The episode title seems to be a play off 'A Serious Man', a Coen Brothers film from 2009, though the plot and direction are more evocative of the Coen Brothers-inspired FX series 'Fargo'. Interestingly, the writers signaled at the top of the show what they were going for with the 'Simpflix' logo. I appreciate the casting of Brian Cox as well. Points too, for the heavy he is voicing looking like the product of a gene-splicing of Paulie Walnuts with Le Chiffre. I get 'Who Shot Mr. Burns' vibes also, for it being a thriller/mystery two-parter. As deserving of rapt attention as any of the above works.
27 Reviews
Surprisingly Good
AnimatedCritic15 November 2021
With all the mediocre Simpsons episodes coming at us, It was refreshing to get an entertaining and engaging episodes for one. I really liked how the episode plays out like a TV drama, making it stand out. I thought the parody was done, well, being gory and violent. I also enjoyed the focus on Ned Flanders, and seeing if the money he donated, and taking pride for it was a bad idea. Never found Homer really interesting, but I really like the bad guy.
In all, I just really liked this episode for giving us something new, and being a good time.
In all, I just really liked this episode for giving us something new, and being a good time.
Best episode in years
TileFloor19 November 2021
Where Did This Come From....
TheNiteFly13 February 2022
What a fantastic episode. IMHO this can hang with the all-time Simpson's classics.
Let's face it, in Season 33 the show is hardly new & fresh. To write an episode like this at this stage in the game is a real pleasant surprise. I'm certainly not saying some episodes over the last few years were not excellent. It just this episode achieved something many of us, (may agree), haven't seen for a while.
Highest recommendation.
Let's face it, in Season 33 the show is hardly new & fresh. To write an episode like this at this stage in the game is a real pleasant surprise. I'm certainly not saying some episodes over the last few years were not excellent. It just this episode achieved something many of us, (may agree), haven't seen for a while.
Highest recommendation.
I rushed here to write a review
tylermerrigan8 November 2021
Right as the episode ended, I rushed here to write a review, this is the best episode made in a while! It allows lots of side characters to come back, and has a wonderful plot to it! If your not a fan of modern Simpsons, I still suggest you give it a try, because you very well might like it!
Season 33 are on a roll
User64828288 November 2021
I was skeptical about this episode because the shows current 2 parters usually suck but this is the best one since who shot mr burns. This episode is obviously a parody and obviously non canon if you can understand that you shouldn't have a problem with this episode as it's funny and intense and a great parody overall great.
Best Simpsons episode in years!
turquoise_star_179 November 2021
When I watch Simpsons episodes of the modern era, I tend to go into them with lowered expectations. A Serious Flanders surprised and impressed me like the show hasn't in many seasons, I'm excited for part 2 next Sunday!
Cesar Mazariegos joined the writing team only 2 years ago, but should have done so much sooner. He's got the spark.
Cesar Mazariegos joined the writing team only 2 years ago, but should have done so much sooner. He's got the spark.
Continues a strong season
tacohow-761739 November 2021
It has been a rebound season for the Simpsons, the show that just goes on forever, and this was the best episode of the season thus far. To be fair I am a big fan of the television show Fargo so it was like they made this episode for me. Great references, funny lines, and a solid entry.
one of the best episodes in last 5 years
mrpicky12 November 2021
And i don't even know the show they are styled it out of, but the writing and humor are just pitch perfect. And OST spending's also on point. Simpsons always struggled with consistency , its just hard to get top writers to spit out so 23 quality episodes in a year. But i hope we see this level more often.
Great Story and so Emotional!
celiawatsonanime1 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Everyone just went so crazy over that money!
It's kind of fun seeing some flashbacks from Flander's past.
When Flanders attempts to steal back the orphanage money to pay off the debt collector to save Homer it feels so tense.
However Flanders just doesn't deserve to be treated like a scum bag and I really wish the donation place was a little bit more understanding about the whole situation.
