Review: The Simpsons ‘The Kids Are All Fight’

Spoilers Below:

Last week I took exception to the fact that The Simpsons committed several acts of self-plagiarism in the episode’s storyline. So although it was relatively funny, I was nevertheless bothered by the staleness of the plot. This week, “The Kids Are All Fight” had a unique story, and a lot of funny jokes, but still some copying – although not in the premise, but instead in the details.

After a finding an old roll of film in his jacket, Homer reflected on the developed pictures of Bart & Lisa and regaled the kids with tales of their youth and the source of their constant fighting.

A flashback revealed that the siblings often quarreled even at a very young age and were the first ones to discover the passing of Grandma Flanders, subsequently disappearing after the babysitter kicked the bucket. After a frantic search around town, Homer & Marge eventually located their missing kids.

In Case You Missed It:

1) Couch Gag: The Simpson Family is in a real version of the Game of Life.

2) Items in Homer’s jacket: A playbill for The Sunshine Boys starring Sea Captain & Chief Wiggum; a $50 citation for “indecent snowman building” (given for “coal boobs” and “carrot wang”); a matchbook reading, “Selma & Bob Terwilliger – Together in Love Forever;” and a yarmulke reading, “From the Wedding of Selma & Disco Stu.”

3) The Circuit City rip-off store was called “Circuit Circus.”

4) Moe used the phrase, “fighting like Creationists and common sense.”

5) The Springfield Library sign said, “Come for the drinking fountain, stay for a lifetime of learning.”

6) One of the briefly-shown illustrations showing Bart & Lisa’s journey route had a caption bubble stating, “They scream toward ice cream.” Also, the Springfield Retirement Castle was labeled, “Death Valley.” Others included: “Sleeping Place” (church), “Where Bart Got Sick” (Krusty Burger), “Giant Donut God” (Lard Lad Donuts), and an alley labeled, “Where Daddy Peed.”

7) In the “What to Do When Catastrophe Strikes” book, under the “What to do when your children are missing section,” it says: “1) One parent goes out to look, one mans the phone. 2) It’s better if the one who goes out is the funny one.” Homer returns shortly after.

8) Homer’s missing children poster claims, “PARENTS NOT HORRIBLE.”

9) The origin of Maggie’s bedroom, according to Marge: “That’s where I used to grow my weed.”

10) Does anyone else feel like there have been a lot of shows set in Moe’s recently?

To give credit where credit is due, this was a very funny episode. There were ample humorous lines, some great quick jokes, and a good mix of sight gags as well (like the blinking lights at the nurse’s station). The ICYMI section above is a good indication of this success. I especially enjoyed the show breaking the fourth wall numerous times (“Back to that story?!” & “You’ve had three natural endings already.”)

However, I couldn’t help but be bothered by how many times this episode appeared to reference past ones. For instance, it was mentioned that Homer once ate an expired hot dog sold by Apu, which of course happed way back in season five’s “Homer and Apu.” There was also a throwback to the creepy clown bed last seen in season four’s “Lisa’s First Word,” a second appearance by Grandma Flanders (and her line: “Hello, Joe!” also from “Lisa’s First Word), and another use of Jimbo’s bunny t-shirt. Also, a young Kearney said, “This is why I’m so nervous about becoming a dad,” another reference to him becoming a father at an early age. I believe Homer calling out, “Maggie!” was also a reference to him losing her in season three’s “Homer Alone.”

Callback jokes can be funny if well executed, but these instances just seemed like “The Kids Are All Fight” was trying to mooch off all the previous episodes’ jokes.

So in the interest of avoiding all the same comments I made last week, let’s just say this was another humorously-written episode that couldn’t manage to escape its past. For the casual Simpsons fan, this could actually be seen as a great effort, but for serious or die-hard viewers, it’s hard to ignore how cheap last night’s show was at times. In the end, let’s say it once again averaged out to an average showing.