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HILL, SIMPSONS & MALCOLM Return!!

Malcolm was great! by Darth Tater	Nov 11th, 2001 09:27:10 PM
King of the Hill always sucked, always will. Simpsons: same old same old. At least it was better then last years season finale. But Malcolm in the Middle! What an awesome episode! Probably the best yet! They went somewhere they've never gone before: making Lois not just a terrible parent, but actually abusive. Was trully brilliant and wonderfully pulled off.
yeah, the Simpsons has gone downhill, but by Mr.Watanabe	Nov 11th, 2001 09:44:00 PM
the sad truth is that the show is still funnier than 95% of the tripe you're likely to see on tv at any given time. I blame the writers
I agree... by catman	Nov 12th, 2001 02:14:41 AM

I agree... by catman	Nov 12th, 2001 02:19:09 AM
that King of the Hill is a great show, and Macolm in the Middle is good too. I also have every episode of the Simpsons, but believe it is now mediocre at best. Last weeks Family Guy was one of the funniest ever. Damn i was laughing my ass off at that episode. The only thing I strongly dissagree with is that Magnolia is about the suckiest piece of shit I have ever seen. That's 3 hours of my live I ain't getting back! Worst movie of the millenia, hands down.
Hate missing Futurama? by Kiyone	Nov 12th, 2001 02:29:57 AM
It certainly does suck that Fox continually preempts Futurama on the East coast with football, but ever since I dumped cable for a mini-dish satellite system, I just watch Futurama at 10 p.m. off the Seattle Fox station.
"Malcom"-already peaked by larisa	Nov 12th, 2001 02:57:46 AM
After watching tonight's episode, I think the best days for "Malcolm in the Middle" are way behind them. Its medicore at best and the whole plot line felt very 'TGIF'. I was waiting for Urkelbot to pop at any minute. "King of the Hill'" wore its self out after a couple of minutes. "Simpsons" still best show on TV.
not sure by ginta1971	Nov 12th, 2001 03:48:27 AM
I am not sure what you are all looking for out of the Simpsons, but I still find it is one of my can't-miss-an-episode shows. I am not quite sure what everyone else is looking for out of it, but it is still making me laugh every week (even occasionally when the show focuses on Lisa shudder) Malcolm...well I love the show, but this week was pretty weak. I was disturbed that I found the funniest moment to be Lois throwing rocks at Dewey. King Of The Hill - I have NEVER been able to stand this show. I find it to be just plain juvenille, and when I have watched it, it has barely solicited a smile from me.
Please end the Simpsons... by Obnoxious Mime	Nov 12th, 2001 04:44:11 AM
To any fox executives who may be reading the talkbacks for tonight's shows. Please - PLEASE end the Simpsons. Watching the last 3-4 seasons makes me want to cry. And NOT because I'm laughing. Also, I don't really understand why some people who like the Simpsons don't appreciate King of the Hill. It's carving out a lot of the same ground The Simpsons did it's first 3-4 seasons. It's perplexing to me why some people seem to prefer the random, absurd shows like Family Guy which throws a bunch of non-sequitors on the screen. I think if Family Guy were ever on for longer period of time people would realize how quickly that act wears thin.
Another 20 years of "Simpsons" please... by Hyde01	Nov 12th, 2001 09:54:49 AM
That is, if any Fox executives are reading this. Yes, it's past its prime, but even at its worst is still much better than almost any other show on television, and there are still so many characters they can mine for laughs. Homer's weird tics (such as his "night terrors" about cobras) are old-hat, but the show isn't anywhere NEAR needing euthanasia. Just an infusion of new talent, at worst. No, I feel "The Simpsons," even in its twilight, is heads above such shows now in their primes, such as "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Just Shoot Me," or "Becker." End "The Simpsons," and we can all enjoy "Friends" and "According to Jim" and other such cutting edge programs. Oh, and bring back "Suddenly, Susan." As far as "King of the Hill" goes, it's probably the best sitcom on tv, miles ahead of "Raymond" in its character-driven observations of family life. A completely under-rated, under appreciated show, made all the more amazing when you consider it's from the guy who created "Beavis and Butthead," which was hilarious but hardly as complex or as well-thought out as "King of the Hill." And though my heart will always beat for Springfield, I will say "Futurama" has the most laughs per episode of any show on television right now. In short, keep "The Simpsons" running until I'm an old, old man, and watch "King of the Hill" and "Futurama" with more open mindedness and less message board smart-assery.
