This episode was mediocre. At first, the first act and the beginning of the 2nd act were freaking Incredible! But then it just did a major 180 - turn in writing and kinda devolved it's self. Why did Lisa teach when she said she would wrather do other things and that she regrets studying all the time. Why did the mom translator solve the conflict, that was just bizarre. Good things about this episode though is definitly the jokes being the best of the season. And like i said the first act was amazing. 6.5/10 Just make a future season already.
9 Reviews
Decent Future Episode
AnimatedCritic10 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
When I heard the premise for this episode, I thought it would be great. After seeing it, it's just decent.
I liked the idea of Lisa not going to college, but it causes complication with the season 29 episode "Mr. Lisa's Opus", where she does go to college. At this point, I'm not sure what future for Lisa I should believe.
Another high-point in the episode was when Lisa started a school for troubled students. I liked the idea of Lisa teaching, and seemed like a good career for her. But when they made her president, It just seemed far fetched and out of the blue. I would've rather saw Lisa owning a school rather than being president of the United States Also, it was nice to see that Bart isn't a failure (he owns 3 NBA teams) The conflict with Marge and Lisa was good, until it was ignored until the end Otherwise, it was a fine future episode, but only causes more complications with the Simpsons Future.
I liked the idea of Lisa not going to college, but it causes complication with the season 29 episode "Mr. Lisa's Opus", where she does go to college. At this point, I'm not sure what future for Lisa I should believe.
Another high-point in the episode was when Lisa started a school for troubled students. I liked the idea of Lisa teaching, and seemed like a good career for her. But when they made her president, It just seemed far fetched and out of the blue. I would've rather saw Lisa owning a school rather than being president of the United States Also, it was nice to see that Bart isn't a failure (he owns 3 NBA teams) The conflict with Marge and Lisa was good, until it was ignored until the end Otherwise, it was a fine future episode, but only causes more complications with the Simpsons Future.
This is true what Lisa said about college
tforgeron22 April 2022
4 years ago I got my associates degree in IT. This year I am debating whether or not to drop out after finishing one semester. What Lisa is true college is expensive and this episode actually shows that you can be successful without going to college. It's hard because I feel bad for those who are still paying back their student loans. I look back and think about the missed opportunities that Ivan have gone for this episode is helping me right now with my future standing.
Pointless
burteriksson25 June 2021
Buff Milhouse and Lisa the president? This has been done already. What's the point of making this show anymore? Trust me: season 32 has episodes way worse than this one, but you still don't want to watch this more than once. One time is the absolute maximum for views. Nelson having twins with both Sherri and Terri? Yawn. Yeah, it was funny when I saw it on season 16.
We all need more of this!
rapierrome28 January 2022
I'm not sure if the other comments on this page were made by bitter "over-enthusiasts," or other comic-book-guy-time suckers in need of some hours logged at jobs that force patient focus on nurturing the most vulnerable; BUT, I'm sure the comments were made by kind, and well-meaning folks, with just some misplaced fervor. I'm often one of these myself- so I get it. However, I would like to submit the following dissent.
(I admit, it's personally a therapeutic exercise; and also kills two trolls with one stone because I have 30 minutes to kill waiting for another piece of paperwork from our ever-loving bureaucrats at the DMV. Bless their sweet baby hearts).
DISSENT The Simpsons- (i.e. The many writers, and artists- employed by Fox and Disney to perpetuate an adult cartoon created over 33 years ago by a couple of swell guys), - I say, The Simpsons probably don't have a secret evil scheme to subtly sexualize the show for the >1% of perverted poor choice-makers who might be suffering from diseases that exploit brain dispositions towards such filth like watching drawings of yellow people (or yellow people under the age of majority) for sexual stimulation. I would actually be willing to bet a ton of money on it, though I don't really gamble. I would make an exception for this, so if there's someone out there who'd like to take that bet, let me know.
Of course, I could be wrong (and I've no pride left to hurt so, bring it), but logic tells me that it would be highly counterproductive to use time and resources to hint at such perversions, especially in ways that are so "subtle," as to be non-existent to everyone except those who are diseased (not excused) or their victims who suffer innocently. I must remain hopeful of our humanity, even if slightly idealistic, that the population of those who fall into this category is less than 1%, (However, as a realist also, with all the grandeur that the internet has produced- I fear the inter web will also raise this percentage, and that sickens, and deeply saddens me).
