I had this video idea since a bit after the last wave and kinda thought "aw, no one is interesting in Steamed Hams anymore". Then the new wave came and I rushed this video out! I probably didn't have to rush, but it mostly worked out fine!
In the many, MANY times I have watched Steamed Hams, I never realized that the reason Chalmers asks to see the Aurora Borealis is because it finally dawned on him that Skinner isn't budging on his lies because he's trying desperately to impress him. So, he switches his tone and plays along. In other words, this wasn't just a meme, but a legit good analysis!
Thank you! I'd like to think it's one interpretation of it. I also kinda like just thinking Chalmers miraculously buys the story eventually, because that's pretty funny too!
@@Storyograph I love your analysis here for real, but I never really saw it as Chalmers knowing the truth but humouring it and I didn't see it as the authorial intent either. I just think it's a gag that he sounds like he's finally put 2 and 2 together but still hasn't. Like the whole point is it's unexpected that he'd end that rageful interrogation with actually still believing it.
Steamed hams takeaway: When you're so committed to gaslighting others into thinking you have things under control, you're willing to destroy your entire life in the process.
Thank you! Most people assume this was just simple irony, but I'm glad you're getting the full spectrum of what I was going for! It's hard to walk that line sometimes, so I'm glad it came through.
@@DvirPick like why they used to call tv a medium, because it's neither rare nor well done (i stole that from the locker jokes on you can't do that on television)
@@intellectually_lazy I never had my own TV growing up (my parents did though, not that I never watched any TV at all) and then RUclips entered my life when I was like 15. So while I do have some fond memories of childhood tv, it's rather limited. I think those circumstances helped me seeing clearly what utter garbage TV mostly is, an exploitative medium unfit by its very nature for expressing dissent or enabling creator-driven content. RUclips is obviously problematic as a capitalist enterprise, but it does provide this unique space for individuals sharing quality-ideas with the world. I also like how as part of the Internet, it requires a more active participation, whereas TV is way more passive. With that being said, can somebody please delete MrBeast? P.S: I have consumed countless hours of golden age TV shows by this point, so I might be a little bit hypocritical.
@@intellectually_lazy Yeah, streaming (to which I sail[ed] on the Seven Seas) opened the way for TV shows with arcs, rather than monster-of-the-week. I think you can say the first is objectivly better as a storytelling convention. Stuff like Twin Peaks was far and few in-between before then. I can only think of Mythbusters as a rather "classically" produced TV show, from the era of reality TV garbage which i have serious problems with, that still stands the test of time (and it's actually not a very typical production for its time at all). Possibly disregarding the I assume hugh budget, it's more like a YT channel made by two guys (+others) with honest intentions. They didn't fake stuff in a time when that was the norm and there was no Internet to tell you about it. For that they deserve huge, huge respect. The mass media news are especially problematic though because they belong within a capitalist framework. There's no true anti-capitalist mass media, no NBC news telling you what's horrible about the "free market", but there are obviously such RUclipsrs.
This recontexualizes Chalmers's "may I see it" from a comical and cartoonish want to see the northern lights somehow in someone's kitchen to a realization that Skinner is willing to burn his house down if it means he can successfully have done one thing right for Chalmers and a plea of "may I see it" as one last chance to let Skinner come clean that is turned down with a simple "...No". All Chalmers can do is leave the burning building and allow Skinner this imaginary win.
What kills me is you nailed not only the general tone the naration makes as well as the regorous use of B-roll footage, but even the little sight-gags these essays tend to put in to add a little flair to the visuals without having to slow down the pace of the recountin-I mean analysis, of the scene. Too often people making parodies of "serious" works forget the little fun things like that. If this wasn't for Steamed Hams I'd have bought that this was real
I had a lot of fun with this one. I think I would consider it "real", since I did pretty much what any legit video essay would do. But that doesn't mean I didn't add some genre jokes to keep myself amused and add to the whole meme vibe of it.
im surprised that skinner laying his apron on the oven wasnt mentioned, because thats the thing that actually caused the fire to spread outside of the oven. its the perfect symbol for the overall metaphor, skinner allowing his lies to spread so far instead of 'hanging up the apron' and coming clean at the very beginning.
Thank You! I was kinda going for something like Nerdstalgic, but I think I had Nerdwriter1 in my head when I was narrating some of it. Maybe a little Ira Glass too.
The Simpsons is at its best when the characters behave in totally unexpected ways while being true to their character. Skinner saying "oh no I said steamed hams" is a totally out of left field lie and yet wholly in character as someone desperate to save face. For that reason it's totally legit to analyse the characters' motivations because the best Simpsons episodes respect them properly. It's also hilarious to put this much analysis into the Steamed Hams scene given it's already been dissected to death.
I figured the only thing left for Steamed Hams was to treat it like "Real Cinema" and try an do a mostly legit breakdown. (While having some fun of course!)
I thought your alternate interpretation of Chalmer's thought process was brilliant and retroactively makes the short better. I've accepted it as my headcanon.
Yeah, I kinda never knew exactly what he was thinking, but since my whole analysis sort of hinged on that moment, it need an explanation. Glad it works for you!
I wish you'd gone on a tangent halfway through about the origins of Krusty Burger, it's quality, noticeable grill markings, historic franchise relevance to the culture of Springfield. EVERYONE, even a stodgy old education official, would recognize them.
One Fish, Two Fish, Blow Fish - Western man's existential crisis confronting death; Bart gets an F - the alchemical attempt at turning 'lead' into 'gold'
I had to pause to laugh for 30 seconds right at the start when you pulled that callback to the image of Milhouse's Dad's drawing of dignity that ruined his marriage. JFC. This is gold.
This is absolutely legitimate, you basically just completely broke down the scene/joke. I think it's one of the reasons why The Simpsons stands as one of the best comedy shows of all time, the character driven structure.
Exactly. There is so much character dynamic communicated through just these handful of lines of dialogue. Classic Simpsons had so many layers to basically every scene.
