The LOST Potential of Otto in The Simpsons (What went wrong?!)

[@katysikkema]

I always loved Otto. His relationship with Bart was so heartwarming to see. I wish they didn’t waste him as a character because he is a genuinely good part of the Simpsons.

[@MitchellNyman-yo7zg]

Especially in the good Oldskool eps, I still love the new eps but not near as much! as I'm a 90z guy after all😎, that ep where he smacked Bart on the butt, I was like, gosh bloody miss the 1990z! This isn't classic Simpsons at all anymore.. fu*kin season 15& under is the genuine stuff!, but we're golden under S#12 !! Let us know your favorite top five seasons guys!!? Because I Am so stumped on mine need some insight.👍🤣But when I sore the Movie back in 07 with 5 buds of mine at a packed Cinema Friday night few hours after School, gotta say it's remarkable, I still watch it once a year on DVD!👍👌🤘

[@borntoclimb7116]

Same, He is a good guy

[@katysikkema]

@@MitchellNyman-yo7zg I definitely rock with seasons 1-8! 💕 much better than the newer seasons.

[@katysikkema]

@@borntoclimb7116 he is indeed! 👑

[@borntoclimb7116]

@@katysikkema yes

[@Whiteman2.0]

Otto was like that one uncle that barely cared what you did

[@Wagfart]

But was the best uncle ever

[@Jessidafennecfox]

And cares about you

[@brandonscott5544]

GREAT THE SIMPSON THEORY FOR OTTO,

[@borntoclimb7116]

True

[@siredwardThe3rd]

From what I've heard, Otto's rare appearances in later seasons also has to do with how straining the character's voice is on Harry Shearer's voice. He's not getting any younger and I feel like he's been struggling with the voice in later seasons. I think it's because of that the writers just kinda faced him out slowly like they did with Dr Marvin Monroe.

[@snakeeyes2551]

That’s understandable, because Otto Mann has a gravelly voice and it can be hard for Harry Shearer to perform the voice.

[@DavidWsTrainVideos]

I mean, I suppose they could get a new voice actor to do his voice, they did with Dr. Hibbert

[@snakeeyes2551]

@@DavidWsTrainVideos I believe they could find a replacement for Otto Man, because there are a lot of people that can do impressions of The Simpsons characters heck I can even do Homer, Krusty the Clown, Mayor Quimby, Groundskeeper Willie, Chief Wiggum, Officer Lou, Carl Carlson, Pro. Frink, Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders, and Principal Skinner.

[@athiestjesus8133]

I think I've heard him say that he's the hardest character for him to voice due to how gravely his voice is

[@TobenVF]

For me, Otto was actually one of the most wholesome characters on the show. It's sad to see what he's been relegated to.

[@geckokid8265]

I feel like original Otto would have said "not cool man" or something with the Metallica incident and just been disappointed in Bart which would make Bart feel bad and want to work really hard to get Otto his job back and want to restore his trust in Bart

[@rhonnichan]

Otto was one of the best side characters from The Simpsons. I absolutely loved how Bart looked up to him and saw him as a safe space to go to.

[@BrennySpain]

You have a point actually. Otto hasn’t disappeared from the show like Apu for obvious reasons, but it’s strange that he hasn’t received any focus in a long time.

[@Cereja-Lua]

Considering the direction of the previous seasons, I feel there's still hope to salvage his character. Maybe an episode about him joining a metal band (maybe Nightwish or someone 😂).

[@allibatt]

Yo I love Nightwish ❤

[@RobiticDuck]

Growing up in the country, taking the bus every year for school. I got lucky enough to have all the good or nice Bus Drivers compared to some of my friends. Having a positive bus driver, or just one that engages with the kids really does matter.

[@vdubgus]

Otto has always easily been one of my favorite characters. It just seemed always like the ultimate bro, he was always gonna have your back and he was always having a good time and have fun. We all need someone like that in our lives

[@monica-rl3vv]

Something I noticed about the simpsons that over tike they just forget about some of their characters or change their character’s personalities to be a more exaggerated annoying version. I loved Otto as a kid and its sad to see him slowly disappear.

[@BrianIsTheGOAT594]

I don't keep up a lot with Otto, but honestly throughout the years, it was kind of tragic to see his downfall.

[@ben_8710]

Can’t say why, but I always actually enjoyed Otto. I wish they could’ve done more with him, definitely a unique personality in the show that helps bridge the gap between all of the adult characters and kids. I just think he’s neat :)

[@BrianCannan-em1nk]

I somewhat agree. Maybe it’s because I was just never a fan of him, but I feel they only used him well in the early years. Nowadays he’s just, “WOW! CONVENIENT HIGH JOKE! LET’S HAVE OTTO HUFF MODEL GLUE!”

