Review: The Simpsons “A Made Maggie”

Overview (Spoilers Below):

Fat Tony becomes the Godfather to Maggie Simpson.

Our Take: 

The Simpsons have returned this holiday season, and they’re giving fans an offer they can’t refuse. Unfortunately, it isn’t another Christmas episode like many others. But it did involve a Christmas-themed ice show featuring Itchy and Scratchy, so I guess that counts as something.

The episode sees the family heading into Godfather territory as Homer and Marge seek a Godfather for Maggie’s baptism. Instead, they got Fat Tony (Joe Mantegna), who’s accepted into the family after saving Homer’s life from a falling piano. However, despite the gifts the Simpsons received and Tony’s change of heart, Marge gradually grows concerned that Tony’s behavior is affecting Maggie’s behavior.

This marks the second episode that features Fat Tony this season, following the two-part “Serious Flanders” event in November. What confused me the most about this episode was Fat Tony. The last time I saw this character, he got turned into a doughnut by Kostas Becker in “A Serious Flanders”. So I’m guessing that “A Made Maggie” takes place before the two-part special, or he was somehow revived after the events of the two-parter. The show’s canon can be pretty confusing sometimes.

The episode delivered plenty of jabs at religion and the 1972 crime classic The Godfather, as Homer suggested. When it comes to religious material, there’s always a tiny line between what is funny and what is distasteful, especially when the episode was released around Christmas time. From what I recall, Santa Inc didn’t understand that line. Just ask the other people who watched it. Thankfully, “A Made Maggie” focused less on poking fun at religion every few seconds and more on Maggie being the “Godbaby”.

Because of this, it became a watchable episode that sees Fat Tony becoming a changed man. It featured plenty of humor that earned its chuckles, such as the Simpsons visiting a Hogwarts-like theme park and Homer whining about going to Sunday Service in church. Additionally, the story delivered precisely what you would expect, a distinct nod to the 1972 film. However, it’s also another episode that would’ve been more fitting if it was released during one of the show’s earlier seasons. Also, the third act involving Johnny Tightlips and Tony’s minions ambushing the ice show was a bit rushed, especially when taking Tony’s minions into account regarding their development. 

Overall, “A Made Maggie” is an offer that’s worth taking. Its chuckle-worthy comedy and amusing plot help provide another tolerable episode that continues the season’s consistent run. Although, its canon issues involving Fat Tony do prove to be bothersome for me. Plus, it would’ve been more appropriate if it was released earlier during The Godfather’s popularity status. Regardless, it’s a suitable way for The Simpsons to conclude 2021 on a good note.