This essay actually shows that we can deeply dissect a lot (if not every??) of the other scenes of the episode. And, actually, any scene of the show. Should we?
I cracked up at the "for those unfamiliar with the greater narrative of the source material" part. This is also a really good essay! I'd love to see you take on something equally ridiculous.
Oh, just you wait... I just might have some other ideas for equally ridiculous plots to analyze. Though I still have a few more other videos to post first before I start working on that...
this was a lovely treatment of steamed hams. I would say this is 'Legit Analysis.' oftentimes authors/creators have only impartial understanding of what they create, and here where Oakley utilizes archetypal characters (the overbearing boss vs subservient underling) you may end up constructing fiction with unintended meaning, but unintended does not mean nonexistent. I think concerns of authorial intent often end up muddying the water, introducing additional boogeymen to grapple with besides the text itself, but I'm sure enough essays have grappled with that idea to spare myself the trouble. the 'self' holds such depths, who could possibly deign to know its ultimate purposing. I sometimes think of it like a tennis player striking the ball while off balance and falling over and the strike ends up perfect: in the moment their intention is simply 'somehow return the ball' but the result can appear transcendent as it perfectly arcs past the opponent while staying in (or not-so-transcendent where it ends up in the net.) regardless, I think there is more bound up in art and creation than the conscious mind is sometimes capable of grasping. and for what its worth, I do think the Simpsons has an intentional history of juggling deeply emotional resonant themes with humor especially in the earlier seasons. it reminds me of Sullivan's Travels where a bigshot director was certain he wanted to make a sad story of poverty and needed the experience to do so, and then in (accidentally on purpose) assuming the role of poverty he finds that his intention was actually self-centered and that the poor deserve humor and uplift. I think the Simpsons sometimes aims to do both: deeply emotional themes treated with humorous uplift. maybe you went a little beyond here (I don't even think you did besides maybe suggesting that this moment had transcendent meaning for Skinner) but I do think its a tale of a deeply troubled and insecure figure desperate to appear confident and capable. I can hardly imagine a more universal tale.
Well said! I think Oakley aimed to make it funny, but perhaps what makes it funny in the first place is the underlying personal insecurities Skinner has. They are larger-than-life sure, but still echo something we'd see in real life. And Skinner's inner thoughts can be interpreted in different ways depending on the viewer. I'm not a stickler for authorial intent, but I still feel like it's one very important angle to consider when analyzing a story. And I suppose with this channel, I tend to skew more toward that, or at least whatever I think the authorial intent is. As for my personal take on Steamed Hams, I find it somewhat fascinating to imagine the implications of a man who would burn down his house for approval, and had a fun time making it melodramatic. Glad you enjoyed the video!
@@Storyograph yes I think it is a hilarious and relatable skit because it plays on a commonplace trope: the employee trying his best to cater (literally) to his boss thru increasingly escalating and ridiculous deceptions. I think that's relatable for many people. sure we dont burn down our houses, but there is an idea that you 'get ahead' and earn success thru catering to your bosses whims. there's an additional ridiculousness in the very concept 'unforgettable luncheon' that you identify. even though they have a professional relationship, this encounter is entirely personal, another blending of work and personal where in media the workplace can become a 'family' (the Office anyone?) and I don't think authorial intent is always wrong or limiting, but rather it's often used to construct boundaries on what is off-limits. the common meme of 'the curtains are blue' comparing an english teacher's interpretation with the supposed author's intent is meant to cast aspersion on the finding of meaning where there supposedly is none, but imo meaning is where you find it regardless of whether it was placed with intent. maybe that makes me Don Quixote tilting at windmills, but it makes for more interesting media consumption. I didnt say this in my original comment, but excellent job editing this (both the effects, splicing in other episodes, or the outside the frame animations.) I'm working on making my own video essays (hopefully) and its no small feat; I appreciate you taking the time to make these and look forward to whatever you produce next!
@@heyheyhey121121 Thank you! Yeah, making those 3D shots at the beginning was a bit more involved than I often go, but its was a great excuse to practice working After Effects and Blender. Good luck with your essays! I find it a pretty fun medium to work with, since writing and editing have always been my favorite parts of filmmaking. But boy do they take time to make...
Whether intended by the original creator or not, this analysis is spot on in terms of what is happening in the scene, as well as Skinner's motivations for perpetuating the lie.
I think the understated shot in the arm for the comedy and tragedy is the fact that the house fire didn't need to happen. He was so busy with trying to rush the lunch out he forgets to do anything about the roast in the oven. Not even bothering to put it out even though the running water could be excused as him washing his hands, he's too afraid of facing his own failures to even acknowledge it anymore despite having the kitchen to himself after Chalmers is seated.
This was so informative, actually changed the way I view this meme, it's a masterpiece, the depth of the characters' motives elucidated through your analysis added so much depth to a seemingly simple gag. Now I will see Seymour and Chalmers with other eyes, as two characters, three-dimensional characters how they are called in the writing scene. The facial reactions the characters have at each moment made me think of how they think and what their motives are. Thank you for posting this, while hilarious, the content was very in depth, even though a parody.
I wonder how they don't get taken down. I've seen a few paraphrase every word spoken of an entire TV series and narrate the action. How is that helpful to anyone? I'd like to imagine people go to illegal streaming sites to watch stuff for free instead of... whatever that is.
You point out the exact reason I dropped English as my major in college. I was able to take the most absurd content and give it a critical analysis and stepping back I saw as much legitimacy in that as any other that I’d done. Don’t get me wrong, I value critical analysis generally and this was very entertaining.
That's a really interesting point you've hit upon! I think I kinda get that "existential crisis" that comes with finding "deep" analysis in something absurd. It's like, if anything can be made to be deep, then nothing is. How can you get to the meaning of anything, if you can just make it all up and sound correct? But I also think that's the fun part of art - It's mostly subjective. Art (in the broad sense of the word) isn't factual. I don't want to sound too pretentious, but I feel like it's a reflection of the artist _and_ the viewer. Some analysis might technically be more "legitimate" than others, but if you're getting something out of it, then you're doing it right. That’s just my take anyway. Glad you liked the video!
