Congratulations are due to The Simpsons who broadcast their 500th episode on Sunday 19th. Reaching a major television milestone the show saw the Simpsons family exiled from Springfield forcing them to join a community of outsiders where they meet Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks.Julian Assange is living in the UK at present, fighting an extradition case to Sweden regarding alleged sex offences of which he claims he is innocent. Assange was free to record the lines for his Simpson self-character at home in the UK when asked by Fox TV.
The Simpsons has been the longest-running prime-time scripted programme shown on American TV since its debut on December 17th 1989. It is in it's 23rd season and is contracted for a further two seasons. Known world wide and popular with all ages the Simpsons released a feature-length film, 'The Simpsons Movie', on July 26th 2007 and made over $527 million (£332 million).
Celebrating their 500th episode creator Matt Groening and voice talent Yeardley Smith say that when the 25th season has been completed the total number of episodes made will be 559. Groening believes the writers still have stories to tell involving "characters we've never dealt with".
"We have a character we call Squeaky-Voiced Teen," he told the Los Angeles Times. "I'd like to know a little bit more about that guy."
Groening originally created storyline involving a dysfunctional family naming most of them after members of his own family, today the character-cast has grown vastly with guest appearances from time to time including former Prime Minister Tony Blair and famous graffiti artist Banksy.
The 500th episode is entitled 'At Long Last Leave' and shows the Simpson family sneaking into a secret town hall meeting where they are shocked to learn that they are soon to be thrown out of their home Springfield town. They subsequently find a welcoming refuge in "The Outlands", Assange then becomes their new neighbour.
Article by Michelle
