The Simpsons (TV Series) Trust But Clarify (2016) User Reviews

Three Stories in One,

[lesleyharris30 · 7/10 · 10 March 2017]

Trust but Clarify is a great Simpsons episode with a well written plot and plenty of very funny scenes. It manages quite nicely to fit three separate stories in to one episode, rather than two, which it normally has. Instead it has three main stories, none of them really being the main plot.

The Bart and Lisa plot was poor, it featured the least interesting gags and the entire set up was mediocre to begin with. The whole investigation of Krusty's new candy was tedious to me and I was always the least interested when that part of the episode continued.

However, the other two plots were great fun. Homer and Marge's story was simple, straight forward fun. It did not try to be any more than it was, merely an enjoyable situation to put the two characters in to. I really enjoyed Kent Brockman's plot, it added a lot of depth to the character, it was interesting to see one of the secondary characters get their own bit in which none of the family members are involved, I think the writers should try out more of this as the potential is huge.

It tries out a interesting dynamic that, for the most part, works out and could be continued in the future. Trust but Clarify is an immensely enjoyable Simpsons episode.

Lisa and Bart investigate Krusty's suspicious new candy, while Marge gives Homer a makeover to get ahead at work.

Conservative Simpsons Too Serious To Be Funny

[actaction · 5/10 · 19 October 2020]

This episode is what you get if the Simpson's were written from a conservative perspective. It has some good gags, some good pointed political humor against liberal values (we can take a joke) and even manages to take a moral high point against Brian Williams who Brockman is lampooning here after being disgraced for lying about being in combat. All of that is fine, however the entire episode takes on a conservative tinge which doesn't bode well for the usually progressive feel of the show. It feels more angry, sarcastic and with commentary that gets serious instead of always keeping to the usual insanity. Kent at one point almost sells out to be a liberal, which he declines. Then, he really wants a job at Buzz Feed, another very liberal youthful online publication. He's better than that, too, because it goes out of business and is ahead of the curve with Brockman behind in the times. While the show never right out says "liberals bad", it does have an unmistakable subtext that seems critical and not in a joking way as the show has done better with conservatives (like the republicans meeting in a dark castle with Dracula in attendance, for example).

"Trust but Clarify" lacks comedic punch but remains a watchable episode

[santifersan · 5/10 · 5 March 2023]

In "Trust But Clarify", the storyline is engaging and keeps the viewer interested throughout. However, one thing that's noticeably absent from this episode is the humor. This episode lacks any memorable jokes or funny moments that leave a lasting impression. While the plot is interesting, it feels like the writers forgot to include the show's signature humor, which has been a staple of the series since its inception. Despite this shortcoming, the episode is still enjoyable to watch and provides a refreshing break from the show's recent overreliance on wacky and over-the-top humor. Fans of the show who are looking for a more serious and grounded episode will likely appreciate "Trust But Clarify," but those seeking the traditional humor and wit of The Simpsons may find themselves disappointed. Overall, it's a decent episode that's worth watching, but it's unlikely to stand out as a fan favorite.