I caught this episode again recently and I have to (once again) modify my opinion and lower my vote to a firm 3. I just don't think this episode rises to the standards of previous years.
The first half was good and had some really great gags. However, I think the writer attempted to make a statement that was clumsy and ham-handed. If I want lame and preachy I will watch "The Family Guy". Perhaps the writer of this episode should get a job with that show. In any case I will say it again, I hope they don't ask this guy back unless he is working with their staff writers.
I have not missed a single episode of The Simpsons since 1989 and have very, very rarely been disappointed. I am happy to say that the latest season was every bit as entertaining as ever. I also think that there are enough good ideas that the show could easily go on for several more years or at least as long as the voice talent agrees to come back every year and they continue to hire better writers than this guy.
Tastes vary and I know others would probably disagree but I won't comment on that as that is best left to the message board where it belongs.
The first half was good and had some really great gags. However, I think the writer attempted to make a statement that was clumsy and ham-handed. If I want lame and preachy I will watch "The Family Guy". Perhaps the writer of this episode should get a job with that show. In any case I will say it again, I hope they don't ask this guy back unless he is working with their staff writers.
I have not missed a single episode of The Simpsons since 1989 and have very, very rarely been disappointed. I am happy to say that the latest season was every bit as entertaining as ever. I also think that there are enough good ideas that the show could easily go on for several more years or at least as long as the voice talent agrees to come back every year and they continue to hire better writers than this guy.
Tastes vary and I know others would probably disagree but I won't comment on that as that is best left to the message board where it belongs.