the nostalgia factor — pt. 1

Nobody better lay a finger.. on Bart’s Butterfinger (and some years later, his Butterfinger BB’s). We all know The Simpsons sponsor, Butterfinger, which lasted until late season 4 (most believe due to writers including a line of Chief Wiggum saying something rude to Butterfinger Corp). Those of us who were born in the pre-1990 period would remember seeing The Simpsons on Butterfinger commercials, Burger King commercials, and even ads where they had no business being in, such as Business Weekly [hint: I made that name up]

Though those facts are neither here nor there, as they are not the topic. The topic is The Simpsons’ ’90s nostalgia factor for those born in the 80s, late 80s, and in the 90s. I’m sure in a few years time that even recent seasons will become nostalgic (at least for the kiddies) but we’re focusing on the ’90s era.

The video above is the first Butterfinger commercial to feature The Simpsons’ characters, and many followed. Along with a 1990 Burger King ad:

That is a rarely seen BK ad featuring Simpsons characters, the one more commonly seen is the creepy choir group singing out of nowhere in a dark location with Simpson toys. Nevertheless, I’m sure a few born in the 80s period will remember this; that is, if they are good at memory and with all the years you’ve been watching television, I’m sure your memory is fried out and you can’t remember what happened eight seconds ago. Yes, perhaps.

After The Simpsons were premiered, Matt Groening signed his name on anything and everything, supposedly because he didn’t know that the show would last long. And the crappy merchandise comes back to haunt us today, such as this horribly constructed yet still mesmerizing nostalgia Nelson figure released by Mattel:

Either way, we’ve all got something to remember from Simpsons’ merchandise past. What is yours? Feel free to comment below and tell us.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for pt. 2,

Judy

[March 3 edit: the second commercial was removed from YouTube]

“What’s the matter, love?” – Ethan

“It’s just, it’s, it’s the same old tired gags, isn’t it? I mean, let’s give the audience some credit.” – Bumblebee Man

“How about a giant mousetrap?” – Ethan

“I love it!” – Bumblebee Man

“Heavens to Mergatroyd. Bart, perhaps I cling to the old ways like a well-chewed shoe as the traditions I was weaned on are put to sleep or neutered one by one. But my time has not passed yet! The world does not need another college graduate who doesn’t know how to sit!” – Emily Winthrop

“Princess Opal?” – Chief Wiggum

“I see nothing here. But I’m afraid it’s splitsville for Delta Burke and Major Dad.” – Princess Opal

“But they seem so happy!” – Chief Wiggum

Classic Simpsons Clip

Aw, it’s a Grammy.

“You’d better run, egg!”  – Homer

“Aw, c’mon! I spent all night dying my underwear.” – Human Fly

Episode Review – Angry Dad: The Movie

This episode, surprisingly, was very good. I enjoyed the premise and the execution; and to me, it felt more of a previous season episode than in season 22.

I chuckled at quite a few things, never laughing out loud, but still thought things were funny; such as the I&S short in the beginning of the episode, Homer dealing cards in his pants, and a few other things that I may not remember at this moment. The execution, as said above, was handled well and it was all in good fun. Some moments of the episode weren’t in the best taste, but it didn’t bring down my opinion and I thoroughly enjoyed it all the way through; which is quite scarce to hear on a season 22 episode, especially from the general opinion at Everything Simpsons.

Once again, surprisingly, the guest stars didn’t take up much of the episode and the entire plot premise wasn’t pushed to the final three minutes — which was definitely a good shot to make. Halle Barry’s guest appearance I ‘suppose’ was okay, but it wasn’t funny; neither was Ricky Gervais’ appearance in the episode at the Golden Globes, which referenced his ‘bad’ hosting of the 2011 Golden Globes. I could have done without Russell Brand, but it didn’t matter that much since he was only in there for a few minutes.

Overall, this episode is thus far my favorite of the season; executed very well with bright funny moments throughout. Be sure to watch it!

I was born a Rolling 80 and I’ll die a Rolling 80.

Thanks for reading,

Judy

“What does it eat?” – News Reporter

“What does it..oh, well, I guess pork chops are it’s favorite.” – Marge

 

Airing Tonight

Airing tonight on FOX is yet another addition to Zombie Simpsons’ 22nd season, named “Angry Dad: The Movie,” rehashing an unfunny plot from season 13. Anyway, if you haven’t heard the plot yet or just haven’t had the strength, here it is:

Bart’s cartoon about an angry dad is turned into “Angry Dad: The Movie” and quickly becomes a critics’ favorite. When Russell Brand (guest-voicing as himself) presents the Golden Globe to Bart’s film, Homer usurps the podium and gives his own acceptance speech. The film’s winning streak continues with Homer taking credit at each ceremony, so when “Angry Dad” receives an Oscar nomination, Bart keeps it a secret. With the help of DJ Kwanzaa (guest voice Smoove), Homer and Marge arrive at the ceremony just as Halle Berry (guest-voicing as herself) presents the award. Bart’s fellow nominee, Nick Park (guest-voicing as himself), helps him realize that creating a film is a team effort, and Bart gives credit where credit is due.

It sounds bad, but hey, the writers may surprise us, so we just have to see how it turns out.

Thanks for reading,

Judy

“Marge! We’re all out of vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream!” – Homer

“Three hundred dollars for doing nothing. I feel like such a crook.” – Marge

“Don’t worry. It gets easier every week.” – George H.W. Bush

Season 22 News

That was a short hiatus..

Anyway, yesterday, we got a new plotline for Zombie Simpsons’ 22nd season. We were going to delay it until a couple of days from  now, but the episode is set to air soon (well, in a couple of weeks, but us writers consider that soon enough) so we just went ahead and posted it. But I digress.

A MIDSUMMER’S NICE DREAM – 3/13/2011

The town is abuzz when Cheech and Chong announce a Springfield stop on their much-anticipated reunion tour. But when Cheech and Chong take the stage in front of their loyal fans, the jokes were just not the same for Chong, so Homer steps in and delivers all the punchlines by heart. Impressed, Cheech invites Homer to go on tour with him as new duo “Cheech and Chunk” while Chong forms a more progressive comedic team, “Teach and Chong,” with Principal Skinner. While Homer is on tour, Marge attempts to help the neighborhood cat lady and change her hoarder ways, but turns into a hoarder herself in the process, and Homer realizes that life on the road is not all high times and slapstick humor.

Taken from member McClure on NoHomers –

“Oh joy. They’re taking a one-“joke” character that wore out her welcome seasons ago and are featuring her in a subplot.

That’s sure to be ratings gold.”

We very much concur.

A SCORPION’S TALE – 3/6/2011

During a field trip, Lisa discovers desert water that makes usually combative creatures get along; after getting kicked out of the retirement home, Grampa comes to live with the family.

This episode doesn’t sound either good nor bad as of yet, so we’ll just have to see how it turns out.

Either way, I’m sure they will both be executed terribly and the Crazy Cat Lady subplot will end with (taken from member Le Jake on NoHomers) Marge saying that all the things she should have been hoarding were hugs and kisses from her family.

Thanks for reading,

Judy