In 2007, my friend and I took almost two hours worth of public transportation so we could go to a 7-11 in Maryland that had been transformed into a Kwik-E-Mart as part of a promotion for The Simpsons Movie. I bought $40 worth of Krusty-Os, Buzz Cola and Squishee cups (I refused to put actual drink into my glasses, for fear the sugar-laden beverage would compromise the quality of my cup).
I thought I was dedicated and have always considered my sister – who can recite any episode seasons 1-10 from memory – an even bigger fan. But deep down, I know we’re only the tip of The Simpsons superfan iceberg. I’m sure there are people out there who dream of yellow, four-fingered people, say ”okily-dokily” in 100 percent seriousness because it is second nature, and who believe no other cat name exists other than Snowball.
But this next week isn’t about how big of a fan you are (or once were), it’s about celebrating what The Simpsons is: The kinda inappropriate cartoon comedy that paved the way for totally inappropriate cartoon comedies. At the center of this time of reflection (and my Must List pick for the week): The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: In 3-D! On Ice! (airing Sunday on FOX). Super Size Me‘s Morgan Spurlock directed the documentary. I call BS for it not being in 3-D or on ice, but it will nonetheless be a fun watch.
What about you, PopWatchers? Are you as excited as me about The Simpsons special? Or is something else on your Must List this week? Sound off below (and make it good)!
For your viewing pleasure, I leave you with a Simpsons promo spot featuring House‘s Lisa Edelstein (Love her!).
For me, it’s definitely the 2-hour season premiere of Chuck on Sunday!
Definitely have watched every season since 4 or 5 when I was old enough to ignore my mother’s wishes. I watched it with my grandmother when she made us dinner (reruns on FOX at 6pm at the time) and even she laughed at it. I still look forward to new episodes and think that this year has had some of the most riotous jokes in the series. Way to go Simpsons on 20 years of entertainment! Can’t wait to see the special on Sunday!
Leverage!! It’s coming back on Wednesday! Loves this show. It’s so good and all the cast members have chemistry. I just hope Jeri Ryan doesn’t destroy the show.
I haven’t watched a new episode in a few years (other than the Halloween ones). But I’ll try to remember to catch this. My problem is, the show lost its heart some time back. Until season six or so, it was weird and hilarious, but you still cared about the characters, even the supporting cast. Then it just got random, trying to copy its own copycats and making fun of its own formula.
The return of Big Love!!! You wouldn’t know it from this site, but season 4 kicks off on Sunday!
I’m excited about Leverage and Psych! And Lost as always. I love the Simpsons. I’m glad they’re making this milestone!
The show premiered on my 13th birthday. And on the 20th anniversary, I’ll be turning 33! Crazy!
Simpsons rock! While I haven’t been as fanatical about catching Seasons 11-20 as they have aired (life, baby, etc. got in the way) I still think they have plenty of good moments. Seasons 1-9 and bits of 10 were definitely the best with my favorite being Season 5. LOVE LOVE LOVE these guys and will definitely catch this (going into my cell phone scheduler NOW. Hey Hey, got watch it (and if you love OTHER shows, why post it here?).
Because she said:
“Or is something else on your Must List this week? Sound off below!”
@ reading comprehension.
Andre Braugher in “Men of a Certain Age”
I love me some Scott Bakula from his “Quantum Leap” years (and he’s a likable scoundrel here) and Ray Romano has proven to be a surprisingly effective dramatic actor, but Braugher is delivering an Emmy-worthy performance (I know…shocker!)
Yea, totally hard to believe that the Simpsons has been around 20 years, but then i think how much I used to watch them when I was a kid. I am 35 now! Gonna have to tune in and check this out for old times sake. I laughed out loud at the okily dokily bit, cause I have totally said that before only to cringe later when I realized what a d-bag I sounded like… But sometimes it just pops out, heh!
1. Michael Cera in Youth in Revolt – Cera still does his trademark awkward teen, but his character’s “supplementary persona” gives him the chance to branch out (and get laughs like he hasn’t since Juno).
2. How I Met Your Mother 100th Episode – Major clues about the mother’s identity? A big Neil Patrick Harris musical number? It’s gonna be LEGEN… (I can’t) wait for it…
3. Nine soundtrack – The movie is disappointing, but tracks from Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Fergie, and Marion Cotillard, are even better when you don’t have to sit through the boring bits.
This week is all about Chuck for me. Release of the Season 2 DVD, two-hour premiere on Sunday the 10th and one-hour episode on Monday the 11th. Same great cast, but a new and exciting direction for the show.
Vampire Weekend’s Contra- After streaming it 4 times this morning, I’d say I’m ready for summer and you will be to after a listen to their second album proper.
Better Off Ted’s cast- In the shadows of TV’s big comedies (for unknown reasons), this cast has been impeccable. Unfortunately, it appears ABC is ready to kill of this whip-smart workplace comedy, help save it!
The Hurt Locker on DVD- Get blown away by this taut, engaging, and intimate portrayal of a bomb squad and what war means to them day-to-day.
The return of ‘Big Love’ on HBO. Also, the rebroadcast of ‘Band of Brothers’.
Not terribly impressed with the new shows this year. I’ve been fascinated by this – http://www.vimeo.com/7963572. It is a teaser for a new show in development and I will continue to pray to the God of Nonsensical TV Programming Executives that they get it on my TV come fall.
I am pretty excited for the 20th anniversary special. I still remember watching the original airing of Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire back in 1989. I guess since that was just a christmas special and the first episode was Bart the Genius that is why the anniversary is in January. While the show has changed over the years when I catch new episodes they are still really funny, which is why I think people who say it isn’t good anymore probably haven’t watched it for 10 years.