The problem with The Simpsons by chrisew	Nov 12th, 2001 11:57:00 AM
I'm sure I'm not the first person to point this out, but I really felt it last night. As funny as it is, the characters no longer seem real to me. I know, that sounds weird for a cartoon. It's suffering from a problem lots of comedies suffer from -- things get weirder and weirder to compensate for a lack of ideas. Have you ever noticed how the stupid characters on sitcoms get stupider as the show progresses? Take Golden Girls -- which I only use because for some reason, everytime I turn on my TV that friggin' show is always on (did Congress pass a law or something that it must be on 24 hours a day?) -- traits that used to add color get exaggerated beyond all reality. Rose is colossally stupid, Blanche isn't just promiscous, she's an uber-slut, etc. The Drew Carey Show is doing the same thing, just getting more and more surreal. Last night, Homer's night frights and the blase way Marge tossed him his mood medication disturbed me more than made me laugh.
King of the Hill and Futurama are criminally underrated so maybe by ItsOver	Nov 12th, 2001 12:30:04 PM
Anyway, I had to miss most of Malcolm for something resembling a social life and my TV decided to only tape blue (and now its all fucked up as well) so I can't comment on it. *** Once again, not only was Futurama pre-empted by a bunch of sweaty guys playing a crushingly boring sport but it ran over. Dammit. Will CBS please buy Sunday night football, I have no problem seeing what ever the hell they have on pre-empted. King of the Hill was well worth the wait. "That's my purse! I don't know you!" is such a great catch phrase. Did anyone else notice that the pacing and construction is starting to slide a bit into Simpson's style? ** Simpsons had a few good moments despite a great premise. All those begging execs to cancel it can go eat grass. If you don't like it, don't watch it. It might be floors below its peak but even in the 13th season its a hell of a lot better than the 1st season of Scrubs or Inside Schwartz. If Fox cancels it we'll end up with an "edgy" David Faustino vehicle or something. Either way, bad Simpsons still clobbers anything on "must see tv."
better reviews by BenDaRas	Nov 12th, 2001 12:52:36 PM
Gotta say HErc I love the Buffy reviews but when it comes to Fox shows I differ greatly with your opinions. I thought last nights episode of the Simpson's was hysterical. Homer yelling Boring in the middle of Barts class or the night terrors, all the stuff about the Simpson families relationship with the Judge. Malcom's premiere wasn't quite as good as the show usually is but it too definatly had it's momewnts. I mean Dewey stuck in the middle of the lake. Gotta say I thought the 2 star reviews were way off. But hey it's all opinions
"AH! COBRAS!" by Smapdi	Nov 12th, 2001 02:32:26 PM
Didn't see KOTH, but loved Simpsons and Malcolm. We all know by now that the Simpsons has gone downhill and we can all argue about it till the cows come home. But any show that has Marge and Homer arguing about Bart using the "the bottle" with Homer yelling "I don't even know why we have the bottle! Can someone tell me, please?!" is a-ok in my book. And I loved Homer's night terrors. They might not be real, but they are cartoon characters and the appeal of them being real has sorta worn off. Malcolm was pretty funny--not the best they've ever done, but pretty funny. Dewey is always great, especially stuck on the magic bouey (or however it's spelled). I think that Stevie's parents are great as recurring characters and you can really see Hal and Lois's influence on them as time goes by. I'd rather watch those shows than the latest Crappy McCrap from ABC or CBS.
