[7.3/10 on a post-classic Simpsons scale] The plotting in this one was somewhat rushed, with Moe running through the gamut of relationship states with Anastasia in 22 minutes. But I like the idea of emotionally anchoring the episode around Moe being afraid of a broken heart. It skips over a few things in continuity (like a character voiced by Hank Azaria’s ex-wife Helen Hunt, for instance), but it’s an interesting motivation for Moe that we haven’t really seen before, and it does a nice job of driving the episode.
That just makes the ending, with the reveal that Anastasia is a con artist, especially weak, since it makes Moe’s emotional breakthrough feel kind of pointless. Obviously Moe was unlikely to get and stay married, but this soap opera grifting finish really leaves a sour taste in your mouth.
Thankfully, the rest of the episode was fairly on point. The comedy was mild but effective, like Duffman appearing in a bright red suit (replete with beer belt) at Moe’s wedding, Kirk van Houten showing a new side of his lameness as a DJ, and an extended Fiddler on the Roof riff. I particularly got a kick out of the minor B-plot of Bart pulling darkweb pranks, resulting in Marge coming up with creative punishments for him.
Overall, the ending brings this one down a bit, but it centers on a noteworthy emotional story for Moe, and has amusing if not world-beating gags packed in.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParent2018-11-13T21:00:55Z
[7.3/10 on a post-classic Simpsons scale] The plotting in this one was somewhat rushed, with Moe running through the gamut of relationship states with Anastasia in 22 minutes. But I like the idea of emotionally anchoring the episode around Moe being afraid of a broken heart. It skips over a few things in continuity (like a character voiced by Hank Azaria’s ex-wife Helen Hunt, for instance), but it’s an interesting motivation for Moe that we haven’t really seen before, and it does a nice job of driving the episode.
That just makes the ending, with the reveal that Anastasia is a con artist, especially weak, since it makes Moe’s emotional breakthrough feel kind of pointless. Obviously Moe was unlikely to get and stay married, but this soap opera grifting finish really leaves a sour taste in your mouth.
Thankfully, the rest of the episode was fairly on point. The comedy was mild but effective, like Duffman appearing in a bright red suit (replete with beer belt) at Moe’s wedding, Kirk van Houten showing a new side of his lameness as a DJ, and an extended Fiddler on the Roof riff. I particularly got a kick out of the minor B-plot of Bart pulling darkweb pranks, resulting in Marge coming up with creative punishments for him.
Overall, the ending brings this one down a bit, but it centers on a noteworthy emotional story for Moe, and has amusing if not world-beating gags packed in.