I prefer the old title sequence too but it seems to me that it represents the increasing turmoil & uncertain territory the family is finds themselves in (whereas before they were so sure and secure - hence the more cutesy "milk & cookies" title sequence then). Now they are spinning out of control; with Barb excommunicated, Bill starting his own church (which has been neglected as a sub-plot) and running for political office AND running a casino (putting his lifestyle on the line), sexual tension between Marge & Ben putting real tension on Ben & Bill, etc., and the new title sequence does convey that.

Having said that, this season the writing seems different, more simplistic and amateuristic. I don't know if they have new writers or producers or whatever, but the characters seem out of character and the writing seems like something a teenager rushed to finish the night before.

Bill's sudden run for office, and especially his decision to ask Don to fall on his sword, the sudden and wild overreactions (especially by Joey) to Bill kicking Ben out, Lois' sudden protectiveness of Frank (when Bill ejects him from the casino), Barb's sudden decision to take a steam bath with Tommy, these are all examples of completely out-of-character behaviour. The show seems to be favouring intricate soap operaesque sub-plots at the expense of maintaining the characters. The characters are becoming caricatures and the quirky show is becoming a tedious soap opera.

I love this show, but something odd is going on at HBO. I hope they get back on track.

sorry about the typos

The new credits DO WORK as they are representative of the new direction. The old ones were a symbol of ideas of Mormon heaven when the family was a tight-knit group but now they're all falling apart, and the new credits are symbolic of ideas of Mormon hell.

Have to disagree on 2 parts:

1) the show is definitely not at its peak plot-wise, this political arc is tiresome already.

2) while I enjoyed the original credits, these new ones are far more representative to what the family has become over the years, everyone grasping at each other...at anything, to hold on to.

Just caught up last night. As exciting as ever!! I am amazed at the intertwining of stories and HIGHLY agree... the only thing I want to see change is going back to the old opening. This new one is almost a bit scary to watch and I think that new viewers might actually be scared off by it... not knowing that there's really a fantastic show to follow.

OMG! I totally agree with you on the credits. The new one doesn't even make sense to me (maybe I am slow or something). If they don't want to go back to the old opening credits find something else. The new one is just bad.