This is because God works through all things and therefore everything is infinitely profound since it is inherently tied to the most immense Thing possible!
Your essay is totally legit AND funny, 'cause it works in two levels: Firstly, everything you discuss in it, is true about the narrative behind the Steamed Hams skit. On the other hand (ham?), what makes it funny is how profoundly you've digged into said skit, plus the fact that you've applied the usual tropes / language / pace and editing which are common within RUclips film analysis channels. On a side note, I had considered asking Rob Ager if he'd do a little Steamed Hams funny essay... Seems you got that covered first, tho! ;-)
Despite how many short-form “steamed ham” videos I’ve watched, this one fell under my radar. Until now. (Insert a 400 word long comment essay about the videos ups and downs and praise and… stuff) And with that, adieu.
To be perfectly honest with you, I secretly think it *was* just Chalmers being stupid. But with the narrative I was building, it seemed like this was a better ending to my video. Like you said, it makes sense. I'm just not sure that was the original intention of the sketch. But who knows, maybe it was!
I love how it's both a satirical meme but also a genuine analysis of how far many will go to achieve perceived success and admiration from their superiors even at the expense of themselves and those around them. While it's framed in an adult animated sitcom, there genuinely are many, many, MANY people like this and this does a good job detailing how and way they are like this. I feel also like this type of thing has become more and more releavant in the past decade as well.
Thanks! Glad you mentioned the added clips! That was the hardest part. There wasn’t enough footage in Steamed Hams to last for a whole video, so I had to seek out more material
This is absolutely brilliant. Even if you only ever intended this as a joke, it is an absolutely perfect analysis of the sketch, and why we love it so much.
Awesome work! Loved every part of it! Only thing I wish you'd done is mention that the roast almost certainly burned _because_ of Skinner's bad directions-he timed the roast to be finished when Chalmers arrived, but since Chalmers arrived late, the roast was burned. Still, that's a very small nitpick in an otherwise phenomenal video!
The JCS sounding narrator, the generic introduction that sound deeper than it is, and the actual meat of the video just being a no-analysis plot summary is so perfect 😭
“Skinner’s vast new undreamt of depths of Machiavellian incompetence” is a sentence so good that I’m running around in tight little circles and flailing my arms about, because I don’t know how else to express my gratitude that I somehow won the cosmic lottery and managed to be alive… and to speak English… at roughly the same time that the sentence was first conceived of and spoken aloud.
I am quite receptive to your theory of Chalmers having to choose between the lesser of two absurdities. Clearly on one level Skinner is gaslighting Chalmers without scruple, and on another he himself is clinging desperately to the deceit like a scrap of his shipwrecked dignity, his legs frantically kicking unseen below the water line. Perhaps we might therefore grant that for both protagonist and antagonist in this folie à deux, necessity is the mother of deception.
I've come here this late after the publishing of this "teardown" of the Steamed Hams short, ad I'm going to comment on it as if it was newly published. This, good sir, is the first and probably only work of yours I've seen, and it is simply wonderful. Sure it takes the author's intentions leagues out of context, but it does so in an actually interesting, streamlined, and overall yes-it-is-amusing way. And then I stepped away, came back and forgot what I was writing. In summary: Good work, I smiled.
Wow I love this! You really broke it down in a very intriguing way that really makes you think that seemingly the most simple interactions can be broken down to very nuanced deep psychological analysis that really pieces through your soul about the struggles of the human condition. Truly inspires me to want to make stories / documentaries about other various life events. Really cool!
This essay is unironically what one is expected to do in english class out of a poem written by someone hundreds of years ago while under the influence of drugs .
holy shit. as someone who knows nothing about the simpsons and just really likes steamed hams memes, this is honestly a fascinating video essay that i enjoyed watching. also "(c. 30 seconds ago)" was hilarious. the deadpan humour was extremely on point as well.
There's definitely merit to this analysis, because the structure of a good joke inherently just follows good story structure. Act 1, 2 and 3 are observed more than they are an intended construct. Something bad has to happen for the story to get going, there needs to be a twist in the second act so people don't get bored, and the third act has to end in a satisfactory way that the audience is invested in. That's just logical.
this is such a creative concept and amazingly executed, love it! What a great question at the end. I think there are always deeper layers of "seriousness" to be found in anything, especially narratives- it always depends on the perspective, the analytical lens through which we view and interpret something. It's either uncovering something akin to the "thematic pathos" you described here, or recognizing the narratives as fundamentally incoherent. I feel like this is why the best pieces of light-hearted media (like comedy or children's shows) are still being remembered as having this more sophisticated undercurrent, having something more profound to say than what seems to be at the surface.
Thanks! I think you’re right about the “deeper layers of seriousness”. It’s part of the reason I made this video. I kinda wanted to see if I could find it in Steamed Hams. It was pretty fun tracking this one!
this is the best type of satire. one where it takes itself seriously and works. I honestly think its very good and should be considered a serious cretic and breakdown of this short story
A massive, laborious overexplanation of the premise that manages to say absolutely nothing in the end, this really is the ultimate introduction to the video essay format
Haha! Thanks, I tried to keep it pretty toned down and only saying things like "this one little moment ruined Skinner's entire life" when it was really necessary.
Thank you! I've made my fair share of steam hams memes in the past, but I figured it was time to treat it with the same reverence as any of my favorite movies.
THE SOUND AROUND 1:52-1:53. I thought a family member was calling me but it was just the classic "random sound (such as that of a chair squeaking across the ground) that is included in essays such as this, either intentionally or because of a voice-over recording error that happens to match the rest of the extensive sound effects". Oh and I love this by the way. Peak Meme Content. And I do love video essays anyway so what a bonus. I'm so happy this meme is having a resurgence :)
I came here for the memes, and I think that this is a legitimate analysis of the episode. Sure, you're obviously having fun with it. But what I think is the interesting thing is that this just shows how powerful and versatile stories can be, no matter how big or small they are.
