It’s Simpsons time. No more scandals please.
Can’t we all just laugh along?
Yes it is FRI-DAY! You may not know this, but The Simpsons movie is coming out tonight. You definitely do not know this, but for a 10 year stretch, The Simpsons was engaged in a Russell-Wilt rivalry with Married With Children for the coveted title of “Sam Rubenstein’s favorite T.V. show.” (Seinfeld would later enter the equation and complicate things. It was a vicious love triangle.) Did I have a Bart Simpson t-shirt that was confiscated by my mom? Yes. Did I write about The Simpsons for one of my SAT II essays? Of course. Do I keep my face bearded just so I look like Groundskeeper Willie? Why would I ask the question if the answer wasn’t yes. I love The Simpsons. Or, if you need me to color it with a Hip Hop reference, I used to love the S.I.M.P.S.O.N.S.
I am no different from most Simpson fans. The majority of us recognized the comedic brilliance from day one, and were fiercely loyal to a point. Then it started to get too… the best way to put it is that it became a caricature of itself, and yes in this case it is bad for a cartoon to be a caricature. Homer went from lovably stupid to just flat out mean. Bart went from mischevious to annoying. They kept forcing guest appearances and modern references into the show, and it just wasn’t funny. As Homer would say while banging on the TV set “Come on! Be more funny!” Of course it kept going and going year after year, and until last Friday I had not watched an episode in 6 or 7 years.
Here is where I take it back to NBA relevance, sort of. Last Friday, I was on a plane flight to California and the only thing working on the in-flight TV was a loop of Simpsons episodes, some from the golden age (Homer becomes an astronaut) and some that I had never seen before in the days since the golden age (Marge and Mo are partners at Mo’s fancied up establishment). Watching all of those episodes put a big smile on my face. Then right as the plane landed the TV news kicked in and said “NBA ref gambled…” you know, that whole thing. In these depressingly negative times, I am thankful for something like The Simpsons which has provided so much joy over the years.
While I have failed miserably in my mission to see The Transformers movie (because dudes have grad school after work or girlfriends with no respect for cinema), I find myself once again saying “I must see this movie!” Expectations are not high, but I turn to a quote from Homer when he was performing at the Mr. Burns birthday/roast “DO YOU WANT TO LAUGH?!?” I do, Homer. I do. The recent events of the sporting world can drive that out of you, but really as the cliche goes, laughter is the best medicine.
Okay, so it’s a slow day. I’ll take a slow summer day over another depressing scandal though.
66 Responses to “It’s Simpsons time. No more scandals please.”
Jul.27 at 8:49 am
John of SoulClap says:
1st… to say that the Simpsons saved my day more than once… i feel u Sam
Jul.27 at 8:51 am
Keith says:
Shame on you Sam Rubenstein for not having watched Transformers yet.
Jul.27 at 8:52 am
Keith says:
The NBA mirrors The Simpsons…Marge has a gambling problem and lo and behold…8 years later, an NBA ref has a gambling problem.
Homer has a drinking problem and…what’s that? Vin Baker does too? Coincidence? I think not.
Jul.27 at 8:53 am
Keith says:
Ping-Ping should be the only person allowed a cameo on the Simpsons.
Strike 3, I’m out.
Jul.27 at 8:57 am
white hot eboy says:
Sam, isn’t there a little bit of Bart
AND Homer in all of us?
Jul.27 at 9:07 am
nic says:
remember, sam - hell hath no fury like a greased scotsman!
Jul.27 at 9:49 am
Young Chris #3 says:
The 399th and 400th episodes were the first two new shows I saw in years and they were nothing short of amazing. It was nice to see that the creators still had it when it comes to satire (Episode 399 was a parody of “24″ and 400 was a social criticism of Fox news in regards to liberalism and conservatism). And I was just thinkin of the Joe Budden line “back when n***** used to rock Simpson’s t-shirts” cuz I know I was about around 8 during the 3rd season and EVERYONE had Bart Simpson t-shirts (”Don’t have a cow, man!” and “Eat my shorts” were the ones I had. And my mom had a fit when she saw my friend’s “I’m Bart Simpson, who the hell are you?” poster in his room). I’m there tonight! And Sam, go see Transformers!
Jul.27 at 9:52 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
not seeing the Transformers yet has been the biggest scandal of them all.
I like when Homer is in AA. “Last night I wanted a drink so bad, I ate some dirt under the bleachers.” “GET OUT!”
Jul.27 at 9:53 am
H to the izzo says:
Those two episodes were the only goods ones they have done in a while.
Also anybody remember a “DO THE BARTMAN”?
Jul.27 at 9:58 am
mutoni says:
‘the simpsons’ are dead to me.
Jul.27 at 10:01 am
H to the izzo says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2Nl0sGh768
Do the Bartman
Jul.27 at 10:05 am
Keith says:
I imagine Ryan Jones is a lookalike of Milhouse.