It's kind of fun seeing some flashbacks from Flander's past.
When Flanders attempts to steal back the orphanage money to pay off the debt collector to save Homer it feels so tense.
However Flanders just doesn't deserve to be treated like a scum bag and I really wish the donation place was a little bit more understanding about the whole situation.
One of the best episodes in decades
michaelgentile-4749210 November 2021
This was one of the most creative and enjoyable episodes in years. This is way I still watch evrey once in a while we got some of what made the first 10 seasons so special. Hopefully part 2 will be as good but this season isn't to bad so far.
Actually really good
cartercritchie20 February 2022
A parody of Fargo I've never seen it but I thought it was a really good episode best off season 33 after season 32 being such a disappointment I wasn't gonna watch season 33 but then I saw this episode and was amazed how well it was done highly recommend.
An edgefest that appeals to manchildren courtesy of Disney
sijar-7735628 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A Serious Flanders is fundamental proof that the "fandom" that currently exists is not actually interested in the town of Springfield nor the Simpsons anymore.
Fitting since it is also proof that neither are the writer's. Matt Selman's image has been carefully molded by DIsney to convince idiots that the show has changed when in reality he is a plagiarist whose parodies are glorified advertisements of different media.
In this case, Fargo. There is no substance here. Just a bunch of edgy Original Characters that would probably make better fanfiction villains then drivers of a plot. They kill a few regulars and kidnap Homer. So shocking. And that is it.
That is all this episode has going for it. Nothing. It is a script a film student could write with more engaging twists. But do not be fooled. It is not suppose to be compelling. It is suppose to advertise properties Disney got control of in the merge. As it turns out this is exactly what "fans" want. Although I doubt it. The praise of ASF is manufactured and dishonest.
Fitting since it is also proof that neither are the writer's. Matt Selman's image has been carefully molded by DIsney to convince idiots that the show has changed when in reality he is a plagiarist whose parodies are glorified advertisements of different media.
In this case, Fargo. There is no substance here. Just a bunch of edgy Original Characters that would probably make better fanfiction villains then drivers of a plot. They kill a few regulars and kidnap Homer. So shocking. And that is it.
That is all this episode has going for it. Nothing. It is a script a film student could write with more engaging twists. But do not be fooled. It is not suppose to be compelling. It is suppose to advertise properties Disney got control of in the merge. As it turns out this is exactly what "fans" want. Although I doubt it. The praise of ASF is manufactured and dishonest.
Made an account to rate this episode
mxcmybqs1 December 2021
Wow
degaswilson15 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was a little bloody episode. But kept my attention. Good episode.
So many people killed. I thought this would be a Treehouse Halloween episode. But no.
So much death and the kids got a little older. Want to see Maggie in this episode. But alas no.
Watch it.
So many people killed. I thought this would be a Treehouse Halloween episode. But no.
So much death and the kids got a little older. Want to see Maggie in this episode. But alas no.
Watch it.
This is a true story
iyan-7329313 October 2023
I'm just going to copy and paste the text I sent to my friend after watching the episode:
Dude - you gotta check out The Simpsons S33 ep.6 - A Serious Flanders - one of the best episodes they have ever made! Produced by the Cohen bros - it has a distinct Fargoesque flavour but imbued with classic Simpsons charm. The jokes are on point and the characterisation is back to the old values that make each Springfield inhabitant so loveable in their own unique way. I laughed out loud alot and really wanted to see what happened next. The music is perfect and the camera direction is often genuinely spellbinding. A Special mention to Brian Cox who is just wonderful as the Debt Collector. If this is the new direction of the Simpsons then bro I'm hooked.
