The Simpsons Learn Jazz Never Solves Anything – Den of Geek

The concept of a deaf child born to a gifted musician is morosely sad in its tragic irony. This itself is sublimely parodied by having Bleeding Gums discover the malady because of a clumsy drunk drummer. The episode features the series first-ever use of ASL, and deaf voice actors.

Monk teaches at The Skys the Limit, but his adept ability to read lips would be a tad clichd if it wasnt quicker than having Lisa learn sign language. The animators draw the characters with four fingers to save production costs but accurately render signs with a missing digit, and artfully foreshadow the auditory challenge with subtle clues, like hooking a doorbell to a light. Also, for unexpected comic subversion. Monk hits enough numbers in the lottery to make a lot of people happy, and Bart comes away with a win.

The central commentary on the exploitation of African American music is done with deft broad strokes. Music companies are parodied with names like Check is in the Mail Publishing. The Simpsons note their long-standing commitment to the cause by flashing back to Bleeding Gums first appearance, with Kevin Michael Richardson dubbing over Ron Taylors original lines enthusing over how well Lisa plays for someone with no real problems.

The episode is filled with clever musical moments. Lyrics catch the old Simpsons musical comedy magic but, because its a jazz episode, occasionally go on too long. Scatting is funny, for a while, but tuneful punchlines land with more immediacy. Most of the humor in the episode comes at the expense of jazz, much of it redundant. Keep money out of jazz started when the first blue note slipped into an improvisation. It predates riffing on My Favorite Things. Its about time Lisa learns jazz doesnt help anybody.

The installment is loaded with quick visual jokes thrown into the backgrounds. This might be the end of another beloved minor character. There is a sign at the hospital admissions promising We finally fired Dr. Nick. We also hear a reference to Will Smiths Bagger Vance. What are the odds?

Lottery fever is well captured, especially when Reverend Lovejoy gives in to temptation. He hawks The Bible as the original book of numbers. He also gets the best line, about Jesus saying a lot of weird stuff after turning water into wine. He may as well be talking about continuity. Kent Brockman already won the lottery in the episode Dog of Death, from 1992. Bleeding Gums told Lisa he doesnt really have a family in earlier seasons.

Go here to see the original:
The Simpsons Learn Jazz Never Solves Anything - Den of Geek