Also, I would dare say that a person who can conjure subtle attempts to suggestively sneak in sexual exploitation of minors for the purpose of satisfying perceived sexual perversions in their audience, are the same who are likely able to conjure such fantasy anywhere and in anything, (E. G. sexy in The Waltons, Happy Days, Full House, 7th Heaven, Christian rock, Milesian culture, tooth paste etc...).
As a single working father of 4 young children I absolutely understand the need to root out and fight against the exploitation of minors at all costs. I feel that. I also can identify. But I also the importance of parsing out dangers and reducing the overwhelming irrational fears that seem to buzz around us and threaten our thriving.
If we take, for example, any of the alleged, "blatant," (though soberly far-fetched) "sizzling," scenes suggested in the comments above, and give just a bit of scrutiny, we must ask: "what would these writers and/or artists turn for their personal profit?" I'm not going to pretend that the inhumane actions and monstrous choices of those who seek to satisfy themselves at the cost of innocents, are ever rational. Nor would I try to convince anyone that those who make such choices are reasonable or logical most of the time. But a cost/benefit analysis is always a worthy use of time.
I choose to believe in the goodness inherent in humanity - at least enough to expect that any offense concerning the serious matter of sexual exploitation of minors is quickly dispatched, and rarely reaches the audience. But even if that's wishful thinking, I think my thoughts are still valid and worth exploring.
I could be wrong, but I hope I'm not, when I submit that it seems like no one (the perverted, or the perfect) would stand to gain anything from what's been suggested in the comments on this IMDB thread. There's just too little evidence of abnormalities or instances suggestive in this specific way. The Simpsons can defend themselves. I'm interested in defending certain principles found within this entire thread and also in episode 20.
As for the relevancy of this show, it's the longest running ever, (not that it's an authoritative reason to blindly accept its value); and believe it remains in the lead because of its ability to use the ancient art of intelligent, once wholly original, witticisms. It employs reductio ad absurdum, and satire to make serious comments on the true plagues and horrors in our global society (most of which should be given higher, urgency, and priority than the sometimes irrational fears of under-prioritizing Covid, not to downplay the seriousness of Covid). The Simpsons thankfully do it in an entertaining way instead of a lecture (like this comment).
I don't always agree with some of the more obviously biased positions but, they mostly do well evening it out by the end of each episode. (EX the honker-ultra-masculine testosterone truck that Homer buys in episode 19, is a punchline, yet, no doubt that even these obnoxious trucks have a time and a place where they are valued and even needed)
My personal belief system aside, I'm sure glad someone is still keeping a few of us honest. The hilarious and sometimes obscene shows that are now also beloved, would not exist without the Simpsons style paving the way. To be sure to give the newer ones credit, they all add original twists (EG Seth McFarlane shows, South Park etc.) I've never cried at any of these silly cartoon sitcoms except the Simpsons, and for me that is important, especially when criticizing relevancy and authenticity.
The best part of the genius that is The Simpsons, is that after all the laughs and all the damning jabs at our human weaknesses- that could easily fuel the potential of turning the viewer into a bitter, sarcastic "Willoughby/Morrissey"-type negative Nancy/Nathan (see episode 19)); after all the feelings of a fated jaded life... the creators could leave us Debbie Downing; but instead the viewer is almost always reminded of the need to balance everything, and resist taking oneself too seriously; and by the end of the episode we are reminded of the goodness that humanity -the global family- has to offer, and how it begins with an essential, fundamental building block THE NUCLEAR FAMILY UNIT (The Simpsons!) (sometimes dysfunctional but love and forgiveness prevail). What other ways do the creators accomplish the feelings of edification, eureka, and positivity? Less important details, like how the franchise is constantly making fun of it's own strange and phenomenal success, and existence. No one is ever left out when it comes to scrutiny. In the end, each episode is really always just trying to tell the audience one basic truth: "FAMILY, IS WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT," and by extension, LOVE is the whole point of everything. Episode 20 might be a bit duplicative. (How could it not be duplicative at 32.5 seasons)? But, it is this type of redundancy we always seem to need as a global family: as I stated above- we can always use more awareness our own, often crippling, lack of logic and reasoning, and short-sightedness when prioritizing what's important- and how we can all do better at being inclusive, unifying and protectors the vulnerable (who's is everyone at some point in our lives)!
AS FOR THE SUCCESSFUL ACHIEVEMENT OF THE EPISODE IN QUESTION:
Behold, a mother's unceasing love (i.e. Sacrifice) for her child. This notion is sacred, and even with all the irony of The Simpsons at its best, they keep this notion sacred.
If you've read this far, I commend you. I'm even boring myself, and I love to read my own words😉.
