12 Jokes From The Simpsons That Aged Terribly

“The Simpsons” has made many absurd predictions through the years which have really come true. Such premonitions have led some to consider “The Simpsons” writing workers incorporates time vacationers who’re capable of see into the long run. However that concept would not maintain as much as scrutiny as a result of if that was the case, you’d hope they’d keep away from making some problematic jokes that would not age nicely.

It is pure for TV exhibits from the Eighties and ’90s to have bits that appear crude on reflection. It is really sort of a great factor as a result of it exhibits simply how far society has come that making enjoyable of sure teams or concepts is not acceptable. After all, not each joke ages poorly on account of political correctness. Typically, a present makes a joke about one thing that is sensible within the second, however after a few years, folks overlook what it was even speculated to be about. 

“The Simpsons” has each of a majority of these poorly-aged jokes. /Movie has already gone over the worst “Simpsons” storylines, however for this listing, we’re particular person jokes that do not maintain up right this moment.

The occasions of September 11, 2001 modified the world on a large geopolitical scale. It additionally meant a whole lot of motion pictures and TV exhibits needed to change sure issues, just like the climax of Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man.” Plus, one joke from Season 9’s “The Metropolis of New York vs. Homer Simpson” was reduce from reruns.

The episode sees the Simpsons journey to New York Metropolis in order that Homer can get his automobile again. It is parked between the Twin Towers, the place one man yells at Homer for fruitlessly attempting to take away the boot from his car. This causes one other man to yell at him after which clarify to Homer, “Sorry about that man. They stick all of the jerks in Tower One.” It was a innocent off-hand remark when the episode first aired in 1997, however after 9/11, it maybe got here throughout in poor style to have somebody insulting individuals who misplaced their lives that fateful day. 

Some consider that whole episode is “The Simpsons” predicting the occasions of 9/11. That is not the case, however showrunner Al Jean admits the eerie coincidence (by way of NME): “Within the World Commerce Middle episode, [‘The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson’], there was a brochure studying $9 a day with an 11 styled up just like the towers. That was in ’96, which was loopy, like this insane coincidence.” Hopefully, if the “Simpsons” writers may’ve really predicted 9/11, they’d’ve been lots nicer towards the parents in Tower One. 

This one may really maintain the document for the “Simpsons” joke that aged poorly the quickest. In “Itchy & Scratchy Land,” Homer and Marge wind up at Itchy’s ’70s Disco, the place Marge makes a remark in regards to the consideration to element, together with how the bartender appears to be like like John Travolta. This causes the barkeep to say, “Yeah … appears to be like like.” The joke is clearly that by the ’90s, Travolta was a washed-up film star who may’ve theoretically simply been working at some random amusement park. 

Nevertheless, Travolta fading into obscurity would not actually stay an idea for lengthy. “Itchy & Scratchy Land” first aired on October 2, 1994. “Pulp Fiction,” which noticed Travolta star as Vincent Vega and rejuvenated his profession, would come out simply 12 days later in the USA on October 14. Travolta would even get nominated for an Academy Award for his half, so if he ever wanted to bartend to make ends meet, these days have been behind him at that time. 

1994 was nicely earlier than the times of streaming companies, when folks may watch no matter episode they needed on-demand. Meaning, for probably the most half, if somebody did not see that episode proper when it aired, there was a great probability they would not see it till Travolta was a megastar once more. Granted, Travolta’s star has risen and fallen over the a long time, so possibly the joke makes extra sense when his profession is in a downward spiral ( you, “Gotti”). 

Season 8’s “You Solely Transfer Twice” is generally recognized for introducing the world to Hank Scorpio, probably the most pleasant supervillain ever who’s additionally chargeable for one of many funniest moments within the historical past of “The Simpsons.” Homer begins working for him, even confiding that his lifelong dream is to personal the Dallas Cowboys. After quitting his new job and shifting again to Springfield, Scorpio helps Homer get a bit of nearer to attaining his aim by gifting him the Denver Broncos. Whereas Marge thinks it is “fairly good” to personal the Broncos, Homer is dismayed, insisting she would not know something about soccer. 

That is one other case the place the joke virtually instantly ages poorly. The episode got here out in 1996, when the Broncos have been, admittedly, having some fairly powerful seasons. Nevertheless, that was proper earlier than that they had back-to-back Tremendous Bowl wins in 1998 and 1999. Perhaps Hank Scorpio knew one thing Homer did not.

Scorpio’s present turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Because the proprietor of the Broncos, Homer would’ve most likely made fairly a bit of cash following these wins. Perhaps proudly owning the Broncos explains why the household can afford such good issues and go on extravagant holidays.

“Past Blunderdome” is an interesting time capsule of an episode. The plot hinges on everybody loving Mel Gibson, a sentiment that might shortly deteriorate in the actual world on account of a bunch of controversies. However in the meanwhile, he is the toast of tinseltown, and the Simpsons fly out to Hollywood in order that Homer can assist Gibson together with his subsequent film. The remainder of the household take a tour, with Marge mentioning, “Look, they’re making a film! Robert Downey, Jr. is taking pictures it out with the police.” After this, Bart notes, “I do not see any cameras.”

