Behind the Laughter

The last episode of season eleven, Behind the Laughter is done in a unique style: VH1 Behind the Music. The episode goes into the Simpsons family history and how they got into the business of show business. Joking called a ‘mockumentary,’ it shows the problems that come with their fame. Referencing Bart’s accident from Bart the Daredevil and various injuries from Homer’s past, Homer becomes addicted to prescribed painkillers. Not only is he having problems, but Bart goes into rehab and Marge makes a bad financial decision. The IRS comes in and takes away the house, which was nicknamed “Homertime” after MC Hammer. After getting to the Iowa State Fair the Simpsons family gets into an argument and splits up, forcing Fox to put the show on break. The family goes off in different directions: Homer to theater, Bart to Renegade, Marge to a nightclub, Lisa to writing. Of course who other than Willie Nelson reconciles the family who puts everything behind them at the reunion. The ending of the episode leaves a bit of a cliffhanger. It hints toward the show having many more seasons, but leaves off with an argument. Obviously the show continued, though, to become one of the longest running primetimes shows ever.