Nerdiscussion: Much Apu About Nothing

Another episode I don't see much love for, but is really a perfect example of why season seven is my favorite season.

What’s beautiful about The Simpsons as a satire isn’t just that there are so many episodes that are masterpieces of satire in such a wide variety of issues and topics. One of the true marks of greatness is that the show has a level of awareness and insight just by being The Simpsons that few shows can hope to touch with their strongest efforts. These cunning social observations aren’t just mouthed, but occur as unassuming passive satire. So many observations are internalized as basic elements in the show’s structure and foundation. There have been so many topics explored on the show- morality, politics, religion, abstract philosophy, a ton of finer social points. This episode stands out as a strong affirmation of the show’s inherent social comment. Particularly the show as an American satire. It was inspired as a topical parody of a California immigration legislation, but folks, this could not be any more relevant now.

As in all complex Simpsons satires there are many ideas explored here, almost too many to keep track of and work into a review. There are finer points about American idiosyncrasy throughout, but the broadest and most readily accessible aspect of this episode is the “madness of crowds” element. That’s another one of those passive social comments (a show institution since season one), but nowhere is it used with greater intent than here. Just look at the two town hall scenes, for a deconstruction of modern political process. “The People” are implicated just as much here as “The Man” is. The immediate seizure of Quimby’s completely random red herring (again a call back to the CA proposition) demonstrates not only Power’s purposeful misleading, but the collective desire the mob has to jump on the bandwagon. It’s almost like co-dependent enabling. Another thing to be noticed is that nothing here is decided with any rational process. Even the nature of the proposition is never made clear (illegal immigrants are, uh, illegal anyway). I like to think that’s on purpose, an example of how much public policy decision relies on sloganeering and general zing-zork-kapowza rather than rational thought and constructive dialogue. Even the scene where Homer turns his neighbors’ opinion on the proposition at the bbq is beyond cynical- they are won over by a nonsensical speech and chant! There’s the exaggeration and hysteria over a non-issue (the bear) and superficial public appeasement rather than constructively resolving the issue (the bear patrol). Our boogeyman now is imminent destruction at the hands of terrorists. We have our bear patrols, our political misdirection (al-queda, iraq; tom-ay-to tom-ah-to) and of course, our Homer Simpsons.

Another thing examined here are unique American foibles. The irony is thick across this episode: the uneasiness with whatever ethnic minority happens to live across the road and often intense nationalist fervor in such a diverse country where we are basically all immigrants (“Momar…”- check all of the Springfieldians at the naturalization exam). Another ironic contrast is that we see this nationalist zeal exist right alongside apathy and ignorance (Homer’s not registered to vote… stovepipe hat… the electrical college, or “just say slavery”- of course in contrast to Apu’s knowledge and genuine appreciation). Wiggum quoting the iconic Emma Lazarus poem- to round up and deport immigrants (“Breathers… got it”).

Typical of season seven, the satirical devices are beyond diverse here. Character driven, topical parody, surreal abstraction-- even built into crazy gags (the wacky “pic-a-nic basket”). The humor is drawn from just as many wells. It’s that creative, fun execution that’s disarming and allows the satire to be really effective. A patronizing, loud, abrasive delivery could destroy all of the importance and impact of everything I’ve rambled about. Apu has a wonderfully intelligent, endearing characterization here. Homer here is never irritating or unlikeable in the least, just oblivious enough to stay charming. Really, great characters all the way around, great episode. Hilarious, a charming well-told story, and intelligent yet instantly accessible.

Damnit Tibor, you never give the rest of us much else to say with these things. But since I love this episode and even used it in my class, I feel obligated to respond in some way.

One strength that particularly shines here (you already touched on this) is the empathetical aspect. One strength of The Simpsons, I've always thought, is that it often takes its satirical points and presents them in a way that shows how they actually effect a person. A typical "Saturday Night Live" satire (letting alone that that particularly show doesn't seem to know the meaning of the word "satire" lately) will portray the idiot/corrupt politician and nothing else. They'll show that something is stupid or corrupt; they won't show how it actually effects people. That's not its fault, its a sketch comedy show, but the setting of The Simpsons allows it to bring it down to actual people.

