Talking Simpsons Talking Simpsons - Bart-Mangled Banner With Brendan James
Oct 8, 2025
Brendan James, co-host of the Blowback podcast, dives into the political intricacies of 'Bart-Mangled Banner.' The discussion explores how the episode reflects post-9/11 America, with cautious critiques of the Bush administration. They touch on the unique reluctance of The Simpsons to name names and the media's overreaction to patriotism fears. Brendan highlights parallels to the Iraq War and Abu Ghraib controversies, while humorously dissecting moments like Apu's hyper-patriotism and Marge's media fallout, making it a thought-provoking commentary on satire and public sentiment.
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Mistaken Identity Onstage
- Brendan James recounts filling in for Will Menaker and getting mistaken for him while criticizing Kamala Harris.
- He remembers being yelled at and amused by the misidentification in press coverage.
Episode As 2004 Time Capsule
- The episode is a time capsule of 2004 politics: Abu Ghraib, Fahrenheit 9/11, and the culture of fear after 9/11.
- Brendan James and hosts say that environment pushed mainstream comedy toward cautious, centrist satire.
Fear Shaped Political Satire
- The episode reflects a cautious liberal writers' room nervous about directly criticizing the Bush administration after 9/11.
- Brendan James and hosts say that fear produced tepid satire that avoids naming politicians.
