D'oh! Trouble in Springfield: The Simsons Could be Over?

Image from Huffington Post

Okay, so FOX TV is trying to cut the priceless The Simpsons character actors' pay. And a counter-offer was made that was fairly generous to my eyes. And FOX might say "no?" Ridiculous. Unless the show is in ratings danger, it would be insane to kill this cash cow.

Of course, the show is more than a cash cow to me. And to FOX too, considering the show has been running essentially since the beginning of the FOX prime-time network. The Simpsons debuted as short animated segments on The Tracey Ullman Show on my 21st birthday. I was even watching that night, which shows you what an exciting life I lead as a youth. Anyway, I've been a faithful Simpsons fan ever since. In fact, The Other Half and I often credit the show with keeping us together in the early years. It was an extremely quotable bonding experience.

There are those who say The Simpsons has run its course. That it isn't as funny, or--in the coarse language of today's wasted youth--it sucks. Well, that's just crazy talk (my brother, Crazy Talk)! The Simpsons Movie was fantastic, and every show since has been better than 75% of the rest of television. And unless FOX seriously wants to cancel the show, I say they better pay up. Because this fan--and most others--will not accept sound-alikes.

[Excerpt]


'The Simpsons' Facing Cancellation Over Contract Issues With FOX: Report 

. . .23 seasons in, The Simpsons is as creatively vibrant as ever and beloved by millions around the world. We believe this brilliant series can and should continue, but we cannot produce future seasons under its current financial model. We are hopeful that we can reach an agreement with the voice cast that allows The Simpsons to go on entertaining audiences with original episodes for many years to come. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

Overtime With Bill Maher: March 4, 2011

Ep. 204: March 4, 2011 - Overtime

Blast from the Past: Tracey Ullman's "They Don't Know"

In light of Tracey Ullman's new Showtime series, State of the Union, here's the song that brought Tracey to national attention in the United States, back in the early 80s. Enjoy!

Tracey Ullman Returns with State of the Union

Photo from source, After Elton

This is terrific news! I've been a fan of Tracey Ullman since her eighties hit song, "They Don't Know." And I'm probably one of the few people who watched The Tracey Ullman Show on FOX from its debut until its last episode. Without Tracey, we wouldn't have The Simpsons. And even if Matt Groening eventually got around to creating it anyway, we wouldn't have Dan Castellaneta as Homer and Julie Kavner as Marge--they were actors on Tracey's show.

Tracey is incredibly talented and underused. Her ability to sing, dance, mimic and most importantly, skewer convention is tragically under appreciated in this country. But I'm glad those of us who seek her out (if we have Showtime, alas) will have the opportunity to see some new stuff. Way to go, Tracey!

[Excerpt]

Tracey Ullman returns with the State of the Union

Here's something that could get me to renew that Showtime subscription: Tracey Ullman has a new sketch comedy show set to debut on the premium channel in March. Five episodes of Tracey Ullman's State of the Union will air after steamy historical drama The Tudors, starting on March 30. . .

Read more at: After Elton