Why D'oh Should be in the Dictionary (Simpsons,The)

Member Name: TheWriter

Product:	Simpsons,The
Date:	16/01/09 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wittily Funny, intelligently funny, sarcastically funny, ironically funny, adorably funny...

Disadvantages: None for me, but some adult references may not suitable for younger viewers

He's cute, he's funny, he's adorable...and he's yellow. Homer Simpson is king.

Of all the Simpsons he's simultaneously the funniest, the dopiest and the sweetest- although Maggie is a close contender for the latter position. The biggest reason I'm such a huge fan is because of the adorably childish and humorous way he speaks and acts - I realise that was a fairly all- encompassing comment!

His quotation "D'oh", is so well known that it has become part of the English dictionary...well, ok, it hasn't but it should , as it is used often enough. It is also the best alternative to swearing in exclamation. Whenever I say it, even amongst strangers, it sparks laughter and conversation. Such is the power of Homer J Simpson.

The programme itself works so well because of the satirical perspective, the witticisms employed and the irony utilised in every single episode. The huge array of colourful characters, with their recognisable identities and attributes, further make the Simpson's well loved and entertaining. These characters all possess idiolectical expressions which, like the word D'oh, have become universally recognised. Examples include Flander's "hi-diddly-ho neighbourini", Barney's "burp!", Mr. Burn's "Ehhhxcellent", Bart's "Aye Caramba!", Nelson's "haw haw!", and Marge's growl. Even Maggie's "thum thum" sucking noises provoke connotations of the show even when taken out of context. The programme is shown in numerous countries all across the globe. Despite being translated into other languages, the jokes are still understood and appreciated by all.

The uniqueness of the characters holds great appeal, such as Chief Wiggum's stupidity, "I'll just type that up on my invisible type-writer", and Krusty the clown's immorality, "hey, hey kids, get your parent's credit card numbers to me now". In addition, the celebrity appearances create recognisable voices and the accompanying story lines are excellent.

Matt Groening et al use the Simpsons to put across their own ideas and values as a vehicle for social commentary. Past issues raised have included Lisa's attempt to alter a number of young girl's perspectives concerning the stereotyping of women; Apu's gaining citizenship in America with the help of his friends, and Marge becoming Springfield's first police woman. Plus many more besides, but from the top of my head, I can only remember the funny, not necessarily more serious ones. Hence the Simpsons is more than just entertainment, it is educational...well, that's my excuse for watching it anyway.

The Simpsons doesn't just appeal to children though, many adults love it too. There are a number of jokes used that are designed to appeal to a more mature audience anyway, much of the satire for example, is lost on my younger siblings. The humour is the universal link and where the most appeal lies.

My favourite episodes include The Devil and Homer Simpson, where Homer trades his soul for a donut, the story of Maggie's birth, and Homer Cubed, where we see Homer in the real world...woo-hoo!

Summary: Very funny, story lines are excellent, you'll love the characters