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Past ‘Simpsons’ writer speaks of show with humor, trivia
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by James Dunham
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
“Simpsons” guru Rob Reiss spoke at Hillel Monday night in a lecture covering when the show might end, the possibility of a movie and trivia.
Reiss wrote for “The Simpsons” for several years before leaving to create “The Critic,” which aired on ABC before its cancellation. He returned to the show that launched his career and is now working as a consultant for “The Simpsons.” He has also been awarded four Emmys for his work.
“I want to thank you for taking time from drinking to listen to me,” Reiss said, receiving a round of laughter from the packed lecture hall.
Reiss first described the people behind the show’s characters, touching on religion when he revealed that Jewish actors played both Rev. Lovejoy and Christian conservative Ned Flanders.
“The Archbishop of Canterbury recently said that ‘The Simpsons’ is the most Christian show on TV,” Reiss continued. “Which reaffirms something I’ve believed for a long time: that the Archbishop of Canterbury smokes crack!”
Reiss also said a movie based on the television show could appear some time in the future.
“There was a ‘Scooby-Doo’ movie, there’ll be a ‘Simpsons’ movie,” Reiss said. “Will it suck? Well, there was a ‘Scooby-Doo’ movie …”
He also floated one idea for the future cast, joking about sexuality: Tom Cruise for the part of Smithers.
The crowd at Hillel was reassured that if a “Simpsons” movie will be a long time coming, the show’s demise is even further away.
“It won’t be a matter of them dropping us,” Reiss said, referring to media giant FOX. The Simpsons has been airing for 15 years, giving it the third-longest lifespan of any program.
Since “The Simpsons” has often received its laughs at FOX’s expense, viewers might think the relationship is strained. But as Reiss put it, “They need us more than we need them.”
Reiss did voice a legitimate, if light-hearted, complaint.
“We try to do a smart, sophisticated and well-crafted show,” he said. “Then they cut to commercial and it’s like, ‘How many midgets can we fit in an elephant’s asshole?’”
His lecture was filled with “Simpsons” trivia. As many fans know, women perform the voices of all its children.
“Milhouse is hot!” Reiss said.
And does creator Matt Groening still play an active role in the show’s production? “He’s like Santa Claus,” Reiss revealed. “He’s jolly, he’s got a beard, and he works one day a year.”
Clips were shown throughout the lecture. In one, from his favorite episode, Krusty the Clown is reunited with his Jewish father. The audience learned that for the ensuing theological debate, the show retained three New York rabbis.
After he finished speaking, Reiss took questions from the audience. One attendee asked if the quality of the show had deteriorated over the years.
“‘The Simpsons’ is like a 350-year-old man,” Reiss responded. “People say, ‘Gee, you’re not as sharp as you were when you were 28.’ Well, duh!”