Jul.27 at 10:14 am
white hot eboy says:
Sam, another thing to look forward to attached to the Simpsons movie is the trailer for the new Batman movie. Batman, Bartman, Fall Out Boy, Radioactive Man, it’s the New Justice League.
Jul.27 at 10:17 am
A-Money says:
Killa Sam, I can’t read anymore of your posts until you see Transformers. Simpsons movie should be sick….it’s long overdue
Jul.27 at 10:22 am
white hot eboy says:
Sam, leave work, see Transformers. Claim a Ping Ping sighting caused you to have a momentary lapse of reason.
Jul.27 at 10:24 am
Slobodan Chutzpah says:
The Simpsons might just be the most overrated sitcom of all time. It should’ve been axed a decade ago, but wasn’t so that average people everywhere can continue feeling smug about the fact that they get the glaringly obvious pop cult references and humor. I wouldn’t sit through The Simpsons movie if you paid me 20 bucks. For 50 bucks, sure.
Jul.27 at 10:25 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
I am seeing transformers at the very latest sometime early next week.
The Simpsons have been dead to me for years too, but seeing it again brought back so many great one liner memories.
“THat sniper at the All-Star game was a blessing in disguise.”
Jul.27 at 10:30 am
mutoni says:
here’s a site that has some of the best quotes in the show’s history. http://blogzarro.com/?p=223
Jul.27 at 10:33 am
Steve O says:
My favorite Simpsons episode has to be the Nuclear Plant softball game when Burns hires Canseco, Griffey Jr etc to play fo the team and they all develop major problems.
Jul.27 at 10:37 am
Keith says:
Sam you made that comment deliberately so that you could relive great Simpsons quotes.
Don’t think that by getting all of us to regail you with famous one-liners, that we’ll forget your sin of ignoring Transformers.
Jul.27 at 10:37 am
H to the izzo says:
The song at the end of the softball episode is in Bob Dylan territory
Jul.27 at 10:43 am
H to the izzo says:
Grandpa: “There was something strange about the way he walked,much more vertical than usual”
Jul.27 at 10:44 am
white hot eboy says:
Izzo, trying to leave a comment on your USA basketball piece. No luck yet. I likey.
Jul.27 at 10:48 am
H to the izzo says:
As I am with your Miami piece,I don’t think we’re meant to appreciate each others blogs.I blame Lindsey Lohan
Jul.27 at 10:57 am
white hot eboy says:
Izzo, I think the Feds are trolling the SLAM boards. All this talk of the mysterious Ping Ping and the Don-a-gie fiasco is causing them to look into all avenues Slam related. That could be why Ryan’s been suspiciously quiet this morning.
Jul.27 at 10:59 am
Jake says:
Had the pass to see The Simpsons movie last night. Went in with kinda low expectations but it was AWESOME!
Jul.27 at 11:00 am
H to the izzo says:
Eboy:I think they’re trailing you because of your near death threat to scumbagf*ck
Jul.27 at 11:17 am
white hot eboy says:
Izzo, it WAS a fantasy piece. For clarification purposes.
Jul.27 at 11:29 am
Russ Bengtson says:
It’s gonna take an awful lot to get me back in a movie theater—and The Simpsons movie isn’t it.
Jul.27 at 11:37 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
Homer: Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It’s what separates us from the animals … except the weasel.
Jul.27 at 11:41 am
Kevin Wilson says:
Homer: If you want to get somewhere in life, you have to work hard. Now quiet, they’re about to announce the lottery numbers.
Jul.27 at 11:48 am
Ron says:
Ned Flander: “Heya Homer… I can see you noodle!”
Jul.27 at 11:50 am
H to the izzo says:
Grandpa:”My son is not a pervert. Homer may be a liar, a cheat, a pervert…… but he is not a communist.”
Jul.27 at 11:51 am
Ron says:
Hi, I’m Troy McClure, you may remember me from from classic informational films such as ‘Don’t walk barefoot on rusty nails’, and I lost my eye while running with scissors’…
Jul.27 at 11:56 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
Chief Wiggum on phone: Uh, Mrs. Simpson, I have some bad news. Your husband was found DOA.
Marge: Oh my god! He’s dead?
Chief Wiggum: Oh, I’m sorry. He was DUI. I get those two confused. (hangs up phone)
Woman walks in: My name is Mrs. Phillips. You said my husband was DUI?
Chief Wiggum: Uh… talk to one of those officers over there. I’m going to lunch.
Jul.27 at 11:59 am
white hot eboy says:
Sam & Ron, LMAO.
Jul.27 at 11:59 am
H to the izzo says:
Duffman: Hey Duff lovers! Does anyone in this bar loooove Duff?
Carl: Hey, it’s Duffman!
Lenny: Newsweek said you died of liver failure.
Duffman: Duffman can never die, only the actors who play him. Ooh yeah!
Jul.27 at 12:07 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
This game is fun!
Mr. Burns: I’ll keep it short and sweet — Family. Religion. Friendship. These are the three demons you must slay if you wish to succeed in business.
