The Triangle

Issue date: 11/12/04 Section: Entertainment

Perhaps the worst part about this is the loss of Matt Groening's other animated series, Futurama I'm just about the biggest fan of the sci-fi series that's ever lived, but even if I wasn't, it wouldn't be hard for me to crown the show superior to the current "Simpsons" in every way in its five-year lifespan. With the series-long love-hate affair between Fry and Leela, its characterization was superlative. Even with pseudo-topical humor, episodes such as the patriotism-questioning "A Taste of Freedom" are without equal. All at once, I am incredibly angry that Futurama was cancelled so early on only because of its inconvenient timeslot (often swallowed by Sunday Night Football), and yet also relieved that it was saved from the fate that its sister series has befallen.

"But it could get better," you say. Well, unfortunately, we've been saying that for four years now, which is a practical eternity when it comes to television, and a second coming seems unlikely. Luckily, more people are starting to get just how dreadful the show has become. Harry Shearer, the brilliant character actor who voices characters such as Principal Skinner and Mr. Burns, has stated that he has become dissatisfied with his role in the series, and would like to quit. I say, more power to him, because it seems the only way that the show will end is if several major voice actors are left permanently unavailable to perform. It seems unlikely, considered the exorbitant pay raises that the actors fought so hard for (now up to $250,000 per episode). No ill will is wished upon these actors - Dan Castellaneta is brilliant no matter where he goes - but, please, use your talents elsewhere.

Of course, few shows are totally without merit, and The Simpsons still manages a few laughs now and again. Furthermore, I could just shut my yap and stop watching it altogether, not even for a passing glance. But my concern is that I still proudly consider The Simpsons a part of my personal culture. It has had immeasurable impact on the artist, the critic, and the very person I am today. I am heartbroken that such an important measure of my life has been so greatly diminished over a depressingly short period of time. For the sake of my adolescent memories, please, end The Simpsons now, before the number of awful episodes outweighs the number of brilliant ones.



Ian Pugh is a junior majoring in Film and Video. The Entertainment Editor was going to write a counterpoint saying that The Simpsons should not be taken off the air, but then he saw the most recent Treehouse of Horror.

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