The Simpsons are well-known for creating stories ahead of their time, and many of their predictions have come true. Although there is no scientific explanation for the revelations, showrunner Matt Selman said that they resulted from history repeating itself and mathematical formulas.
Selman revealed to People about the formulations behind the predictions and why so many have come true.
"Well, the sourpuss answer I always give that no one likes is that if you study history and math, it would be literally impossible for us not to predict things. If you say enough things, some of them are going to overlap with reality, and then that's the math element. And then, the history element is if you make a show that is based on studying the past foolishness of humanity, you are surely going to anticipate the future foolishness of humanity as it sinks further into foolishness fair. So we don't really think about it."
Season 1's "Moaning Lisa" is no exception to the cracked predictions and ahead-of-it's time storyline. In fact, it's an episode that everyone should watch because it's relatable today, with the subject matter and coming to a solution to a prevalent problem. "Moaning Lisa" additionally has the heart and head embedded in it, making the episode empathetic and realistic.
Another element of "Moaning Lisa" is the parental guidance Homer and Marge offer as the problem blooms from Bart and Lisa. Anything that affects their kids affects them and becomes a spherical issue. It will keep revolving until the problem is solved, or at least working toward being solved.
Moving on, let's explore why "Moaning Lisa" was ahead of its time and is still relevant today.
The Simpsons "Moaning Lisa" dealt with childhood depression
The core plot of "Moaning Lisa" is centered on Lisa and her conflicted emotions of "sadness." At the time, depression in youth, especially under the age of ten, went undetected or lacked the resources for assistance. The Simpsons' writer, James L. Brooks, pitched the idea that he wanted to do an episode with an emotional and heartfelt theme, as the past five episodes and shorts were humor-based. His colleagues, Al Jean, and Mike Reiss, loved the idea and were on board but were also skeptical as they weren't sure if "Moaning Lisa" would be received by the audience since it went outside the usual comedic element and stepped into unknown territory.
In TV production, risks are taken and maybe it was time to broadcast an episode that navigated on childhood emotions, even if children should never feel a deep void of sadness. But it's a part of life that must be addressed and "Moaning Lisa" provided a clear window to it.
As someone who combats depression and anxiety, such an episode is critical, and it can help relate to our own issues; just by observing them, we too can get the help we need or restructure the depression with something more significant.
Plotwise, Lisa falls victim to depression and doesn't know the answer to why. While her peers and teachers offer zero help, Homer and Marge attempt to reach their daughter. Homer thinks it's a puberty thing, while Marge believes it could be something more profound than meets the eye.
Or sometimes depression doesn't have a reason that's simply there, leading to a personal quest to seek its source(s).
In Lisa's case, she opens her heart to Homer on what's the meaning of existence and not being able to save a suffering world. Her dad doesn't have an answer, but unfortunately, I don't think anyone does. Yet, we can shape our existence through positive outlets and by doing what's right for humanity.
Luckily, Lisa found an outlet to let go of her depression by blues and jazz. Her passion for the musical genres only expanded when she met jazz musician Bleeding Gums Murphy. A close friendship formed between them, and in the much later season 33, "The Sound of Bleeding Gums," Lisa helps Bleeding Gums by helping him hear his father's voice when he was born deaf.
Depression sucks for sure, but living our lives to the fullest and finding resources to help the problems, life doesn't have to suck.