This is an outstanding episode. The fact that, at the time of writing, it has a rating of "only" 8.5 instead of the 9/10 it's worth, is probably because to fully appreciate how fine a piece of craftsmanship it is, one needs not only to know all the movies parodied here, but also be aware of their cultural significance. And there's more.
Like some people may see only the surface layer of Inception and treat it only as an inventive action movie, but not see it twice within a week to get to the deep level and get the full experience, some people may see only the surface layer of this episode and treat it only as a funny piece of TV. However, there are themes of aging and the competitiveness of today's world versus the "PC" way of giving awards not only for winning but *just* participating. Themes subtly woven into the comedy, things that the viewer will be *thinking about* after the episode.
Plus, there is a meta level just like in Inception, only to a lesser extent. The meta level here is the running joke of the episode, the fact that you *can't* quote Murtaugh's catchphrase word-for-word on national TV, and boy, do the writers and actors have fun with it! And it's such infectious fun. Plus, as an ace in the hole, there is the substitute player (you'll know when he appears) - that one was the icing on the cake. The episode did not *need* it, but it is all the more great because of it.
Like some people may see only the surface layer of Inception and treat it only as an inventive action movie, but not see it twice within a week to get to the deep level and get the full experience, some people may see only the surface layer of this episode and treat it only as a funny piece of TV. However, there are themes of aging and the competitiveness of today's world versus the "PC" way of giving awards not only for winning but *just* participating. Themes subtly woven into the comedy, things that the viewer will be *thinking about* after the episode.
Plus, there is a meta level just like in Inception, only to a lesser extent. The meta level here is the running joke of the episode, the fact that you *can't* quote Murtaugh's catchphrase word-for-word on national TV, and boy, do the writers and actors have fun with it! And it's such infectious fun. Plus, as an ace in the hole, there is the substitute player (you'll know when he appears) - that one was the icing on the cake. The episode did not *need* it, but it is all the more great because of it.