Nuclear reaction: Simpsons episodes banned by Channel 10

From:The Advertiser
March 30, 2011 12:30AM

Certain episodes of The Simpons that refer to nuclear power have been pulled in the wake of the Japanese nuclear crisis.

Simpsons episodes featuring nuclear jokes banned
Executive producer says he understands the move
"We would never make light of what's happening"

AT least eight episodes of The Simpsons won't be aired in the wake of the Japanese nuclear crisis.

The episodes of Channel 10's hit animated series feature jokes about nuclear radiation and meltdowns, The Advertiser reported.

"All new and repeat Simpsons episodes are, as a matter of course, reviewed before going to air in case sensitive issues are detected, particularly during natural disasters," a Ten spokesman said.

"In light of this, we have decided to rest certain episodes that refer to nuclear power storylines." Ten screens The Simpsons on its digital channel, Eleven.

Episode 66, Marge Gets a Job, shows scientists Marie and Pierre Curie affected by radiation poisoning.

Episode 346, On a Clear Day I Can't See My Sister, has characters joking about a nuclear meltdown.

Austria's ORF network and Switzerland's SF network have also banned eight episodes.

The nuclear plant in the Simpsons' home town of Springfield is a key element in the long-running satirical cartoon, with Homer Simpson in charge of safety.

Episodes have shown nuclear waste dumped in a children's playground, cracked cooling towers and three-eyed mutant fish, as well as near-meltdowns.

The Simpsons executive producer Al Jean said he could "completely understand" the station's move.

"We would never make light of what's happening in Japan," he said.

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