The Predictability of The Simpsons: A Critical Assessment
The Simpsons, with its 35-year run and 750 episodes, has often been criticized for its predictability and repetitiveness. However, recent seasons have seen a critical revival, with a shift away from flashy celebrity cameos towards a focus on solid character work.
Maggie Bart and Lisa scream surrounded by strange Homer variants in a promo poster for The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror XXXIV
Seasons 34 and 35 have been particularly singled out for praise, with critics and fans acknowledging the show's move towards more substantial storytelling and away from superficial appearances.
An angry Homer wields a noisemaker and a megaphone in The Simpsons season 35 episode 1
The Downfall of Season 35: A Closer Look
The Simpsons season 35 has faced criticism for its reliance on outdated and irrelevant plotlines, exemplified by the failed cameos of celebrities like Kylie Jenner and director Taika Waititi.
In episode 5, 'Treehouse of Horror XXXIV,' the show attempted to parody the NFT craze over a year after its collapse, leading to a lackluster and out-of-touch portrayal of timely news stories.
The recurring mistake of unnecessary celebrity cameos and reliance on topical humor has contributed to the decline of storytelling in The Simpsons, alienating the audience and failing to integrate the stars into the show's fictional universe.
Rethinking Celebrity Cameos: A Path to Redemption
The decline of The Simpsons' celebrity cameos presents an opportunity to reassess the role of stars in the show and the need for original, integrated characters.
By moving away from gimmicky appearances and focusing on creating meaningful roles for celebrities within the fictional universe of The Simpsons, the show can regain its storytelling prowess and rekindle the audience's interest.