And this episode does just that. It takes Apu and humanizes him; we see his hopes and dreams and that he's a human being as much as anyone, caught in the middle of a political war that is less about him (and the other immigrants) and more about trickery and conformity. What's particularly amazing in this case is also that they take a character who previously had not been developed at all(much as "Homer and Apu" may have tried, and do such a thing with him. The same sort of "humanizing" of an issue is also a strength of episodes like "Two Cars in Every Garage...." but the writers should recieve extra credit her for doing it with a character that had previously just been "the crooked Kwik-E-Mart clerk" In any case, all of this shows why the topic of the episode is actually important and why the viewer should care.

In terms of the actual satirical elements you touched on most things. One particularly iconic scene I want to mention though is the scene between Lisa and Homer. Lisa explains to Homer in a calm matter why he is being reckless and naive, but Homer is too caught up in the propaganda and need to conform (as well as just his stupidity) to see (or want to see) Lisa's logic and even offers to "buy her rock". In a similar scene he is even able to see Apu's logic and plight, but is still so consumed with himself that he tells him "I'm really going to miss you" and puts a "get out" (or something to that effect) poster up.

As well, when talking about conformity the scenes of Apu trying to "Americanize" himself are pretty key. Again we see the human element and that he doesn't want to go back on his roots, but doesn't know how else to get himself out of a situation he didn't want or intend to get into. He briefly is willing to go back on his entire culture and belief system in order to conform.

That's all for now, I'll let some other people comment.

Originally posted by DotheBartman
Damnit Tibor, you never give the rest of us much else to say with these things.

Tibor's posts are orgasms to my eyes

Great post you two. Seeing i am not as gifted as you two in writing paragraphs which actually make sense i'll just say a few short things.

This episode stands out for me, in the fact that i can not remember one bad joke, one bad characteristic or one bad point in the storyline where i felt, oh no. Even joins up like a jigsaw to produce a masterpeice of an episode and a real great addition to the Simpsons 7th season.

Originally posted by Tibor
As in all complex Simpsons satires there are many ideas explored here, almost too many to keep track of and work into a review.

And, yet, you managed to do it. Absolutely brilliant analysis of one of my favorite episodes, Tibor.

I'll only add a few comments:

- Its telling that Apu, at first, tries to handle his problem by resorting to actual crime, turning to Fat Tony for the solution, as many 'illegal' immigrants feel they must. Its his proud Indian (foreign) heritage's principles that raise his shame enough to go the 'legal' route.

- The episode was already so jam-packed with amazingness, that 2 entirely-perfect and thematically-thick scenes had to be cut: Tibor (!) and Fong's hazardous and demeaning jobs at the SNPP (illustrating the fact that illegal immigrants are the labor force for jobs that no Americans are willing to do); and Rainier Wolfcastle's paid political ad denouncing immigrants, and in favor of the Prop. - nearly a decade before Arnold scored the same coup in real life, and rode it (in part) into Quimby-dom himself. Brilliant. Precient. Cut.

- We need another episode of this caliber for the current state of the nation. Right now.

Excellent articulation by DtB on why characters are so important here. It's particularly important that there be humanity with this topic. A cold conceptual satire wouldn't pull the trick.

And good notes from Roger, especially the syndicuts, which I have never seen- only transcribed to the internet. Another scene that is cut is a conversation at the bar with Moe where he says something like "Them immigants, theys comes over here but theys don't even bother to learn how to talk English"- brilliant joke, and yet another poke at something I understand to be distinctly American, English as universal, the only correct tongue here (as I understand, most nations are in such proximity with each other that fluency in two or more languages is practically required). Another example of the distrust of foreign and unfamiliar that's pretty pervasive in our society.

Just read that cuts guide again (I haven't seen the episode uncut either) and its indeed a shame they're gone. One even features the first appearance of Manjula.

I think the ones Roger mentioned are actual cuts though, as in things that never made it to the final (even before the syndicators hacked it up). Hopefully the dvd producers will get off their asses and start giving us deleted scenes.

