Plot Which Has No Name

[Daniel Julius]

On Nov 13, 2007 7:28 AM,  <robinlandseadel at comcast.net> wrote:

>          . . . .so I wonder how far back in the planning stages
>          OBA was involved with the Simpsons. . . .
>
>          ". . . .Actually, it all began with Death to Smoochy. The green
>          light had been given to proceed with Death to Smoochy
>          2 on the strength of the first weekend grosses, as well
>          as some unexpected merchandising feedback. It seemd
>          that "Smoochy the Rhino" items weren't selling nearly as
>          well as those based on the evil network executive
>          "Marion Frank Stokes," played by John Stewart. This
>          applied across the spectrum—mouse pads, lunchboxes,
>          T-shirts, McDonald's tie-ins (the Happy Meal being briefly
>          eclipsed by the Anxious Meal, served in a takeout bag
>          bearing Mr. Stewart's likeness)—you name it. Kids started
>          showing up at school in business suits and wearing the
>          same peculiar fringe haircut as the Stokes character,
>          provoking peer commentary and vice-principalistic
>          perplexity. . . ."


What does The Simpsons have to do with Death to Smoochy, or The Daily
Show?  I'm sorry if this is incredibly obvious, I just don't follow!