Episode 14 - Principal Charming
23 June 2010
Synopsis: Marge asks Homer to find a woman for Selma. Homer invites Principal Skinner over for dinner but he falls for Patty instead. As their romance grows Skinner loses control of the school and Selma becomes more depressed. Eventually Patty rejects Skinner to stay with Selma and he returns to punishing Bart.
The Good: There is a really tragic story told here and the show pulls no punches. Patty and Selma always came across like wicked step sisters to Marge's Cinderella. But here the writers flesh them both out making them distinct and relatable. Not many TV shows feature older spinster women. It's a painful and almost taboo subject for many people. But the Simpsons portrays them head on in all their loneliness, bitterness and desperation. When you see Selma tarted up and out on a date with alcoholic Barney you realise that this show is something different to almost any other comedy.
The writing is excellent giving you a sense of time passing as Patty gives in to Skinner's charms and Selma becomes increasingly desperate sensing a life alone. Homer's brutal honesty about how unattractive Selma is works well in the story reinforcing her position in the world and making him seem more authentic. Patty's decision to forgo any happiness of her own to spare Selma from being alone is about as noble and tragic as a decision can get.
Bart's ongoing role in the story was passable as he takes advantage of his new link to Skinner to make mischief at school. The good thing about that plot was it allowed the final shot of Skinner healing his wounds by returning to punishing Bart. Homer's Terminator style assessment of all the men in his life was a decent gag too.
The Bad: Skinner losing control of school to the extent that he did was silly.
Best Joke: Marge and Selma help Patty look her best for her date. This includes giving her some cream with "Gee Your Lip Looks Hairless" on the container.
The Bottom Line: Again the writers ignore gags to focus on the very real characterisation and the tragedy of small lives. It's pretty daring stuff for an animated comedy.
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