[@leksmeme3629]

Otto was such a great character it was sad he was never in most plotines

[@mikeyfn-a6684]

I still want my Otto "cosplaying" as Slash, yes the one and only of Gn'R tattoo. Hell they even had him wearing his hat in one episode...and there it is! 7:27

[@amitysluzara2022]

It truly is a shame Ottos been so wasted and made one note. I'd have loved to have seen him get more spotlight and develop his character

[@yayamonday2770]

Otto is the big brother that Bart never had

[@princessmarlena1359]

He reminds me of my older brother.

[@klever...1]

Or Roy!

[@mathieuleader8601]

Given how Otto's father was a naval admiral the Simpsons episode Simpson Tide would have been in retrospect a great episode to give Otto his time in the spotlight.

[@aperson22222]

The most recent Otto appearance that I can clearly remember offhand is “500 Keys.” That was quite a long time ago, yes, but not nearly so long ago as the candidates you’re suggesting.

[@ricardofredes9527]

Something I've been realizing lately is that they've liked to pair Otto with Julio in the background, I think since season 31's Bart the Bad Guy. Gotta wonder how that happened

[@HollyDewdop]

Thanks for mentioning this! I was disappointed that wasn't mentioned at all here, I think there's definitely potential for an episode that delves into that

[@lordtrigon1733]

Otto wasn't willing to marry Becky but was willing to marry Barney in the Movementarians. Just saying...

[@Polycomical]

Great video and not something I'd really thought about (which is telling). I think you're right, looking at the mentor element of his character is an interesting angle.

[@alexpotts6520]

The more I think about it, Otto's role as a bridge between Bart and the adult world kind of ended up being taken over by Lisa of all characters. Obviously the characters of Otto and Lisa couldn't be more different - he's a childish adult, she's a wise-beyond-her-years child. But those lovely heart-to-heart moments where Bart goes to Lisa for life advice? In the first couple of seasons, he'd probably have been talking to Otto about that.

[@grapeshot]

He has never been called an adult, but he had been tried as one.

[@dm6905]

The biggest reason they stopped using Otto regularly is because the voice is too hard to do for Harry Shearer

[@Art80385]

Great video. I love Otto I iwsh we learned more about him and his backstory

[@mayraverdugamarcillo]

Always brighten my days greetings from Ecuador

[@marioreyes1374]

I remember reading Otto's Busman comic in high school, the school library had it. I actually didn't know it was first mentioned in the show, I thought it was something only the comics did.

[@visceralseed]

Can you do disenchantment timelines? It’s so underrated!

[@NettaTessa]

With the way things are changing, they could’ve easily had Otto involved in a Mary Jane farm and show the importance of “healing” but still micro-dosing to live a fulfilling life and still be that eat for the bad boys. So much they could’ve and still can do with Otto.

[@hhenrycosplay5286]

Otto and Professor Frink were my favorites growing up. Something early Simpsons kept with was both would show up helping others for oddball situations. I would have loved to see Otto get more love as the show went on.

[@flareinc7413]

This was an amazing analysis! Made me appreciate Otto so much more. Thank you for this video and your content in general!

[@zeroknight1311]

I feel like that this video will be seen by the team behind The Simpsons and make them think about Otto's potiental. Which could make them properly write a focus episode for the Busman that addresses how his relationship with Bart and the other kids had became disconnected. Like Bart ends up finding Otto sitting on a bench at the park and after giving it some thought goes over to talk to him. Leading to the pair both coming to terms with how their friendship hasn't been stable for quite a while. Which then causes them to hang out together again and for Otto to help the other kids work through their problems. Even talking to Lisa about some stuff she did. -Pointing out how Mr.Burns having a plant base burger business was a good thing for many people and decided to get rid of it instead of convincing him to use plants that aren't endangered. Which would have started to make him slowly change his outlook on destroying the planet for a profit. -How she ruined Bart's E-Sports Career by preaching to their dad about how it lacks inner peace. When in reality at that point Bart and his team weren't in it for the prize money. They were just enjoying the entire tournament and were great friends. So what was the point of ruining the career? -That it was wrong for her to get Angry at Bart for doing something good and complaining how she should have been the one to do it. SInce why didn't she? -etc.

[@The_Metal_Mechanic]

I'm sorry, but if I saw Metallica broken down on the side of the road I'd drop everything to help them too. I think the only exception would be if my wife was in labor or had another emergency reason to go to the hospital. Otto made the obvious call on that one.

