The Simpsons
Summary
WhileThe Simpsonshas been criticized for unintentionally turning Homer into the show ’s villain , season 35 has demonstrate that this plan of attack can work when undertaken on intent . Despite being the show ’s primary character , Homer is no unknown to villainous function , with previous season exploring his capability of holding an antagonistic presence in the series . Homer ’s gradual alteration from a dimwitted but well - meaning everyman into a pachydermatous , unthinking soma was roundly catch as a major misstep .
“ Jerkass Homer ” soon became a musical phrase for this Modern version of the show ’s main character , with fans online arguing that Homer now resembledFamily Guy ’s Peter Griffin orSouth Park ’s Cartman more than his old ego . However , The Simpsonsseason 35is prove Homer could be a majuscule anti - villain if the creators of the series approach this idea with more care . While Jerkass Homer was a character who acted cruelly on impulse for cheap laughs , the version of Homer interpret inThe Simpsonsseason 35 ’s good episodes tries to do the correct matter but constantly finds himself tempt by promises of material wages or petty authorisation .
The Simpsons Season 35 Made Homer A Villain Twice
InThe Simpsonsseason 35 premiere , “ Homer ’s Crossing , ” Homer became an overpowered , tainted crossing guard mere daytime after he take on the job . Meanwhile , inThe Simpsonsseason 35 , episode 6 , “ Iron Marge , ” he became an overzealous neighbourhood guard dog for the sake of viral popularity as his habit of a NextDoor - parodying app resulted in Homer constantly creating public panics to boost his ego . WhileHomer controversially strangling Bartproves that the character was never an unambiguous hero sandwich or a character modeling , these plots are notable for turning Homer into a baddie throughout an instalment ’s tale . Not coincidently , this stratagem was used by earlier Golden Age episodes too .
In classic junket like time of year 5 , episode 11 , “ Homer the Vigilante , ” Homer allowed his hubris , egotism , small - minded outlook , and other character flaw to get the good of him . Even though this installment predates the Jerkass Homer phenomenon by decennium , the critically beloved outing control Homer become the leader of a red militia that preys on the public and prove useless at their stated goal of block a local cat burglar . As dark as this plot was , the story worked because , like both of season 35 ’s full Homer subplots , the instalment started with Homer in a heroic part and gradually allowed his flaws to take overhis novel job .
Homer’s Villain Roles Make Him Great
Episodes that throw off Homer as the villain ofThe Simpsonshighlight his shortsightedness , his self - centered position , and , ultimately , his innate unspoilt nature . As such , they give Homer a rounded character reference arc he needs . While usingMr . Burns as the villain ofThe Simpsonsalso work , making Homer the bad guy in his own show allows the serial to bemock its Heron and his flaw while still letting watcher root for him . When Homer becomes a violent reserves leader , a blatantly corrupt public official , or even just an unacceptable moral guardian , viewers need to see him refuse this belated obsession and yield to his old self by the episode ’s ending .
The Simpsons Season 35 Fixed Jerkass Homer
Unlike the Jerkass Homer that fan roundly rejected in early entries , the Homer of season 35 is no longer stand for and uncaring just for the interest of it . Instead , these episodes give Homer a modicum of power just to prove that it will debauch him , a more complex story that rely on his relatable flaws and not merely get him represent cruelly for cheap laughs . Much likeThe Simpsonsseason 35 changing the show ’s formatregularly to keep things feeling fresh , this approach allow the show to prove that Homer is not really a sorry guy while also highlight the fact that he is not much of a Graeco-Roman Cuban sandwich , either .
Homer does n’t need to be unambiguously grand forThe Simpsonsto succeed . Even during the show ’s Golden Age , he was a character set by his defect as much as his qualities , and it was these flaw that made him such a bracing divergence from the idealised goggle box fathers ofFather Knows Best , The Ernest Walton , andThe Cosby Show . However , he also is n’t an unthinking , villainous pencil lead character like the antihero of edgier grownup animated show , and he should n’t become one . Thus , Homer ’s stories need to find a proportion between his defect and his innate decency , something thatThe Simpsonsseason 35 has commendable make do to pull off in late outings .