The late ’90s might have been good for Gibson, however it was a turbulent time for Downey, who was within the throes of drug habit. He was arrested on a number of events and even frolicked in county jail and finally state jail. The joke pokes enjoyable at Downey continuously being a supply of tabloid fodder on the time, however it would not be lengthy earlier than Gibson and Downey traded perceptions within the common consciousness. 

Downey finally received clear and centered on performing once more with “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” a job that might assist him land a number one spot in “Iron Man,” and the remainder is cinematic historical past. I say it is excessive time for a “Past Blunderdome” remake the place Homer helps Downey with a brand new film whereas Gibson is on the fringes doing one thing unsavory. 

Nelson has crushed up Milhouse loads of instances through the years. It is an intrinsic a part of their dynamic as bully and dweeb; nevertheless, none of his beatings have ever left such a nasty style within the mouth as a lot because the one on Season 8’s “Lisa’s Date With Density.”

Lisa develops a crush on Nelson and enlists Milhouse’s assist in giving Nelson a word. Milhouse, regardless of having his personal crush on Lisa, agrees, however when Nelson reads it, he realizes it was handed all the way down to him by Milhouse. The scene abruptly cuts to Milhouse getting rolled out of the college on a stretcher, with the implication being Nelson beat him up so laborious he needed to go to the hospital. 

The concept is that Nelson beat him up notably laborious as a result of he believed Milhouse had the crush on him, not Lisa. It is nothing in need of a violently homophobic act, one thing that was tragically frequent within the Nineteen Nineties however usually will get unnoticed of contemporary media that takes place through the decade. It is powerful to observe the episode right this moment figuring out the sort of abuse gay youth face on a regular basis. What’s even worse is that Lisa nonetheless desires so far Nelson even after seeing him be such a violent homophobe. Perhaps Lisa is not as woke as all of us thought. 

“Homerpalooza” is all about Homer feeling out of contact with the younger folks. It is a traditional storyline the place he desires to show to his children that he is hip. The plot facilities on Homer’s relationship with music, which entails him going to a document retailer and never figuring out any of those newfangled bands (for the ’90s) like 9 Inch Nails and Sonic Youth. As an additional demonstration of simply how out of contact Homer is, he brings up Apple Computer systems to the shop clerk, who fires again, “What computer systems?”

It is actually odd to suppose Homer can be extra educated a couple of main tech firm’s existence than a younger child, however in 1996, when the episode got here out, Apple was in dire straits. The start of the yr noticed the corporate lay off 1,300 staff and reporting substantial monetary losses. It was unclear if Apple would even be round for much longer, however the age of ubiquitous web was quickly upon us. Apple merchandise are a part of every day life, and this joke now makes the cashier appear to be he is been dwelling beneath a rock for his whole life. 

To be honest, it is laborious to carry a grudge towards “Homerpalooza” an excessive amount of. It additionally incorporates this gem of a line from Mr. Burns: “And to suppose, Smithers. You laughed after I purchased TicketMaster. ‘No one’s going to pay a 100% service cost.'” TicketMaster continues to be the bane of any concertgoer’s existence, in order that “Simpsons” joke continues to be painfully related. 

The next slide incorporates references to sexual assault.

Within the “Treehouse of Horror XVI” phase, “I’ve Grown a Costume on Your Face,” everybody in Springfield transforms into no matter they have been carrying Halloween evening. Bart turns into a werewolf. Lisa turns into Albert Einstein, and Chief Wiggum turns into Jared Fogle from Subway, which is now extra horrifying than the rest in that installment. 

The gimmick might have appeared innocent in 2005 when it aired, however in 2015, Fogle was arrested on fees of acquiring little one pornography and fascinating in sexual acts with minors. He pled responsible to these fees and was sentenced to fifteen years in federal jail.

Chief Wiggum being Jared is one factor, however it’s his line that actually sends this second excessive when he declares: “I am Jared from the Subway advertisements. I am solely a bit of chubby and sexually ambiguous.” His sexual preferences did not stay ambiguous for lengthy. It is unhealthy sufficient there is a Fogle reference wherever, however it’s such a disturbing line to have Wiggum say in hindsight. 

In case you or anybody you understand has been a sufferer of sexual assault, assist is out there. Go to the Rape, Abuse & Incest Nationwide Community web site or contact RAINN’s Nationwide Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

“The Simpsons” has an abysmal observe document in terms of correct trans illustration. So usually, trans characters have been relegated to one-off gags, akin to Helen Lovejoy eager to boast about having a trans cousin named Stanlerina.

Simply, one of many worst trans jokes on “The Simpsons” comes on “Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo.” Homer and Marge attend a seminar to learn to reside giant with out spending lots, and the host explains all the assorted methods he is saved cash, like shopping for a yacht that smells like cat pee. He additionally factors out that he is surrounded by lovely ladies in a picture as a result of “they was once males.” It is unhealthy sufficient the road suggests trans ladies are inferior or “a discount” in comparison with cis ladies, however the line is adopted up by the sound of utter disdain by the viewers. That they had no downside with him crusing on a urine-smelling yacht, however being round trans ladies was a step too far for some cause. 

