Matt Groening’s favourite character in ‘The Simpsons’
Over the course of his career, Matt Groening has found success with a handful of projects like Futurama that have solidified his status as one of the all-time greats in the world of animation. However, none of his works have surpassed the unimaginable cultural impact and global popularity that The Simpsons experienced at its very peak.
Although it is often seen as an unnecessarily bloated show with many weak seasons, nobody can deny the incisive satire it wielded during those early seasons when it didn’t just attack Western culture’s biggest hypocrisies but also predicted them. the influence of The Simpsons’ finest material can still be seen in the American animated shows that are being released today.
Following the trials and tribulations of the titular Simpsons family, it centres on the misadventures of the stereotypically moronic American Homer Simpson as he navigates unorthodox challenges presented by his deceptively complicated life. Conducting a hilarious but real dissection of the dysfunctional American family unit as well as the unique topography of small-town America, it garnered a massive global following who treated the show as a window into the country’s culture.
Ranging from King of the Hill to Family Guy, many of its successors continue to live under the monumental shadow of The Simpsons. Its vast legacy can never be tarnished by anything other than itself, as its current insistence to hold onto the record of the “longest-running American sitcom” has resulted in new instalments that could not hold a candle to the glory of its former achievements and comedic triumphs.
While the entirety of Springfield is a collection of uniquely memorable characters who form important parts of a rich and vibrant tapestry, Groening has certain favourites when it comes to his own creations. During an exclusive interview with USA Today, the acclaimed artist was asked who he would choose as his favourite resident of Springfield.
Groening responded: “I love Lisa Simpson the most because she seems like the one character that’s going to evolve and eventually escape Springfield. The rest seem pretty oblivious and like they’re stuck there.” He also singled out the side characters he likes: “Ralph Wiggum, Milhouse van Houten, Principal Skinner and Apu… I forgot Principal Skinner’s mother, Agnes. Tress MacNeille does the voice, and every time she speaks, I laugh.”
It’s not hard to see why Groening likes Lisa the most since she’s one of the only characters who truly feels out of place within the craziness of Springfield. Talented and intelligent beyond her years, she is constantly forced to deal with the stupidity of her family, which lands her in trouble as well.
Groening also agrees that the early seasons demonstrated the best of The Simpsons, citing the second season’s ‘Bart the Daredevil’ as a highlight: “Homer goes over the cliff. He doesn’t make it. He hits the wall all the way down. The skateboard lands on his head. He gets raised up on a gurney and bangs his head all the way up. He gets put in an ambulance that hits a tree. The gurney rolls out, and he goes over the cliff again. It’s that extra plummet. That’s The Simpsons at its best.”
No matter how long The Simpsons continues its run, the fans will always have the magic of the early material that didn’t just define the show but also American comedy in general.
