Sparking to life on TV screens during the 24th season, this episode was probably missed by a few lapsed fans of the show. Initially it appeared that this was going to be like some of the newer episodes where they veer a bit to far into randomness and self reference to be truly enjoyable. But it doesn't take long until the episode turns into a really quite touching examination of what friendship means, and it has the kind of heart at its core that many critics have accused the Simpsons of lacking in recent years. Lennys optimism in the face of being screwed by his friend is oddly endearing, and its actually difficult not agree with Carl when he reveals his true feelings about the group. The sequences that show how the group spend their time are not only beautifully constructed, but they also sneak in some very clever sight gags. And in refocusing the guys friendship through the perspective of a periphery character, it really does ask some pretty tough questions about what friendship really is. Is it co-dependency and permissiveness of poor behaviours? Or is it making sacrifices and understanding that as a friend it might be your job to forgive the seemingly unforgiveable? Also, this episode inevitably features Icelandic legends Sigur Ros doing a cover of the Simpsons score in their own unique style which is 150 types of cool.
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