Jul.27 at 12:09 pm
mutoni says:
homer: “alcohol, the cause and solution to all of life’s problems”
Jul.27 at 12:13 pm
Max Airington says:
Does anyone else remember when Homer beat the Hamburglar to death and the kid was like “Stop it! Hes already dead!” That still makes me laugh. Alot.
Jul.27 at 12:31 pm
gelly says:
the hip hop reference was genius. Common is the man
Jul.27 at 12:41 pm
Steve O says:
Skinner: Nibbles you did it. Now chew through my ball sack.
Jul.27 at 12:48 pm
Adam Morrison says:
spider pig, spider pig…does whatever a spider pig can…
Jul.27 at 12:49 pm
jbn74sb says:
Wait - I thought’s Sam’s beard was in homage to Matisyahu. And, your SAT had essays? When did this occur?
Jul.27 at 12:58 pm
Ron says:
This is pretty fun on a Fri-day! here at my office we are debating on who is the best character on the Simpsons, we got votes for Bart, Homer, Lisa, Flanders, Marge, and my pick Apu. Every scene with Apu is almost classic. What do you all think?
Jul.27 at 12:59 pm
Brian says:
Lisa: (To Homer) Why can’t you be like a normal dad and take me to the museum?
Homer: C’mon Lisa, you know daddy isn’t allowed in the museum anymore.
Jul.27 at 1:00 pm
H to the izzo says:
Mr. Burns: Do my worst, eh? Smithers, release the robotic Richard Simmons.
Jul.27 at 1:07 pm
Sam Rubenstein says:
SAT II. Otherwise known as “achievements.”
One of my favorite subtle little characters is the old sea captain. “This chair be high… says I”
Jul.27 at 1:13 pm
H to the izzo says:
Ralph places ice cream cone on forehead and says “I’m a uni-tard!”
Nt sure who my favorite charachter would be but I was always partial to Moe
Jul.27 at 2:42 pm
Cub Buenning says:
Ralph, “ms. Hoover, my worm crawled in my mouth and I ate it.” The quoting could go on for days. Russ, its been over 2 yrs., StarsWars-ep 3 since last cinema trip, which was at the 05 Finals
Jul.27 at 3:02 pm
Tom says:
Homer:”Son, you tried your best and you failed miserably, the lesson is……….never try”
Jul.27 at 3:11 pm
Mo Charlo says:
Let’s not forget some of the Basketball moments from the Simpsons. Playing at the YMCA is one of my personal favorites.
Carl: I am so sick of people assuming I’m good at basketball because I’m african-american! (then he breaks the backboard after a 360 from the foul line).
Willie: Willie tickles the twine for 2! Oy! Oy!
Jul.27 at 3:12 pm
Mo Charlo says:
“Look out itchy! He’s Irish!”
Jul.27 at 3:13 pm
Mo Charlo says:
And finally, in a morphine-induced hallucination, Homer jumps out of the atmosphere and dunks through Saturn’s rings.
Jul.27 at 3:18 pm
Tom says:
or when homer was tryin to sell springs and he attached a whole bunch to Maggie and started dribbling her, do crossovers and stuff
Jul.27 at 3:21 pm
Tom says:
let’s not forget when bart made the canadian national team…….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUYM81yFeUU, that one still makes me laugh.
Jul.27 at 3:21 pm
Tom says:
try that link again, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUYM81yFeUU
Jul.27 at 5:25 pm
The Big Lead says:
Transformers was good. I loved the ending when the boy puts the cube into optimus prime and kills the bad guy. Great film.
Jul.27 at 6:14 pm
nacho says:
saw the movie last night at midnight, excellent. i’ve been a die hard simpson fan since day one and last night was extremely fufulling. it was so awsome to see them on the big screen hi im troy mc clure, you might remember me from such films as christmas ape, and christmas ape goes to summer camp i got quotes all day baby!
Jul.27 at 7:50 pm
Chukaz says:
The Simpsons used to be as awesome as Jessica Simpson’s body, man. The Simpsons remind me of Limp Bizkit, they both used to be great, but now I can only hold on to the past as they both suck now. God bless hip-hop.
Jul.27 at 8:24 pm
Mo Charlo says:
Chukaz will die a horrible death for comparing the Simpsons to Limp Bizkit. Are you kidding, man? Get your head out of your @ss.
Jul.28 at 9:57 am
Young Chris #3 says:
Limp Bizkit was NEVER great… And The Simpsons Movie was nothing short of incredible (even if it at times seemed as Homer said “You paid to watch something you could have seen for free on TV?”
Jul.29 at 8:18 am
BETCATS says:
aw man that was a great movie . “we are movin to alaska, where you can never be too fat or too drunk”
Jul.29 at 8:19 am
BETCATS says:
oh and Limp Bizkit licks a$$
Jul.29 at 9:13 am
Sam Rubenstein says:
saw the Simpsons movie last night. It was egggxcellent.
Jul.31 at 1:36 am
Jose says:
woo hoo that movie was great