Simpsons kicks ass by magic_ninja	Nov 12th, 2001 02:39:18 PM
Simpsons gone down hill? Nah, yall are just getting old. I can't wait for the homer-on-medical-pot one. I've always loved how blatantly pro-drug the simpsons always has been.
AMEN: The simpsons is the only drug I need. by Patch	Nov 12th, 2001 03:52:32 PM

AMEN: I like drugs: but only a simpsons mainline by Patch	Nov 12th, 2001 04:00:32 PM
The Simpsons is my fave despite all assertions (my own at times) that it's gone downhill. Come on man, nothing on the other networks even resembles comedy compared to the simpsons in even in there crappyest season. Last nights episode was a bit stale but the past tuesdays Halloween one was great. Either way, I say fox should put the simpsons on until it absolutely is just not profitable for them any more. At that point move it to comedy central and squeeze a few "jump the shark" seasons out of it just for fun. Why not? This isn't michaelangelo paintings it's entertainment, it should be creative. Even if fox does 10 more mediocre seasons it will yield at least a few classic episodes and it's worth it for that. Now if they can just put Futurama back on at 830 I will have a truly perfect hour of television a week. At least when the simspsons goes under groening can focus 100% on futurama, a show with untapped limitless potential. Only the most hardcore of fans seem to still enjoy the simpsons unconditionaly but everyone I know likes futurama. Malcolm in the middle? If I wasn't 25 and I was, say, 12, 15 I might enjoy it, but really, all I get out of it is MILF fantasies about the mom. D'oh?
Did she just say she used to be a dude? by call_me_snake	Nov 12th, 2001 05:25:06 PM
Quite possibly the funniest line on that show in about three years. That's the off-balance comedy with razor-sharp timing that has been so rare recently. Overall, a fantastic episode.
fed up by jeffrodotorg	Nov 12th, 2001 06:51:45 PM
this is the first talkback i have posted to on this site. I have been reading AICN for a few years now and i have enjoyed Harrys skewed views on movies (you have taught me a bit about cinema and i thank you). I have watched as the site gets slower and slower bogged down with users and pop under ads (really harry, the 1x1 pixel ad is the most insulting, thats a porn site annoyance and AICN is better than that) but still i come back cause i get alot of useful info from you...but these TV reviews that are going up have degraded into garbage. Anything that isnt Buffy or West wing is treated like a second class citizen. I hate to have my first post be bashing your site but i hate seeing bad opinions posted on a good site. So, to review: AICN is good. Popunder ads are bad. Fox sundays are good. Herc is an idiot. And if you see Chris Columbus tell him to hurry up with the Neuromancer flick, im dyin over here! jeffro
Chris Columbus is a hack. its Chris Cunningham that you want to by Jungle-face-jake	Nov 12th, 2001 08:21:48 PM

my bad by jeffrodotorg	Nov 12th, 2001 09:02:45 PM
it was cunningham, my bad. Thanks for the correction : ) Thats how long its been since any new word on the movie.
All Geek Bitching All The Time by jcasnaw	Nov 12th, 2001 10:13:30 PM
Some Movies Suck and Some Shows go on for too long. Thats a given thats life. The Simpsons threw in throughout ive laughed. Ive never really seen a bad episode that didnt at least make me laugh. Im glad the show is still on the air. Cancel it? Maybe in a few years but not now. I really begin to laugh at some of you posters. You bitch at something anything that doesnt meet your standards. Before I tear into the POV I am a Geek. Card carrying,married and have a young child. I enjoy Trek,Star Wars and a new Episode of Red Dwarf. I collect Comics and DVDs. I hate a bad movie and I hate a bad TV show but I dont go into a rant like the show is supposed to meet my weird standards and my standards alone. You self righteous nimblenuts who complains about Episode 1 or saying Lord Of The Rigns is better then Star Wars. Why cant they be equally as good. I say keep The Simpsons back on the air because if anything the show has got better in time. I remeber watching the first episode "Simpsons Christmas Special" and I remember the Tracey Ulman Shorts. Ol Springfield has still got life in it so dont bash the show because its in its 12 season. Hell Mash was great at its 10th season. Grow up and go out and get laid.
