Review: The Simpsons “The Man from G.R.A.M.P.A.”

 

 

Overview:

M15 superspy Terrance has been tasked with tracking down the ultimate Russian spy known as The Grey Fox. The only information he is given is the old man is living in a small American town with a nuclear power plant. Fifteen years later, his mission has led him to Springfield.

Upon meeting the residents of Springfield Retirement Castle, Terrance puts his sights on Grampa Simpson. 

After explaining his theory and witnessing Grampa take part in a shady late-night deal, Homer decides to help the M15 spy. But when Homer talks with his father, he realizes the truth. Though they still want to help Terrance finally complete his life’s mission.

 

Our Take:

It is the penultimate episode of the 32nd season, and The Simpsons continues with the surprises. Television’s longest-running scripted sitcom may not be the same show it was three decades ago, but in this modern age, you never know what to expect. And the 705th episode from the franchise delivers something out-of-the-norm with a full-on spy thriller.

This latest episode is an homage to the 60s television show, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.  A long-running drama that spawned a spin-off, The Girl from U.N.C.L.E., and a 2015 rebooted movie (of course, everything needs a reboot). Though, even this franchise is a blatant rip-off of the much more popular James Bond series. So, in a roundabout way, this is a Simpson’s James Bond parody.

The star of “The Man from G.R.A.M.P.A.” is guest voice actor Stephen Fry. Playing the M15 superspy, Terrance, who is tasked with hunting down Russia’s most infiltrated spy in America, The Grey Fox. The English actor plays the part perfectly, both as a damaged member of the M15 and as a man able to connect with Homer and the boys at Moe’s.

Of course, the episode does bring up some significant holes in Simpson’s history. Specifically in question is Grampa Abraham Simpson. 

What did the old man do for work to raise Homer on his own?

And how did Homer get and maintain his position at the nuclear power plant?

So the arrows do point at Grampa having some nefarious history. So, even with him being excused, it is possible that Abraham may have some secrets to spill.

Unfortunately, there is not much excitement going on for an episode that should be action-packed. Once the story gets rolling, it is more about convincing Homer that his father is a spy more than any actual spy work. It would have been fun to see this long-running series try to inject some action like we would not usually see. They managed to accomplish some great stuff back when Hank Scorpio came to Springfield.

Regardless, it was a fun episode that tried something different. Sure, we have seen plenty of Grampa Simpson’s old war days, but not much after that, aside from raising Homer. Alternatively, there was much room throughout this story to expand or do something unexpected. Unfortunately, the episode follows much of the same formula you would expect. Though it is a pleasing addition to a diverse season 32.