The Simpsons has had hundreds of subplots over its 35-year run so far, however Nobody can beat the B-plot from the episode “Lisa’s Rival”. This subplot, despite its unserious nature, is a television masterpiece. From the comedic timing and lines delivered, to the use of side characters, the animation style and Homer’s iconic monologue at the end of the episode, all work together to create the best TV subplot in The SimpsonsHistory.
The episode is mainly focused around Lisa when she meets a new girl at her school, Allison. The new girl has all the same interests as Lisa, but she’s better at each of them. The episode takes a slightly dark turn when Lisa begins to hate Allison and deliberately sabotages one of her school projects due to the jealousy Lisa feels for Allison. So, Homer’s simple, but effective subplot around the sugar he found on the side of the road, is a Welcome change of pace to the episodeCreating a more comedic and lighthearted feel.
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Why I think Homer’s Sugar from “Lisa’s Rival” is a perfect The Simpsons b-plot
The subplot offers a comedic break from the more serious nature of the episode
This subplot is a great, fun, hilarious story that leads to some brilliant moments throughout the episode. An example of this is the dinner scene, where Homer makes dinner for his family using his sugar, but it is full of random debris such as broken glass. This allows his family to see how ridiculous the business scheme is, but Homer remains adamant that it will be a success, making a joke of Homer’s lack of knowledge in the business world. It is the kind of plot where you have Great writing, animation and then great delivery, which makes it all come together brilliantly.
[Homer’s] Monologue at the end of the episode presents him as more human and open, allowing the audience to feel for him as a character.
Perfect storytelling and character work play a vital role in making this the best subplot in the series. Despite his lack of screen time in this episode, The B-plot tells the audience more about Homer than some of the other episodes where Homer plays a leading role. For example, the episode portrays him as an opportunist who is willing to take risks to earn money for his family, but his reasons for keeping the sugar in his monologue towards the end of the episode present him as more humane and open, which allows The audience to feel for him as a character.
Homer’s Sugar has some of his biggest ever quotes
Homer’s monologue is one of his most iconic quotes from the entire show
Homer’s monologue, while supposed to be funny and used for comedic effect, really sums up Homer as a character. The words “I want it all” are impressive as they resonate with the concept of the ‘American Dream’, as Homer cannot just sit back and live his life away. He needs to be in the world to do anything successful, and Homer remains that way throughout the series. Don’t get me wrong, he is one of the laziest and weirdest characters on network television, but he has the drive to do better than his father before him, and he is constantly coming up with some kind of “get rich quick” scheme.
“Never, Marge. Never. I can’t live the button-down life like you. I want it all: the terrifying lows, the dizzying highs, the creamy middle. Sure, I can offend a few of the bluenoses with my kaki. Streams and musky smells – oh, I’ll never be the darling of the so-called “city fathers”, who cluck their tongues, stroke their beards, and talk about “what to do with this homer Simpson?”
This monologue makes Homer stand out from any other TV character, in The Simpsons Or any other show. The fact that he doesn’t care what others think of him and that he knows exactly what he wants from life really speaks to the audience, allowing them to see and understand that Homer fully accepts himself and his life, and this is a very powerful, emotional statement Made through the use of comedic language.
What are some of the other great Simpsons subplots?
After 35 years on the air, The Simpsons has some amazing subplots that are often overlooked
One of the best subplots of The Simpsons is from the episode “In Marge We Trust”. This sub-plan involves Homer found an old Japanese laundry detergent with his face on it In the garbage dump. He spends the entire episode contacting the company that produced the product to find out why his face is used on the packaging. It is revealed at the end of the episode that it was just an accident, as the company tried to merge a fish and a light bulb together, with the result as Homer. The episode ends with Bart comically calling Homer a “fish bulb.”
Another iconic subplot of The Simpsons is when Homer took an all-you-can-eat seafood restaurant to space for him to leave before he ate ‘all he could eat’. This subplot is from the episode “New Kid On The Block” and just works really well by showing Homer’s unbothered nature and his lack of embarrassment, while also showing Marge’s opposite reaction of being embarrassed by her husband. There are so many subplots in episodes of The Simpsons Which are just utter genius and a masterpiece to watch.