10 The Simpsons Episodes That PISSED People Off
7. Moe Goes From Rags To Riches (S23 E12)
Over time, The Simpsons has masterfully developed a pool of dozens of well loved, established characters, even with their own hierarchy. The main characters like the Simpsons, Flanders, Skinner, Burns and more, are supported by secondary characters like Comic Book Guy, Groundskeeper Willie, and Chief Wiggum. There is even a third tier including Squeaky Voice Teen, Bumblebee Man, and Dr. Nick.
Imagine then, having literally dozens of well developed characters, or characters with the potential for deeper development at your fingertips, and instead choosing to base an episode around Moe's bar rag. Literally anyone in Springfield would have made for a stronger episode than, for some reason, a sentient piece of cloth.
Offset by a weak B story of Bart trying to win back Milhouse as a friend, the bulk of the episode told of the rag's history from medieval France through to modern day Springfield. It was incredibly boring, and one of the most pointless stories in recent memories.
To make matters worse, the show brought in the endlessly talented Jeremy Irons for the episode. Someone of such talent, with a voice dripping with that kind of elegance and gravitas could have made for an exceptional one off Simpsons character. Instead he played a dirty rag in one of the worst story arcs in the entire show.