Welcome to Podcast Portal: a spontaneous column that will highlight podcasts of all genres that are lesser known or new shows that are worth giving a listen. With the medium continuing to grow, it is hard to acknowledge all of them. However, I am going to try and find as many noteworthy titles as possible to share and hopefully expand your mind to the greatest growing medium out there. If you have any podcast that you feel is worth adding to the Podcast Portal, please make sure to inform me whether through the comments or through an e-mail (information in sidebar).
SHOW: The Simpsons Show
HOSTS: Robbie and Matt
NETWORK: None
EPISODE BEING DISCUSSED: "2 - Bart the Genius"
It is likely that if you have been reading my blog for any period of time, you'll be aware of my affiliation to The Simpsons. Yes, I admit that maybe the newer episodes don't spark as much inspiration as earlier years, but there's still something tangible to the series that is missing from, say, Family Guy. It's still full of wit, style, and features one of the most enviable voice acting casts in TV history as well as a legacy spanning 25 years. Say what you will about the mediocrity towards the latter episodes of the 562 currently released episodes. The series has earned every liberty it takes.
With that said, there has been one tragic note. As a podcast fan and recap enthusiast, I have noticed a rise in classic series being dissected by fans. It is an indelible market that thankfully will introduce new audiences to these series with informational takes and unique commentary. Recent success stories include the highly enjoyable The X-Files Files, Shut Up Leonard, and Go Bayside! (Still waiting on a Soap show). However, among them all, there hasn't been a podcast dedicated to The Simpsons. Well, there has, but most of them are years old and haven't been updated in any considerable way.
To people of my age, The Simpsons remains an institution where lingo replaces actual conversation. I have been longing to find a show that not only captures this, but manages to embrace The Simpsons in the rational way that doesn't seem all that common. With the new podcast, simply titled The Simpsons Show, it looks like the prayers might be answered. With the main intent on going episode-by-episode, the show promises not only to discuss the quality and story beats, but also continually rank the episodes on a "Best Episode Ever" list (found here). Even if they are only two episodes in, it looks to be a very promising show, given their dedication to sticking the landing, or at very least, producing even half of the promised critiques.
For the most part, it is hard to properly judge The Simpsons Show on the first few episodes because nothing is quite concrete with the series. All that is discussed is taboos that initially surrounded the series upon its release, including the idea of Bart Simpson as a role model. There's discussion of character models and traits, but it does ring too much as a comparative draft of the series to follow. This isn't a bad thing, especially since the hosts are well educated and can even recite obscure character names. It is a series that I believe, in time, will find its footing and have a really compelling format. If nothing else, I want to know what the best episode ever is.
I recommend this show to those that love The Simpsons and have been missing it from their podcast recapping culture. Usually clocking in at under 25 minutes, it is going to be released weekly and will feature plenty of fun trivia, sound bites, and insight into the episodes. Seeing as season 1 (okay, the first three) are my weak zones, this will be a great excuse to catch up on all of them and get a better understanding of their benefits to building the series into what it eventually became.
RATING: 3.5 out of 5
WORTH A SECOND GO?: For those that love The Simpsons, this will be an easy, brief installment to each and every week. The hosts speak with enthusiasm and knowledge to make this more than just fans gushing about the show. While they share similar disinterest in the more recent episodes, it will be a long time before they are addressed. Until then, they will be mining the depths of the golden era of the series, and provided that the series has the audacity to stick it out, we're looking at a great few years.
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