Dude - you gotta check out The Simpsons S33 ep.6 - A Serious Flanders - one of the best episodes they have ever made! Produced by the Cohen bros - it has a distinct Fargoesque flavour but imbued with classic Simpsons charm. The jokes are on point and the characterisation is back to the old values that make each Springfield inhabitant so loveable in their own unique way. I laughed out loud alot and really wanted to see what happened next. The music is perfect and the camera direction is often genuinely spellbinding. A Special mention to Brian Cox who is just wonderful as the Debt Collector. If this is the new direction of the Simpsons then bro I'm hooked.
one of the best episodes in the show
nicolassrd20 March 2022
An unexpectedly good chapter that catches you from the beginning and makes you remember the good old seasons, also has good action, good transitions, good music, damn, I'm very happy to have seen it. I hope they do more of this style and continue working with these writers.
simpson
fbg-4900528 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A very funny series that we enjoy watching and reviewing, a moral sometimes hidden behind episodes and a lot of references.
I've been watching this series since I was very young and still enjoy it so much
The Simpsons is my whole life!!
From my childhood to today
(Soon 17 years old) I often watch this series. I know them all at my fingertips, but I don't get tired of them at all!
The only negative point is that some scenes are not suitable for children knowing that children like this series.episodes and a lot of references.
I've been watching this series since I was very young and still enjoy it so much
The Simpsons is my whole life!!
From my childhood to today
(Soon 17 years old) I often watch this series. I know them all at my fingertips, but I don't get tired of them at all!
The only negative point is that some scenes are not suitable for children knowing that children like this series
My deep conviction is that the cult series has had its time, that it is absolutely not necessary to work hard, I think it is time for her to go into the sweet, if possible, spiral of an era.
This series marked my childhood so much as the evenings to watch the series made me totally addicted to the growing universe that has been offered to us since 1989. I didn't understand everything, at the age of twelve, I didn't understand political messages, for example.
I've been watching this series since I was very young and still enjoy it so much
The Simpsons is my whole life!!
From my childhood to today
(Soon 17 years old) I often watch this series. I know them all at my fingertips, but I don't get tired of them at all!
The only negative point is that some scenes are not suitable for children knowing that children like this series.episodes and a lot of references.
I've been watching this series since I was very young and still enjoy it so much
The Simpsons is my whole life!!
From my childhood to today
(Soon 17 years old) I often watch this series. I know them all at my fingertips, but I don't get tired of them at all!
The only negative point is that some scenes are not suitable for children knowing that children like this series
My deep conviction is that the cult series has had its time, that it is absolutely not necessary to work hard, I think it is time for her to go into the sweet, if possible, spiral of an era.
This series marked my childhood so much as the evenings to watch the series made me totally addicted to the growing universe that has been offered to us since 1989. I didn't understand everything, at the age of twelve, I didn't understand political messages, for example.
Best episode in 20 years!
rsweeneyrs11 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I didn't like the slow beginning, totally could've removed 2-3 minutes to help develop Burn's reasoning in this episode. He dies after getting shot in the face, I don't understand why he was in it though. He had a total of like 2 seconds of screen time before dying.
This episode isn't funny. But to be fair it isn't really trying to be.
Homer gets kidnapped and held hostage. I can't take this seriously, killing off Burn's was surprising but I could understand why they did it. But of course they aren't going to kill Homer, right? I can't care about this part of the episode.
Theres plenty of good in this episode though. I liked Sideshow Mel and Ned's dialog.
All and all a good episode. Excited for next Sunday to see what happens to the plant now that Burns died, as well as seeing what Bart does with his millions!
This episode isn't funny. But to be fair it isn't really trying to be.
Homer gets kidnapped and held hostage. I can't take this seriously, killing off Burn's was surprising but I could understand why they did it. But of course they aren't going to kill Homer, right? I can't care about this part of the episode.
Theres plenty of good in this episode though. I liked Sideshow Mel and Ned's dialog.
All and all a good episode. Excited for next Sunday to see what happens to the plant now that Burns died, as well as seeing what Bart does with his millions!
