Cartoon Reviews

By Rev. Eric Andrae

“The Simpsons” Sundays, 8:00 p.m., FOX Generally acknowledged as the best satire on TV, with fresh writing still providing line after quotable line. Note that I said “satire.” If this is not kept in mind, the antics are sure to offend not only your mom and dad, but even you. As it is, anything is fair game—which is both a strength and a weakness. For example, religion is often a key component: the Simpson family assumes God’s existence, prays to him, and worships him every Sunday. However, the Church, Christians, and the ministry all receive their share of stinging critique. That said, this show is not for kids, and maybe not for teens either. After all, we should indeed test all things (1 Thess. 5:21), but we should not test our faith and its Giver, lest we fall (and others because of us). Marital fidelity. Unconditional love. Nothing is sacred. Rebelliousness. Humor in the absurdity of everyday life. In other words, it’s a mixed bag. Some profanities. Disrespect of authority figures (parents, police, teachers): see fourth commandment. A fairly recent episode,“Queer Eye for the Yellow Guy,” finds Homer and Marge separated. Though they eventually reconcile (as they always wonderfully do), in the meantime Homer shares an apartment with two sodomites/homosexuals. It is disturbing to see “The Simpsons” buy into the homosexual agenda in its attempts to normalize this sinful perversion. If this is a preview of things to come, I’ll stop watching this otherwise intelligent show, and I would hope you’d join me. Pending (see previous paragraph).

“King of the Hill” Sundays, 7:30 p.m., FOX The all-American Hills live in Arlen, Texas: Dad Hank Hill, Mom Peggy, Son Bobby. I haven’t watched it as much as “The Simpsons,” but one episode I caught was a pleasant surprise (“Reborn to be Wild”)! Hank forces Bobby to attend a Methodist youth group. Bobby protests that it’s going to be uncool. Hank responds: “You know what’s not cool. Hell is not cool.” But the members of this youth group exceed Bobby’s standards of cool: they skateboard, they have tattoos, piercings, long hair, and the coolest youth pastor yet (Pastor K). They play rock, all while shouting,“Praise Him,” and praying to God as if he were just one of the homies. Bobby loves and imitates all of this: he reads his “Extreme Teen Bible” and sports a “Satan Sucks” t-shirt. Hank’s plan backfired on him. Finally, when Bobby sneaks out of the house to rap at a Messiah Fest concert, Hank’s had enough and snatches Bobby off the fest-stage. (Says Hank: “You’re not making Christianity better; you’re just making rock worse.”) Though Pr. K protests Hank’s actions, the youth pastor’s dad (a roadie) reminds him of the fourth commandment in supporting Hank. The episode ends with Hank reminding Bobby of some of his previous, now discarded, hobbies: the physical remains are stored in a box in the garage. His closing point: “I don’t want the Lord to end up in this box” as another passing, lame fad. This is great! Obviously the depiction of youth group life and “contemporary” pop Christianity is a bit over the top, but to a great extent rings true. For where is the Word and Sacrament, where is the trans-generational Sunday worship, where is the counter-culturalness (Romans 12:1-2)?! Granted, Hank doesn’t explicitly makes these points, but the clear implication is that Pr. K and his boys lack substance, and the gospel of Christ’s cross and forgiveness, for that matter. Christ is much more than the t-shirt Bobby wears; He is much more than a soon-to-be-forgotten fad. Family involvement and love, specifically the role of father to son. The positive, transformative, and unique nature of the Christian faith. Standing up for what you believe. Dare to be Christian! Five stars!

The Simpsons and King of the Hill TM and © FOX and its related entities. All rights reserved. SpongeBob © 1999 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Dragon Ball Z and all logos, character names and distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of TOEI ANIMATION.

“Dragonball” Monday-Thursday 6:30 p.m, Cartoon Network This martial arts series hit has gained a rabid following over the past few years, as Japanese animation has become increasingly popular stateside. This is most definitely not American—this certainly isn’t Disney; it isn’t even “The Simpsons.” It has a dark, foreboding tone, much different than American cartoons. The “good guys” display not only strength and skill, but more importantly, fairness, courage, and mercy, against the murderous treachery of the “bad guys.” Clear demarcation and victory of good over evil. Non-violence. Interesting, if a bit slow.

“SpongeBob SquarePants” Monday-Friday, 5:00 & 8:00 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m.; Nickelodeon Bob is, you guessed it, a sponge with square pants. He lives under the sea with his buds: Patrick, the starfish, Gary, the snail, Mr. Crabs, the crab, Squidward, the squid, and others. This kids’ series is fun and funny, light and engaging. The show follows their adventures and misadventures, with wit and charm. And, to quote Forrest Gump, “That’s all I’ve got to say about that.” Life is fun, exciting, and charming! SpongeBob is loyal friend and a trustworthy employee. Lie back, forget about homework and girl/boy problems for a while, and smile.

Rev. Eric R. Andrae is campus pastor of First Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.