Why 'Homer's Phobia' and 'Stark Raving Dad' Have Become Uncomfortable Over Time

In the ever-evolving landscape of television, certain episodes of beloved shows like The Simpsons have struggled to hold up against the passage of time. Two notable examples are Homer's Phobia and Stark Raving Dad. Both episodes were received well initially but have since fallen out of favor due to controversial themes and societal shifts.

The Simpsons: 'Homer's Phobia'

Homer's Phobia, Season 8, Episode 15, premiered in 1997 and was initially celebrated for its humor. However, the episode has aged poorly due to its treatment of homophobia. The character of John#'s fleeting relationship with Homer and Bart is now seen as insensitive and problematic.

The episode is riddled with instances that demonstrate outdated and offensive attitudes. For example, Homer only accepts John as a friend because John saved Homer's life, which could be seen as an attempt to absolve himself of any responsibility for his actions. Additionally, Homer's attempt to include Bart in the adventure by dragging him to a hunting trip, an act of misguided attempts to preserve "manhood," nearly ends in disaster. These elements have made the episode uncomfortable for many contemporary viewers, as they do not align with today's more inclusive and nuanced societal norms.

The Simpsons: 'Stark Raving Dad'

Stark Raving Dad, Season 3, Episode 1, features Michael Jackson voicing a character named Leon Kompowsky, a man who believes he is Michael Jackson. This episode has faced criticism for its portrayal of Michael Jackson, particularly in light of the controversies surrounding his personal life, particularly those related to child abuse.

The episode was initially celebrated for its humor but is now often viewed through a critical lens. Michael Jackson's role in the show, one that was once celebrated for its novelty and entertainment value, has become problematic in the current cultural context. This has led to the episode being "removed from circulation" during his first trial, highlighting the sensitivity around the topic and the shift in public opinion over time.

Why Timeless Episodes Don't Remain Timeless

Some argue that The Simpsons was able to avoid the fate of these episodes by being "timeless," where humor and character-driven themes transcend current events and societal changes. For instance, a short scene lampooning The Cosby Show, a show that was highly rated in the early years of The Simpsons, does not detract from the episode's overall humor. However, the Cosby Show jokes themselves have become less palatable in recent years due to the controversy surrounding Bill Cosby.

Another example is when the show poked fun at President George HW Bush by creating a fictional version of him moving in across the street from the Simpson family. While this episode is still remembered, the humor may have aged better because it was based on the character's actions rather than current events that have since faded from memory. The focus on character behavior and the timeless aspects of human nature has helped these episodes maintain their appeal over time.

In conclusion, while some episodes of The Simpsons like Homer's Phobia and Stark Raving Dad have struggled to maintain their relevance in the face of evolving societal norms, the show itself has demonstrated resilience and adaptability by focusing on themes that remain relevant and timelessly human. As viewers continue to watch and rewatch these episodes, it is essential to consider the context in which they were created and how they resonate with contemporary values.