On the Simpsons by Ricky Fitts	Nov 12th, 2001 11:55:35 PM
The general inclination is that, while the show isn't half what it was at its peak, it's still better than anything else on television. While I don't really agree with that statement (even only counting network TV, it's still just as bad as everything else), even if that statement were true it would be a problem. Why is it good enough for it to be only a fraction as good as it once was? I don't think anyone can argue that there hasn't been at least some drop-off. It's my personal feeling that the writers are showing borderline contempt for their audience (as made evident by Homer's dismissal of the Comic Book Guy ["Does anyone really care what this guy thinks?"] before what was then the worst episode to date...it's one thing to mock querulous detractors when you're still the best show on television, but it's a lot less funny when they have a more-than-valid point). As for why the Comic Book Guy uses his "Worst Episode Ever" line with increasing frequency, well... As others have said, the root of the problem is the current writers' increasing dependence on the absurd. A pointed contrast becomes apparent when last night's episode is compared with the Child Welfare episode created during the show's golden years. The problem at the beginning of both episodes is the same: Marge and Homer are, ostensibly, bad parents. In the Child Welfare episode, this is handled in at least a somewhat realistic fashion: Bart, Lisa, and Maggie are placed in a foster home. In last night's episode, the problem is resolved by placing Marge and Homer in make-shift, portable stocks. What the fuck? It's every bit as idiotic a situation as you'll find on any network sit-com. Sunday nights now officially belong to HBO (with occasional switches to ESPN).
I agree by Obnoxious Mime	Nov 13th, 2001 12:24:17 AM
I've got to say I agree with Ricky Fitts. He made his point a lot more eloquently than I could in my last post. The oft-used argument that "it's still funnier than the other shows on television" is meaningless. If anything, it's an insult. It's an admission that the show is creatively dead but is still chugging along in mediocrity. I think the most obvious example of the show's deterioration is the handling of Homer. He used to be the butt of jokes because he was stupid. And we laughed because we sympathized. Now, he's the one making fun of others. He's the kind of guy that would make fun of the Homer of old. Simply put, I love the Simpsons... so much that I can't bear to watch it in this state.
If that's mediocrity- by Hyde01	Nov 13th, 2001 08:57:57 AM
I wish every show were as mediocre. The point, Mr. Fitts and uh- that other guy who agreed- is that "The Simpsons" happens to be a show that managed to hit such a rarefied height of brilliance that it, relatively, has to tunnel into the earth at least a mile before it scrapes even to the level of the most excellent episodes of other shows. A so-called "poor" episode of "The Simpsons" is still excellent entertainment. And no show can exist at such altitude forever. So it isn't as sharp as it once was. Big deal. It still isn't a "shell of its former self" or cancellation-worthy, no matter how many times some frothing-at-the-mouth to kill the show geek proclaims it to be so in a smart-ass post. Another thing that bothers me is the outrage, the anger, that accompanies most "Simpsons must die/be cancelled" posts. I can't get over the vehemence these people show for something they all claim to have loved at one point. Good lord, I pity members of their own families. God forbid Mom's apple pie should be just a slightly bit less delicious than the previous one she made. She'll be out the door with a boot-print on her ass. It boils down to this: no one forces you, or anyone else, to watch "The Simpsons." If it hurts so bad, then by all means, abandon it and the dropping ratings will put it out of your misery. Please, stop watching "The Simpsons" and you'll get exactly what you want. I'm sure "Temptation Island 3" or "When Simpsons Fans Attack the Show They Once Loved" will fill that time-slot void admirably. That's all you have to do- shut up and stop watching. Emphasis on the "shut up." As for me, I will enjoy this show for as long as they care to air it. I will watch the past classics in syndication, and I will buy each season on DVD as it's made available. I could do other things, but I still believe myself to be as good as, if not better, you at judging the quality of television, movies, books and music. To sum up, "So there."
