Review: The Simpsons “The Last Barfighter”

 

 

Overview:

After appearing on Bumblebee Man’s new late-night talk show, Bart has won a crystal skull full of premium tequila. Stealing the booze from his son, Homer shares the prize with his friends at the tavern, and they get Moe to have a drink with him. But when he gets too drunk, Moe reveals one too many secrets.

The events not only cost Moe his place in the secret society of bartenders but his friends are doomed to sobriety. Although Homer and his friends are flourishing without alcohol, Moe is not doing so well. Hopefully, his friends can find a way to help restore Moe’s tavern and their old favourite hobby.

 

Our Take:

Television’s longest-running scripted television show wraps up its incredible 32nd season. And it does so with a banger of an episode that showcases that The Simpsons can still release some of the best content on TV. As we begin the dreaded wait until we return to Springfield once again, we analyze what may have been one of the strongest outings of the year.

“The Last Barfighter” is a solid title, referencing one of the greatest 80s science fiction films. However, the spoof name is a decoy, as this episode has a much closer resemblance to the John Wick franchise. Revealed throughout, Moe is part of a secret society of bartenders that is eerily similar to that of the action trilogy. Selling the parody even further is guest star, Ian McShane, playing an identical role to the one he had in the Keanu Reeves films.  

Surprisingly, The Simpsons does not shy away from the action that it parodies. When ‘The Confidential’ decides to enact their punishment on Moe and friends, they do so in the same skilful way that Wick had to overcome. And even some surprising Springfieldians are a part of this dark secret group, which results in Homer being hit with a dose of ‘anti-booze’.

Unfortunately, the second half of this episode is packed in, and the conclusion is clunky. 

Considering The Simpsons have been more open to the concept of two-part episodes as the years have gone by, this story could have gotten the treatment. The way this plot was established far outweighed how it ended. It would have been much more satisfying to allow this season finale to end on a cliff-hanger. But, without the comfort of another contract for next season until just recently, the decision makes sense.

Regardless of how unbalanced the episode may have been, the show still managed to pack in all of the necessary humour. Between the all-Spanish Bumblebee Man talk show, Noches Con Abejorrito, and Lenny’s rip on the Indiana Jones franchise, there were plenty of laughs throughout. Surprisingly, one of the most entertaining parts was watching Homer play the sober straight man, and actually be a good father and husband.

With the quality of episodes taking a dip in the latter half of season 32, it was comforting to have The Simpsons end on a strong note. As we begin to look back on the season as a whole, it is safe to say that this will be one of the standouts. It is great to watch the show explore things that it has never done before in its 700+ editions. Especially when something as small as having Moe have a drink with the regulars can have such an impact. It is safe to say The Simpsons still has what it takes to be one of the best shows on television.