[@kelly_seastar]

1:28 Poor Bart, he looks heartbroken

[@blueraccoon1088]

Otto man needs to come back from a break. And as i think he has the best character development with Bart i got nothing much to say he's relatable in on man child

[@lanternsown3525]

I liked one of the future episodes were he runs a cab company.

[@Jackster1910]

Great video :)

[@Kj16V]

Otto definitely wouldn't mind being wasted. In fact, he's spent most of his life being wasted.

[@TinyRobotED-tm9rs]

These videos are really good

[@ChroniclogicalJeff]

Where's the Ottocorrect button when you need it?

[@TheSimpsonsTheory]

😂

[@atothed84]

You bringing up Otto first appeared in episode 3 reminds me that I've been watching The Simpsons since The Tracy Ullman Show. I always liked Otto. It's too bad they let his character fall to the wayside.

[@saranissen6210]

I agree, so sad, they could have done so much more with Otto, than just kinda reduse him to the town stoner; would have liked to see more of him in later seasons, where he was more than just that. He seemed like a genuine guy that cared for the kids, and someone they (at least Bart) could come and talk to. So a good mentor type character. And yes the spanking of Bart felt (kinda) out of character.

[@leksmeme3629]

How is this comment from 2 days ago when the video is from 13 minutes ago

[@ZOMBiFOX13]

​@@leksmeme3629patreon

[@Minidollcollector]

Otto is ok honestly I know nothing much about him all I know is he rocks out and trips while driving the bus for well trips but yes hail to the bus driver we need more of his development

[@WillWilsonII]

Well said. I often think about the direction they went in. Flanders used to be kind of a winner. Now he has been, well, Flanderized!

[@mathieuleader8601]

I would love to have seen a flashback during Otto's time as class president.

[@Qlob]

I need one of those custom Simpsons characters lol

[@BlacEyedPriest765]

Just Subscribed 🙂

[@grapeshot]

Yeah he is basically the always stoned character. The character doesn't take adulthood seriously. They could have gave him an arch I mean they did it with Comic Book Guy who is my least favorite character on the show.

[@ethansloan]

Being wasted is Otto's natural state!

[@simple-commentator-not-rea7345]

I had a DVD with 4 episodes of the Simpsons when I was 9 or 10, and it included a compilation of 'Otto's finest moments', which also included a few funny ones, naturally. And the 4 episodes, included the one where he got fired and had to work on getting a license, which is probably still the episode with the most depth for him. At that young age, I really viewed Otto similarly; an underachiever and to some degree, a failure in life who tells you, it's okay to be an underachiever, because your happiness is important too. As a dumb little 10 year old, you can imagine that this is something I REALLY needed to learn.

[@Zuri24]

I really like your videos keep giong with them

[@TheSimpsonsTheory]

Glad you like them!

[@DoubleM-hf6ih]

Otto is one of my favorite characters.

[@Britt4770]

Can you do one on Bart and Maggie? We know Bart and Lisa are close and Maggie and Lisa are, but what about the oldest and youngest?

[@Jessidafennecfox]

He definitely loves Maggie

[@Britt4770]

@@Jessidafennecfox I know I just want to see my moments from the show with them.

[@claudiarey699]

I think Bart and Maggie dont interact because they dont want people thats into 1nc3st to do MORE stuff about the charactrers 😮

[@TheRealRonWeasley]

Idk if it’s the in-depth breakdown of my favorite characters or the sweet accent of south England but I find myself more and more invested into these theories. #SconsNotScones 🎉

[@BevanBoychuk]

Otto was in the third series of the action figure line. He was a really big deal, but you’re right I haven’t seen him in ages

[@ΕυάγγελοςΦώσκολος]

I would love to see an episode in which Otto explains why he is constantly taking drugs and another in which he tries to stop his addiction. Barney tried to become sober. Why not him?

[@lordtrigon1733]

Barney could be his sponsor, they got married in the Movementarians after all.

[@sheldoncooper8199]

When the Simpsons first aired in Germany i was 11 and Otto was like the Cool Heavy Metal Brother i always wanted. Now i am 42 and i think Ottp belongs to the 1990 ies more then any other Simpsons character. and only the Writers of the First 8 Seasons knew how to write Otto.

[@MTTT19]

I miss Otto Mann.

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

I mean Otto did single-handedly save Kirk Hammett from leaving Metallica when he saw his lighter.

[@MrNetWraith]

Fun fact; Bongo Comics actually DID do an adaptation of Otto's "Busman" comic in one issue of the Simpsons comics - Issue #4's secondary story was "The Gnarly Adventures Of Busman", and it's clearly a defictionalization of the homemade comic that Otto showed off in "Three Men and a Comic Book".

