Posted on 02/06/2005 11:58:18 AM PST by raccoonradio
This year's Super Bowl halftime show may have been crafted to avoid scandal, but the programming Fox is airing after the big game might raise a few hackles. And this time, Tom Brady is actually involved.
Mel Gibson might want to change the channel after the Patriots-Eagles showdown tonight, because Fox has awarded the plum post-Super Bowl slot to an episode of ``The Simpsons'' that spoofs his ``The Passion of the Christ.'' If that's not enough to steam Gibson and the religious right, the network follows up with a sneak preview of the left-leaning animated satire ``American Dad.''
Unfortunately, both shows manage several comic first downs, but neither scores a touchdown.
``Homer and Ned's Hail Mary Pass,'' for example, somehow manages to skewer religious fundamentalists, liberal ``secular humanists,'' grandstanding athletes, ESPN and sports fans without ever being laugh-out-loud funny.
After video of Homer taunting Bart at a carnival makes its way onto the Internet, he opens ``Homer Simpson's Showboating Academy.'' In his back yard, he teaches normally humble sports pros such as Yao Ming, Michelle Kwan and Tom Brady - all supplying their own voices, although Brady's sounds oddly high-pitched - how to mock their opponents.
This leads to his recruitment as producer of the Super Bowl halftime show. Bereft of ideas, Homer turns to his good Christian neighbor Ned Flanders for help. Flanders has become a biblical snuff film auteur, with the recent purchase of a video camera. The pair cook up an Old Testament extravaganza that falls as flat as a Keanu Reeves line-reading because America is outraged at the sheer decency of it all.
What will the Parents Television Council think?
``Simpsons'' fans probably will just be peeved that the show isn't funnier - the best jokes are throwaways, such as an ad for ``Jammitin,'' an erectile-dysfunction treatment.
``American Dad,'' from the frantic, politically incorrect mind of ``Family Guy'' creator Seth MacFarlane, is also hit-and-miss. Unlike the ``Simpsons'' episode, however, ``Dad'' features a few more guffaws and makes you hopeful MacFarlane can fine-tune the show as it progresses.
``Dad'' chronicles the bizarre family life of lantern-jawed, uber-patriot CIA agent Stan Smith (voiced by MacFarlane). Stan sees danger lurking in every corner, from the suspect toaster in the kitchen to the pockets of his bleeding-heart-liberal daughter, Hayley. His clueless wife, Francine, cares for Hayley and her geeky teen brother, Steve, while fending off the sexual advances of a talking German goldfish named Klaus and watching the caloric intake of Roger, an alien from Area 51 who once saved Stan's life. Really.
The show is wacky, rude and, like ``Family Guy'' before it, destined to annoy some viewers while making cultlike converts of others.
``American Dad'' begins its run May 1 following the relaunch of ``Guy.''
( ``The Simpsons,'' tonight after the Super Bowl on Fox. (2.5 out of four); ``American Dad,'' tonight after ``The Simpsons'' on Fox. )
Sounds like it could be a lot worse.
Ok, this could be a good poll question formed something like this:
"How many who consider yourself a member of the Christian Right,
1) know that the Simpsons is a parody cartoon?
2) have a sense of humor?
3) Would be insulted by a parody of Mel Gibsons "The Passion of the Christ"?
I think the consensus of answers would probably be Yes, Yes, and No.
Left leaning, right leaning, I don't care, I like Macfarlanes' stuff, especially Family Guy....note the tagline, it is a Stewie Griffon quote from Family Guy.
I can't get enough of "The Family Guy." When I read that Fox would use DVD sales to help decide about a revival, I ran out and bought them. It is the most thoroughly subversive cartoon ever to air on network tv.
Sadly, "American Dad" sounds like a bad idea. McFarlane should focus on FG.
The American Dad design is terrible. Flat out un-watchable. Of course I thouht the same thing about the dad in Family Guy with his chin that looks way too much like another part of the male anatomy, and considering the crude nature of the jokes on that show I wouldn't put it past them.
I too have "Family Guy" box sets, which I picked up in the States. I was under the impression that it was libertarian, rather like South Park - for example, the "Petoria" episode is definitely a critique of big government.
Regards, Ivan
so has simpson's jumped the shark yet?
Family Guy is back?I thought is was dead years ago.
ahh the joys of not watching networks.
My laugh reflex doesn't know politics.
satan forbid that the religious left or socialists should ever get skewered.
One of my favorite Simpsons bits is when Homer and Apu go to India or Nepal and are greeted in the airport by glassy-eyed white people in suits and ties singing some wornout children's church song. One of the traditionally dressed Hindus groans, "Ughh! Christians!".
The Simpsons may make fun of stereotypical Christians, but I notice that Ned Flanders usually does what is right and is blessed for it. Anyone remember God answering his prayers with an audible "Okilidokily, Ned"?
My all time favorite is the road film ode to Hope/Cosby, when Stewie and Brian (the dog) have to make their way back cross country. The musical number "Off on the Road to Rhode Island" is pure gold.
Years and years ago.
They should really give up social and political commentary. They just don't know enough. They have nothing to say that is either thought-provoking or original.
If the show was still funny, they might be able to get away with it, but when unfunniness is combined with pig-ignorance, it's just embarassing.
Their "Road to Europe" episode wasn't bad either.
Regards, Ivan
That one I have only seen in pieces.
My 15 year old, his friends and I just love "The Family Guy." I'm so pleased they are reviving it.
I do it the easy way. I bought a set-top DVD recorder (a Phillips).
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