In Case You Missed It: 'The Simpsons' Airs Controversial Opening Sequence! - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 10-11-2010, 01:57 PM

The Simpsons has always been subversive, but last night, the animated show took that to a new level by airing a dark, extended opening title sequence—created by UK graffiti artist Banksy—that depicted Asian workers laboring over Simpsons animation and merchandise. The effect was rather stark and piercing: The first few 35 seconds of the sequence feature the near-usual credits, except for a few “Banksy” tags on prominent Springfield buildings, before rather unexpectedly veering into a depressing tour of overseas sweatshop facilities, where legions of workers slave over Simpsons animation stills (see: photo here!), kill kittens to stuff Bart Simpson dolls, and even use a chained unicorn to punch out the center of Simpsons DVDs.

Apparently, the title sequence was a reaction to reports that the show outsources much of its animation to a company in South Korea. The BBC is reporting that the controversial credits caused delays behind the scenes because of disputes over broadcast standards and a threatened walk-out by the show’s animation department. The news organization even quoted Simpsons executive producer Al Jean as saying: “This is what you get when you outsource.”

http://popwatch.ew.com/

robyrob · 10-11-2010, 02:57 PM

Robyn and I got into a small argument when we watched the opening - she was rather upset by it, I think that they were trying to make a statement about something.

TV Knowledge Fan · 10-11-2010, 03:10 PM

...I'm really not surprised Al Jean would approve such a title sequence {he was a writer for the NATIONAL LAMPOON during the '70s and '80s}. Yes, it's true the series "outsources" most of its animation to a Korean production company [and if everyone were actually paying close attention to the closing credits, they'd have realized it long ago], and they've been doing it for years.

To me, the most controversial opening sequence would be if Bart [or Homer] aimed a machine gun at the "camera", and started blasting away at the unseen audience watching {immediately followed by a "disclaimer": "The remainder of this title sequence will not be shown, due to stringent broadcast standards. But why bother? You're probably dead by now, anyway"}.

sixfingers · 10-26-2010, 12:18 AM

I thought it was pretty cool!

I am a little mystified as to what the point was though.

10-11-2010, 01:57 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	In Case You Missed It: 'The Simpsons' Airs Controversial Opening Sequence! The Simpsons has always been subversive, but last night, the animated show took that to a new level by airing a dark, extended opening title sequence—created by UK graffiti artist Banksy—that depicted Asian workers laboring over Simpsons animation and merchandise. The effect was rather stark and piercing: The first few 35 seconds of the sequence feature the near-usual credits, except for a few “Banksy” tags on prominent Springfield buildings, before rather unexpectedly veering into a depressing tour of overseas sweatshop facilities, where legions of workers slave over Simpsons animation stills (see: photo here!), kill kittens to stuff Bart Simpson dolls, and even use a chained unicorn to punch out the center of Simpsons DVDs. Apparently, the title sequence was a reaction to reports that the show outsources much of its animation to a company in South Korea. The BBC is reporting that the controversial credits caused delays behind the scenes because of disputes over broadcast standards and a threatened walk-out by the show’s animation department. The news organization even quoted Simpsons executive producer Al Jean as saying: “This is what you get when you outsource.” http://popwatch.ew.com/ Attached Images
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10-11-2010, 02:57 PM	#2
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,225	Robyn and I got into a small argument when we watched the opening - she was rather upset by it, I think that they were trying to make a statement about something.
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10-11-2010, 03:10 PM	#3
TV Knowledge Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 29, 2006 Location: Long Branch, N.J. Posts: 2,577	After 20+ years of being on the air... ...I'm really not surprised Al Jean would approve such a title sequence {he was a writer for the NATIONAL LAMPOON during the '70s and '80s}. Yes, it's true the series "outsources" most of its animation to a Korean production company [and if everyone were actually paying close attention to the closing credits, they'd have realized it long ago], and they've been doing it for years. To me, the most controversial opening sequence would be if Bart [or Homer] aimed a machine gun at the "camera", and started blasting away at the unseen audience watching {immediately followed by a "disclaimer": "The remainder of this title sequence will not be shown, due to stringent broadcast standards. But why bother? You're probably dead by now, anyway"}.

10-26-2010, 12:18 AM	#4
sixfingers John Alan Elson Senior Member Join Date: Feb 22, 2008 Location: Sacramento Posts: 1,491	I thought it was pretty cool! I am a little mystified as to what the point was though.