Talking Simpsons

 I don't usually let new podcasts into my rotation at this point but in recent months I've really been into Talking Simpsons. It's part of the Lasertime podcast network which seems dedicated to an extensive analysis of various facets of pop culture. Described as "a chronological exploration of The Simpsons", a meticulous level of research seems to go into each episode. There's discussion of writers and directors for example (they recently had a long form interview with executive producer and writer Bill Oakley) and the hosts strive to place each episode into a cultural context, commenting on events around the original airdate.

They'll also go into detail about various references which are mostly enlightening to a UK viewer. I always end up learning something that I didn't know. Another major plus point is that the show's frequent contributors seem like likeable guys and I'm interested to hear about their engagement with the show when they were younger, taping episodes live off of their VCRs. The real joy of the podcast though is in revisiting classic jokes or brilliant bits that you'd forgotten. As a comedy writer`who ought to think more about how I might conceivably write for TV, it's useful to think about things like plot and episode structure whilst analysing certain bits of material.

They're up to Season 5 at the moment. I cannot imagine that they're actually going to cover every episode* (I think Season 10 would probably be a decent cut off point) but hope it runs for a good while yet. It's out every Wednesday and if you're a Simpsons nerd* like me then this cromulent podcast is essential listening.

*For the entire duration of "Be Our Guest" in Beauty Of The Beast yesterday I was thinking about The Simpson's parody "See My Vest". One of the series' finest songs and one of C Montgomery Burns' finest moments.

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