Proof Reads

 By Rob Currie

Alcoholism is often represented on TV, but not every alcoholic character can claim to be known worldwide.  In the USA, the drinking habits of Dallas’ Sue Ellen Ewing are legend, while in the UK most will know of the drunken ravings of Shameless’ Frank Gallagher.

There is, however, a TV show that unites both nations.  Among its huge cast and throughout its long history, there is one character who has constantly battled alcoholism in many classic episodes.  During his sober period he was able to achieve brilliant things, including flying a helicopter, and training to be an astronaut.  Yes, Barney Gumble from The Simpsons is perhaps the most famous alcoholic on television today.

“That’s nice,” I hear you say.  “So what?”

So everything.  Alcoholism is a theme that is constantly returned to in the arts.  Just think about all those famous alcoholics of the screen: Arthur Bach (Arthur), Withnail (Withnail & I), ‘Bluto Blutarsky’ (Animal House), Norm Peterson (Cheers), Brie Van de Kamp (Desperate Housewives), Karen Walker (Will & Grace), and any number of cowboys from the spaghetti westerns.

Barney Gumble is a character in an animated comedy show, and he trumps all these characters as far as modern-day recognition is concerned.  Consider also, given that The Simpsons is a cartoon, the depth and detail given to Barney’s situation.  In a move that voice actor Dan Castellaneta pushed for, Barney sobered up during the shows eleventh season.  He becomes addicted to coffee instead, an alternative recovering alcoholics often turn to in real-life.  Perhaps most realistically, Barney relapses, and becomes one of Moe’s barflies once again.

It’s an accurate portrayal amongst the comedy and craziness of The Simpsons, but its realism and detail (particularly the period where Barney sobered up) has been criticised as one of the hallmarks of The Simpsons’ decline in quality.  I put it to you, however, that Barney’s is one of the finest stories the show has ever told.