29x07 Singin' in the Lane

[7.6/10 on a post-classic Simpsons scale] I tend to appreciate Moe-focused episodes in the post-classic era, if for no other reason that he’s a character with such pathos that it drives the writers to find interesting emotional conflicts to put him in. While Homer discarding his bosom pal so readily is a bit sudden, the notion that Moe is lonely and making an effort to connect more with his friends is a solid one.

The bowling tournament being the lens through which the show does that is a little contrived, but it works as a catalyst for everything. The show doesn’t have much of a novel or incisive take on generic head fund douchebags, but it’s enough to create conflicts and a set of antagonists for Moe to overcome. It’s a little confused in places, but overall a solid story.

The B-story is a little underfed, and features Lisa banding a bunch of nerds together to take down the hedge fund douches and, with them, Bart’s newfound admiration and imitation of them. It’s a fine idea, but there’s not much humor in it here, and they shortcut to some sentiment at the end.

The humor is also particularly cartoony here, which put me off a bit. The show’s always had a flair for the absurd, but all the King Kong diversions and fancy bowling alley business felt like a bridge too far.

Overall, nothing to write home about, but a perfectly enjoyable half hour that features a solid Moe story and emotional conflict.