This makes them more human.Īs we all know, times change and trends.
#TUMBLEWEED GIF CARTOON SERIES#
Although The Simpsons is a sitcom, the older series showed morals and closure between each episode. The Office has great examples of relatable characters, and while the series was short (12 episodes in all) we saw character arcs forming and obstacles resolved (e.g Tim and Dawn finally getting together). “Just have a simple head turn because we want the joke to be Maggie and the unibrow baby…’ ‘About the Marge turn, I had originally done a version where she did a nice head turn but, again, they didn’t want it. Looking past animation, Marge’s reaction is noticeably subtle in the newer version while her lively response is in the forefront in the older version.Īs quoted by the animator who dealt with this scene: Let’s look at the intro to The Simpsons once more, comparing the two scenes where Maggie’s lost in the supermarket. Of course, this could be nostalgia setting in but let’s pretend it isn’t. This is one of the top complaints not only within The Simpsons fandom but also with shows like Family Guy and South Park. Or at least have a personality that’s consistent. The older version depicts a typical working class family compared to the already established, celebrity family.Ĭharacters have to be relatable. If we look at the intro, we see the Simpson’s world is more saturated with injokes and even the opening sofa gag, which is more of a mini episode in itself that eats into episode time. There’s less time for setting up a joke; instead it’s more quickfire in the latest series. Perhaps this is what the older Simpsons had that the newer series lacks? Episodes are shorter, with newer ones lasting 22 minutes while its predecessors ran for 30 minutes each. It’s all in the (wait for it) pause… Anticipation is a form of tension that’ll enhance the punchline and blow away any nasty tumbleweed.
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Why build up all that tension only to then slip out the punchline too quickly, leaving a room full of silent disappointment? Someone throw in a tumbleweed. We all have our preference to comedy, but what’s interesting is the pacing of gags which has changed so much people have noticed it. Though I’m not favouring one over the other. Compared to the randomness of newer episodes where characters (such as Homer) put themselves in situations that are completely out of character for a single gag. The pace can vary from one to the other, depending on the target audience and joke trends.Īnd why is there a difference? The argument is that, older episodes are character focused and the jokes are driven by story. And this is particularly important in cartoons. But what I found most interesting is how comedy timing can change a joke from being mediocre to amazing. So this is completely based on research, study and plain old interest. In fact, I tend to make people laugh through my own misfortune or unintentional broken English.