Recommendations of the Editorial team
The latest episode of “The Simpsons,” titled “EoD,” is actually a juicy “Severance” parody. But it also brought another change in the Yellows’ cosmos: the legendary Duffman is now a thing of the past.
He became famous in 1997 in the legendary, funny episode “Homer and New York” (The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson, Season 9). His saying “Oh Yeah!” became a household word among the ardent fans of the long-running animated series. He can also be heard in the new episode of the series, but at the same time we also learn that the Duffman has had his day.
In the story, Homer is chosen by the advertising icon to work for a shadowy company called Enthusiasm on Demand (read: EoD). The idea is to sell artificially created enthusiasm. A hearty satire on today’s consumer experiences that are pumped up with emotions.
No more Duffman because…
But Barry, Duffman’s real name, has now taken off his beer can belt, wears his shirt open and explains that the Duff Corporation no longer had any use for his character. The reason: Young people are no longer interested in advertising characters or TV spots (“Today’s children can’t even sing the advertising songs anymore”). Or do the makers of the series simply no longer want to promote unrestrained alcohol consumption?
At the end of “EoD”, Barry no longer has any desire for the new task – but also no desire to return to the Duffman costume. By the way, it is not the only “farewell” in the 37th season of “The Simpsons”. A few weeks ago, church organist Alice Glick had to pass away.
Why is “Homer and New York” one of the best “Simpsons” episodes?
The episode in which the Duffman appears for the first time has an excellent reputation among long-time viewers of the animated sitcom. It is considered one of the late highlights of the golden phase of The Simpsons and has an incredibly high density of gags. She makes Homer despair about the Big Apple for minutes because drinking buddy Barney has parked his car there in the middle of the Twin Towers.
The liberation is anything but smooth. While Lisa, Marge and Bart enjoy the city’s delights (including a great musical and the Emmy-winning number “You’re Checkin’ In”), Homer is thrown trash by Woody Allen and tries crab juice for the first time in his life. He wouldn’t have liked that!
Overall, the episode is a nice nod to the New York myth. Fox wanted to avoid further broadcasts after the events of September 11, 2001, but their cult factor prevented this.