micdevlin

As with modern simpsons episodes "the writing just isn't in it". The once sharp and witty dialogue has been replaced with lazy parody of other shows and meandering stories which don't seem to have any kind of structure. This episode jumps between two particularly unfunny "capers" which don't really leave any lasting impression.

It's fairly tired and predictable from one end to another. In addition, It's even harder for me to give this episode a fair review, as an Irish person I am particularly annoyed from the offset by the downright insulting depiction of my nationality, I expect this kind of low- brow stereotype driven crap from the likes of Family Guy and American Dad (going for the cheap laugh). I don't know how/why it's acceptable to be so derogatory towards the Irish vs any other nationality.

The opening sequence in this episode plays on racist stereotypes which wouldn't look out of place in the 1800s. There would be mass hysteria and complaints if such a negative stereotype laden stab was taken at black people or Asians. I imagine because Irish people are predominantly white they are seen as fair game ; Potatoes, leprechauns, ginger hair, big families and even a mockery of a really unpleasant (and not entirely resolved) conflict in the north are not good comedy fodder when presented without in such a straight (and humour free way) - Irish people can be particularly tolerant of people having a gag at their expense, it's part of why we are renowned for being so friendly/hospitable - but when it's done in such a lazy fashion it really shows how the writing standards of the Simpsons has gone down the drain - It's like they browse 9gag for their "gags".