Review: The Simpsons “Monty Burns’ Fleeing Circus”

Does Amy Schumer deliver in the season premiere?

The Simpsons was recently named the greatest American TV show of all time by a couple of legendary critics. In TV (The Book), Hitfix’s Alan Sepinwall and Vulture’s Matt Zoller Seitz gave the Springfield-set series the crowning spot, and they even argued the case that the show has remained relevant and worth watching years after its Golden Age. Indeed, as much as The Simpsons necessarily repeats stories and relies on stunt casting as it nears the completion of its third decade, it still usually manages to produce a handful of bang-up episodes per season. Does “Monty Burns’ Fleeing Circus” start Season 28 off right with that level of quality? Let’s explore below.

First, a quick rundown of the plot, in case a childhood trauma is making you block out the memory. After a disastrous case of “corporate overthink” leaves Springfield in ruins (an amorphous Lard Lad replacement statue turns out to be to a reflecting surface that re-directs the sun’s rays and sets the town ablaze), the Simpsons turn to Mr. Burns for the resources to re-build. They somehow manage to appeal to his showmanship, and he decides to revitalize the Springfield Bowl with a production of “Springfield Follies,” but he must get over an embarrassing hidden piece of his past as a child performer. Meanwhile, with Burns otherwise occupied, Homers takes charge of his job as nuclear power plant safety inspector, and that goes about as fraternally as one might expect.

Speaking of The Simpsons repeating itself, I was recently watching “Marge vs. the Monorail,” which begins with Burns destroying the town. This is not to say that “Fleeing Circus” aims to top that Season 4 classic. In fact, this is more of a compliment to illustrate that Springfield is elastic enough that with just a few key tweaks, it can produce a near endless amount of variation. Alas, that is more of a compliment about the show in general than this episode in particular.

That is not to say that this season premiere is terrible. It is fine, but frustrating insofar as it could have gone a little deeper. With Burns hiring kids as the majority of the talent for the show, much of the humor relies upon the ostensible inappropriateness of an old man cavorting with schoolchildren. In the relatively enlightened time of 2016, that could come across as icky and uncomfortable, but the show mostly gets away with it, thanks to the cluelessness of Burns’ old-timey speak.

The plot eventually settles into focusing on the partnership between Burns and Lisa, whose clasp-opening skills land her the job of assistant director. This is a natural decision, as Lisa is the Springfieldian best suited to help Burns overcome his latent fear that he might once again expose his tuchus to the crowd. She, in fact, does pierce his coal-black heart, but it feels like the episode skips a big step when the riotous audience suddenly disappears. With that impediment gone, the resolution is a lot easier than it probably should be. Lisa and Burns’ final heart-to-heart is still meaningful but not as profound as possible.

As for how things are going back at the plant, it is a fairly typical case of Homer in charge letting things get out of hand in beer-soaked fashion. It mostly exists just to set up the fireworks that complement and disrupt the show. (Although I must admit that the Arnold Palmer Super Soakers are an ingenious invention.) If this is the approach that Season 28 plans on sticking with, then its heart is in the right place, but it could use some more follow-through.

Memorable Lines and Random Jazz:

-Amy Schumer is the big-name season premiere guest voice as Burns’ mother. It is an odd casting choice, as it does not play into the comedian’s persona in any discernible way.

-The pattern of latter-day Simpsons couch gags lasting quite a while continues with an Adventure Time homage (with Bart as Finn and Homer as Jake), which is perfectly pleasant, but not unusually witty or charming. Also, note that the opening begins with the slogan “Vote Kodos – Make the Universe Great Again,” which is not especially clever, but it does feel necessary in this political climate. As for the chalkboard line (“This arm needs Tommy John surgery”), well, now that is a fine bit of continuity.

-“Ooh, re-branding!” “That just means admitting failure, Dad.” “Ooh, admitting failure!”

-“Our desperate plea is non-negotiable.”

-“Within days, half of America was cranking to my bottom.”

SCORE
6/10