That’s exactly why I made this! I wanted to keep the meme audience entertained while still maintaining this channel’s main goal of story analysis. You are my target audience!
that was a totally legit analysis. he desperately wanted the superintendent's approval by any means necessary and in the end it wasn't so much that he cooked a good dinner, but that he was able in some way or another, gain that approval.
This is fantastic.
Well, isn't this the ultimate compliment! Thanks for making Steamed Hams!
@@Storyograph If anyone can tell us if your essay is a legit analysis or transformative fiction, it's Bill :D
@@Storyograph I like to think skinner will eventually be happy..
Woah
You had me at the picture of dignity.
Video is 3x the length of the original, yeah, that's a certified youtube essay
They called me “mad” when my video was 3x the length of the original! But look at me now!
@@Storyograph No, you shall not enjoy, endure, nor suffer one moment of my gaze.
was a little disappointed it wasnt 2 hours 50 minutes
Im disappointed is not 67 centuries long
over half the length of the entire ep including opening and closing themes and credits
I love how every couple years we get another influx of steamed hams videos and they're more elaborate than the previous wave
I had this video idea since a bit after the last wave and kinda thought "aw, no one is interesting in Steamed Hams anymore". Then the new wave came and I rushed this video out! I probably didn't have to rush, but it mostly worked out fine!
@@Storyographgotta ride those steamy ham waves
Steamed Hams is becoming self-aware.
@@Storyographand we thank you for it
Well, Storyograph, you are an odd fellow, but I must say, you analyze a good ham
😬👍
@@Storyograph HELP, HEEEEEEEEELP
@@makutas-v261WOO-
Well,Happy Sea, I made it. Despite your directions.
@@SneedFeedandSpeed ah, superintendent Sneed, welcome! I hope you’re prepared for an unforgettable luncheon!
9:40 it wasn’t smoke and mirrors! It was steam! Steam from the steamed clams we’re having!
mmmmmm steamed clams ☺️
@@thebiggestfloppaever Ah...
*rushes over to krusty burger*
@@Kitsu_Oranosuperintendent I hope you’re ready for mouthwatering hamburgers!
@@S.H.Vofficial I thought we were having steamed clams...
I love how this isn't an over the top representation of the show, but rather just a detailed explaination of the episode lol
I may have taken slight liberties about how deeply this affected Skinner's life, but other than that, I tried to stay pretty true to the original work
@@Storyograph Next time someone asks me what I mean by "meta-irony," I know where to point them.
Just like every video essay like this, never adds anything to it just repeats the plot.
As my English teacher says, summary is not analysis!
I love your profile pic 🤔😶🌫🧐😉
In the many, MANY times I have watched Steamed Hams, I never realized that the reason Chalmers asks to see the Aurora Borealis is because it finally dawned on him that Skinner isn't budging on his lies because he's trying desperately to impress him. So, he switches his tone and plays along. In other words, this wasn't just a meme, but a legit good analysis!
Thank you! I'd like to think it's one interpretation of it. I also kinda like just thinking Chalmers miraculously buys the story eventually, because that's pretty funny too!
@@Storyograph I love your analysis here for real, but I never really saw it as Chalmers knowing the truth but humouring it and I didn't see it as the authorial intent either. I just think it's a gag that he sounds like he's finally put 2 and 2 together but still hasn't. Like the whole point is it's unexpected that he'd end that rageful interrogation with actually still believing it.
I’m pretty sure the joke is that he thinks it’s so amazing that aurora borealis is in Skinner’s kitchen that he actually wants to see it
@@theyoshifankidI legit thought he believed Seymour until now because absurdity in cartoon media is something that is not unusual 😅
"After his ham-fisted attempt, Skinner bids goodbye to his esteemed guest."
Well done, sir.
Thanks! Glad I managed to sneak that one in there
@Dark Pogama steamed hams.
@@DarkNogama steamed hams.
ＷＥＬＬ ＤＯＮＥ XD
Steamed guest
"And a small word of kindness, even an unearned one, is worth burning down your own house for." Truly words to live by.
Skinner may not have the very best outlook on life
That's the African proverb: the child abandoned by his village will burned it down to feel warmth
Truly words to DIE for!
Easily one of the masterpieces to come out of the Steamed Hams meme. Works on both levels, really.
Wow, thanks! There's a lot of great Steamed Hams memes out there!
Steamed hams takeaway: When you're so committed to gaslighting others into thinking you have things under control, you're willing to destroy your entire life in the process.
I fully expected this to be two hours long. Would have watched the whole thing too. Pure gold.
Thank you! You should have seen my original cut! It was… a minute longer
Lasagnacat style
You sir have created a perfect example of post-ironic metamodernist analysis. Well done.
Thank you! Most people assume this was just simple irony, but I'm glad you're getting the full spectrum of what I was going for! It's hard to walk that line sometimes, so I'm glad it came through.
even metasplained his own vid at the end
"Skinner has failed before he even began"
Best summary of the character
referring to fries as a "garnish" for burgers is insane, it's perfect. well done
Pretty sure the burgers are medium well, not well done
@@DvirPick like why they used to call tv a medium, because it's neither rare nor well done (i stole that from the locker jokes on you can't do that on television)
@@intellectually_lazy I never had my own TV growing up (my parents did though, not that I never watched any TV at all) and then RUclips entered my life when I was like 15. So while I do have some fond memories of childhood tv, it's rather limited.
I think those circumstances helped me seeing clearly what utter garbage TV mostly is, an exploitative medium unfit by its very nature for expressing dissent or enabling creator-driven content. RUclips is obviously problematic as a capitalist enterprise, but it does provide this unique space for individuals sharing quality-ideas with the world. I also like how as part of the Internet, it requires a more active participation, whereas TV is way more passive. With that being said, can somebody please delete MrBeast?