I created an IMDB account with only one purpose in mind, and that was to make this comment! 😘 Now, I plan to set the world to right by continuing my stuffy, wordy, exhausting comment crusade across all internet threads in all forums!!! I'm pretty much a hero for this.
-ROME ANDRE RAPIER.
(I admit, it's personally a therapeutic exercise; and also kills two trolls with one stone because I have 30 minutes to kill waiting for another piece of paperwork from our ever-loving bureaucrats at the DMV. Bless their sweet baby hearts).
DISSENT The Simpsons- (i.e. The many writers, and artists- employed by Fox and Disney to perpetuate an adult cartoon created over 33 years ago by a couple of swell guys), - I say, The Simpsons probably don't have a secret evil scheme to subtly sexualize the show for the >1% of perverted poor choice-makers who might be suffering from diseases that exploit brain dispositions towards such filth like watching drawings of yellow people (or yellow people under the age of majority) for sexual stimulation. I would actually be willing to bet a ton of money on it, though I don't really gamble. I would make an exception for this, so if there's someone out there who'd like to take that bet, let me know.
Of course, I could be wrong (and I've no pride left to hurt so, bring it), but logic tells me that it would be highly counterproductive to use time and resources to hint at such perversions, especially in ways that are so "subtle," as to be non-existent to everyone except those who are diseased (not excused) or their victims who suffer innocently. I must remain hopeful of our humanity, even if slightly idealistic, that the population of those who fall into this category is less than 1%, (However, as a realist also, with all the grandeur that the internet has produced- I fear the inter web will also raise this percentage, and that sickens, and deeply saddens me).
Also, I would dare say that a person who can conjure subtle attempts to suggestively sneak in sexual exploitation of minors for the purpose of satisfying perceived sexual perversions in their audience, are the same who are likely able to conjure such fantasy anywhere and in anything, (E. G. sexy in The Waltons, Happy Days, Full House, 7th Heaven, Christian rock, Milesian culture, tooth paste etc...).
As a single working father of 4 young children I absolutely understand the need to root out and fight against the exploitation of minors at all costs. I feel that. I also can identify. But I also the importance of parsing out dangers and reducing the overwhelming irrational fears that seem to buzz around us and threaten our thriving.
If we take, for example, any of the alleged, "blatant," (though soberly far-fetched) "sizzling," scenes suggested in the comments above, and give just a bit of scrutiny, we must ask: "what would these writers and/or artists turn for their personal profit?" I'm not going to pretend that the inhumane actions and monstrous choices of those who seek to satisfy themselves at the cost of innocents, are ever rational. Nor would I try to convince anyone that those who make such choices are reasonable or logical most of the time. But a cost/benefit analysis is always a worthy use of time.
I choose to believe in the goodness inherent in humanity - at least enough to expect that any offense concerning the serious matter of sexual exploitation of minors is quickly dispatched, and rarely reaches the audience. But even if that's wishful thinking, I think my thoughts are still valid and worth exploring.
I could be wrong, but I hope I'm not, when I submit that it seems like no one (the perverted, or the perfect) would stand to gain anything from what's been suggested in the comments on this IMDB thread. There's just too little evidence of abnormalities or instances suggestive in this specific way. The Simpsons can defend themselves. I'm interested in defending certain principles found within this entire thread and also in episode 20.
As for the relevancy of this show, it's the longest running ever, (not that it's an authoritative reason to blindly accept its value); and believe it remains in the lead because of its ability to use the ancient art of intelligent, once wholly original, witticisms. It employs reductio ad absurdum, and satire to make serious comments on the true plagues and horrors in our global society (most of which should be given higher, urgency, and priority than the sometimes irrational fears of under-prioritizing Covid, not to downplay the seriousness of Covid). The Simpsons thankfully do it in an entertaining way instead of a lecture (like this comment).
I don't always agree with some of the more obviously biased positions but, they mostly do well evening it out by the end of each episode. (EX the honker-ultra-masculine testosterone truck that Homer buys in episode 19, is a punchline, yet, no doubt that even these obnoxious trucks have a time and a place where they are valued and even needed)
My personal belief system aside, I'm sure glad someone is still keeping a few of us honest. The hilarious and sometimes obscene shows that are now also beloved, would not exist without the Simpsons style paving the way. To be sure to give the newer ones credit, they all add original twists (EG Seth McFarlane shows, South Park etc.) I've never cried at any of these silly cartoon sitcoms except the Simpsons, and for me that is important, especially when criticizing relevancy and authenticity.