@johnrroberts/sijar-77356
joeldejonge12 February 2022
Terribly biased, opionated without the nuance required to bear it merit, and clearly outside the scope of the story arc's target audience. I give the episode an 8, 8.5 but my review of your reviews a lowly 2 of 10 and sorely left wanting to understand why you thought your opinion mattered. Especially enough to publish it publicly. In the future please cease to do so, especially @johnrroberts, maybe Shrek would be a better suited viewing for you and your offspring. Better yet you could have them watch something of educational value instead of crying about a cartoon on the internet. It's not the 60s anymore boomer.
Slightly above the rest from this season
azcdk14 November 2021
I've seen the decline of the Simpsons now for about 15 years...yet we seem to like holding on to the familiar. This ep was more fun than many from the past 10 seasons or so, simply because of the mindless violence and Tarantinoish/John Wick type of story-line. Worth a view if you've liked the Simpsons for a while.
Nice change of pace
Legacys30 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This was an awesome episode. Following Ned as he deals with a debt collector was awesome and seeing a nice side story about Ned's grandpa was also great. Everything flowed really nice and had great comedy/action. Would highly recommend you check this 2 parter.
Genuinely good!!
redemptions_love12 September 2023
In my opinion, Season 33 is actually on a roll! I am delighted by this season's episodes so far. I actually feel excited for modern The Simpsons! I feel excited for what the rest of this season will be like, but of course, I'm really looking forward to the part 2 of this episode.
When it comes to modern Simpsons episodes, sometimes I dislike them, a couple of episodes I've actually hated, but sometimes I also enjoy them, and there's been a few that I actually think are brilliant. So whatever your relationship is towards this series and it's changes over the decades, even if you dislike or hate the modern day episodes, I do think that this episode may be an exception for you. Especially if you were a fan of the two part classic 'Who Shot Mr Burns?'
Anyway, I don't want to give away any spoilers for this episode. All I'll say is I did have a good laugh at one of the scenes, but I think that making you laugh is not the main motive of this episode. Rather the motive is engage the viewer through good story telling. This is what makes this episode so great - the story line, and the homage it pays. I hope you enjoy it!
When it comes to modern Simpsons episodes, sometimes I dislike them, a couple of episodes I've actually hated, but sometimes I also enjoy them, and there's been a few that I actually think are brilliant. So whatever your relationship is towards this series and it's changes over the decades, even if you dislike or hate the modern day episodes, I do think that this episode may be an exception for you. Especially if you were a fan of the two part classic 'Who Shot Mr Burns?'
Anyway, I don't want to give away any spoilers for this episode. All I'll say is I did have a good laugh at one of the scenes, but I think that making you laugh is not the main motive of this episode. Rather the motive is engage the viewer through good story telling. This is what makes this episode so great - the story line, and the homage it pays. I hope you enjoy it!
A... Not Bad Episode?
kanasmoviekorner20 April 2022
Not gonna lie, I hate modern Simpsons like many others. Many episodes confuse, disappoint, and some anger me. But this episode actually didn't feel like a waste of time or a disappointment. Instead, it felt meaningful and the writing felt pretty decent. Not too many jokes, but quite an interesting story to make up for it. I could tell the writers and everyone making this actually cared for once and had a good idea that was executed well. With the past episodes like this one, the "Who Shot Mr. Burns" duology being some of my personal favorites, I wasn't very surprised that I liked this episode. Honestly, the highest rating I'll probably ever give a modern Simpsons episode. Well done. I hope I can expect this quality from future episodes...
Wow, just wow
owenjdebord2 January 2024
When I first saw A Serious Flanders I was surprised that it wasn't directed by the Coen Brothers. It was a version of The Simpsons I haven't seen, it was dark and gritty and It was good. New Simpsons has not been good, but A Serious Flanders was different. It has great writing, you can care about what happens to the characters, and it was the first episode of The Simpsons that made me cry. When it ended I wanted more, I wanted more Simpsons. I ended up watching the next episode and it was okay but I could tell that A Serious Flanders was a one time thing. It made me sad but I thought to myself maybe something like this will come again.
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