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Simpsons

 Homer and Marge have "twin" episodes, both written by John Swartzwelder.


Homer gets "The Cartridge Family," in which a soccer riot causes Homer to purchase a gun. Intoxicated with his power, Homer begins shooting everything. When he needs to open a beer, he shoots the top of a can. When he needs to turn the TV off, he shoots it. 

There seems to be a "message," which is that guns are purely bad. But in the final scene, Marge--who has spent the full storyline decrying tools of violence--spots herself in a mirror just as she is about to toss a gun in the trash. She likes her gun-wielding silhouette. She secretly decides she will keep the firearm.

In another episode, from Season Two, it's *Marge* who is drunk with power. In "Itchy and Scratchy and Marge," Mrs. Simpson decides that TV animation is too violent. She is thrilled to learn that she can use her own voice--she can change the world! But her editorial suggestions for "Itchy and Scratchy" are very bad. And her minions take her message too far; they want to ban the David sculpture because of its depiction of nudity. 

This episode seems to be a condemnation of George H.W. Bush-style censorship--no one can tell me what I can and can't watch. And yet--in the final minute--the message gets complicated. Marge is pleased to learn that Springfield public schools will force "David" down the throats of all students--the kids "are *required* to join the field trip!" This is a sharp jab at liberals--"manipulation is manipulation only if I *personally* dislike the objective." And we fade to black.

Next week, I might take a shot at "Itchy and Scratchy and Poochie..."
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