Very like Nelson beating up Milhouse for being perceived as gay, this joke exhibits simply how informal transphobia was within the ’90s. And if you’d like a deeper dive into simply how prevalent this subject is on the sitcom, take a look at the unbelievable breakdown inside Lily Simpson’s video essay, “The Trans Failure of The Simpsons.”

“You Solely Transfer Twice” has not one however two jokes that shortly did not make sense shortly after the episode got here out. When Bart and Lisa arrive at their new college, there is a signal studying “Cypress Creek Elementary College” together with a URL for ” Simpsons” has loads of nice signal gags, akin to “Sneed’s Feed & Seed Previously Chuck’s,” however this one simply would not make sense watching it right this moment. 

There’s nothing all that comical in regards to the URL itself, and that is as a result of the joke is {that a} college having a web site in any respect can be one thing unusual and out of the extraordinary all by itself when the episode debuted in 1996. “Simpsons” showrunner on the time, Josh Weinstein, remarked on the DVD commentary of simply how misplaced it quickly turned, calling it “one of many present’s most clearly dated jokes.”

These days, each college has a web site, even when they are not as superior as Cypress Creek. Though I suppose this might virtually be seen as an anti-joke nowadays, the place viewers count on the college signal to say one thing humorous, however it’s probably the most humdrum factor conceivable. 

“There’s One thing About Marrying” tries to normalize the concept of homosexual marriage whereas utterly invalidating the existence of trans folks in a reasonably baffling approach. The episode sees Springfield legalize homosexual marriage earlier than it was authorized nationwide. Homer begins marrying anybody who desires to get married, and Patty comes out as lesbian to her sister, Marge. Up till this level, Marge has been fairly accepting of the gay group however has a tough time accepting her sister’s identification, particularly when she reveals she’s already engaged to a different girl — Veronica. 

However not every thing is because it appears, as Veronica seems to be a person. That is not me being transphobic — within the context of the present, Veronica (whose actual identify is Robin) is a person pretending to be a girl to excel in ladies’s golf. In the previous couple of years, ladies’s sports activities has been a battleground subject, as conservatives attempt to stop transgender ladies from competing by insisting they’ve an inherent benefit. 

The bit reinforces the terrible notion that transgender ladies are actually simply pretending to have sports activities careers. It is a unhealthy look, particularly because the trans group faces more and more hostile discrimination. It is excessive time “The Simpsons” has correct trans illustration with a personality that does not make folks cringe years later. 

Out of all of the Oscar winners “The Simpsons” may’ve chosen for this bit, they needed to go together with Dr. Haing S. Ngor.

On “Workforce Homer,” Homer bemoans that his bowling crew will doubtless lose an upcoming match, which is a disgrace as a result of he simply constructed a trophy case. We then see stated case, and the one trophy in it in the meanwhile is an Oscar belonging to Dr. Haing S. Ngor, together with his identify crossed out and Homer’s written in. The episode got here out on January 7, 1996, and in the event you watched it at first, it simply appeared like they picked an Oscar winner at random. Ngor gained for greatest supporting actor for his work on “The Killing Fields,” a noteworthy achievement seeing as Ngor had by no means acted earlier than that movie. Nevertheless, tragedy struck not lengthy after the episode premiered. 

On February 25, 1996, Ngor was killed exterior of his Los Angeles house. Experiences initially recommended it was a botched theft, however additional investigations counsel there might have been political motivations behind the homicide. Both approach, Homer now having Ngor’s Oscar felt in unhealthy style, particularly with an implication that Homer might have robbed (and killed) Ngor to get the statue. Reruns and the model of “Workforce Homer” you now discover on Disney+ modified the bit to the place the Oscar belonged to Don Ameche. He gained for greatest supporting actor for “Cocoon” and had already died in 1993, that means there was no approach Homer may get blamed for his dying in-universe. 

I believe little one abuse is flawed. Maintain your applause, I am no hero for saying that. And because the years have gone on, it has been more and more troublesome to disregard the myriad instances Homer has violently strangled Bart. Attributable to them being cartoon characters, it is maybe simpler to disregard or just wave off as a easy gag, however Homer continuously attacking Bart, which fits ignored by Marge and the remainder of Springfield, simply appears troublesome. 

The present has dialed again on Homer strangling Bart in recent times, with Homer even making an off-hand remark in a single episode about how he would not do this anymore since instances have modified. This led to a whole lot of media consideration over whether or not the custom would finish, with the “Simpsons” artistic crew assuring the world the strangles would proceed. 

Even the Season 36 premiere introduced again this problematic gag, albeit with Homer attacking Bart inside an AI-generated simulation. Though “The Simpsons” has modified with the instances in sure methods, it is nonetheless caught in 1989 in sure facets. Sooner or later Homer might cease bodily hurting Bart, however it’s not right this moment.