[@54032Zepol]

Yeup comic book guy had more character development than Otto 😢.

[@IcedCoffeh]

I suppose with a character like Otto there isn’t much you can do with him, his personality can’t really carry a b plot so I think it may be for the better Otto doesn’t appear much, Otto has definitely changed a lot and with around 100 secondary characters I suppose it’s expected that some drift into nothingness

[@fortitudevalance8424]

He reminds me of Slash, his demeanour is similar to the famous guitarist and of course there are a lot of references to him.

[@kingbeef66]

It’s really cool to find out that Otto is voiced by the same guy who plays Seymour Skinner, Harry Shearer. Talk about playing total polar opposite characters at the same time. then again all the voice actors on the Simpsons are very talented.

[@lordtrigon1733]

I would like to see more episodes exploring his relationship with his estranged dad ("The Admiral"). Otto has unresolved baggage.

[@unbreakableunion]

They see Otto as a loser and a drug reference.

[@shloopea]

Otto to Bart is almost like Chef was to the boys in South Park.

[@gottastoppo]

As an Otto appreciation person myself (almost, ALMOST any character named Otto, don't question it), I find these news quite upsetting.

[@rosykindbunny1313]

May I suggest one of my favorite Otto's (aside from this one)?

[@gottastoppo]

@@rosykindbunny1313 Okay, sure, you may, hit me

[@erinclarke2606]

Walks out of a store called stoners pot palace. "Man thats flagrant false advertising" 😹😹

[@fishingfan1500]

I always loved that time he was telling that ghost story and it ends with "I was that maniac."

[@georgehiscott700]

In the episode "Bart the bad guy" you can see Otto being with Juilo in what appeared to be a gay relationship. Great episode but why wasn't there a scene or a episode before that, that explained why he was with Juilo? Also you know Everlynn Patty's girlfriend, the Simpsons writers should bring her back in newer episodes as she is such a nice and fun character

[@rosykindbunny1313]

Patty and Selma need to actually land partners for the long term

[@johannr2658]

For men otto was just that one metal head who didn’t go far in life but was comedic relief for everyone around. Every time I saw this guy I already knew there was a beavis and butthead joke and some good laughs incoming.

[@princessmarlena1359]

Otto was one of my favorite side characters. If the Simpsons were properly cancelled by Season 7, and then came back years later with the characters older, some gone, maybe some new additions, but Bart could have grown up to be the next Otto. Bart as the new “Otto” in a reboot could be a bus driver, but also have his own band and perhaps living in “The Cracker Factory Lofts”. My older brother was a lot like Otto, my fraternal twin brother and he had that sort of Bart and Otto bond, despite a ten year difference. I live with our older brother now, and he’s every bit as awesome as when we were younger. My older sisters even liked having fun with him. Sadly he left home when he was 18 after dropping out of school and getting his GED, then going off into the army during Gulf War 1. But it’s good to make up for lost time with him.

[@theneonchimpchannel9095]

In 1 episode, Otto talks about going off to join the navy. In one of the flash forward episodes, we see him as the owner of a taxi company where he has a somewhat military look. I assumed that the idea was that he joined the Navy and came back as a totally changed person. However this doesn't really fit with who he was in the first place. I really can't see him joining the military.

[@Dzuno18]

When you think about it, Otto relationship with Bart is somewhat similar to Chef's relationship with Stan, Kyle, Cartman, & Kenny from South Park. But unfortunately it won't last long since The Simpsons decided to make Otto as a stereotypical stoner.

[@seiji_kun132]

My forever favorite character of the simpsons ❤❤

[@grapeshot]

The giant tomato that traumatized Principal Skinner🍅🍅🍅

[@bradbrown8759]

I never realized how much Otto was restricted to a burn out gimmick. I often wondered what he was listening to on his headphones.

[@mikevltg3]

I don't know if they're still doing it because I wasn't looking for it, but at least two scenes from around 31/32 featured Otto in the background hanging out with Julio and his group. So they might have been testing the waters on giving him something else to do, maybe experiment with his sexuality.

[@sandhya315]

Otto definately go "flanderized" too. But as is the case with most Simpson's stuff, his character is affected by the 30+ years that the show has been on. And his character is one of the most affected. I said this on The RealJims video about Kearney, who's jokes are all about juvenile deliquincy, teen pregnancy, but also kids being left behind. In kind of specific way that doesn't exist anymore. Otto is a burnout and stoner that you knew (or were) back in the day. There's also only so far that can go while still staying "lighthearted" in the way that the Simpson's is. They're weren't going to make this dude a straight junkie or do that kind of humor about actual addiction.