The best part of the genius that is The Simpsons, is that after all the laughs and all the damning jabs at our human weaknesses- that could easily fuel the potential of turning the viewer into a bitter, sarcastic "Willoughby/Morrissey"-type negative Nancy/Nathan (see episode 19)); after all the feelings of a fated jaded life... the creators could leave us Debbie Downing; but instead the viewer is almost always reminded of the need to balance everything, and resist taking oneself too seriously; and by the end of the episode we are reminded of the goodness that humanity -the global family- has to offer, and how it begins with an essential, fundamental building block THE NUCLEAR FAMILY UNIT (The Simpsons!) (sometimes dysfunctional but love and forgiveness prevail). What other ways do the creators accomplish the feelings of edification, eureka, and positivity? Less important details, like how the franchise is constantly making fun of it's own strange and phenomenal success, and existence. No one is ever left out when it comes to scrutiny. In the end, each episode is really always just trying to tell the audience one basic truth: "FAMILY, IS WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT," and by extension, LOVE is the whole point of everything. Episode 20 might be a bit duplicative. (How could it not be duplicative at 32.5 seasons)? But, it is this type of redundancy we always seem to need as a global family: as I stated above- we can always use more awareness our own, often crippling, lack of logic and reasoning, and short-sightedness when prioritizing what's important- and how we can all do better at being inclusive, unifying and protectors the vulnerable (who's is everyone at some point in our lives)!
AS FOR THE SUCCESSFUL ACHIEVEMENT OF THE EPISODE IN QUESTION:
Behold, a mother's unceasing love (i.e. Sacrifice) for her child. This notion is sacred, and even with all the irony of The Simpsons at its best, they keep this notion sacred.
If you've read this far, I commend you. I'm even boring myself, and I love to read my own words😉.
I created an IMDB account with only one purpose in mind, and that was to make this comment! 😘 Now, I plan to set the world to right by continuing my stuffy, wordy, exhausting comment crusade across all internet threads in all forums!!! I'm pretty much a hero for this.
-ROME ANDRE RAPIER.
Mild entertaining with a plot hole that bothered me.
celiawatsonanime26 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Homer has been to college before in the old classic episodes.(Homer Goes To College Season 5 Episode 3) Lisa isn't the first person in the family to go to college. It bothers me a lot when Marge says that.
It's kind of fun how this episode takes place in the future. This episode was hard to pay attention to. It's funny how Lisa gets accepted into every college. I agree that Lisa wasted her whole childhood studying. It's a nice plot twist when Lisa changes her mind about going to college and works at a restaurant after wasting all that time studying for the SATs.. It's funny having Rodd and Todd having a 6pm bedtime when they're young adults at Flanders house.
It's kind of fun how this episode takes place in the future. This episode was hard to pay attention to. It's funny how Lisa gets accepted into every college. I agree that Lisa wasted her whole childhood studying. It's a nice plot twist when Lisa changes her mind about going to college and works at a restaurant after wasting all that time studying for the SATs.. It's funny having Rodd and Todd having a 6pm bedtime when they're young adults at Flanders house.
a very mixed bag
ponygames-1856922 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
There's a few plot holes and inconsistencies that clash with other future episodes, but a good chunk of them could be seen more as "what if's" or a general sense of where the family is headed in the future. Seeing as this, similarly to other episodes like it was headed by a fortune teller, i think it's safe to assume one doesn't have to take this as canon. Just wanted to clarify that since some of the other reviewers seem to struggle with this. Which is understandable of course, the continuity in this show can be frustrating.
Onto my actual thoughts on the episode. I think the first two acts were pretty great. Lisa realizing she wasted her whole life studying was both slightly entertaining as it was a tad heartbreaking. As a Lisa Simpson fan, I think this episode got her down rather well. She's just a stubborn go getter here and I appreciate that about her. I also think it's great that she started a school specifically focused on teaching underprivileged students, seeing as she always had an obsessive knack for helping people less fortunate than her. Even if it can be annoying at times, it's something I can relate to so I never really hold it against her.
One complaint I have, even in the section I like is that they definitely ran out of time and had to speed up the pacing. Lisa goes from running her own school to President of the United States entirely too quickly, which left me reeling a bit. It feels like the consequence of having great pacing but then getting too ambitious with the plot. Even if her being President makes sense, given the other also not-very-canon future episodes, I don't think it helped the tone of this episode much. It may have been better if they held themselves a back, making her the somewhat of a political figure/activist fighting for education reformation by the end. Just so close to having it all, with greater plans, and then Marge shows up. But I'm not entirely sure, I do understand the comic absurdity in her just being President out of nowhere, but it personally didn't work.
