I was born in 1980, I enjoyed geeky pastimes growing up, and when it comes to humor, the more esoteric, the better. I mention this to establish that I was once a fanatic for The Simpsons. In high school I knew when syndicated episodes were broadcast on three different channels, and there was a period, extending probably to 2000, where I’d seen every show ever made.
The Simpsons and I have long since parted ways. My TV watching has effectively dropped to zero, with the exception of a few Cubs games, and new writers, one-note characterization and non sequitur storytelling rendered the show I loved nearly unrecognizable. It’s been years since I’ve watched a new episode, and while I’ll probably see The Simpsons Movie when it’s released this Friday, I’m more nervous than excited at the prospect.