I love the Simpsons, but this episode was pure drivel. We get it, you think anyone who joins the Army is complete idiot. Fuck you...

By the way, I thought the Family Guy episode about recruiting was absolutely hilarious

I hated the drawn out laughs that don't work at all, for example, Moe's shifty eye monologue that went on forever. The Looney Tunes bit was love it or hate it. But the one thing I thought was REALLY wierd was that even though Kiefer Sutherland apparently voiced that Colonel, it didn't sound any different to something Hank Azaria might come up with in a minute or two. It didn't sound much like Kiefer's signature tone either.

Re: the "offensive" Army references -- well, I am as opposed to our current administration and the war as anyone, but I am loath to blame it on our military. I'm not against good satire and the Simpsons qualifies, at least with this episode... but perhaps it was poor timing to show this episode on Veteran's day?
Re: the movie trailer -- was anyone else a little chagrined that the trailer lambasted "3D computer animation", then claimed that the Simpsons was good, old fashioned 2D... only to be followed by footage of Homer in a wrecking crane that was clearly 3D, computer animation?

I've not watched the show for about a year, but I had it on last night (to view the trailer) and really thought it was great. The chase scene was very good, and was a great homage to Looney Tunes.

To those offended by the Army references, to me, it did not seem to be over the top, and maybe you should probe your own reaction. Why do people get so offended when they see a cartoon written by someone with a different opinion then their own? They are not saying "Hey, have this opinion" - they are saying "Well, here's what we think is funny, and we hope you laugh" because that's their job. I'm sure these writers know exactly what their real power is (negligible) and they're not out to change minds. If you don't think it's funny, that's one thing.

I'm not trolling and am interested in a serious dialogue on this one.

The episode should have been titled:

"Fuck the US Army - Happy Veterans Days from the Simpsons!"

It was disgraceful.

Last night's episode seemed to draw on least at five earlier episodes: "Bart the General" (Springfield becomes a war zone); "The Secret War of Lisa Simpson" (also had a stereotypical "drill sergeant" type character); "Simpson Tide" (Homer joins the Navy Reserve); "New Kids on the Blecch" (mocked military recruiters); and, good grief, "Treehouse of Horror XVII" from the previous week (attacked Iraq war). They are running out of ideas.

I thought this episode was a lot of fun, and the best of the season so far. Of course, it was still flawed and miles away from the classic years of the show, but I laughed enough. The Loony Tunes bit was great. Anyone complaining it was too cartoony for this show should take a look at the trampoline bit in season 5, which was another great Loony Tunes homage.

Political stances aside, I was actually pissed off at last nights episode. I'm so tired of people going at each other constantly over the war in Iraq. 99% of the television I watch is informational. I want the remaining 1% to be free from all the BS.

I've been consistantly repulsed by American Dad ever since it first came on the air. It's rare that I'll watch the animation block, waiting to catch Family Guy and The Simpsons on reruns, and American Dad is always a reminder why.

Us "liberals" are not bashing the troops. We love the troops. We are bashing Bush, the government, and conservatives who blindly support this war without ever questioning it's validity. Believe it or not, you can be against the war, and support the troops at the same time. I think the troops (every one of them) are heroes, I just don't want them dying for nothing.

The last couple episodes of the Simpsons seem more like "Simpsons does Family Guy" what with the obscure references, the jokes that are prolonged for agonizing effect, and the in your face commentary.

Copying is the sincerest form of flattery and all that...