P.S: I have consumed countless hours of golden age TV shows by this point, so I might be a little bit hypocritical.
@@wawawuu1514 i'm from the pre-interenet era, but tv in those days were even worse, except the news
@@intellectually_lazy Yeah, streaming (to which I sail[ed] on the Seven Seas) opened the way for TV shows with arcs, rather than monster-of-the-week. I think you can say the first is objectivly better as a storytelling convention. Stuff like Twin Peaks was far and few in-between before then.
I can only think of Mythbusters as a rather "classically" produced TV show, from the era of reality TV garbage which i have serious problems with, that still stands the test of time (and it's actually not a very typical production for its time at all). Possibly disregarding the I assume hugh budget, it's more like a YT channel made by two guys (+others) with honest intentions. They didn't fake stuff in a time when that was the norm and there was no Internet to tell you about it. For that they deserve huge, huge respect.
The mass media news are especially problematic though because they belong within a capitalist framework. There's no true anti-capitalist mass media, no NBC news telling you what's horrible about the "free market", but there are obviously such RUclipsrs.
This recontexualizes Chalmers's "may I see it" from a comical and cartoonish want to see the northern lights somehow in someone's kitchen
to
a realization that Skinner is willing to burn his house down if it means he can successfully have done one thing right for Chalmers and a plea of "may I see it" as one last chance to let Skinner come clean that is turned down with a simple "...No". All Chalmers can do is leave the burning building and allow Skinner this imaginary win.
What kills me is you nailed not only the general tone the naration makes as well as the regorous use of B-roll footage, but even the little sight-gags these essays tend to put in to add a little flair to the visuals without having to slow down the pace of the recountin-I mean analysis, of the scene.
Too often people making parodies of "serious" works forget the little fun things like that. If this wasn't for Steamed Hams I'd have bought that this was real
I had a lot of fun with this one. I think I would consider it "real", since I did pretty much what any legit video essay would do. But that doesn't mean I didn't add some genre jokes to keep myself amused and add to the whole meme vibe of it.
im surprised that skinner laying his apron on the oven wasnt mentioned, because thats the thing that actually caused the fire to spread outside of the oven. its the perfect symbol for the overall metaphor, skinner allowing his lies to spread so far instead of 'hanging up the apron' and coming clean at the very beginning.
Maybe if I make an hour-long version I'll include this
Say, what metal are you? Tungsten, perchance?
Skinner’s oven may not be on fire, but the editing in this is 🔥
Thanks, Brad's!
No, no, the editing is just Aurora Borealis :P
@@alyssarichardson2544 Aurora Borealis? At this time of year? At this time of day? Localized ENTIRELY in this video essay?
@@sarinabina5487 yes
@@sarinabina5487yes
this is legit a good essay and a good parody of one. Gives me Nerdstalgic vibes.
Amazing.
Thank You! I was kinda going for something like Nerdstalgic, but I think I had Nerdwriter1 in my head when I was narrating some of it. Maybe a little Ira Glass too.
yes i love it
Nerdstalgic has to be the most substance-lacking video essay channel there is.
@@wordyballoons nerdstalgic is the most video essay channel video essay channel
Where are the Nerd Box sponsorships?
This reads like a school end of year final project made in 5 hours and I love it fr
The Simpsons is at its best when the characters behave in totally unexpected ways while being true to their character. Skinner saying "oh no I said steamed hams" is a totally out of left field lie and yet wholly in character as someone desperate to save face. For that reason it's totally legit to analyse the characters' motivations because the best Simpsons episodes respect them properly. It's also hilarious to put this much analysis into the Steamed Hams scene given it's already been dissected to death.
I figured the only thing left for Steamed Hams was to treat it like "Real Cinema" and try an do a mostly legit breakdown. (While having some fun of course!)
@@Storyograph Yeah, it's fun, but your breakdown of the Steamed hams meme is so good and professional, you should find someone who'll pay you for this
@@alvexok5523 Ah yes, that would be the dream, wouldn't it!
That "smoke and mirrors" line with that particular shot was so clever oh my GOD
haha thank you!
I thought your alternate interpretation of Chalmer's thought process was brilliant and retroactively makes the short better. I've accepted it as my headcanon.
Yeah, I kinda never knew exactly what he was thinking, but since my whole analysis sort of hinged on that moment, it need an explanation. Glad it works for you!
I wish you'd gone on a tangent halfway through about the origins of Krusty Burger, it's quality, noticeable grill markings, historic franchise relevance to the culture of Springfield. EVERYONE, even a stodgy old education official, would recognize them.
This is literally what it would take to explain the skit to my kids.
If did a video where I tracked the story of an entire episode of “The Simpsons”, which episode would you want to see me do?
“Bart Gets Famous”. If I remember right he doesn’t even get famous until after the last commercial break.
“Homer’s Enemy” is a good one, since Grimes is sort of the protagonist.
The one with Scorpio.
One Fish, Two Fish, Blow Fish - Western man's existential crisis confronting death; Bart gets an F - the alchemical attempt at turning 'lead' into 'gold'
@@heyheyhey121121 Season 2! That's even "classic" for the classic episodes!
I like the idea that Chalmers is genuinely impressed by how far Skinner is willing to double down.
bro didnt just double down,, bro tripled down 😭
9:41 The dramatic reading of "SMOKE and mirrors" is beautiful.
Thanks! I tried a few takes of that one. Nice to see it paid off
This is an unironically brilliant analysis. Netflix would pay you a lot for this.
Thank you! I'm ready to sell out!
Netflix would drag it out over 3 parts with a few conspiracy theories thrown in
I had to pause to laugh for 30 seconds right at the start when you pulled that callback to the image of Milhouse's Dad's drawing of dignity that ruined his marriage. JFC. This is gold.
This is absolutely legitimate, you basically just completely broke down the scene/joke. I think it's one of the reasons why The Simpsons stands as one of the best comedy shows of all time, the character driven structure.
It's true! I think that's why the Armin Tamzarian thing didn't go over so well. The characters are vital to the show's appeal.
