The Simpsons
“Weekend At Burnsies” Season 13 Episode 16 The Simpsons episode is the earliest episode of the four, first being broadcast 9 years ago on 7th April 2002. Some themes in this episode are still relevant today, however it is worth noting at this point that cannabis has become a little more accepted since the original air date. Weekend At Burnsies takes a less-serious approach, ascertaining to show a comical side of cannabis rather than to promote a serious political message. Cannabis is prescribed to Homer Simpson by Dr. Hibbert after he gets an injury, and as he enjoys it more and more he changes as a person, becoming generally happier and more interested in things such as Ned Flanders’ Bible (a subject he would hate in sobriety). Homer’s actions in the episode also get him promoted to vice-president of the Springfield Power Plant. But with Homer’s unwitting help a bill gets passed to re-illegalise medicinal marijuana, closing the everlasting and unchanging circle that often encompasses sitcoms and cartoons. Political relevance, however, does come into play because this episode was banned from television on Channel 4, and is only allowed to be shown after 9pm on Sky 1, no doubt due to its cannabis content. What does this say about Britain? It seems odd that they cannot show a cartoon depicting medicinal marijuana on the television station which, to be frank has some of the most rational programmes and documentaries shown on British television. Once again, thank God for the internet, and its uncensored hosting of cannabis-related content. This episode does not seem to promote cannabis in either a strictly positive or negative light – in fact homer’s actions seem to show cannabis as making him lazy, scruffy and a bit mad. However there are still several good references to cannabis throughout the episode, for example Lisa questioning her beliefs that it is wrong as it is a drug and “drugs are bad” when it stops Homer being angry all of the time, and also Homer’s getting a promotion because he is high. However, this can appear outweighed
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towards the end of the episode when Homer appears at a rally in his honour in a dirty suit, as well as getting the date wrong, meaning he is too late to vote against cannabis re-illegalisation. Another scene sees Homer Simpson and Waylon Smithers smoking a joint, which causes them to forget about Mr Burns in the bath and leave him to drown. In part due to the time of release this episode is unlikely to convert people on the fence about the issue of cannabis decriminalisation, although its good references to cannabis are still worth being noted.