This episode is underrated Smithers new love interest is likeable and it's nice to see Smithers be happy and it has some really good jokes like spinners and teenagers planes with laser pointers and Lenny asking if his outfit is nice.the Chernobyl fashion scenes are great aswell.
9 Reviews
Portrait of a Lackey on Fire
studioAT25 September 2023
I don't know what people really want or expect from a show in its 33rd series. You name me a show that didn't decline as it went on. Friends did, Frasier did, and they're the gold standard of comedy.
I thought this was a good episode, with some nice lines along the way. I liked the fact that it had a nice sense of heart at its centre, and that they didn't just go for low hanging fruit jokes by making Homer an absolute bore or worse, an idiot.
I personally think the 33rd series has started strongly, and I'm glad that Disney+ allows us folks here in the UK to see the episodes.
People on this site just seem to want to moan that more recent episodes can't stack up to their memories of ones from the first decade.
I thought this was a good episode, with some nice lines along the way. I liked the fact that it had a nice sense of heart at its centre, and that they didn't just go for low hanging fruit jokes by making Homer an absolute bore or worse, an idiot.
I personally think the 33rd series has started strongly, and I'm glad that Disney+ allows us folks here in the UK to see the episodes.
People on this site just seem to want to moan that more recent episodes can't stack up to their memories of ones from the first decade.
A dull episode
santifersan10 March 2023
In "Portrait of a Lackey on Fire," the episode revolves around Smithers trying to impress a wealthy businessman to become his boyfriend, but it fails to captivate the audience. While the premise had the potential for interesting character development and a deeper exploration of Smithers' sexuality, it instead falls flat with a superficial and unengaging plot. The humor fails, and the pacing is slow, making it a struggle to sit through the entire episode. This new character is not given much to do and lacks any real impact on the story. Overall, "Portrait of a Lackey on Fire" is a forgettable episode that fails to entertain, and is unlikely to be remembered as a standout in the long history of The Simpsons.
Nice! :)
plutox-music22 November 2021
"Spiiinnnneeers!?" - The episode is kinda in your face, but it works, imho. I like how the focus is more on the characters this season..
Smithers and Flanders were a running gag for so long.. - i like how they're better and more explored in a zeitgeisty-current way :)
Smithers and Flanders were a running gag for so long.. - i like how they're better and more explored in a zeitgeisty-current way :)
This was just dull after 2 minutes
traceytak6 March 2022
This has got to be the worst episode of The simpsons ever. I wish it would stop trying to be so pc. Marge sounds terrible. It just became usual cliches and an episode trying to appease anyone who wants to hear an See a drama not a comedy. I can remember when the simpsons was funny. Bring back the jokes that shock please, not what you expect people to say in everyday conversation. Very dull.
Very sweet episode! I also appreciate a huge global issue that no one really knows about being exposed on such a big platform like this, and with humour to-boot!
redemptions_love12 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I don't care what anyone thinks, I think it's so wonderful and beautiful that another one of Springfield's most loved characters has found some measure of happiness.
I loved the beginning of the episode for the change in history- finally Smithers meets someone that seems like a great human, who really loves and cares for him!
But then I grew concerned as the viewer, because in the second chapter it turns out this new lover is not the moral billionaire that Smither's thought he was. Rather an immoral person to other people, animals, and the planet. However, despite feeling disappointed for Smithers not experiencing the satisfaction he deserves in a romantic partner, there was still great plot development in my opinion. This is because no one really talks about the immense toxicity and reality of fast fashion industries, especially on such a huge platform like this. I'm actually surprised and very impressed that The Simpson's addressed this global issue. I also thought the writers did a really great job of adding dark humour when portraying how terrible these industries are, such as the scene with helicopter crashing 😆😆😆
Then we end with the final chapter of this episode, where Smither's makes the very difficult decision to end his first and most promising romantic relationship he's ever had, however - there's a silver lining. That beautiful, sweet puppy from the beginning becomes his faithful pet and companion. In uncertain times, they have found each other. I really do agree with the age old saying that 'dog is man's best friend.' All in all I loved this episode.
Also, a shout out to the iltalian chef and his mother! The scenes of them communicating about LGBTIQA+ relationships was great. I'd like more meaningful discussions like this in media and entertainment. What's great about these types of discussions being portrayed in series like The Simpson's, and other animations like American Dad, is they add humour and lightness to it. It's very refreshing.
I loved the beginning of the episode for the change in history- finally Smithers meets someone that seems like a great human, who really loves and cares for him!
But then I grew concerned as the viewer, because in the second chapter it turns out this new lover is not the moral billionaire that Smither's thought he was. Rather an immoral person to other people, animals, and the planet. However, despite feeling disappointed for Smithers not experiencing the satisfaction he deserves in a romantic partner, there was still great plot development in my opinion. This is because no one really talks about the immense toxicity and reality of fast fashion industries, especially on such a huge platform like this. I'm actually surprised and very impressed that The Simpson's addressed this global issue. I also thought the writers did a really great job of adding dark humour when portraying how terrible these industries are, such as the scene with helicopter crashing 😆😆😆
Then we end with the final chapter of this episode, where Smither's makes the very difficult decision to end his first and most promising romantic relationship he's ever had, however - there's a silver lining. That beautiful, sweet puppy from the beginning becomes his faithful pet and companion. In uncertain times, they have found each other. I really do agree with the age old saying that 'dog is man's best friend.' All in all I loved this episode.
Also, a shout out to the iltalian chef and his mother! The scenes of them communicating about LGBTIQA+ relationships was great. I'd like more meaningful discussions like this in media and entertainment. What's great about these types of discussions being portrayed in series like The Simpson's, and other animations like American Dad, is they add humour and lightness to it. It's very refreshing.
Barely watchable
williamkelly-1281026 November 2021
God this show has fallen, Doubt thou the stars are fire;
Doubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt I love.
Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love.
Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love.
did the simpsons hit the bottom of morality?
algrtmgmal15 September 2022
In general, an ordinary series, if not for one BUT. The creators of this cartoon series desecrated the immortal feat of the liquidators of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant with their caricature. People selflessly gave their lives, for what? You hit rock bottom, congratulations. A shame!
In general, an ordinary series, if not for one BUT. The creators of this cartoon series desecrated the immortal feat of the liquidators of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant with their caricature. People selflessly gave their lives, for what? You hit rock bottom, congratulations. A shame!
In general, an ordinary series, if not for one BUT. The creators of this cartoon series desecrated the immortal feat of the liquidators of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant with their caricature. People selflessly gave their lives, for what? You hit rock bottom, congratulations. A shame!
Marge Imposter?
lunarrainbowpro23 November 2021
It sounds as if there was someone else other than Julie Kavner. I believe it was an impersonation by Melissa Villasenor. Even though the credits do not appear to indicate this, it is in my professional opinion that this must be the case.
Banana, Oranges, Apples, and Mangos.
Banana, Oranges, Apples, and Mangos.
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