Speaking of Marge, however, she's what ruined this episode for me personally. I just can't have a good time watching Lisa working her way up and trying to figure out her life when Marge is behaving. Like that.
Throughout the whole episode, Lisa is desperately trying to communicate that she feels like she wasted her life on studying, while Marge keeps going: "But what about ME, I wanted you to go to College for ME." And it comes off so heartless. Even when Lisa is the literal President, Marge still cannot admit she was the one in the wrong and it's insufferable.
I do understand that they were going for a complicated mother and daughter dynamic here, where both are too stubborn and one refuses to admit that they were wrong. But as someone who has that relationship, this episode and most Lisa and Marge episodes actually, fall so, so flat in portraying that (for me personally, at least).
Marge is just at her worst whenever she's paired up with Lisa for some reason and it's terrible because I genuinely like these two. Bart really got it right when he said that his relationship with Homer was physically abusive, and Lisa's relationship with Marge was psychologically abusive. And between these two, the psychological abuse is so much more unpleasant to see for some reason.
I get that the kind of relationship Marge has with Lisa in this is the situation for some people, but it's really hard to watch after years of having Marge as the support for her kids. She's not always a great mother, and I do think that Bart's assessment was pretty accurate, I also think this episode takes it too far. If you've ever heard of Jerk-Ass Homer, then this is the Jerk-Ass Marge.
The fact that the conflict is never resolved is also a downer, they just hug it out with neither of them saying: "Yeah, I really wish I would've done things differently."
Every time I think of the Marge and Lisa relationship in this episode, I'm tempted to give it a lower rating. But Lisa's character in this is just too good not to, and also she's 100% right.
Onto my actual thoughts on the episode. I think the first two acts were pretty great. Lisa realizing she wasted her whole life studying was both slightly entertaining as it was a tad heartbreaking. As a Lisa Simpson fan, I think this episode got her down rather well. She's just a stubborn go getter here and I appreciate that about her. I also think it's great that she started a school specifically focused on teaching underprivileged students, seeing as she always had an obsessive knack for helping people less fortunate than her. Even if it can be annoying at times, it's something I can relate to so I never really hold it against her.
One complaint I have, even in the section I like is that they definitely ran out of time and had to speed up the pacing. Lisa goes from running her own school to President of the United States entirely too quickly, which left me reeling a bit. It feels like the consequence of having great pacing but then getting too ambitious with the plot. Even if her being President makes sense, given the other also not-very-canon future episodes, I don't think it helped the tone of this episode much. It may have been better if they held themselves a back, making her the somewhat of a political figure/activist fighting for education reformation by the end. Just so close to having it all, with greater plans, and then Marge shows up. But I'm not entirely sure, I do understand the comic absurdity in her just being President out of nowhere, but it personally didn't work.
Speaking of Marge, however, she's what ruined this episode for me personally. I just can't have a good time watching Lisa working her way up and trying to figure out her life when Marge is behaving. Like that.
Throughout the whole episode, Lisa is desperately trying to communicate that she feels like she wasted her life on studying, while Marge keeps going: "But what about ME, I wanted you to go to College for ME." And it comes off so heartless. Even when Lisa is the literal President, Marge still cannot admit she was the one in the wrong and it's insufferable.
I do understand that they were going for a complicated mother and daughter dynamic here, where both are too stubborn and one refuses to admit that they were wrong. But as someone who has that relationship, this episode and most Lisa and Marge episodes actually, fall so, so flat in portraying that (for me personally, at least).
Marge is just at her worst whenever she's paired up with Lisa for some reason and it's terrible because I genuinely like these two. Bart really got it right when he said that his relationship with Homer was physically abusive, and Lisa's relationship with Marge was psychologically abusive. And between these two, the psychological abuse is so much more unpleasant to see for some reason.
I get that the kind of relationship Marge has with Lisa in this is the situation for some people, but it's really hard to watch after years of having Marge as the support for her kids. She's not always a great mother, and I do think that Bart's assessment was pretty accurate, I also think this episode takes it too far. If you've ever heard of Jerk-Ass Homer, then this is the Jerk-Ass Marge.
The fact that the conflict is never resolved is also a downer, they just hug it out with neither of them saying: "Yeah, I really wish I would've done things differently."
Every time I think of the Marge and Lisa relationship in this episode, I'm tempted to give it a lower rating. But Lisa's character in this is just too good not to, and also she's 100% right.
See also
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