Topic: Futurama

[mouse_clicker]

The Simpsons is just having a hard time finding its place now- I remember somebody saying once (it could actually be in this thread) that The Simpsons was best at commenting on 90's pop culture, and now that we're half a decade out the 90's, The Simpsons just isn't that relevant anymore and is trying to find where it belongs. I don't doubt the talent of the people working on the show (after all, nearly everyone who worked on Futurama came from The Simpsons), I just think they can't quite place what their role is yet. Futurama's scope was much less broad- it pokes fun at science fiction, and because of that knew its position and could focus more on making it funny.

And you raise a good point about SNL, but keep in mind that if anything, SNL is MORE pressed for ideas because of the short sketch format, and they have to come up with new ones on the spot every week- not easy by any means. SNL is a show that continually finds its place with new generations, though. You don't have a long running television series that only appeals to a specific generation, it has to appeal to everyone. The Simpsons is in limbo at the moment, and so is SNL- Futurama wasn't.  

[The Omen]

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The Simpsons is in limbo at the moment, and so is SNL- Futurama wasn't.

I agree Futurama wasn't-yet.  4 seasons in it was great.  But my personal opinion is 6 seasons is the max for sitcoms.  The degradation starts to appear around that time.  And while they're still funny(I still like the Simpsons), they're funny in a different way.  More slap- sticky humor, because its hard to formulate shows as deep, or relevant, after so many have been done quite successfully.

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And you raise a good point about SNL, but keep in mind that if anything, SNL is MORE pressed for ideas because of the short sketch format, and they have to come up with new ones on the spot every week- not easy by any means. SNL is a show that continually finds its place with new generations, though.

Good point.  But having new talent coming up with new ideas, and not necassarily having to come up with stories for existing characters, (such as the case with writers for The Simpsons) is in many ways a luxury.  And the reason SNL continuously finds relevance is because of new , fresh talent, which you cant really do with The Simpsons.  New writers , yes. But they have to write in the Simps family framework every week, 22 minutes long.   After 300+ episodes, they're kind of in a corner, which is why they should have ended the show in 2000, at the very least.

[mouse_clicker]

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I agree Futurama wasn't-yet. 4 seasons in it was great. But my personal opinion is 6 seasons is the max for sitcoms. The degradation starts to appear around that time. And while they're still funny(I still like the Simpsons), they're funny in a different way. More slap- sticky humor, because its hard to formulate shows as deep, or relevant, after so many have been done quite successfully.

I completely agree- sitcoms often overstay their welcome and end up being forgetten when they were really quite incredible in their prime. Landmark shows like I Love Lucy and The Dick Van Dyke Show only ran between 5 or 6 seasons and went out on top- The Honeymooners only lasted 1 season! Futurama followed the pattern and ended up going off the air in its prime- I think if it had carried on as long as The Simpsons it would have experienced a similar decline. Futurama will now exist as a legend in the animation world, untainted by dilapidated final years. The Simpsons deserves that recognition, but unfortunately it probably won't get it since it outlasted its relevance.

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Good point. But having new talent coming up with new ideas, and not necassarily having to come up with stories for existing characters, (such as the case with writers for The Simpsons) is in many ways a luxury. And the reason SNL continuously finds relevance is because of new , fresh talent, which you cant really do with The Simpsons. New writers , yes. But they have to write in the Simps family framework every week, 22 minutes long. After 300+ episodes, they're kind of in a corner, which is why they should have ended the show in 2000, at the very least.

I completely agree with that- SNL does have the advantage of being able to start fresh with a whole new cast. In fact, the best periods of SNL are always when a new cast is introduced (which is what I think they should do now, fire everybody and start with a clean slate, especially since Jimmy Fallon is leaving). The Simpsons should have left while still in its prime, then it wouldn't have grown senile and useless.

[kirby_killer_dedede]

Mutant: We need an unspoiled virgin sacrifice!
Leela: I'll do it.
Mutant: Nice try, Leela, but we've all seen Zap Branigan's web page.

[Aussie Ben PGC]

"If elected President, my first order of business will be to CUT OFF YOUR LEGS!  ..er, and, er... REPLACE THEM!  With legs of PURE GOLD!"

I'm sorry, I got distracted.  Yes, Futurama is good.

VERY good.  I love the Space Wasp episode.  And the end of Jurassic Bark made me cry a bit, too.

[couchmonkey]

I cried like a baby after Jurassic Bark! I lost my own dog a few months before it came out.  Ha ha, I suck.

As for the Simpsons, I personally think the show has improved a lot in the past year.  It seems less repetitive and ridiculously over the top.  Well, sorta.

[Rancid Planet]

Futurama is The Simpsons without limits. Futurama is TEH ANTISUK!

[kirby_killer_dedede]

^ Ha.

Where's Mouse these days?

And I need to see this Jurassic Bark.

[blackfootsteps]

The only episode that even rivals Jurassic Bark for sadness is Luck of the Fryrish.  

[Dasmos]

My Top three fav cartoons:
1. Family Guy
2. Futurama
3. The Simpsons

The Simpsons used to be my fav but i have seen it too often it never breaks me into fits of laughter it used to..........but Family Guy is funnier and to me it never gets old.

Fav quote
Excuse me you cannot park your van on the diving board.....Wait thats that's not a van it's just some fatty-fat kid.  

[kirby_killer_dedede]

Luck of the Fryrish I've seen...I like, I like...