International Law

The Simpsons and Franchising

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Les Stewart, in an uncharacteristically upbeat mood, found a brilliant script from the Simpson's about franchising.

Host [Discovery Day]: Now, folks, I don't wanna alarm ya, but scientists say forty percent of America's pictures... are hanging crooked. [the audience gasp in shock]

Yep, it's true. 

And I hear you asking: "Well, who's gonna straighten out all these artistic abominations?"

Your friends? A neighbor?  

Those fat cats at Washington?  [chuckles]  Good luck. 

Hey, you know, maybe no one'll notice!  Maybe the problem with ju-u-u-st fix itself

Marge: Now you're the one who's being naive.

Man: Okay.  Fair enough.  But you sound like you're ready to become your own boss in the exciting world of frame-nudging! 

Yes, for a minimal franchise fee, you'll receive a pair of straightening gloves, a cannister of wall lubricant and a booklet of the most commonly asked questions you will hear, including: "Who are you?" and "What are you doing here?"

The clever part of this dialogue is the demonstration of how franchisees hook themselves. This particular business opportunity is of course absurd on its face, but notice the shift when Marge says "Now you're the one who's being naive/"

By calling into question, and supposedly unmasking the franchisor's "naivety", Marge has identified herself as someone who is not naive - and therefore could never fall for the con man's pitch --which of course she does.

Very insightful dialogue.

Full post as published by Misleading Advertising Law on November 28, 2008 (boomark / email).