The Simpsons and Gay Characters

[JasonEvans]

Just wanted to share what I thought was a fascinating article about the classic Simpsons episode with John Waters and why it was such a seminal moment in gay characters on TV. I do not offer this article as some kind of debate about homosexuality or society's attitude toward LGTBQ issues/rights, merely as an interesting flashback to a time when being gay on TV was a really, really big deal. The behind the scenes stuff about how the episode was made is pretty cool.

And when thinking about how to create a foil for Waters, he recalled über Simpsons writer John Swartzwelder giving him this advice: “Write Homer the way that you would write a dog. He’s got really [a] limited attention span. He loves his food. He loves his sex. He’s completely stupid. And he will defend his family to the death.” In other words, Homer as homophobic ignoramus wouldn’t be a stretch.

“We had a big task in this episode, and that was to overcome Homer’s prejudice,” writer Ron Hauge said. “You have to do it with a good, positive character who can earn that.”

-Jason "" Evans

[bjornolf]

What about Smithers?

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

What about Smithers?

I think Smithers's journey was more of a slow burn. In the first seasons he was just a toady who worked for Burns. As I recall, it was later seasons that we learn his devotion to C. Montgomery Burns was more than professional.

Also, did anyone else watch the Burns-centric two-part episode from a few weeks ago? One of the better episodes I have seen in recent seasons. I loved the epic Waylon Smithers ice journey.

[weezie]

I think Smithers's journey was more of a slow burn. In the first seasons he was just a toady who worked for Burns. As I recall, it was later seasons that we learn his devotion to C. Montgomery Burns was more than professional.

Also, did anyone else watch the Burns-centric two-part episode from a few weeks ago? One of the better episodes I have seen in recent seasons. I loved the epic Waylon Smithers ice journey.

I thought it was outstanding. I take Simpsons for granted, I know, but the brilliant writing shows no sign of fading.

[Blue in the Face]

I think Smithers's journey was more of a slow burn. In the first seasons he was just a toady who worked for Burns. As I recall, it was later seasons that we learn his devotion to C. Montgomery Burns was more than professional.

Not only that, he was initially black.

[Groening] claimed that the character was always meant to be yellow, but animators painted him the wrong color and, because they were low on funds, they could not afford a retake.

[CrazyNotCrazie]

The episode referenced was actually pre-dated by one of my favorite episodes and lines in Simpson's history that aired in late 1994 - Homer gets kicked out of Moe's and is looking for a new bar to frequent. One of the bars he goes to is a somewhat over-the-top lesbian bar. In typical Homer fashion, he senses that there is something different about the bar but he can't put his finger on it. Finally, he realizes it and says “There's something bothering me about this place...I know! This lesbian bar doesn't have a fire exit. Enjoy your death trap, ladies.”

http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/Fear_of_Flying

http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/She-She_Lounge

[JasonEvans]

The episode referenced was actually pre-dated by one of my favorite episodes and lines in Simpson's history that aired in late 1994 - Homer gets kicked out of Moe's and is looking for a new bar to frequent. One of the bars he goes to is a somewhat over-the-top lesbian bar. In typical Homer fashion, he senses that there is something different about the bar but he can't put his finger on it. Finally, he realizes it and says “There's something bothering me about this place...I know! This lesbian bar doesn't have a fire exit. Enjoy your death trap, ladies.”

http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/Fear_of_Flying

http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/She-She_Lounge

[GDT]

Just wanted to share what I thought was a fascinating article about the classic Simpsons episode with John Waters

Thanks for sharing that. I found the timeline to be one of the most interesting facts. I didn't remember this was pre-Ellen and all.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Thanks for sharing that. I found the timeline to be one of the most interesting facts. I didn't remember this was pre-Ellen and all.

Goes to show... Simpsons have been around FOREVER! And they never seem to age!