Episode 10 - E. Pluribus Wiggum
4 January 2009
Review
Synopsis: Homer’s greed leads to the destruction of Springfield’s fast food district. In order to raise money with a bond issue Mayor Quimby moves up election day. Springfield's primary election becomes the first in the country causing the media and candidates to descend on the city. The Good: Timed to come out right in the middle of Primary season this is a very topical episode. There are hints throughout of decent satire. The criticism of the media for focussing on the horse race rather than the issues is a point made well. As are both parties courting the same candidate because of their desperation to win. Some of the jokes work better than others. Moe’s television interview and Homer and company in a focus group are suitably silly. Hans Moleman being crushed by flying debris and Ralph Wiggum’s campaign video are also quite fun. The Bad: The first six minutes (or almost one third of the episode) are spent on Homer’s fast food story. Those lost six minutes hurt the end of the episode. The writers seem to be making the point that perhaps Ralph’s peaceful morality would make for a better world than what politicians are currently offering. For that point to sink in they need longer to make it. Instead the episode ends abruptly and leaves you feeling unsatisfied with the story. Despite being one of the most focussed political episodes The Simpsons has ever produced, its satire feels surprisingly lightweight. Most of the jokes are aimed at the easiest possible targets. Bill Clinton and George W Bush get the expected treatment and the republicans and democrats are cast as evil and pathetic respectively. Ralph Wiggum becoming the preferred candidate implies that the media, parties and voters are all stupid and don’t think about the issues which matter. That’s a pretty broad and unoriginal piece of satire. Even if you agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment, this not a clever or interesting way to make that point. The absurdity of people following Ralph isn’t driven home or given much plausibility. The Simpsons actually presented more interesting and intelligent satire with earlier less topical episodes (for example 302 or 709). Jon Stewart is wasted with a painfully obvious scene with Krusty trying to steal his jokes. There is no way that the other Simpsons should be able to see Homer’s thoughts. That is breaking with reality in a way which damages the show. Best Joke: Headbutt with Nash Caster comes on the TV. A pretty funny parody of political punditry with a series of “witty” puns and metaphors. The Bottom Line: More entertaining than some contemporary episodes because it has a clear focus. However it comes across as a little obvious for most of the show and wastes time which could have been better spent.
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