This is actually a controversial episode; series creator Matt Groening took his name off the credits and complained about it. The concern was that A Star is Burns is an advertisement, since a key character is the star of another cartoon- Jay Sherman from the unsuccessful 1990s series The Critic. Sherman's appearance on the show introduced Simpsons fans to the character. But the character's appearance was straightforward- you didn't need to be familiar with The Critic to appreciate it (I don't remember much of the show). With basic ideas like making movies and Homer feeling jealousy regarding Jay, I think I'd even go so far as to say that this episode is timeless, at least more so than other cultural references on The Simpsons.
I loved this episode as a kid. When I got season 6 on DVD, I rewatched it and hardly laughed. I thought I might have outgrown it- this is an episode that utilizes jokes like Hans Moleman being hit in the groin by a football. But on rewatching it again, I enjoyed it. The basic storyline of this episode is an excellent concept- movies have been a big part of Western life and to see the characters of Springfield making movies is fun. A key part is played by Mr. Burns, always an excellent character, here being compared to an ogre and making a propaganda film. Also funny and slightly sensitive was Barney's award-winning movie. Who ever said advertisements can't be art?
I loved this episode as a kid. When I got season 6 on DVD, I rewatched it and hardly laughed. I thought I might have outgrown it- this is an episode that utilizes jokes like Hans Moleman being hit in the groin by a football. But on rewatching it again, I enjoyed it. The basic storyline of this episode is an excellent concept- movies have been a big part of Western life and to see the characters of Springfield making movies is fun. A key part is played by Mr. Burns, always an excellent character, here being compared to an ogre and making a propaganda film. Also funny and slightly sensitive was Barney's award-winning movie. Who ever said advertisements can't be art?