Simpson's Critique

Summary:
The Simpson's TV show was created on values and ideas that were a risk for the FOX TV network to produce. The show reinforces the average middle class American family values through the narrative. However, it also criticizes American cultural values outside of the narrative such as politics, sexuality, and the medical and educational systems. The characters of Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart, and others are representations of ideas and ideologies rather than personalities because they were created as incomplete. For example, Lisa is the symbol of reason on the show and she is constantly questioning the rationality and motives behind others actions. Homer is the dominant male figure in the show representing the the cultural myths and contradictions of the American consumerist lifestyle. Marge, conveys the stereotypical housewife and all of the problems and downfalls that come along with it. Bart is predetermined to fail and is used to scrutinize the public schooling system. And lastly, Mr. Burns is the symbol of capitalism and is portrayed as a very powerful person due to his ownership of the power plant.

Reaction:
I thought that this critique was very interesting and provided some insight into the creation of the show. I have only caught a couple of the episodes of the Simpson's here and there, and never have been a vigilant watcher. When I have watched the show I found it not very engaging and kind of dumb (I guess I never really gave it a fair chance). So, from my perspective I actually learned a lot about the characters and their motives through this critique; I think now I better understand the point of the show. I definitely agree with the statement, "The Simpson family and friends act as a cross section of American culture. They are never fully developed characters, but icons of belief" (Tingleff). The Simpson's critique makes it easy to see what the characters represent and how their ideologies are conveyed in the show. Using the narrative of the show to reinforce and reflect the middle class American values is what makes the Simpson's so ratable and successful.

Reflection:
Nowadays creating a long lasting good television show is not something that happens everyday. The fact the Simpson's lasted for 9 years is pretty incredible for a TV show. Reality and shows that can't even last a couple seasons are what dominate our televisions today. I think that the success of the HBO series the Soprano's can be compared to the Simpson's. Plot wise they are very different but each show had a unique character drawing in large audiences for an extended period of time. Even through all the violence and mob drama the Soprano's also had a focus on family life and the importance of family comparable to the Simpson's. Both shows were the first of "their kind" and became models for later shows trying to have a similar message.

Questions:

1. What Simpson's character do you see yourself the most in and why?

2. Despite the characters incomplete nature, how does the narrative attempt to overcome this according to Tingleff?

3. If you could add a character to the show to represent a contemporary idea/ideology, what would it be and why?