I do believe we need to have a deeper discussion of labour practices. Wondering why the Simpsons would broadcast such a scathing self-critique is not it.

However, personally, I am specifically interested in how the paratext situates itself in the overall aesthetic canon of the show’s opening sequences. As Prof. Gray has astutely observed, the iconic SIMPSONS prologue derives panache from obvious alterations. Here, the conventional narrative is complemented via the inclusion of ‘Banksy’ graffitis. This (undoubtedly debatable) authorial intrusion alters viewers’ perception of the sequence. In other words, it allows for a more perceptive reception of the all-to-familiar material. It generates a new interest in the standardized prelude of the show(I doubt, though, that the ‘Banksy’ label was exclusively utilized to attract more viewers).

As opposed to the conventionalized opening, the ‘Banksy’ rendition is composed of two narrative strands. The common family-centric segment is complemented by an additional vignette, steeped in self-referentiality, pastiche and socio-critical commentary, themes that typify and define the show. The explicit content aside, the aesthetic approach of the ‘Banksy’ interlude conveys the essential characteristics of THE SIMPSONS (though they are, admittedly, less pronounced now than in the golden age).

The ‘Banksy’ opening undoubtedly overshadows the content of the actual episode. In this sense, its prominent status links it to the ‘Evolution of Homer’ sequence. In spite of clear thematic and aesthetic differences, both opening sequences represent enriching contributions to the internet discourse on the show as well as the show’s artistic canon.

I am poised to see how the showrunners comment on the hype the sequence generated. Apparently, Al Jean (if I remember correctly) issued an official statement (unfortunately, I cannot view HULU in Germany).

@Myles
Even though I can relate to your disinterest in the show I cannot desist watching it. I have been watching it since I was 10. And this sequence put a smile on my face, despite its somewhat troublesome essence.

As for my own thoughts on the video, I’m with Jonathan’s excellent piece in that it seems problematic: knowing that this was merely Bansky’s concept, and that it was animated and directed by the Simpsons staff themselves, creates some serious concerns about authorship which complicated its impact from the moment I saw it.

I also think we can’t discount how our general opinion of the Simpsons affects our reading of the clip; as someone with absolutely no interest in the series’ current episodes, there are two ways this could have gone: either I was going to be shocked that the Simpsons would make such a sudden grasp at relevance, or I would be so disillusioned with the show that this would seem desperate. While I appreciate it aesthetically, I think my response was more in line with the latter option, and that meant that I was more intrigued than excited about its potential.

I’m glad it is starting this conversation, and I think it was a worthwhile endeavor which created some really interesting dialogue – however, at the end of the day, I’m not particularly interested in the text itself beyond the paratextual response it elicited.

I didn’t think of Banksy in the term of his film, because I honestly don’t believe he’ll tread into the realm of the popular arts again. If he should however, you’re right, the publicity was probably extremely helpful, since being the most famous, A-list graffiti artist is apparently worth…well, about $4 M worldwide.

That said, one of the reasons that bumps don’t tend to happen is because their ratings are still really solid. Last week, for instance, they pulled a 4.1 in the 18-49 demo, with an 11 share (last night’s ep dropped, but it was up against MLB and football, so everything dropped), better than Family Guy and only bested by football and Desperate Housewives in the evening. To put this in context, if it was a new show this, its 22nd season, it would be considered the obvious hit, since that’s a better demo rating than either Hawaii 5-0 or Mike and Molly. My own guess is that there are, at this point, so many people who have liked the show at one time or another, that only a small portion of them need to check in on it every once in a while to guarantee a strong rating.

However, now that I think about it, there was the “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bangalore” that portrayed most SNPP being outsourced to India and the Indian exploiting western misconceptions about their lack of intelligence in order to improve their working lives.

I also suspect that this has raised Banksy’s profile. What’s his movie grossed? $3 million. The Simpsons is watched live by over twice that many people. And I don’t see how Banksy would not benefit from a higher profile.