Exactly. There is so much character dynamic communicated through just these handful of lines of dialogue. Classic Simpsons had so many layers to basically every scene.
This essay actually shows that we can deeply dissect a lot (if not every??) of the other scenes of the episode. And, actually, any scene of the show. Should we?
I had to think for two seconds about the portrait of dignity, but then I laughed in desipe of myself after I recognised it.
Thanks! And nice "desipe" reference!
@@Storyograph Made me laugh. You hid that really well.
I cracked up at the "for those unfamiliar with the greater narrative of the source material" part. This is also a really good essay! I'd love to see you take on something equally ridiculous.
Oh, just you wait... I just might have some other ideas for equally ridiculous plots to analyze. Though I still have a few more other videos to post first before I start working on that...
this was a lovely treatment of steamed hams. I would say this is 'Legit Analysis.' oftentimes authors/creators have only impartial understanding of what they create, and here where Oakley utilizes archetypal characters (the overbearing boss vs subservient underling) you may end up constructing fiction with unintended meaning, but unintended does not mean nonexistent. I think concerns of authorial intent often end up muddying the water, introducing additional boogeymen to grapple with besides the text itself, but I'm sure enough essays have grappled with that idea to spare myself the trouble. the 'self' holds such depths, who could possibly deign to know its ultimate purposing. I sometimes think of it like a tennis player striking the ball while off balance and falling over and the strike ends up perfect: in the moment their intention is simply 'somehow return the ball' but the result can appear transcendent as it perfectly arcs past the opponent while staying in (or not-so-transcendent where it ends up in the net.) regardless, I think there is more bound up in art and creation than the conscious mind is sometimes capable of grasping.
and for what its worth, I do think the Simpsons has an intentional history of juggling deeply emotional resonant themes with humor especially in the earlier seasons. it reminds me of Sullivan's Travels where a bigshot director was certain he wanted to make a sad story of poverty and needed the experience to do so, and then in (accidentally on purpose) assuming the role of poverty he finds that his intention was actually self-centered and that the poor deserve humor and uplift. I think the Simpsons sometimes aims to do both: deeply emotional themes treated with humorous uplift. maybe you went a little beyond here (I don't even think you did besides maybe suggesting that this moment had transcendent meaning for Skinner) but I do think its a tale of a deeply troubled and insecure figure desperate to appear confident and capable. I can hardly imagine a more universal tale.
Well said! I think Oakley aimed to make it funny, but perhaps what makes it funny in the first place is the underlying personal insecurities Skinner has. They are larger-than-life sure, but still echo something we'd see in real life. And Skinner's inner thoughts can be interpreted in different ways depending on the viewer. I'm not a stickler for authorial intent, but I still feel like it's one very important angle to consider when analyzing a story. And I suppose with this channel, I tend to skew more toward that, or at least whatever I think the authorial intent is. As for my personal take on Steamed Hams, I find it somewhat fascinating to imagine the implications of a man who would burn down his house for approval, and had a fun time making it melodramatic. Glad you enjoyed the video!
@@Storyograph yes I think it is a hilarious and relatable skit because it plays on a commonplace trope: the employee trying his best to cater (literally) to his boss thru increasingly escalating and ridiculous deceptions. I think that's relatable for many people. sure we dont burn down our houses, but there is an idea that you 'get ahead' and earn success thru catering to your bosses whims. there's an additional ridiculousness in the very concept 'unforgettable luncheon' that you identify. even though they have a professional relationship, this encounter is entirely personal, another blending of work and personal where in media the workplace can become a 'family' (the Office anyone?)
and I don't think authorial intent is always wrong or limiting, but rather it's often used to construct boundaries on what is off-limits. the common meme of 'the curtains are blue' comparing an english teacher's interpretation with the supposed author's intent is meant to cast aspersion on the finding of meaning where there supposedly is none, but imo meaning is where you find it regardless of whether it was placed with intent. maybe that makes me Don Quixote tilting at windmills, but it makes for more interesting media consumption.
I didnt say this in my original comment, but excellent job editing this (both the effects, splicing in other episodes, or the outside the frame animations.) I'm working on making my own video essays (hopefully) and its no small feat; I appreciate you taking the time to make these and look forward to whatever you produce next!
@@heyheyhey121121 Thank you! Yeah, making those 3D shots at the beginning was a bit more involved than I often go, but its was a great excuse to practice working After Effects and Blender. Good luck with your essays! I find it a pretty fun medium to work with, since writing and editing have always been my favorite parts of filmmaking. But boy do they take time to make...
Whether intended by the original creator or not, this analysis is spot on in terms of what is happening in the scene, as well as Skinner's motivations for perpetuating the lie.
Thanks! I figured it was about time this well-loved meme got a deeper analysis.
I think the understated shot in the arm for the comedy and tragedy is the fact that the house fire didn't need to happen.
He was so busy with trying to rush the lunch out he forgets to do anything about the roast in the oven. Not even bothering to put it out even though the running water could be excused as him washing his hands, he's too afraid of facing his own failures to even acknowledge it anymore despite having the kitchen to himself after Chalmers is seated.
I love the implication that Chalmers actually knew about Seymour's lie, but decided to play along as a gesture of kindness. Nice work
Thanks! I figured it was the most “pathetic“ reading of the situation and very fitting of Skinner in this sketch
This was so informative, actually changed the way I view this meme, it's a masterpiece, the depth of the characters' motives elucidated through your analysis added so much depth to a seemingly simple gag. Now I will see Seymour and Chalmers with other eyes, as two characters, three-dimensional characters how they are called in the writing scene. The facial reactions the characters have at each moment made me think of how they think and what their motives are. Thank you for posting this, while hilarious, the content was very in depth, even though a parody.
Glad I could bring a new perspective to this meme!
This channel is criminally underrated
Thank you! I'm just hoping the algorithm gets these videos in front of the right audience... any day now... any day now...
