In an unexpected twist on Sunday, The Simpsons actually delivered an interesting storyline for the latest episode (number 557, if you’re counting). The episode, which was about fracking, produced one of the funniest episodes since, well since I don’t know when because technically the Family Guy Crossover was a Family Guy episode.
Here are the highlights in case you missed it. Spoiler Alert!
Marge’s Sisters Blow up the House
After their European vacation was cut short and a return to their home was not an option due to a mold infestation, Patty and Selma found themselves staying with Marge and her family. As you know, the sisters are chronic smokers, which proved to be problematic for Homer, in particular, who suddenly cared about his children being exposed to smoke inhalation. An ultimatum was then given to Patty and Selma which quickly backfired when tried to go outside to avoid Homer’s rule but were forced back in as a result of in climate weather. Too bad for Homer though, who saw his drenched sisters-in-law (underwear visible and all), which hysterically made his pupils crumble.
Of course when Patty and Selma later blew up the bathroom, Homer made good on his end of the deal to throw them out of the house. It was then that the entire family discovered that they discovered the water running from the faucet was on fire, which was a sign of local fracking. Patty and Selma were kicked out and Lisa contacted Assembly woman Maxine Lombard for help.
Burns Finds Love in the Opposition
In response to an email from Lisa, Ms. Lombard calls Mr. Burns to task for his fracking operation, which is hilariously hidden by a banner for Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame; so no one ever goes in. She shuts down his fracking operation but also falls for the unscrupulous businessman and they assume a passionate affair; of the old Hollywood variety. They also however, agree to continue to promote their own individual agendas: Burns promoting fracking through his hired help Homer and Ms. Lombard doing everything in her power to prevent Burns from fracking in Evergreen Terrace.
Homer Saves the Day
With signatures in tow from the townspeople, Burns was set to commence fracking. That is until he discovered he was missing a signature from none other than the wife of his hired fracking promoter: Marge. When asked why she didn’t sign over her gas rights, she hilariously replied as she did the entire episode: “our water was on fire!”
Although Burns did attempt fracking anyway, without all the signatures of the townspeople, it ended abruptly when Homer had a change of heart (after getting a nudge from Marge) and set fire to the drilling tower; putting an end to the fracking in Evergreen Terrace. Burns and Maxine resumed their relationship and lived happily ever after, despite their differences, which were amusingly portrayed in the final scene when they were in bed talking to each other, but about different things.
Whether you are for or against fracking, this episode was one of the funniest and most clever episodes of The Simpsons in a long time. There were more punch lines and zings in this one episode than there have been in an entire season of the show; at least as of the last few seasons. Come to think of it, it was also less about Bart and his antics and featured Homer in an unusually less than total buffoon role…maybe that’s why I liked it so much.