I dropped a "than" by Hyde01	Nov 13th, 2001 09:00:02 AM
in my next to last sentence. Sue me.
I missed this week's Simpsons and the last part of the hallo by DevilCat	Nov 13th, 2001 10:58:34 AM
And I find I just don't care. The Simpsons used to be my number appointment TV show. I even taped each and every episode. Now, I only watch it if I have nothing better to do. That being said, I'm demanding it be cancelled; I'm demanding that better writers be brought in.
Cinder blocks by Purple Toupee	Nov 13th, 2001 11:23:16 AM
When Homer threw the cinder block at the judge, closed his eyes, and said something to the effect of "Lord, guide this brick," I laughed my ass off. I also thought it was hysterical on Malcolm when Dewey says, "Just leave, you don't have to insult me." These shows are still funny as hell. The problem with Malcolm is that it appeared about two months too late, and that's nobody's fault. It was a summer-oriented episode, and maybe that's what turned people off to it.
Simpsons will never die by magic_ninja	Nov 13th, 2001 07:57:32 PM
Just change the channel guys. No one's forcing you to watch it. And while you're at it, quit bitching about how it's gone "downhill". Idiots. Go watch your Friends or your West Wing, or whatever crappy television show you've deemed as good, and save your bashing for a show that truly deserves it, like Sex in the City, or anything on CBS or the WB.
Thats not a baby ! Thats a shaved puppy! by Killgore	Nov 13th, 2001 08:37:31 PM
Now that's classic.
I find by jefepeterson	Nov 13th, 2001 11:57:35 PM
The last few seasons of the Simpsons, I am always disappointed when I see a new episode... but when I see it again in reruns, I laugh and laugh. Not as good as some of the old classic episodes, but I think we are mostly expecting too much. If you just relax and enjoy it, it's still pretty damned good.
A Clarification by Ricky Fitts	Nov 14th, 2001 12:28:42 AM
It bears pointing out that I wasn't advocating the show's cancellation...I'm fully aware that I can change the channel, and usually do, once it's been confirmed that an episode merely intends to continue the trend which has surfaced the past few years. The point of the post was to address why there has been such a sharp decline in quality, and, admittedly, vent a little frustration that the current product is enough to satisfy some people. I do realize that a lot of people still love the show, and it will be a sad day when it is finally cancelled, even though I can barely bring myself to watch the new episodes.
Jeesus by Obnoxious Mime	Nov 14th, 2001 02:33:49 AM
I think it's perfectly fine to criticize a show. Is talkback supposed to be about your opinion or is it just for pointless idol worship? I think I brought forth my argument in an intelligent manner. Some people who saw Jay and Silent Bob think Kevin Smith is against negative posters. The problem isn't the negativity, it's with these people who post unintelligible, curse-laden, plain offensive diatribes. If I feel like The Simpsons isn't worth watching anymore than I'll say it, but in a mature fashion. Sure, I can turn off the TV and choose not to watch the Simpsons, which I do. My decision has nothing to do with yours and it shouldn't mean that I'm somehow insulting the ones who do. Also, I think it's perfectly rational for someone who used to love the show to not enjoy it anymore. Just because I love the old ones doesn't mean I blindly like the new ones. I think the show has gone downhill and it's like whenever one of your heroes is on the way out. You love em but you hate seeing them stuggle. You don't think there are Michael Jordan fans who love that he's back but also wince when he goes 5 for 29 or something? To Hyde01-Why do you feel so threatened by opinions other than your own? I don't agree with you and that's it. I'm not the one who's so angry I have to tell others to "shut up" and them make claims that I'm a better judge of quality or whatever.