Thanks, DTB - they are actual deleted scenes. (One didn't make it past storyboards).

And, beginning with the new S4 DVD's, they will indeed be giving us these type of deleted scenes. But please don't blame the DVD producers - the deleted scenes from S2 & S3 were 'inaccessible' and 'unavailable', if they even still exist, because they would be the 'property' of Klasky-Csupo. When the animation was taken over by Film Roman, (and even the tail-end of the KC productions,) all the elements were firmly under the control of Gracie (& Fox), who by then realized they had a huge hit and valuable property on their hands.


[BTW, DtB & Tibor, hope you realize that I was just kidding around in the recent Rate/Review. Obviously you're 2 of the most thorough & engaged posters here.]

I like Apu's joy in feeling American at throwing of his jury duty summons into the trashcan. throughout the episode the whole issue of American identity in the cliched, stars-and-stripes, know-your-history sense is shown as very hollow, and that sorta provides a neat conclusion to it. Apu finds true American identity not in his yahoo from Green Bay transformation, but in the apathy of skipping jury duty (just like "just say slavery" or Homer's not being registered), "taking a relaxed attitude to work" and being free to rip off his customers.

also surprised noone mentioned the significance of the bear, which I'm very sure is an intentional parallel with the immigration situation (a parallel made quite unsubtle, I think, by Kent's "or possibly employment") and a slam on xenophobia in general. consider the contrast between Flanders' extreme terrified overreaction to the bear based on his preconceptions, and the bear's actual harmless behaviour. also Homer's overexaggeration of the situation - "it's like a frickin' country bear jambaroo around here" - and his "Hey, if you want wild bears eatin' your children and scarin' your salmon, that's your business." comment.

Marge's "really your only crime is violating US law" is a wonderfully simple satirical comment as well as a great character humor.

The schoolchildren (and Seymour) continuing to harass Uter even after he assures them he is there legally nicely highlights the fact that the views of supporters of these anti-immigrant laws are often fueled by raw xenophobia rather than genuine political logic and concern.

Tibor mentioned the blend of many different styles. One of my favorite examples of this is Abe's flashback - totally wacky, but makes the simple but important point that all Americans are immigrants anyway. Something that Homer amazingly is still oblivious to when discussing "native Americans" later on with Lisa and Apu.

the Lisa/Homer conversation about the rock is probably my favorite moment. a flawless socratic argument is no match for extreme stupidity. i always love the intellectual conversations between Homer & Lisa - the "hero" conversation in Radio Bart and the conversation about stealing in 8th Commandment are two similar moments.

may have more comments later. but there's not a lot left so maybe not - good job guys, great posts.

Originally posted by Roger Myers III
Thanks, DTB - they are actual deleted scenes. (One didn't make it past storyboards).

Wow. All the more thanks for sharing.

Originally posted by Roger Myers III
And, beginning with the new S4 DVD's, they will indeed be giving us these type of deleted scenes. But please don't blame the DVD producers - the deleted scenes from S2 & S3 were 'inaccessible' and 'unavailable', if they even still exist, because they would be the 'property' of Klasky-Csupo.

And that's great news too.

Also good eye, Jafar, on the bear/immigration parallel! I didn't take the next logical step of comparison there, but it very much makes sense in that context. So wonderfully absurd a comparison, but works so well.

Something kind of like I've wondered about is Moe complaining that a bear stole his pic-a-nic basket (and it actually being Quimby?). Just an absurd gag, or a Simpsonian distrust of authority moment, suggesting something about who the real culprit is?

Perhaps the bear was a Russian analogy, in the editorial cartoon sense?

The "pic-a-nic basket" gag was a play on the "Yogi Bear" cartoons of Hanna-Barbera. Yogi's perpetual plot was swiping (what he goofily called) Pic-a-nic baskets from the tourists in Jellystone Park. Ranger Smith would try to stop him, and merriment would result. Likewise, Quimby's comment that he is "smarter than the av-a-rage bear!" is a Yogi catch-phrase.

Yes, but any intent beyond the Yogi Bear parody?