1:24 ‐ oops
10:08 - skinner doesn't sleep.. he lies awake in regret
Desipe Desipe Desipe Desipe Desipe Desipe Desipe Desipe Desipe Desipe Desipe Desipe Desipe Desipe Desipe
0/10, no black bar with text on it over Skinner's eyes in the thumbnail
Give back a few points for the glitch filter, though
@@TurdusRufiventris ah yes, flashy effects are a staple of your typical video essay
I love the video essays that are just summaries of the plot with surface level analysis
Yeah its so interesting and adds so much to the conversation.
I wonder how they don't get taken down. I've seen a few paraphrase every word spoken of an entire TV series and narrate the action. How is that helpful to anyone? I'd like to imagine people go to illegal streaming sites to watch stuff for free instead of... whatever that is.
the eloquently named chapters are a nice touch
You point out the exact reason I dropped English as my major in college. I was able to take the most absurd content and give it a critical analysis and stepping back I saw as much legitimacy in that as any other that I’d done. Don’t get me wrong, I value critical analysis generally and this was very entertaining.
That's a really interesting point you've hit upon! I think I kinda get that "existential crisis" that comes with finding "deep" analysis in something absurd. It's like, if anything can be made to be deep, then nothing is. How can you get to the meaning of anything, if you can just make it all up and sound correct? But I also think that's the fun part of art - It's mostly subjective. Art (in the broad sense of the word) isn't factual. I don't want to sound too pretentious, but I feel like it's a reflection of the artist _and_ the viewer. Some analysis might technically be more "legitimate" than others, but if you're getting something out of it, then you're doing it right. That’s just my take anyway. Glad you liked the video!
This is because God works through all things and therefore everything is infinitely profound since it is inherently tied to the most immense Thing possible!
@@universal_hyssoapso... the phrase "peepee poopoo" is infinitely profound?
@@--CHARLIE-- yes
As a seventh grader, I wrote a short essay on how Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor fulfilled the classical Greek hubris archetypical character.
Your essay is totally legit AND funny, 'cause it works in two levels: Firstly, everything you discuss in it, is true about the narrative behind the Steamed Hams skit. On the other hand (ham?), what makes it funny is how profoundly you've digged into said skit, plus the fact that you've applied the usual tropes / language / pace and editing which are common within RUclips film analysis channels. On a side note, I had considered asking Rob Ager if he'd do a little Steamed Hams funny essay... Seems you got that covered first, tho! ;-)
Thanks! Looks like I beat him to it!
Despite how many short-form “steamed ham” videos I’ve watched, this one fell under my radar. Until now.
(Insert a 400 word long comment essay about the videos ups and downs and praise and… stuff)
And with that, adieu.
Well said!
I legitimately watch this video as a movie when im bored
I actually never thought about why Chalmers chose to back down like that. Always felt like he was being stupid but your argument makes so much sense.
To be perfectly honest with you, I secretly think it *was* just Chalmers being stupid. But with the narrative I was building, it seemed like this was a better ending to my video. Like you said, it makes sense. I'm just not sure that was the original intention of the sketch. But who knows, maybe it was!
The dignity reference was so small but so detailed
0:19 Now that's dignity!
I love how it's both a satirical meme but also a genuine analysis of how far many will go to achieve perceived success and admiration from their superiors even at the expense of themselves and those around them. While it's framed in an adult animated sitcom, there genuinely are many, many, MANY people like this and this does a good job detailing how and way they are like this. I feel also like this type of thing has become more and more releavant in the past decade as well.
This video was amazing, the writing, the effort put, the editing (adding in clips that fit the situation). Bravo!
Thanks! Glad you mentioned the added clips! That was the hardest part. There wasn’t enough footage in Steamed Hams to last for a whole video, so I had to seek out more material
I love this because it's just like those essays that do nothing more than just explain the plot in way more detail than necessary.
This is absolutely brilliant. Even if you only ever intended this as a joke, it is an absolutely perfect analysis of the sketch, and why we love it so much.
Love how this essay makes Steamed Hams feel like a Safdie Bros movie
Ha! Well said
Awesome work! Loved every part of it! Only thing I wish you'd done is mention that the roast almost certainly burned _because_ of Skinner's bad directions-he timed the roast to be finished when Chalmers arrived, but since Chalmers arrived late, the roast was burned. Still, that's a very small nitpick in an otherwise phenomenal video!
Good call! That hadn't occurred to me.
The JCS sounding narrator, the generic introduction that sound deeper than it is, and the actual meat of the video just being a no-analysis plot summary is so perfect 😭
In all seriousness, you nailed the analysis. That was great ✨️👏
Thank you!
“Skinner’s vast new undreamt of depths of Machiavellian incompetence” is a sentence so good that I’m running around in tight little circles and flailing my arms about, because I don’t know how else to express my gratitude that I somehow won the cosmic lottery and managed to be alive… and to speak English… at roughly the same time that the sentence was first conceived of and spoken aloud.
Thanks! That's just about the biggest complement someone could get for writing a sentence!
I am quite receptive to your theory of Chalmers having to choose between the lesser of two absurdities. Clearly on one level Skinner is gaslighting Chalmers without scruple, and on another he himself is clinging desperately to the deceit like a scrap of his shipwrecked dignity, his legs frantically kicking unseen below the water line. Perhaps we might therefore grant that for both protagonist and antagonist in this folie à deux, necessity is the mother of deception.
jonkler? why so serious🗣
You mean to tell me that Bill Oakley went from lawyering to writing for television just like that?
"Quick Service Cuisine"
Is this what they call those places that serve overpriced but otherwise normal food?
Nah, they just call that "Starbucks". *pauses for laughter*
I've come here this late after the publishing of this "teardown" of the Steamed Hams short, ad I'm going to comment on it as if it was newly published. This, good sir, is the first and probably only work of yours I've seen, and it is simply wonderful. Sure it takes the author's intentions leagues out of context, but it does so in an actually interesting, streamlined, and overall yes-it-is-amusing way.
