The Simpsons - The Complete Ninth Season (1997)

created by Matt Groening
USA 1997

There’s little more to be said about the longest-running animated television series that hasn’t been said already. “The Simpsons” is a comedic marvel that possesses far more substance than its somewhat primitive appearance would suggest. Matt Groening and numerous talented writers are responsible for injecting the series with cultural significance via scathing critiques of modern society that explore the subtleties of familial dynamics lurking under the surface of kitchen tables, television sets, and parental breeding grounds. With that said, the insight that was so plentiful in the first six or so seasons began a steady decline once the focus shifted from the Simpson family to their neighbors, friends, and co-workers. The development of supporting characters can be a rewarding direction, but only in moderation. The decline was inevitable as it is with all television series. Characters can only be developed so much and situations can only be manipulated in so many ways before repetition becomes the norm. Whether the folks at Fox are planning to use the upcoming release of “The Simpsons’ Movie” to inject some much needed enthusiasm into the series is a legitimate question; the answer, I’m sure, is anxiously awaited by numerous fans.

If seasons seven and eight initiated the aforementioned decline, season nine affirmed this notion when the writers clearly began to lose their grip on the identity of the Simpson family. Season nine marked more than a transition in the portrayal of a middle-class American family; it signaled the onset of a senseless exaggeration. This is not to say that humor was absent from every episode, but consistency was no longer a concern. At this point, it became clear that the writers and producers had lost sight of the show’s original intentions to satire issues faced by middle-class Americans. Perhaps the best example of said problems is evident in the episode “The Principal and the Pauper.” In said episode, Principal Skinner is revealed as an impostor, and when the real Seymour Skinner arrives in Springfield, the principal’s actual name is exposed as Armin Tanzarian. Armin admits that he stole the name Seymour Skinner after the war when the genuine Skinner did not return home. Aside from the contrivances and absurdity of the episode, which does offer several entertaining moments (as do most episodes), it’s a fine example of how the writer’s have decided to go off on random tangents with supporting characters. Emphasis eventually returns to a member of the Simpson family, namely Marge, when she and others campaign to reinstate Armin as principal.

Such complaints are largely inconsequential as the “Simpsons” fan base was not reduced by any changes I and many others have noticed. Ratings continued to be notably strong, and the series reached its 200th episode, “Trash of the Titans,” without any signs of stopping. If anything, the target audience may have shifted slightly, alienating those who watched the show for its biting humor and insight rather than slapstick and cheap jokes. Regardless, several of season nine’s episodes still capture the spirit of older seasons, particularly “The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson” and “Das Bus.” The former focuses on Homer’s various missteps while visiting New York and the latter presents a cunning adaptation of the novel “Lord of the Flies.” I think many fans will be grateful to have the episode “The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson” on DVD as I was never able to see it air on television after the events of September 11th, 2001; surely, this was because the twin towers are featured prominently.

While this review may appear somewhat negative, it simply reflects my disappointment in how the series has progressed into what is now the eighteenth season. I must clarify that the tone of the review is no indication of what I think of the series as a whole. “The Simpsons” is a culturally significant landmark that drastically altered how family and American culture are portrayed on television. For better or worse, it paved the way for shows like “South Park,” “Family Guy,” and “King of the Hill.” Ideally, “The Simpsons” will be equally remembered for its ability to entertain as it will for its ability to challenge audiences to evaluate their cultural awareness. Let’s just hope the series doesn’t sink any lower than it has.

Kurtis Beard

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Television Premiere: December 17th, 1989

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DVD Review: 20th Century Fox (Collector's Edition) - Region 1 - NTSC

Big thanks to Kurtis Beard for the Review!

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