The Fall of The Simpsons: How it Happened (2017)
In the hallowed halls of Springfield, where yellow-skinned denizens crack jokes and absurdity reigns, there once existed a cultural juggernaut—the animated sitcom The Simpsons. For decades, it was our satirical mirror, reflecting society’s foibles, politics, and pop culture. But as the years rolled by, cracks appeared in the yellow facade. The Fall of The Simpsons: How it Happened, a 2017 documentary, peels back the layers, revealing the anatomy of decline.
The Rise: From Bart to Icon The documentary rewinds to the late ’80s, when the Simpson family burst onto our screens. Bart’s rebellious catchphrases echoed in schoolyards, Homer’s “D’oh!” became universal, and Lisa’s saxophone wove melancholic melodies. The show transcended animation, becoming a cultural touchstone. It lampooned presidents, dissected consumerism, and birthed Halloween specials that danced on the edge of absurdity.
The Golden Age: A Quixotic Quest for Perfection The ‘90s marked the golden age. Writers like Conan O’Brien, Matt Groening, and Al Jean crafted episodes that blended wit, heart, and irreverence. We reveled in monorails, Mr. Burns’ malevolence, and the enigma of Ralph Wiggum. The show’s DNA mutated, absorbing influences from film noir, sci-fi, and classic literature. It was a symphony of satire, and we were spellbound.
The Decline: A Slow Unraveling But then, imperceptibly, the magic waned. The documentary dissects the symptoms: character flanderization, repetitive plots, celebrity cameos for the sake of cameos. The show’s soul fragmented. The once-subversive Bart became a catchphrase-spouting caricature. Homer’s idiocy veered into absurdity. The couch gags felt obligatory, not inspired.
The Internet’s Verdict: A Meme-Driven Obituary The internet, that merciless oracle, declared the show dead. Memes mocked its longevity, comparing it to a zombie staggering through Springfield. “Remember when The Simpsons was good?” they whispered. The documentary captures this zeitgeist—a collective sigh for lost brilliance.
The Paradox: Still Standing Yet, paradoxically, the show persists. It’s a zombie with a pulse, a faded star still glimmering. The documentary interviews die-hard fans—the ones who cling to the couch, hoping for a spark. They dissect episodes, seeking echoes of past glory. They debate the show’s soul, wondering if it’s dormant or extinct.
Legacy and Lessons: A Cautionary Tale The Fall of The Simpsons isn’t a eulogy; it’s a cautionary tale. It reminds us that even giants stumble. Success breeds complacency, and creativity can calcify. The show’s decline mirrors our own mortality—how time erodes brilliance, leaving nostalgia in its wake.
As the credits roll, we ponder: Can a show be both alive and undead? Is it sacrilege to critique a beloved institution? Perhaps the answer lies in the show’s own words: “It’s funny because it’s true.” And so, we laugh, we sigh, and we revisit old episodes—the ghosts of Springfield whispering their secrets.
In this animated autopsy, The Simpsons lies on the slab, its yellow skin sagging, but its spirit still flickering.