Threatened? by Hyde01	Nov 14th, 2001 10:55:51 AM
I don't feel threatened at all. If you'll take the time to re-read my post, you'll see my quarrel is with Simpsons-bashers who post what are, to my mind, meaningless and mean-spirited attacks on the show, demanding its cancellation. And their assumption that they, and only they, are the true determiners of the show's quality. And furthermore, if you would go back and re-read my posts, you would see that I made a specific point of agreeing that the show is not up to its former standards. So it's not the viewpoint necessarily as much as it is the vehemence with which they state it and their self-destructive "final solution" to what they, and only they, perceive as a terrible injustice. I think my arguments to the contrary were much more reasoned and rationalized than many of theirs, and I offered a much more equitable solution, and one that will definitely get their wish granted. All the TalkBack griping and "If any Fox executives are reading this" in the world aren't going to get it done. I suggest they abandon the show enmasse, as it is obviously detrimental to their health to continue watching such a "horrible" and/or "sucky" product. And then, surely, "The Simpsons" will go off to Cancellation Heaven and we won't even have the so-called "mediocre" episodes we have now. Which, let me restate, I fully agree are not up to the glorious standards of past "Simpsons" seasons. However, I still find them worthy of watching. And am I any less a judge of "Simpsons" quality than they are? Obviously not, since our viewpoints differ mainly in that I cannot hate the show as it presently stands, especially in light of the generally wretched quality of all else on television in "The Simpsons'" timeslot in comparison. And yes, TalkBack is about discussing these things, as you and I definitely are. But all too often (and you can read any number of posts above to this effect), TalkBacks consist of geeks attempting to scream the angriest, most over-the-top insults at movies or television shows that don't meet their sometimes off-the-wall and out of left field standards, liberally laced with profanities and obscenities. Thanks for your intelligent response, and I hope mine clarifies my position.
And furthermore... by Hyde01	Nov 14th, 2001 11:05:57 AM
When I read the generally grammar-free vitriol spewed by many of these TalkBackers (excluding ourselves, Fitts and a few others), yes, I do believe myself to be a better judge of quality than they are. And part of that has to do with their insistence that cancellation of "The Simpsons" is the ONLY solution, or an issue of such vitality that they began this entire argument. And no, I don't blindly worship "The Simpsons" or ANY television show, movie, or band. Criticism is fine, if it can be backed up with cogent and valid points, rather than with just ranting tirades about how much we "hate the Simpsons now." Because if one hates it, obviously, the solution is to ignore it, as one would "Thomas the Tank Engine" or "Teletubbies," or "Boston Public" and find something positive, rather than bathe in negativity and hatefulness. So yes, to these people, I will say "Shut up." And I will continue to exhort them to simply not watch "The Simpsons." They'll be happier, I'll be happier, we'll ALL be happier. I would never say that to someone who wants to genuinely express concern and can do so in an intelligent manner. I mean, really, if you want, I could explain exactly why I don't think the show is as good as it once was, but really, I hope it runs another 20 years... because it still has plenty of moments of vitality and humor that more than pay for the odd "mediocre" episode. And what is the quality of a mediocre "Simpsons" episode if not at least twice that of even the most wonderful episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond?" Okay, I've wasted enough words on "The Simpsons." I won't be back, because I WILL be watching the show, and I WILL be discussing it elsewhere.
we agree to disagree then by Obnoxious Mime	Nov 14th, 2001 03:26:41 PM
Hyde01-Ok, I just wasn't sure to whom all the sarcasm was directed at. I probably shouldn't have used the words, "blindly follow" but hey, I thought you were insulting me. And I know you agree that there are definitely some people out there whose blind faith to a show completely limits their objectivity. That's all I'm gonna say, as this page isn't even on the main board anymore...

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HILL, SIMPSONS & MALCOLM Return!!

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