"Behind the Laughter" is everything the Simpsons shouldn't be, a 1/2 hour broad format parody of a flash-in-the-pan TV series with our characters plugged in. It's a dumb and easy conceit that belongs on SNL or Mad TV, not here. I know there's some precedent with the Spinoff Showcase and Halloween specials, but even…

Yes, and the same can be said about period dramas with impeccable attention to detail. British stuff and period pieces tend to offer smart but kind of alienated Americans a window to an alternate universe where they think they'll somehow fit in.

Yes, and the same can be said about period dramas with impeccable attention to detail. British stuff and period pieces tend to offer smart but kind of alienated Americans a window to an alternate universe where they think they'll somehow fit in.

FLAGGED for not acknowledging King Crimson's "Lizard."

FLAGGED for not acknowledging King Crimson's "Lizard."

In TV or movieland, setting up a time to meet for a safe getaway and new life is not unlike buying a boat for your retirement. Clay is dead.

In TV or movieland, setting up a time to meet for a safe getaway and new life is not unlike buying a boat for your retirement. Clay is dead.