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Monty Burns

 Substantial portions of my month are spent in email discussions with the SOMA school administration, a coven of incompetent goons. I try to remind myself that these are people unhappy in their jobs, simply trying to put food on the table. Sometimes, this reminder is helpful.


I do not have tactical skills, so my standard M.O. is to veer wildly between puzzling silence and overwhelming (and unhelpful) candor. I lack the muscle that would lead me to pause and ask myself, "What is the politically wise move, in this context?" If I'm advised to withhold info--"do not give them power"--the advice comes as a surprise. Over and over again.

Some critics think of TV in terms of scenes. A strong literary work is a parade of exceptional scenes--one standout after another. And so it's easy to understand why "Last Exit to Springfield" is considered a prizewinner--not just among "Simpsons" episodes, but also among all episodes of all TV shows in history. Monty Burns realizes he can screw his employees by axing the "dental plan." This happens at the same time that Lisa needs braces; she views her headgear in silence, then begins laughing maniacally and waving around shards of a smashed mirror. Homer--having been elected president of a union--wrongly construes Monty's overtures as a series of sexual advances. And, finally, Lisa returns with an immortal song:

We'll fight day and night by the big cooling tower!
They have the plant--but WE have the power...

Yet again, I feel I'm watching scenes from my own life. Extraordinary television.
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