“The Simpsons” has been an icon of American television for over twelve years. The show has enjoyed such extended success because it continuously changes its focus. “The Simpsons” is not, as Ben McCorkle claims, “A mirror of society,” it is an extreme sampling of dysfunctional society. The show draws on the aspects of life that are common to most people, but does so in an exaggerated way. “The Simpsons” shows that society in general takes itself too seriously. Nothing on the show is sacred. None of the characters are portrayed as infallible. Any topic, be it ethical, social, or religious is fair game. It shows the shortcomings of society by using humorously exaggerated situations and a cast that cannot be taken seriously. “The Simpsons” shows that extremists, in any form, are too serious, and are something to be laughed at.
             In the third episode of the eleventh season, titled “Brother’s Little Helper” Bart is diagnosed by Principal Skinner as having attention deficit disorder. After a string of stunts with the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department’s equipment, Homer and Marge are told that Bart is going to be expelled if he doesn’t go on an unproven medication. They get the medication, and all seems to be going well until Bart gets the feeling that people are spying on him. He then overdoses on the drug called “Focusyn” and steals a tank from an army post. He discovers that Major League Baseball is spying on the whole town, but their attention is quickly diverted when Mark McGuire gets off a helicopter and offers to hit some baseballs for them.
             This episode deals with the different relationships that a child has with their father and mother. When Homer first receives the medication, he tries to shoot it into Bart’s mouth with a rubber band. When this doesn’t work, he tries to convince Bart that all t...