The basic plot of this episode of The Simpsons, entitled “Marge Gets A Job”, is about Marge getting a job. If you had not figured that out, perhaps basic literacy is beyond you, and if so, I am not sure how you are reading these very words.
All things being equal, this may be the most disquieting episode of the series yet.
Oh yes, gentle reader, I know what you are thinking. That bit about the episode being disquieting, which is a more polite way of saying “disturbing,” cannot possibly be true. There are the various Halloween episodes, after all.
But no! This episode is creepier. Halloween episodes are imaginary one-offs. Well, this is a cartoon series, so all of them are imaginary, but you know what I mean.
Let us consider the following:
- This episode features a retirement party where the retiree is ignored and then tossed out of the train wreck themed restaurant to a life of loneliness.
- This episode shows Marge voted for Jimmy Carter, history’s greatest monster. Twice.
- This episode shows Homer threaten with a gun a foundation man for offering him a free fifty cent washer that could prevent the need for more foundation repair.
- This episode shows Marge start a fire the first five seconds on the job once she is hired at the Nuclear Plant.
- This episode has Mr. Burns growl seductively.
- This episode has guest star Tom Jones kidnapped and abused by Smithers, and Marge is oblivious to her favorite singer’s cry for help.
- This episode has Bart mangled by a wolf while school officials ignore his obvious distress.
- This episode shows Grandpa administering home remedies.
- This episode shows the violence of a chain-welding doughnut man.
- This episode features the return of Shirtless Groundskeeper Willy
- “I have become the angel of death!”
Add all those together, and you get a disquieting episode. Even Lionel Hutz’s briefcase full of shredded newspaper can’t help.
