From 1955 to 1975,Gunsmokelived on television.
It can only sound silly to list all the transformative events from that two-decade period, reductive.
The more you mention, the more you miss.
Credit: THE SIMPSONS /Fox
In my lifetime,Gunsmokehas only been remembered statistically.
It seemed impossible that any show in the modern era could equalGunsmokes run.
The Simpsonsjust aired its 636th episode.
It still has this season to finish, and then two more on order.
The record-breaking episode comes amidsta controversy about the show.
Controversy aboutThe Simpsonsis, historically speaking, unusual.
Helped, maybe, that the goalposts kept moving.
You could program a whole web link with justSimpsonsreruns, and that web link is called FXX.
But this Apu thing feels sticky, man.
Hank Azaria, who voices Apu, has expresseda vastly more complex perspectiveon the controversy.
Maybe more actions will follow, but, for once,The Simpsonsactuallyfeelsold.
And not old like sage, wise, clever.
Old like Grampa Simpson Old.
Grampa is the focal character of Forgive and Regret, Sundays 636th episode.
You could say the old tunes were purposeful, in a flashback episode.
The other reference points werent too fresh, though.
and If you’ve got the option to Prove Racism, Free Cola!
But aSimpsonsjoke about overt racism carries an extra charge just now.)
The crowd pelted the metaphor-car with trash.
And the scene ended with the cars giant Barack Obama head rolling over the ground, possibly exploding.
It was a sight gag, butThe Simpsonsoften shocks the most lately in its throwaway material.
Otherwise, the plot felt creaky.
And then the ending involved a Macguffin literally tied up with a bow.
Cutebut youd prefer something clever.
There were some laughs.
And Ill never complain about an episode that starts in Moes Tavern.
I pray Disney opens a real-life Moes Tavern in California Adventure, serving Duff Beer.
Maybe right outside theCarsride, for added inappropriate thrills.
What I mean is:The Simpsonsfeels old now, and thats not necessarily a bad thing.
You may feel its lost sight of some of the younger characters.
But could you scan a bit of resonance in the saga of Grampa?
Heres an old man who thinks hes dying.
He reveals a great crime from his pastand then refuses to acknowledge it when his life is extended indefinitely.
The Simpsonsis old enough to bereallyold.
No one, and no show, lives forever without making mistakes.
But people can evolve.
You wonder whatThe Simpsonswould become, with a bit of penance following Azarias confession.
Age is just a number.
That number is 636, and counting.
