in there. Don't get me wrong, I like Ned and Edna as much as the next guy; their relationship was something fresh, it was a break from the whole "reverting to the status quo" thing and while they haven't used it as much as I thought, it's still nice that they decided to pair the two together just to freshen things up; the problem is, the writers themselves don't seem to truly do something unique with them, instead going down the well-known route they know ever so well. Seeing Ned & Edna together is decent, it's somewhat sweet to see them together even though the initial appeal has worn off and there are some decent scenes which show the dynamics behind them, even some of their family life and comes from them suddenly being revealed that they're getting married is good; the pseudo-wedding thing with Homer & Marge being one of the better things of the evening.

However... They never truly go anywhere with it in terms of character. There is a dynamic to be had with both Ned and Edna having possibilities that the writers would love to explore; for example, They could explore Ned in a parental way in relations to seeing them grow up to be the best that they can be, being afraid to take risks or afraid to do something different... there are some episodes where this is explored ("Bart Has Two Mommies" being the most mentioned) but with the "Nedna" dynamic, there could be something more out of it. Same goes to Edna; we've seen her as a teacher and we've seen her care for some kids (though her apathetic, sleazy personality takes the reign in most these episodes) but we've never truly seen her be a mother figure or seen her in a situation where the unseen characteristics of her can truly shine. The problem is, the writers never seem to realize that dynamic with Ned remaining the somewhat overprotective California Zombie-christian that he is and Edna remaining somewhat of a slut, I'm not saying that they don't realize this in some form but they never truly see what could be had; hell, even fanfiction writers can see the potential behind these two.

One of the things holding them back is the plot which attempts to show that no marriage is perfect; the problem is not the plot itself which the most capable of writers can flesh out in seconds, no the problem is that the writers are confused about whether or not to use the plot to create a romantic episode the likes of which they've never seen or use it to teach everybody watching the episode a lesson. One of the main things behind the plot is Edna with Rod & Todd; it is interesting in theory to see Edna bond with the kids but it seems like all of the characteristics of Rod & Todd are thrown out for the sake of the plot. They're not completely wimps, I'd like to think of them as being sheltered, having a distorted viewpoint by being raised on christian standards, overprotection and self-censorship but they're not wimps to the point where they skip around or even ride a tricycle. Making them out to be hopeless is not the way to do it, especially if Bart arrives in an inconvenient matter just to show how hopeless they are; it just feels forced to do that since instead of Edna helping out due to witnessing their sheltered lifestyle, she's helping out due to the fact that they're complete wimps.

Edna does do some good with them in the fancy Californian christian school in that she witnesses the ignorance (though in an unrealized way, that science thing is pretty cringeworthy.) and acts like the caring person she is but that is counteracted by the fact that she hates Springfield Elementary, thinks that school is a shithole, does not care about teaching there and would rather send her own kids elsewhere (even that Christan school) then there; especially since she does send her kids there. Additionally, what we're shown from the outside exposed Rod & Todd don't even reflect themselves; if you're being exposed to the outside world, you don't act like a slave and do the things that most kids do, Rod & Todd still have personalities of their own and while they would be exposed to new stuff, they would still have thoughts and decisions on their own; especially when it comes to things like temporary tattoos and slang and shoes. Though they are influential, they wouldn't jump off of a cliff if someone told them to and they certainly wouldn't throw away their christian values. The new Rod & Todd being shown seems like something that reflects the plot rather then something that reflects their personality. I mean these are two people who've we've seen in the majority of the series, they shouldn't have to be neglected to plot points.

Speaking of which, a majority of this plot seems like it's trying to force the "not every marriage is perfect" notion. I know that Ned & Edna have differences but it doesn't seem like the writers are under the notion themselves that we won't understand what they're trying to do and so we're pushed this notion at mostly every turn. Ned's stop-motion scene (which is nicely animated) is something that reflects Ned's uncertainty but it just seems like they're making the scene as California-christian as possible (and even then, Christians in California wouldn't go to these extremes) just so Ned can have a reason to be scared; I get what they were trying to do with the scene (which is show Ned's worries and to parody those christian TV specials) but it just doesn't feel funny or reflective of Ned, it more reflects the force notions and an attempt to be satirically funny. (and get among the lines of "Community" and "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas" in terms of stop-motion segments) Even the wedding itself feels forced despite it being a plot point through the episode, it just feels like a remake of a similar scene in "A Milhouse Divided" except with a 21st century flair and the subtly being taken out. There is nothing to me that suggested that what would of happened is natural, everything feels like it's pushing towards that notion instead of letting it happen naturally. Again, throwing out the characteristics for the sake of the plot does not lead to a good plot.

There is another thing that is holding them back, one thing that people can't help to think about and that is what they could of done differently. There are tons of things shown in the episode that could of gotten more of a focus, the LBGT meeting (which in itself is somewhat clever but ultimately terrible.), his beliefs, Maude; if they had given those more focus then it might of enforced the whole "no marriage isn't perfect" thing a bit more then had they just focused solely on Rod & Todd. There were some scenes that could of ended a bit earlier and still be effective... for example, there is a scene in the end where Homer & Marge argue while trying to tell Ned that there is no perfect marriage and while I understand what they were trying to do (which is create a sitcom parody and joke that would of worked better in the past.), I felt that ending it with Ned looking at them arguing would of been effective enough. The thing that holds them back the most is the first act which involves a play and Homer in the role of Jesus; had they cut back on that significantly, they could of left a whole lot of room for "Nedna"'s plot. Don't get me wrong, it's an okay first act but it doesn't have a purpose in relation to the plot; is it supposed to question Flander's personality? does it showcase his faith? I mean there can't not be a purpose for Homer acting like Jesus through most of the first act, there has to be some something behind it... (bringing it back at the end is not that purpose) especially when they make Homer professional and spend time looking at the theatrics of the play. Though it does contain some usage of Flanders, they could of done away with it entirely.

That's not to say the episode itself is terrible, there are a lot of it was okay with decent characterization, jokes and pacing and there isn't anything terribly offensive about it. I somewhat liked the joke with the bullies as valets and Ned's rapping is like something out of the classic era (though random) and I also liked that they didn't need to make anybody overly wacky in this episode, everybody just seemed to be somewhat normal this time around but this episode reeks of wasted potential, there was something to be had with a decent plot idea that could of likely been one of the best Simpsons episodes in the classic era (one of the better ones in the modern era) and surely the people behind the show know how much the Ned & Edna episode from last season is liked but they can't seem to outdo themselves this time around; especially when they seem keen to hold on to the things that drag the episode down, things like not knowing when to end a joke, characterization that seems as awkward as it does out-of-place (Lisa was terrible in this), cutaway gags and ideas that would never work out in The Simpsons. Most of these people will not think of this as a problem but the bugging feeling still remains; Ned and Edna surprised us the first time around, why can't we get the same type of feeling that we did before?

If you're one of those "Nedna" or casual Simpsons fans then you will get something out of this; they do Ned & Edna well, some of the scenes are sweet and there's even some good stuff throughout but you have to ignore a lot of the plot flaws and forced notions; if you don't ignore it then you'll end up disappointed because of the obvious. This is a decent outing for "Nedna" but it's nowhere near as good as the first. On a side note: Moe makes a joke about the four-act structure, why not comment about how short the four-act structure is or even complain about the inconsistency of the acts... that would of helped a lot.

5.5/10