Well, Moe is firmly & hypocritically in the anti-immigrant camp, and Quimby is, after all, the "real culprit" behind the entire misdirection of the Proposition, so, if you really want to, you can see it as a microcosm of the entire episode.

Me, I jus' likes me that Yogi!

Just watched this episode last night, oddly enough. I do enjoy this episode, but nothing too spectacular. Still a pretty funny and well written episode.

Originally posted by Roger Myers III
Tibor (!) and Fong's hazardous and demeaning jobs at the SNPP (illustrating the fact that illegal immigrants are the labor force for jobs that no Americans are willing to do)

are you saying Tibor (!) might have been developed into an actual character, beyond just someone referred to by Homer & Smithers? because that would've been so cool. who knows, maybe Tibor (!) could have become another Duffman or Disco Stu...

I could've been bigger than curly fries...

Shucks -- I checked the storyboards again, and it was Zutroy, not Tibor. Zutroy was to make a repeat appearance in the scene.

I guess there's always the possibility that its "Tibor Zutroy", and Burns was addressing him by his last name, a la "Simpson, eh?". "Zutroy" was on his nametag, like a last name. But that's just conjecture on my part.

{I did a very full transcription of both those cut scenes, oh, maybe a year ago, if anyone can find 'em.)

Originally posted by Roger Myers III
Thanks, DTB - they are actual deleted scenes. (One didn't make it past storyboards).

And, beginning with the new S4 DVD's, they will indeed be giving us these type of deleted scenes. But please don't blame the DVD producers - the deleted scenes from S2 & S3 were 'inaccessible' and 'unavailable', if they even still exist, because they would be the 'property' of Klasky-Csupo. When the animation was taken over by Film Roman, (and even the tail-end of the KC productions,) all the elements were firmly under the control of Gracie (& Fox), who by then realized they had a huge hit and valuable property on their hands.

Interesting. Any possibility that they'll "acquire" the seasons two and three scenes (as well as S1, if there were any?) in the future and release special editions of the sets? Especcially with season three it seemed like they left out a lot of potential (and even, at first, advertised) features, so I've thought since that they might release them again with some more features down the line, maybe as part of the next format. If there's any hope of those things, any possibility of the shorts (which as I understand also had legal difficulties) finally coming to the sets as well?

EDIT: Now that I think about it, there weren't any Seasons 1-3 deleted scenes in the "138th Episode Spectacular". I assume there's a connection?

Yeah Roger do you know the reason why so many of the advertised easter eggs were taken out of the s3 dvd - the Kelsey Grammer audio outakes, the Baby translator being examples.

Getting back to the original topic While I highly rate this episode to me, I guess you could argue that it seems a little one sided, while I agree with the message there putting across it might have done to explore why people would be angry about immigrants.

Originally posted by Homer_Thompson
Getting back to the original topic While I highly rate this episode to me it seems a little one sided, while I agree with the message there putting across it might have done to explore why people would be angry about immigrants.

"Now which way to the welfare office?"

Considering the episode was designed to both mock California's Proposition 187 as well as general hysteria in people towards illegal immigrants, not to mention making Apu a sympathetic character to bite through the rhetoric - giving illegals a face - I can see what you're getting at. However, the episode did acknowledge and take some jabs at the ideas that spawn illegal alien fear, the idea that they are taking services and opportunities away from citizens by not entering the country legally through use of brief lines or scenes like the one above, as well as the Uter sequence to some extent.

The only thing I can think of that hasn't been touched on (much) is the sequence where Homer "educates" Apu on the US. Homer's ignorance contrasted with Apu's knowledge of US history makes for a delightful little jab at the process immigrants like Apu have to go through to become citizens, the information that is required that they know to pass the US Citizenship Test while people like Homer are assumed citizens because they are born in the US, even if they don't know its roots. Interesting too that the point is pulled out of a few Captain Wacky and side character scenes as well.

