Review: The Simpsons “Heartbreak Hotel”

The Simpsons are heading to reality television, this should work out well…

Overview:

The Simpsons are addicted to the long-running television series ‘The Amazing Place’ – a spoof of the real world Survivor.  The children convince Marge and Homer to apply for the next season.  After Marge admits that she has already tried out, the kids take things into their own hands and get their parents on the show.

Despite being the ultimate superfan, Marge quickly finds out that being on The Amazing Place is not as easy as it sounds and they lose the first competition.  Much to Homer’s pleasure, they are not allowed to return home until the show is completed filming and are forced to stay on vacation for six weeks.  After Marge discovers that it was Homer’s fault they were kicked off of the show, their relationship begins to be tested.

Our Take:

The Simpsons and Survivor both being two of the longest running shows in television, it is kind of surprising that they have never crossed over before.  Yet, here we are in the thirtieth season, and finally, The Simpsons are joining the reality TV show, although of course, they have rebranded it as ‘The Amazing Place.’  It’s a quality idea for an episode plot, making this a show I was excited to watch as I read the synopsis’s for the season.

I love the fact that Marge is an ‘Amazing Place’ super-fan.  I don’t know about you, but I know more than a couple of middle-aged women who have been dedicated Survivor fans since the show first aired in 2000.  I mean, somebody has to keep that show going.  So, it works well that Marge would have this stereotype, it’s very fitting to her character.  Although, the rest of her personality traits are absolutely tested throughout the rest of the episode.  In fact, there are at least a few moments in this show that will shock you about Marge.

I really enjoyed this peek into the backstage of reality TV, as Homer and Marge show us what it is like to be the first contestants kicked-off of the show.  Between the free food, booze, and fully covered vacation, just being on a reality TV show is like hitting the jackpot.  If you can get an all-inclusive vacation on some paradise island somewhere, who cares if you win the million dollars?  And, who better to live up this dream then Homer Simpson?  Our hero does not disappoint, as he offers us a whole musical number about what its like to live in the ‘Airport Hotel’ – y’know, like Elvis’s ‘Heartbreak Hotel’.

What I truly enjoyed about the episode was the flow of the storytelling.  Instead of the usual multiple storylines going on at one time, “Heartbreak Hotel” offered us a strong three-act plot.  Even with the Simpsons kids having a minimal appearance in the show, it doesn’t feel like you miss them, because of there importance in the first act.

While last week’s episode was strong, this week I am much more excited for season thirty to keep coming.  This was a great mix of classic Simpsons humour and morals mixed with a fun story.  If the writers can keep episodes like this one coming our way, there is no reason why The Simpsons couldn’t last another five, ten years.  I can say without a doubt that this is my favourite episode of the season so far, let’s hope that is a trend that keeps coming.  We do have a ‘Treehouse of Horrors’ coming in a couple of weeks.