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| Technically this episode aired in 2000, but those 90s graphics, man. |
This episode is set up like a documentary in a very similar fashion to VH1's Behind the Music. The episode introduces the Simpsons as a family that loves watching TV, however they were getting tired of the "loving family" dynamic that was dominant on the airwaves at whichever time this was supposed to be. Homer decides to video tape his own "real" family show featuring his family. Even though the video clip was just plain silly, Marge had a connection with the FOX network and the Simpsons got their big TV show.
After just one season, Simpson-mania struck the nation, nay, worldwide. The family was earning tons of money, more than enough to move into M.C. Hammer's mansion, and the fame they had allowed them to appear in all sorts of awards shows and what not. A trio of songs they sang even swept the Grammys. However, their fame started to crumble. After Homer's attempted jump at Springfield Gorge, he became addicted to painkillers in order to go through painful stunt after painful stunt. The Simpsons were also losing a lot of money due to Marge's poor investments and an anonymous tip that the family had been evading their taxes. Then Bart was involved in an incident on an airplane and was temporarily replaced. With the family fracturing, the show began to resort to nonsensical plots and ratings-grabbing celebrity appearances. Tensions reached a peak when the family appeared at an Iowa state fair, where their bickering escalated to full blown fighting. The family decided to go separate ways after that.
With the show on hiatus, Homer did some work in legitimate theatre, and Marge and Bart found work in showbusiness as well. Lisa, however, decided to reveal shocking secrets about the show in a tell-all book. The family became so distrustful of one another that they each brought their own lawyers to Thanksgiving dinner. All seemed lost for the family, however a meddler decided to spark a change: Dr. Hibbert calls his old frat buddy Willie Nelson, and Willie concocts a plan to bring the family together by having them all appear on a fake awards show independently. With the family back on stage together, Willie and the audience are able to help the family share a hug and mend old wounds. Reunited, the family have learned from their mistakes and are resuming the show, though with plotlines as they were, they probably only have a season left (oh if that were true...).
Quick Review
This was a rather ingenious way to end Season 11. All the odd metaphors and visual gags complemented what I guess was the plot, and the references to the 'evolution' of the show were nicely done as well. Its a highlight of what has mostly been a disappointing season and, heck, it could've been a fine way to even end the series.
Final Score: 9.7
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