Fox Silences Religious Simpsons Episode

After 16 years of skewering presidents dead and alive, Barney and even the network that signs their checks, E Online reports that Fox and producers of "The Simpsons" are paying their respects to Pope John Paul II.

In Springfield, the God-fearing is usually limited to the Flanders household, but in this case all parties figured it best to put the kibosh on an upcoming episode titled "The Father, Son and Holy Guest." Special guest Liam Neeson stars as a priest that inspires Bart after he is expelled and lands himself in Catholic school. If you're sensitive, don't expect the plotline to follow the after-school special format.

This is the second instance of recent self-censorship, since ABC and producers of "Desperate Housewives" decided to edit out religious references in an episode earlier this month. Still no reports on how "The Bachelor" or "The Simple Life" plan to handle their desecrations to religions worldwide.

While "Desperate Housewives" may want to avoid heat in their freshman season, the fire has been fueling over "The Simpsons" since the first season. Hope is not lost though. The episode has been rescheduled to run Sunday, May 15 at 8:00 p.m. (EST) on Fox. -- Rachel Cericola

Posted by Mac at April 20, 2005 4:25 PM | TrackBack