It's a testament to the greatness of this animated sitcom that season 4 has so many landmark episodes. Here, this fearless show confronts unexplored animosity in the Simpsons' marriage through the lens of the play, A Streetcar Named Desire.
I'm a big Tennessee Williams fan, so the inclusion of one of his plays, in any way, is a big plus. Many complex layers of the plot of the play can't be transferred over to a 22 minute television show, but The Simpsons do an inspiring job of channeling Blanche through Marge.
This episode is about Marge trying out for a play. You guessed it. A Streetcar Named Desire. She only gets the part upon the theater director hearing her dejected manner on the phone with Homer.
The plot thickens as Homer's oafish ways get the best of Marge. She releases this aggression during a particular heated scene with Ned, who has the scars to prove it.
There's a cute little subplot that has Maggie spending the time Marge is rehearsing for the play at the Ayn Rand School for Tots. This subplot has it funny moments, but the real meat here is the main plot involving Homer and Marge.
One of the most tender moments of the entire series occurs after Homer sees the play. Marge mistakes his drooping head in the audience for disregard. In fact it was because he was deeply affected by the play.
As Homer tells Marge, "I mean it made me feel bad. The poor thing ends up being hauled to the nut house when all she needed was for that big slob to show her some respect. Well at least that's what I thought. I have a history of missing the point of stuff like this."
Marge responds, "No, Homer, you got it just right."
Not exactly, but they love each other, and that makes this episode a real winner.
I'm a big Tennessee Williams fan, so the inclusion of one of his plays, in any way, is a big plus. Many complex layers of the plot of the play can't be transferred over to a 22 minute television show, but The Simpsons do an inspiring job of channeling Blanche through Marge.
This episode is about Marge trying out for a play. You guessed it. A Streetcar Named Desire. She only gets the part upon the theater director hearing her dejected manner on the phone with Homer.
The plot thickens as Homer's oafish ways get the best of Marge. She releases this aggression during a particular heated scene with Ned, who has the scars to prove it.
There's a cute little subplot that has Maggie spending the time Marge is rehearsing for the play at the Ayn Rand School for Tots. This subplot has it funny moments, but the real meat here is the main plot involving Homer and Marge.
One of the most tender moments of the entire series occurs after Homer sees the play. Marge mistakes his drooping head in the audience for disregard. In fact it was because he was deeply affected by the play.
As Homer tells Marge, "I mean it made me feel bad. The poor thing ends up being hauled to the nut house when all she needed was for that big slob to show her some respect. Well at least that's what I thought. I have a history of missing the point of stuff like this."
Marge responds, "No, Homer, you got it just right."
Not exactly, but they love each other, and that makes this episode a real winner.