LogFAQs > #906678292

Snake posted...

Ironically, I was the same. I just saw Principal and the Pauper as another episode and didn't give it another thought as they concluded it with the joke, "let's never mention this again"
and so was surprised to find out years later just how much it was despised.

I guess for them it boils down to, changing the narrative of a major character. I had the same reaction, too. There's some episodes I actually really don't like from the good era of Simpsons, but that was never one of them.

Snake posted...

Maybe it's an age thing? I was 11 when that first aired so didn't really give it much thought whereas I saw the Fat Tony episode a few years back and the character switch just really irked me which may have to do with my more analytical approach to watching tv and film as an adult.

I think that might be part of it, older people tend to complain more, but I thought it was a good episode because it sheds light on the relationship between Skinner and his mother, and explains why it's such a strong bond through its device of breaking the narrative. When before that episode, there really wasn't much explained about their relationship other than a bunch of throwaway Psycho type gags. I'm pretty far away from the consensus on it actually, it's one of my favorite episodes about Skinner.

Snake posted...

Also the different eras are a factor. Principal and the Pauper came during its peak success before its gradual decline so it makes sense that it got so much attention. Whereas Fat Tony's death episode came in the 22nd season well into its "past it's expiry date" reputation.

Yeah that's probably it too. Whenever I hear people outraged about The Simpsons doing something now, I'm more outraged to hear that the show is still on the air in general lol.