So, this is probably the most pointless thread ever, but bear with me (or go and do something better). Anyway, I was thinking about how the continuity of 'The Simpsons' could be compared to the continuity of many long running comics (as, given the length of the series run it has had to develop somewhat of a "sliding timeframe" / retconned dates). This is mostly due to the placement of flashbacks in the series (for example, in second season episode "The Way We Was" is set in 1974, with Homer and MArge in high school... etc. etc). It's funny, but there's kind of a correlation to DC'S reboots... this is the basic ideawhat I came up with:
Season 1- Kind of like Earth Two, or Golden Age DC. Things aren't quite set in a stone, and there are a few changes as the series progresses ( Homer has a weird voice; Superman jumps rather than flies; Black Smithers/ blond Barney; Bat-man kills people etc.)
Seasons 2-8: Earth One, in which the continuity starts to settle. Flashbacks through these season seem to be consistent in terms of dates (that is, the series is approximately set in 1990/91, Bart is born in 1980 etc.). Most events from season one are still cannon (Homer being made safety inspector) whilst some aren't (Bart graduates the fourth grade).
Season 9 onwards: "Post Crisis", and things all go to Hell (at least continuity wise). The flashback time line starts to jump around (Bart starts school in 1990 in season 9, then Homer is without kids in the 90's in "That 90's Show", then back again etc.). Basically continuity, including in characters and their experiences, goes kaput. (That said, I admit that I haven't actively watched the show in about 8 years now... feel free to completely correct me/ add info.)
Is it possible that The Simpsons needs a New 52 style reboot to?!
Or maybe I just really, really need to get some more sleep... or both. :)
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