TVSquad

Major apologies for being late with this review. I've had a bit of a pain in the gulliver the last few days, but I'm doing better now, thank you very much.

Anyway, perhaps it was because I was sick, or maybe my humor sensors just weren't tuned in properly, but this episode kind of left me cold. I'll admit I loved the whole idea of Orel and the Pious Scouts going on a camping trip but never really exposing themselves to nature, and I loved all the signs at the nature preserve that read, "Warning: Actual Nature" and "No Birds After Six PM," and if you really want to make me laugh, a squirrel committing suicide via hanging is always a good way to go, but the overall theme of this episode felt like something I had seen too many times before.

I always considered myself a pretty strict Darwinist, but I have to admit, Ricky Gervais, best known for The Office and Extras, does offer a compelling argument for Creationism. The clip after the jump is from Gervais' 2003 stage show Animals, in which he lectures in his own dry British way about the animal kingdom and whatever else pops into his head. It's not like watching a stand-up comedian, per se, but it's very funny, nonetheless. In fact, I'm fairly certain Gervais has said on more than one occasion that he doesn't consider himself a stand-up comedian. Either way, he's on a stage and people are laughing, so why split hairs? You can also buy the DVD with the entire show, but only if you live in the UK. Take that, Americans. Anyway, enjoy the clip, and then watch the second part of it here.

(S17E21)

Ned: We want you to teach alternative theories to Darwinian evolution.

Skinner: You mean Lamarckian evolution?

Last night The Simpsons took on creationism versus evolution, pitting Lisa against the rest of the town. This isn't the first time the show has tackled the issue of science and religion, most notably in the "Lisa the Skeptic" episode in which the supposed skeleton of a dead angel is found. Last night's episode had some good moments, but it did feel like they were treading upon somewhat familiar ground and not saying anything especially new.