Entertainment Weekly: Homer Simpson Greatest TV & Film Character

By Robert Paul Reyes  

"Homer Simpson has been named the greatest TV and film character of the last 20 years, according to a Entertainment Weekly survey.

The cartoon character, best known for his love of eating, beat schoolboy wizard Harry Potter to the top slot." BBC

I would argue that Homer Simpson is the greatest TV, film, and literary character of all-time.

The simply drawn character appeals to small children as well as adults. Tots love Homer because he is so transparent, they can't get away with anything, and neither can the beloved yellow character.

Homer may always be trying to get away with stuff, but his simple and honest emotions always betray him. If Homer is scared he will squeal like a school girl, if he's happy he will twirl around on the floor like a top, and if he's hungry he will slobber like a dog.

Homer is an Everyman that we can all identify with -- who doesn't enjoy being ensconced on the sofa, clad only in tighty whities, and drinking beer after beer just like our favorite TV personality?

Homer is a man of our times, he lives in a post-Christian society, and he finds comfort, acceptance and camaraderie not in a church, but at Moe's bar. Those of us who prefer to spend Sunday morning online, at the golf course or taking our dog for a walk can readily identify with good old Homer.

Homer frequently chokes Bart almost to death, he can't understand his precocious daughter Lisa, he ignores his baby Maggie, and he doesn't appreciate his long-suffering wife. But when the chips are on the line, Homer will do anything to protect his family. Homer ain't no Bill Cosby kind of dad, he's a dysfunctional human being who represents all of us.

In spite of his many imperfections Homer's family loves him. They can tolerate his marble-sized brain, because of his big heart.

I may never achieve the heroic accomplishments of some of the famous characters of film, TV, and literature. But if at the end of the day my friends and family love me for who I am, I'll be just fine.

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Robert Paul Reyes is a NewsBlaze writer on Politics, Pop Culture and Pointless Pontificating. Contact him by writing to NewsBlaze.