Originally posted by Tibor
Another scene that is cut is a conversation at the bar with Moe where he says something like "Them immigants, theys comes over here but theys don't even bother to learn how to talk English"- brilliant joke,

That scene is in the dubbed German version (which is usually uncut) but the satirical point isn´t really clear because of the dubbing. So when I finally saw that episode in syndicated English version, I was really disappointed that the scene was missing. Well, someday there will be a Season 7 DVD with full episodes.

I can´t really add anything new to all the great comments about the episode. It´s an outstanding episode with excellent writing. The only thing I can add is my usual "Those were the days".

Originally posted by Homer_Thompson

Getting back to the original topic While I highly rate this episode to me it seems a little one sided, while I agree with the message there putting across it might have done to explore why people would be angry about immigrants.

the episode seems a lot less "one sided" when you know its relevance to the CA proposition. there's a great deal of information in the SNPP capsule about it, which I will copy & paste here for you.

24 = 187

The Prop. 24 controversy mirrors this real-life California proposition.
Benjamin J. Robinson remarks, "Proposition 187 was one of the most
divisive issues on the 1994 California ballot. Essentially, it
sought to deny government services -- such as education, and
medical aid -- to people who had entered this country illegally.
Backers of the new law said that it would stop the drain of public
money by people who weren't even supposed to be in the country in
the first place. Opponents argued that this proposition unfairly
punished people who were quietly trying to make a better life in
America, and would not be of much benefit to the public treasury,
either. Since most immigrants -- legal and otherwise -- in
California were of Hispanic or Latino descent, some Prop. 187
opponents saw the law as racially motivated." Jose Lafaurie notes
as well, "If your name sounded Spanish or you looked Spanish, the
police could rightfully pull you over and ask for your green card
under this law." Proposition 187 passed at the polls and should
have taken effect January 1st of 1995, but was recently overturned
by the courts.

Benjamin Robinson adds, "No one ever spelled out what Proposition 24
would do, but it appears that it gave the police the power to
deport anyone who was not either a citizen or a legal immigrant.
Ironically, they are already allowed to do this under federal
immigration law. (Well, actually, I think Springfield's finest
would have to tip off INS rather than deporting people themselves.)
Therefore, Prop. 24 is actually redundant."

Don Del Grande asks rhetorically, "If Proposition 24 deports people
`from Springfield', why not just have the illegal immigrants go to
Shelbyville?" They hate the town enough to dump their problems
there. See 2F20 and 2F22.

Chris Courtois adds, "The main concept was to discourage illegal
immigration by prohibiting illegal aliens from receiving any public
moneys, including welfare, medical care, or public schooling.
Notably absent from the proposition were any sanctions against the
employers that hire illegal aliens. (Rush was spouting that all
these aliens are not getting jobs as busboys, maids, and migrant
farm workers, but are risking everything so they can go on welfare,
a belief satirized with Apu's "Which way to the welfare office"
line). The proposition also coincided with governor Pete Wilson's
bid for reelection. Prior to the campaign, polls indicated only 2%
of Californians were strongly concerned about illegal immigration.
Wilson attached himself to the proposition and began hyping it,
essentially turning an issue with which no one was concerned into
the centerpiece of his campaign, while conveniently ignoring real
issues like California remaining in a recession while the rest of
the country was recovering. (Similar to Quimby diverting attention
from the bear tax complaints to illegal immigrants). A third
parallel was as election day approached, proposition 187 became
"politically incorrect" and only the most vehement dittoheads would
publically admit to supporting it; however, come election day, the
proposition passed with a huge majority (Just like crowds of
Springfieldians chanting their opposition but 95% of them voting
"yes".) One last parallel to the California election was pondering
a proposition which contained laws already on the books. In the same
election, California voters were asked to vote on the "3 strikes
law", which had already been approved and enacted by the legis-
lature several months back."

Wow ok thanks.

In later episodes, you complain about the first act having nothing to do with rest of the episode, yet this happens in this episode also! Pretty much all of the first act was devoted to the bear.

But there was a reason for it to the exist, and anyway its actually very funny. In later episodes people complain about the fact that its going off on unfunny joke tangents and then suddenly connects in a very obscure way.

Yeah, I guess. But I often read something along the lines of "It was funny, but had little to do with the rest of the episode."