So it was suggested to me yesterday that I start doing top 10 lists and the idea of a top 10 things was brought up. Which sounds redundant until you realize I mean its just a list of stuff. Ten non-specific things that would probably be funny until I looked deep within myself. I really don't need to strive for credibility here. I could just as easily steal pictures of Jessica Alba from some other site and write about that, sending the traffic to this site up exponentially. But that's not what I'm about, and without trying to sound like a self important blowhard, I want to try to be funny without turning to randomness. Which brings me to my point this evening, I can now list my problems with Family Guy.
Some people don't understand what could possibly be wrong with the show, and I don't want you to think I hate it, but I think its all a little too easy. There are plenty of hilarious moments on that show, but I don't really see the comedic genius in throwing together as many 80's references as possible. Whats harder, setting up a great joke through story arc and timing or having someone walk into a room and see Judd Hirsch? That right there is why everyone else out there making cartoons really hates Family Guy. When South Park did their Family Guy episode they got thank you cards from the people at The Simpson's and flowers from the people at King of the Hill. Seth McFarlane deserves plenty of credit for what hes managed to do with what he created. No one else has brought back their cancelled show and turned it into an empire. I just don't think endless pop culture reference really count as talent.
This is the same reason that I dislike Robot Chicken, which is Adult Swim's second most popular show behind Family Guy. Then again, I don't think they have any shame about what they do as its clearly just a lot of pop culture references thrown together that follow no story.
Think of your favorite Family Guy quote. Do you know what episode its from? Probably not, because the story couldn't possibly mean less. A plot is only necessary in order from them to have a vehicle for all those flashbacks which, while funny, never have anything to do with anything. Maybe I'm bitter because I love the Venture Brothers so much, probably too much actually, and that show is extremely deep. Not to say you'd be lost if you just watched some random episode, but an insane amount of thing have happened that are relevant to every episode over the three seasons. Obviously this isn't always a problem, Seinfeld never referenced its past episodes, nor does The Simpsons, but the story matters in the individual episode.
Once again, its been an incredible run for them, the DVD and merchandise sales in Wal Mart and Hot Topic are beyond outstanding. That being said, Nickelback is pretty popular too. No, that's not fair. Coldplay. Coldplay is pretty popular too. I guess I like them as much as I like Family Guy.
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6 comments:
i'll have to disagree with your statement that the simpsons never reference past episodes.
"maggie shot mr burns again!"
"isn't that right arman tamzarian?"
these are the only two examples that come to me at the moment and i dont feel like digging but you get the idea. and i know you know which episodes these are from so i dont have to explain them.
the simpsons have created a universe in itself not unlike the marvel universe. it would be impossible for them to not refer back to past events in a world as in depth as theirs
referenced probably wasnt the right word. i know that the simpsons references older stuff, like when homer finds his mr plow jacket and stuff like that. but its certainly more episodic than something with a continuing story like arrested development or 30 rock.
and im pretty burned out on aqua teen for the same reason that i dont like family guy now. the gimmick has worn off after this many seasons.
not to say i cant appreciate complete bullshit because i love tim and eric, but thats absurd beyond anything else on tv right now.
yeah i gotcha. ya know our untitled teddy roosevelt project is similar. its just referencing people and events from the 17th century and putting them in ridiculous situations and mindsets. though adolph fishler is genius if you ask me
I too am burned out on Aqua Teen. I still quote the episodes from the first 2 seasons but I don't care if I miss any new episodes. Family Guy is still funny as hell to me but if I was a writer for another show, I'd be pissed. I'd have to agree with you on that Johnson. And speaking of storylines, when is the WWE going to be a topic? I figure you'd have some good stuff to say about that complete bullshit.
While I agree with you completley the Simpsons, even in their best day had random moments. Only thing is they made sense. Most come from Homer and all are hillarious. Seasons 1 - 8 are amazing with seasons 5 and 6 being nothing but perfect television.
The way I look at it is in 20 years how many will remember the Simpsons? Compare that to how many will remember Family Guy?
And Greg, go find the book Planet Simpson on Amazon. It's great if you love the Simpsons even half as much as I do.
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