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If the episode didnt quite do what Bart Simpson would have done in season five, episode 12 i.e.
But last nightsSimpsonsinstallment doesnt just underline the issues that still surround Apu.
It magnifies the struggles thatThe Simpsonsfaces as it nears its fourth decade of existence on Fox.
For context, heres what happened in the episode.
Well, what am I supposed to do?
I dont know, these are just ideas.)
Thats when the conversation turns to Apu.
Something that started decades ago, and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect.
Then she looks at a signed photo of Apu thats sitting on her nightstand.
Some things will be dealt with at a later date, Marge responds cryptically.
If at all, adds Lisa.
Then mother and daughter stare into the camera blankly as if theyre being held hostage by their own cartoon.
How much of that do you actually believe?
And thats the end of that story line.
It also betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of its characters, at least as they were originally envisioned.
One could argue thatThe Simpsonsis now the Establishment, and has been for a while.
But heres the thing:The Simpsonsis still being done today.
If, say,Seinfeldwere still on TV, it would be struggling with the same issues.
I will not go off on a tangent about Babu Bhatt.)
What canThe Simpsonsdo about its Apu problem?
Actually, a lot of things.
Im not sure why the latter is such an unreasonable idea.
Not surprisingly, the Kwik-E-Mart goes back to being the Kwik-E-Mart by the end of that half-hour.
That scene is the perfect metaphor forThe Simpsonstoday.
