Review: The Simpsons “Screenless”

 

 

Overview (Spoilers):

As Marge begins to teach Maggie sign language, she begins to worry about her development. She decided to limit screen time for the whole family to half-an-hour a week. After some rebellion, eventually, the family comes along and finds joy in putting their phones away. Everyone, that is, except for Marge, who has a difficult time letting go.

The only thing left for her to do is go to a screen time addiction recovery centre, and she drags the family along. Unfortunately, the rehab centre is not everything that it seems. Technology reigns supreme as the host of the addiction centre, has been using Marge’s email to make money selling advertisements.

 

Our Take:

The Simpsons have wasted no time this season getting as many jokes about Disney as they can. It is the shows subtle way of showing appreciation to their new overlords. Well, this week the favour was returned as Disney accepted record-smashing series into their vaults in an unexpected way. The Simpsons were given the honour of having a short before the latest Pixar-Disney release, Onward, which is a brilliant movie. Pixar has a long history of shorts that prelude their feature-length films, and now everyone’s favourite Springfieldians have been accepted into elite company.

And, just like that short film features Maggie, so does she star in the beginning of this episode. Who doesn’t love baby Simpson? In fact, this episode acknowledges the Baby Yoda hype and reminds us that at one time, Maggie was America’s most beloved babe. Now, we are starting to remember why. Watching her competently execute sign language is as adorable as seeing babies do it in the real world. Though Baby Yoda is a tough baby to out cute.

As far as the rest of the episode goes, things get incredibly Berenstain Bears. If you remember the book No More TV, you know what I am talking about.  The Simpsons bring in the classic family dilemma of screen time. Every parent knows the struggle well, how much is too much screen time? There are arguments on both sides. Whether that be that computers are ruining development, or if it is a necessary skill to have for the future. Unfortunately, the show doesn’t conclude one side over the other. Which sucks because The Simpsons have been telling me what to do for thirty years.

Homer does offer up some insight with a bright and heavy monologue. His theory revolves around the idea that technology was developed to help keep families from killing each other. Where American families once had to create music, or sit around a radio to occupy themselves, now our housemates are so distracted with their computers that interaction has become obsolete. A truth only Homer Simpson could deliver. But, honestly, I quiver at the idea of what parenting must be like without the breaks that Youtube and video games provide. And, I am confident the same could be said for our parents when discussing cartoons. And, since we are literally still doing that at this very moment, how bad can screen time actually be?

Despite there being some substantial narratives behind this episode, there still is a show to review. 

And, this one was packed full of exciting moments. Homer becomes a whiz at three-to-four letter word jumbles. Lisa discovers the beauty of old school library card cataloguing. Bart plays the parody version of Fortnite, Halfmonth.

All of that before we even make it to the screen addiction recovery centre, which is busting at the seams with hilarious moments. The roster of special voice guests barely makes an appearance before the third act. A surprising fact considering the list includes famous TV doctor, Dr. Drew Pinsky, former Simpsons writer turned podcaster, Dana Gould, and A-list actor, Werner Herzog.

This episode even includes some jokes about the dangers of smoking, with Selma burning a stick in front of the baby. Which is weird considering I thought she quit just an episode ago. And, back in season 27? It was anti-smoking messages, so maybe that’s why it was included. Though, I am curious how Disney feels about all of this.

Needless to say, this was one jampacked Simpsons episode. Most exciting has to be the fact that the show is talking about a relevant issue that is plaguing the average modern American family. Focusing on topics such as screen time is essential for this family that has become a part of our lives. Beyond that, there is so much going on throughout the episode that it is pure entertainment all the way through. There have been some knockout stories in season 31, and this one helps to lift the average. With episodes this good, The Simpsons will never die.