Summary
Not only canThe Simpsonsnot stop reusing the same tired villain but, to make matters worse, it is a character who the series originally killed off over a decade ago. I can see why people callThe Simpsonstired. The animated family comedy has been on the air for 35 years and, in that time, it has aired over 760 episodes. It would be tough for any series not to feel tired at that stage but, althoughThe Simpsonsseason 36may change this, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how relatively inventive the show’s recent seasons have been.
That said, even the most forgiving viewers have their limits.The Simpsonsisn’t the comedic powerhouse that it was during its Golden Age, but it is still fair to expect that the show would provide some level of ingenuity and creativity. For the most part, seasons 34 and 35 managed this. Less obsessed with cramming as many gags as possible into every episode, these outings centered most of their stories on the Simpson family themselves and boasted more emotional stakes as a result. However, one repetitive plot point proves that I can’t ignore all ofThe Simpsonsseason 35’s problems.
The Simpsons Season 35’s Best Episode Highlighted A Major 35-Year-Old Mystery
The Simpsons season 35’s best episode brought up one of the show’s oldest plot holes but, interestingly, didn’t offer a solution to this mystery.
The Simpsons Season 35 Fell Back On Fat Tony (Again)
Fat Tony Was The Villain In Season 35 Episode 14
The Simpsonsseason 35 relied on Fat Tony as a stock villain again, even though the episode in question didn’t particularly need an antagonist. I was surprised by how unexpectedly compelling the first half of season 35, episode 15, “Cremains of the Day,” proved. After Larry the Barfly died in the opening scene,The Simpsonsprovided a surprisingly heartfelt tribute to the perpetually forgotten background character that I found genuinely sad. When Homer, Lenny, Carl, and Moe went on a road trip to scatter Larry’s ashes and absolve themselves of their guilt, I was genuinely intrigued.
This plot seemed like something from aGolden Age episode ofThe Simpsons. The gang from the bar would be united by their grief, but they’d soon end up uncovering old grievances as they all struggled with the reality that they ignored Larry for years. At first, that’s exactly where this story went, and I was glad to see the series tackle something atypically poignant. Then Homer and Moe found gems in Larry’s ashes, it turned out Fat Tony was using him to smuggle precious stones, and the entire episode was derailed by goofy, predictable action set-pieces.
The Simpsons Already Killed Off Fat Tony 14 Years Ago
The Recurring Villain Was Technically Replaced Back In 2010
This twist would always have annoyed me since I wanted to see the emotional fallout from Larry’s death. For all ofThe Simpsons’s gross out jokes, the show rarely kills off characters for good and Larry’s death looked like a prime opportunity for some introspection. However, the revelation was doubly annoying sinceFat Tony was technically killed off in season 22, episode 9, “Donnie Fatso.” In a cutesy move that mocked the show’s inability to alter its status quo, Fat Tony’s death didn’t change his role. He was replaced by his fitter cousin, who soon gained weight due to stress.
By the time season 30 rolled around, I was ready for the series to retire Fat Tony for good.
Thus, the short-lived Fit Tony became the new Fat Tony, and it was as if nothing had changed at all. This made the character’s role in the show feel even more repetitive and superfluous and, by the time season 30 rolled around, I was ready for the series to retire Fat Tony for good. Instead,The Simpsonsstarted relying on the one-note character even more. Fat Tony’s unexpectedly cowardly gangster has produced some hilarious moments over the years, whether he is milking rats for Elementary School lunches or fleeing from Principal Skinner in fear.
I’ve been shocked to find that Fat Tony has been the show’s antagonist as often as Mr. Burns, if not more often.
The Simpsons Used Fat Tony Too Much In Recent Years
Fat Tony Is The Villain Of Numerous Recent Outings
However,the moreThe Simpsonsrelies on Fat Tony, the less funny the supporting character becomes. Fat Tony is very much a one-joke character and, while he has provided the show with plenty of chances to mock mob movie clichés, most of these arrived back in theearlier classic episodes ofThe Simpsons. Since then, his schtick has become increasingly tired and the show has inexplicably begun to rely on him more heavily as its primary villain. In recent years, I’ve been shocked to find that Fat Tony has been the show’s antagonist as often as Mr. Burns, if not more often.
Before “Cremains of the Day ” in season 35, three separate episodes in season 34 used Fat Tony as their villain. Another three outings from season 33 utilized the character as their antagonist and, to make matters worse, only one of these was a fresh, original episode that used the character well. Season 33, episode 6, “A Serious Flanders,” managed to make Fat Tony work, but this was mainly because he wasn’t the main villain. As such, I think it’s time forThe Simpsonsto finally let this supporting star go.
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an animated series set in the fictional town of Springfield, following the daily lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Premiering in 1989, the show is renowned for its satirical commentary on politics, media, and American culture, featuring numerous celebrity guest appearances.