[@kingbeef66]

8:35 What episode is that when Otto sees that dragon?

[@MegaHoro]

I remember him hanging out with Comic Book Guy once; I wonder if they could be friends

[@LowellLucasJr.]

Otto was one of the few residents of Springfield I truly wanted to know about. We got to know so little about Otto, yet had plenty of opportunities with him! We got to know about his gf/wife Becky in one episode, being great with the kids in season 3, him scolding Curney being in the same grade, an actor in Streetcar named Marge( even though he wasn't working out with the director) and a great bowler! He's even had to do some dirty work for Springfield Elementary( such as siphoning some gas for the bus)!! Man all this dude wanted was that damn Lobster whistle, can't we give The Ottoman a chance other than a segway into another job, such as Mayor Quimby's future boss?!

[@alijaberpro]

Here's a video idea Simpsons lost media

[@dychrisshandonsmith1242]

Keep it up on your work and this video and channel I love this video and channel Thanks you for your video and channel I love the Simpsons theory channel Love yourself first and most Believe in yourself Quitters never win and winners never quit Don't give up and never give in Ignore those who try to discourage you Hang on to your dreams Take care of yourself Take control of own destiny Keep moving forward Stand up for yourself Stand tall and be brave Speak up for yourself Stay strong Stay positive Be yourself Be grateful Be humble Act of kindness people

[@Lindsay-nx5sv]

The Busman Comic is real. It was printed as an extra story in the Simpsons comics in the early years. I've read it.

[@WelshGiraffa]

Ye Otto hasn’t really appeared much lately has he

[@generationwhyentertainment2455]

yeahh i was saying this in a video i did on The Otto Show. that him being typecast into a standard stoner character was a waste when really he's moreso in the early seasons an example of how kids sometimes dont have the best role models and that he's an example of what kids like Bart can grow up to be like I imagine he was probably a lot like Bart when he was a kid

[@mechajay3358]

Otto definitely deserves a better spotlight episode.

[@TheRealBlackarrot]

Otto's absence might be due to Harry Shearer not wanting to do the voice anymore. He's said before that Dr. Marvin Monroe is too hard on his voice, perhaps Otto is even worse for him.

[@Blackburn-Arts]

,I honestly don't see why can't they can't get a good enough impersonator to take on the role

[@JMThought]

I really liked Otto growing up. And I can’t he the only one. I wonder if that’s a blind spot for the writers who would relate to more adult characters.

[@upyourmamsfanni]

he might be a wasted loser but i still love him as a character, wish they had kept him.

[@angelicagaldos]

They could have done more with Apu and Otto

[@Blackburn-Arts]

I feel like the disappearance of otto does raise a question about the show, because in the Simpsons we always see stories revolving around the 30-40 somethings which would be the parents stories revolving around the kids where as the elderly and teens would be reserved for side gags but as far as i can tell hasn't been any episodes revolving around 20 somethings in Springfield with highs and lows in that time in everyone's life and otto feels like a good character for those types of stories to be explored other than pot jokes but thats just my opinion

[@LowellLucasJr.]

Otto is one of the few characters that cares for the kids from Springfield Elementary(Remember, Skinner believes the kids have no future)! He's just a bro who'd sooner help trash a concert to siphoning gas for the beloved School Bus! I too hope Otto gets his time to boogie and get his groove on...AGAIN!❤

[@mightyfilm]

First off, I always hated that scene where Bart sent Otto over the edge to spank him. It was out of character on BOTH accounts. Bart might screw with Milhouse, but Otto SHOULD be Bart's adult big brother figure, and Otto giving any sort of discipline is just plain wrong. I could see him trying to take a violent swing at Bart, but spanking just feels like something his father would do do him and he wouldn't wish it on any kids. Other than that, anything I can say would just be nodding my head and agreeing. I know the writers said they had a hard time writing The Otto Show, but that was decades ago for one, and there was so much potential in his backstory they mentioned but never touched on. I hate how they Flanderized him into being a drug addict. He seems like a mellow alcohol and pot type, not a tweaker or junkie. They would CERTAINLY not let him drive a bus with children or the elderly if he was that far into addiction. While I did like the episode where he wanted the old school illegal pot dealers once weed became legal, it seems like the ONLY productive use for druggie Otto, and most in character, too. The new crop of writers really SHOULD give Otto the depth he deserves. Give him an episode about how much he hates his militaristic father. Why did we never get that?

[@EBThisThat]

I totally concur, it seemed a complete reversal of his character.

[@Caolan114]

It's okay Otto likes being wasted

[@TinyRobotED-tm9rs]

Otto's a pretty cool character

[@mayraverdugamarcillo]

Love you very much