When it debuted with the Dec. 17th,1989 special, "Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire", I didn't even know it was on TV... with the exception of the Tracy Ullman shorts. On Tracy's show I first saw them with "Family Portrait", it was funny but weeks later I had forgotten all about it and the other short features .
Since the time I finally tuned in, in 1990, for the episode where Marge & Homer tell their kids about how they met, as well as how their 1974 prom night went, I have been an almost consistent viewer. I wont call myself a "fan" because I've never liked that term applied to myself. I do love the show though and plan to tune in right up to the finish.
The great thing to say about the series as a whole entity is it's ability to turn even the simplest of situations into anarchy and craziness and or silliness. Even the best 30 min. Sitcoms could never do the kinds of stories and situations done here. Especially episodes about different people in the town. Naturally, sitcoms could not afford to pay for that many actors.
It seems even the most minor of characters has gotten an episode about them. Makes me wonder if they'll do a show for that pale looking kid with the curly hair! Homer Simpson is the epitome of the American couch potato, who unlike in real life, does extra-ordinary things that the common man only dreams of. Which is the most ironic thing about this simplistic guy with the crayon scratching his brain.
Voiced by veteran "Rhoda" co-star Julie Kavner (who played Rhoda's sister Brenda on the CBS 1970s sitcom), Marge is a woman and mother, in a situation, that, would in real life drive a female to pack up and leave and get a divorce. (Or even check in to an asylum).
Homer is as much a handful to her as Bart & Lisa or Maggie and even when it seems Homer's driven her over the edge, she still stays true to him in the end.
Bart has thankfully had many more dimensions added since the first year and the best shows are when he's at his most vulnerable. Like most recently when he sees a psychologist at the school's expense or the show where he goes on outings with his Mother on the bicycle for two.
Lisa is possibly the best drawn out character, who seems torn between taking on the realities of the world and just being a normal 8 year old girl. The shows dealing with her & Homer's relationship are the best.
My favorite shows are the more relevant touching episodes but don't get me wrong, I love the irreverent humor and crazy antics as well. "Treehouse of Horror" is even farther beyond those already crazy episodes in the regular seasons, my favorite of those Halloween outings being "Homer3" , when Homer ends up in the third dimension behind a living room wall.
"The Simpsons" still get my vote as a great series. ... and if not for this show we wouldn't have the likes of "Family Guy", "King Of The Hill" or "American Dad" on network TV. (Or maybe even South Park).
In their nearly 33 years as a sedries, "The Simpsons" broke many a long standing record in television history. It toppled "The Adventures Of Ozzie and Harriet" (1952 - 1966 : 14 seasons) for longest running 30 minute comedy and topped it for most episodes. O & H had 435 and "The Simpsons" surpassed that as well.
Then, the show did the same with long time champion, "Gunsmoke" (1955 - 1975) which ran 20 years and 635 episodes. "The Simpsons" surpassed 20 easily but would they top for episodes? Yes, they did ...and as most know, now have well over 700 shows.
The Simpsons started when I was 21 and 1/2 and continues now into my 50s. It opened the door to cartoons for grown ups and while I was tentative about it at first, I now say I'm glad The Simpsons came to be. 10 Stars for each and every season and episode. (END)
Since the time I finally tuned in, in 1990, for the episode where Marge & Homer tell their kids about how they met, as well as how their 1974 prom night went, I have been an almost consistent viewer. I wont call myself a "fan" because I've never liked that term applied to myself. I do love the show though and plan to tune in right up to the finish.
The great thing to say about the series as a whole entity is it's ability to turn even the simplest of situations into anarchy and craziness and or silliness. Even the best 30 min. Sitcoms could never do the kinds of stories and situations done here. Especially episodes about different people in the town. Naturally, sitcoms could not afford to pay for that many actors.
It seems even the most minor of characters has gotten an episode about them. Makes me wonder if they'll do a show for that pale looking kid with the curly hair! Homer Simpson is the epitome of the American couch potato, who unlike in real life, does extra-ordinary things that the common man only dreams of. Which is the most ironic thing about this simplistic guy with the crayon scratching his brain.
Voiced by veteran "Rhoda" co-star Julie Kavner (who played Rhoda's sister Brenda on the CBS 1970s sitcom), Marge is a woman and mother, in a situation, that, would in real life drive a female to pack up and leave and get a divorce. (Or even check in to an asylum).
Homer is as much a handful to her as Bart & Lisa or Maggie and even when it seems Homer's driven her over the edge, she still stays true to him in the end.
Bart has thankfully had many more dimensions added since the first year and the best shows are when he's at his most vulnerable. Like most recently when he sees a psychologist at the school's expense or the show where he goes on outings with his Mother on the bicycle for two.
Lisa is possibly the best drawn out character, who seems torn between taking on the realities of the world and just being a normal 8 year old girl. The shows dealing with her & Homer's relationship are the best.
My favorite shows are the more relevant touching episodes but don't get me wrong, I love the irreverent humor and crazy antics as well. "Treehouse of Horror" is even farther beyond those already crazy episodes in the regular seasons, my favorite of those Halloween outings being "Homer3" , when Homer ends up in the third dimension behind a living room wall.
"The Simpsons" still get my vote as a great series. ... and if not for this show we wouldn't have the likes of "Family Guy", "King Of The Hill" or "American Dad" on network TV. (Or maybe even South Park).
In their nearly 33 years as a sedries, "The Simpsons" broke many a long standing record in television history. It toppled "The Adventures Of Ozzie and Harriet" (1952 - 1966 : 14 seasons) for longest running 30 minute comedy and topped it for most episodes. O & H had 435 and "The Simpsons" surpassed that as well.
Then, the show did the same with long time champion, "Gunsmoke" (1955 - 1975) which ran 20 years and 635 episodes. "The Simpsons" surpassed 20 easily but would they top for episodes? Yes, they did ...and as most know, now have well over 700 shows.
The Simpsons started when I was 21 and 1/2 and continues now into my 50s. It opened the door to cartoons for grown ups and while I was tentative about it at first, I now say I'm glad The Simpsons came to be. 10 Stars for each and every season and episode. (END)