29x19 Left Behind

[5.7/10 on a post-classic Simpsons scale]. As I said for the last write-up, I can’t fault The Simpsons for taking its characters seriously. Exploring the idea of Ned feeling lost and listless after losing two wives and finally his business is, maybe heavier than the show normally gets, but a creditable tack to take. And tying it into Homer and Bart both undercutting Flanders because it serves their interests, only to be driven to support him because of their guilt is some solid emotional writing.

But this episode just feels off. Maybe it’s the fact that this episode feels like an updated version of “When Flanders Failed” which was more effective, not to mention funnier, at Homer feeling initially elated but then unexpectedly guilty over the misery of his would-be rival. Maybe it’s the fact that very few of the jokes land. Maybe it’s that the pacing and structure are a bit wonky, as Flanders lurches from working at the plant, to doing odd jobs, to being a substitute teacher with little sense of build or progression.

The soul is just gone from this one. Mining Edna Krabappel’s (and by extension, Marcia Wallace’s) death for added emotional resonance comes off well-intentioned but cheap. And the cutaway gags, cartoony humor, and list jokes just make the episode seem limp and weak in the comedy department. I admire the show for trying to craft an emotionally potent story with the relationship between Ned and his neighbors at the center, but the show doesn't get much beyond that noble intention right.

There’s a bit of an abortive B-story with Todd hanging around/annoying Lisa, only for Lisa to discover that he’s actually a sweet (if kinda weird) kid. It’s good for a couple of laughs (including Milhouse raving about changing to dark socks and Todd not being able to remember whether or not he’s Rod), but it ends in a rushed manner and a cynical note for Lisa that feels out of character.

Overall, this is another less-than-stellar outing that has the right idea for how to approach the character, but isn’t able to translate that into a compelling story or a source of good gags.