Every few months, a golden-age Simpsons episode is credited for predicting the real-world future.
Some people think The Simpsons authors utilised a crystal ball for their ideas, ranging from deadly terrorist events to the outcome of the 2016 Presidential election.
With the premiere of Margot Robbie’s Barbie to considerable praise on Friday, another episode from the show’s most renowned era is being scrutinised.
The new film, directed by Greta Gerwig and touted as a “risky female dream,” has been likened to the Simpsons classic Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy.
In the episode, Lisa is enraged when the talking version of Malibu Stacy – a Barbie-style doll from the series – said: ‘I wish they taught shopping at school!’
Lisa, on the other hand, responds to this realisation by requesting that toymakers develop Lisa Lionheart, a powerful doll from which young girls may learn.
Lisa, on the other hand, responds to this realisation by requesting that toymakers develop Lisa Lionheart, a powerful doll from which young girls may learn.
‘It sounds like it’s the modern answer to questions asked 30 years ago,’ Oakley said, after writing for The Simpsons between 1992 and 1997.
When questioned if they truly predicted the future, Oakley responded that the technique behind the show’s mid-90s popularity merely gives the impression that they did.
‘We often looked for things that came from current events,’ he explained. ‘And I specifically remember being told, “Take the social trends from now”.’
Speaking to Vanity Fair, he continued: ‘[We were told] in 10 months when people have forgotten about it, they’ll think you made the whole thing up.’
He also mentioned that female Simpsons fans frequently mention Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy when discussing their fave episodes of the show.
‘It particularly seems to resonate with women, I would say. When I meet a female Simpsons fan, that is often the one they cite as their favourite.’
See Barbie in cinemas from Friday, July 21.
