[8.0/10 on a post-classic Simpsons scale] I loved this one when I first watched it, and I still like it quite a bit. It tells a nice story of Moe finding love, losing it due to his own screw-ups and lack of perspective, but still being lifted by the experience. It’s humanizing for him, generally treats Maya with respect, and puts the blame squarely on him for still being hung up on Maya’s size rather than who she is.
That said, the episode isn't as sensitive about all of this as I’d remembered from my first watch. It tries to have its cake and eat it too -- making the joke be about Moe’s insensitivity to Maya’s size, while the show itself still makes jokes about Maya’s size (albeit indirectly). It largely works, but is still uncomfortable in places where the show misses the mark.
That said, it’s heart seems to be in the right place. The episode’s sympathies always seem to rest with Maya, and it treats her like a full-fledged character and person. It gives Moe justified fears about how his buddies will respond, the joy of finding solace within a loving relationship, the pain of losing that relationship due to your own mistakes, and the happiness that comes from realizing that whatever the outcome here, you can be loved. It’s surprisingly mature and thoughtful emotional storytelling from the show in a double-digit season.
The B-story isn’t quite as successful, as Homer’s cajoled into spending more time with Maggie and ends up dumping her at a playground next to Moe’s. That spells trouble when Maggie’s being bullied by the other babies and Marge plants a spycam on Maggie’s bow. It’s a pretty out there premise, but the commercial for the spy cam was a laugh, and Homer saving the day and earning a “strong finisher” laurel from Marge is a good note to go out on.
Overall, this is still a highlight of the show’s later years, though not quite as bright of one as I’d remembered.
Shout by KevibVIP 3BlockedParent2023-12-18T06:29:49Z
Beautiful episode, both for Homer and Moe despite their flaws.