And then I stepped away, came back and forgot what I was writing. In summary: Good work, I smiled.
This works both as a joke and as a legit analysis (at least to some degree). Just a joy to watch.
There it is. The in depth essay on the Skinner and Superintendent montage. I've lived a full life now
Wow I love this! You really broke it down in a very intriguing way that really makes you think that seemingly the most simple interactions can be broken down to very nuanced deep psychological analysis that really pieces through your soul about the struggles of the human condition. Truly inspires me to want to make stories / documentaries about other various life events. Really cool!
This is the exact kind of thing I'm hoping to accomplish with this channel! When you organize the story beats correctly, you can structure any story!
That flawless set-up of using clips of the segments which lead into the montage's highlights, I am elevated rn.
This essay is unironically what one is expected to do in english class out of a poem written by someone hundreds of years ago while under the influence of drugs .
holy shit. as someone who knows nothing about the simpsons and just really likes steamed hams memes, this is honestly a fascinating video essay that i enjoyed watching. also "(c. 30 seconds ago)" was hilarious. the deadpan humour was extremely on point as well.
There's definitely merit to this analysis, because the structure of a good joke inherently just follows good story structure. Act 1, 2 and 3 are observed more than they are an intended construct.
Something bad has to happen for the story to get going, there needs to be a twist in the second act so people don't get bored, and the third act has to end in a satisfactory way that the audience is invested in. That's just logical.
It was the drawing of Dignity in the beginning that had me hooked. Bravo, sir.
Nice! All according to plan...
"Fake it till you make it".
9:42 - No no, that’s STEAM and mirrors.
this is such a creative concept and amazingly executed, love it!
What a great question at the end. I think there are always deeper layers of "seriousness" to be found in anything, especially narratives- it always depends on the perspective, the analytical lens through which we view and interpret something. It's either uncovering something akin to the "thematic pathos" you described here, or recognizing the narratives as fundamentally incoherent. I feel like this is why the best pieces of light-hearted media (like comedy or children's shows) are still being remembered as having this more sophisticated undercurrent, having something more profound to say than what seems to be at the surface.
Thanks! I think you’re right about the “deeper layers of seriousness”. It’s part of the reason I made this video. I kinda wanted to see if I could find it in Steamed Hams. It was pretty fun tracking this one!
The quality of the writing in this is simply amazing. Total class. And funny. This is my kind of content.
this is the best type of satire. one where it takes itself seriously and works. I honestly think its very good and should be considered a serious cretic and breakdown of this short story
Me expanding my essay when the professor says i only wrote an outline
This is a beautiful rabbit hole to go down. It's a steamed hole.
Steamed holes! That's what I call donuts!
This sounds like every video essay I've ever watched
I'm not even 30 seconds in and already I'm breathless with laughter. It's rare to see such brilliance just from the get-go.
Hey, anyone with Jyushimatsu as their icon clearly knows comedy! I'll take this as the highest compliment!
A massive, laborious overexplanation of the premise that manages to say absolutely nothing in the end, this really is the ultimate introduction to the video essay format
Fun analysis. It avoids a lot of the hyperbole you see in others of its kind, which is a big win in my book.
Haha! Thanks, I tried to keep it pretty toned down and only saying things like "this one little moment ruined Skinner's entire life" when it was really necessary.
As a lover of video essays, the ad break a minute into the video, just as the prologue ends, made me crack up
That’s pretty funny, I actually didn’t plan that! Though RUclips often likes to stick in ads when I fade to black.
Literally modern youtube
Not entirely. I didn't get to plug NordVPN!
@@Storyograph💀
3 seconds in: "...we hide a facet of ourselves to meet societal expectations."
me: oh yes.
Seymour Skinner: He Gets Us
Out of all the puns in this video, esteamed guest got me
That joke came to me while I was recording. I accidentally said “esteemed hams” on one take and realized I could slip that in somewhere.
This video was genuinely great. 10/10, would eat at Seymour's again.
Thanks!
This actually got me thinking.
It got me thinking too! It started off as just a goof but then I got in too deep...
it's a plausible explanation behind the character motivations that would lead to this type of exchange and pretty funny. gr8 job m8
Thanks! Though I sure wouldn't mind seeing someone else try and explain it another way
I think this is a legitimate analysis for sure! Also I didn't know you also made shake the box that's awesome
Oh hi, Captain Totes! Yeah it’s me again!
there are average steamed hams memes…but some like these take it a step further and make some great stuff
Thank you! I've made my fair share of steam hams memes in the past, but I figured it was time to treat it with the same reverence as any of my favorite movies.
THE SOUND AROUND 1:52-1:53. I thought a family member was calling me but it was just the classic "random sound (such as that of a chair squeaking across the ground) that is included in essays such as this, either intentionally or because of a voice-over recording error that happens to match the rest of the extensive sound effects".
Oh and I love this by the way. Peak Meme Content. And I do love video essays anyway so what a bonus. I'm so happy this meme is having a resurgence :)
That there was a sound effect called "Title Chime Distortion 01". Glad you liked the video! It was a lot of fun to do a meme essay
I came here for the memes, and I think that this is a legitimate analysis of the episode. Sure, you're obviously having fun with it. But what I think is the interesting thing is that this just shows how powerful and versatile stories can be, no matter how big or small they are.
That’s exactly why I made this! I wanted to keep the meme audience entertained while still maintaining this channel’s main goal of story analysis. You are my target audience!
“Well Storyograph I made it, despite my youtube recommendations.”
that was a totally legit analysis. he desperately wanted the superintendent's approval by any means necessary and in the end it wasn't so much that he cooked a good dinner, but that he was able in some way or another, gain that approval.
“The meal skinner labored over slowly burned away in the grim funeral pyre contained within his oven”
Beautiful
Bro, you take the cake with this one. I'm floored.
1:27 "You can't spell obsequious without IOU, can you Homer? Let's ask marge, she was always a good speller!"
Such a thought-provoking and well thought out video. Thank you
Thank _you_ !