Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Simpsons season 36, episode 17, “Full Heart, Empty Pool”
WhileThe Simpsonsseason 36, episode 17’s gags feature some questionable puns, the show is at least self-aware enough to call out its own writing shortcuts. With over 780 episodes to its name,The Simpsonsis now the longest-running scripted primetime American TV show in history. It is hardly shocking that, in that time, the show’s writing has been accused of laziness on more than a few occasions. What is more surprising is how often these accusations come from characters inThe Simpsonsitself.
In season 14, episode 3, “Bart vs. Lisa vs. the Third Grade,” Skinner pointed out thatThe Simpsonsrelies on resetting its status quowhen he announced that no good comes from changing things and everything would be returned to normal as a result. Earlier, in season 11, episode 13, “Saddlesore Galactica,” Comic Book Guy was mercilessly booed for noting that the Simpsons had already bought a horse, thus making the episode’s plot repetitive.
Homer Admitted The Simpsons Season 36, Episode 17’s Puns Were A Stretch
The “Organic Pit-based Enjoyment Council” Was A Push
Homer initially refused to believe her until Lisa noted that the “Organic Pit-based Enjoyment Council” even shared the same acronym as the legendary oil conveyor Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.The revelation of the OPEC gag was a touch ridiculous, since as Homer put it, “Pit-based is kind of a cheat, but I get it.” WhileThe Simpsons’ historyincludes some legendarily great comedic writing, the show’s admission that this gag was a little too on the nose and not quite workshopped enough was hilariously unexpected and endearing.
Why Homer Mocking The Simpsons Season 36, Episode 17’s Writing Worked
The Surrounding Story Was Strong Enough To Lift Some Low-Effort Gags
During its Golden Age, the writing ofThe Simpsonswas considered some of the best comedic television writing in the medium’s history. That said,The Simpsonsalways strives to hold onto a loose, playful toneeven in its most densely plotted episodes and carefully constructed gags. Thus, Homer’s wink at the fourth wall over how suspect the OPEC acronym is was a fun way for “Full Heart, Empty Pool” to concede that, after so many episodes packed with so many jokes, not all of them will be all-time classics.
The Simpsons has always maintained a self-aware sense of humor, so gags like Homer side-eyeing the unlikely existence of the “Organic Pit-based Enjoyment Council” feel perfectly earned.
Considering the preceding episode featuredBart and Lisa blowing up the worldwith a pointless feud, it is fair to say that the show has become more outlandish and zany in its later seasons. However, the series has still always maintained a self-aware sense of humor, so gags like Homer side-eyeing the unlikely existence of the “Organic Pit-based Enjoyment Council” feel perfectly earned in “Full Heart, Empty Pool."
The Simpsons Season 36 Roasting Its Own Writing Keeps A Great Trend Alive
The Long-Running Show Has Frequently Mocked Its Shortcuts In Recent Seasons
This gag was just the latest in a string of jokes that relied onThe Simpsonsmaking fun of its own writing and storytelling styles to great effect. Only one episode earlier in episode 16, “Stew Lies,”Homer seemingly promised to call his estranged half-brother, only to instead call up a random TV host.
A similar moment arrived in season 33, episode 13, “Boys N the Highlands," when Homer pointed to a pile of board games with funny names before pausing to allow viewers to read them.
This gag only made sense to viewers who knew about Homer’s long-forgotten brother, proving thatThe Simpsonshas effectively made fun of its writing style earlier in season 36. A similar moment arrived in season 33, episode 13, “Boys N the Highlands," when Homer pointed to a pile of board games with funny names before pausing to allow viewers to read them. These sort of playfully self-aware gags proveThe Simpsonsnever started taking itself seriously, despite its unprecedented longevity.
