Talk:Ned Flanders

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Good article Ned Flanders has been listed as one of the Arts good articles under the good article criteria. If you can improve it further, please do. If it no longer meets these criteria, you can delist it, or ask for a reassessment.
November 14, 2007 Good article nominee Listed
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Ned Flanders appeared on The Simpsons Portal as the selected article from 17 February 2007 to 2 March 2007

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[edit] Nonsense

Some fool has replaced this important article with nonsense. Can the page be restored?

IMPORTANT ARTICLE???? LOLOLOLOLOLLOLOL

Long Live Nod Flonders! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 146.95.15.36 (talk) 14:54, 30 March 2008 (UTC)


If anyone has the wherewithal to make a script/bot that automatically reverts the page if it detects 'Nod Flanders' anywhere, it might be a good idea. Because this isn't going to stop anytime soon. 121.45.177.175 (talk) 12:59, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Trvia Section

The trivia section is very unorganized and some of it is not even trivia. I am going to remove some of the things that are not necessary (as they don't actually have anything to do with his personality or are just unimportant to the article). PhoenixPrince 03:48, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Name

Does the Flander's name also come from Senator Flanders, the US Senator who challenged and stood up to McCarthy during the 1950s?

I'd always understood that Ned Flanders was named for Ed Flanders, the popular, but now dead, American actor.
It's surely a coincidence, but has anyone noticed that "NED" is the IOC code for Netherlands and part of Flanders is in the Netherlands? Rwestera 04:04, 3 July 2007 (UTC)
Probably coincidence. As with many other Simpsons characters (e.g. Rev. Lovejoy), I suspect Flanders' last name is derived from the name of a street in Portland, OR. I don't know where the first name came from, though. 4.242.108.39 (talk) 22:48, 21 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Removed word

I removed the claim that Flander's parent's were nihilistic, since this is no evidence in the episode that they are nihilistic.

[edit] Worship/idolatry

How can you worship God to the point of idolotry? Manticore 03:28, 5 August 2005 (UTC)

The terms are orthogonal. Idolatry is the worship of artifacts as contrasted to the worship of some spiritual entity or being which is supposed to be represented by most religious idols. However, it was, presumably intended to be ironic. This is similar in concept to the concept of fetish vs. other forms of paraphilia. A "fetish" is a sexual association to some particular object or activity that comes to be the focus of one's sexuality rather than merely an aspect or variety of it.

I don't think the fact that Ned Flanders isn't happy about his sons being Jewish in the episode a star is born means he is anti-semetic. Ned is simply showing his devotion to his own religion, it is nothing against jews. If my parents heard that i had converted from judaism to Catholicism they would be disappointed but it does not make them racist towards Catholics. I think who ever wrote that article needs to be careful before throwing the accusation of anti-semetism around so lightly.

[edit] Leftorium

Since the Leftorium only figures in episodes about Flanders, and as there is not terribly much to write about ("When Flanders Failed" being the only episode where it is prominent), I propose merging and redirecting Leftorium here. - choster 14:09, 19 August 2005 (UTC)

I agree, seems a bit pointless by itself. Definately merge and redirect. Squidward2602 15:44, 1 September 2005 (UTC)

That being so, the link to Leftorium in the right-hand box should be deleted, as it links back to the same page 23:28, 22 January 2006 (UTC)

The Leftorium section claims that Bart Simpson is Left Handed while the Bart Simpson main article lists him as being ambidextrous. I'm more inclined to belive the Bart Simpson article but could say for certain. It's only a minor thing I realise but are the any points on that? Elaverick 20:01, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] "Huge package"?

Is this really necassary;

"He also possesses a large "package" as featured in the shower scene of Homer's singles dating video made after Maude's death."

Do we really wanna know how well endowed a cartoon character is?

Yes, we definitely do.

since Ned's "allure" is a ongoing theme (I'm thinking of Homer's horrified reaction when, on the ski-slope, he thinks of Ned's tight-fitting outfit -- "Stupid sexy Flanders!") it would seem that at least some mention of his attributes is quite appropriate... --Robertissimo 14:40, 7 December 2005 (UTC)

[edit] In literature

I don't think it qualifies for the main page, but thought I'd share this: Sheri Tepper refers to some people as having 'warm, kindly and nurturing Ned Flanders sort of personalities' in her fictional book, The Visitor (page 96). Barefootguru 03:32, 28 November 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Alcohol

I was wondering about Ned and alcohol, in later episodes, like "Viva Ned Flanders" and "Duffless", it appears Ned abstains from alcohol, but in the episode Dead Putters Society, his has a bar with imported beer in his basement? Is this a continuity error or did I miss something?

the one where flanders has alcohol was an early episode when the characters were still being set up, according to the commentary

[edit] question about Ned Flanders

What episode was it that had him looking all muscled up like MR America....seems like he was standing in the Bathtub? --[user:nospmis] 9:45, 9 February 2006

I'm pretty sure you are talking about the episode named "Home away from Homer", season 16. --Fishysushi 00:57, 30 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Age

The article states Ned's age cannot be determined, because although he stated that he was 60 in the season 10 episode Viva Ned Flanders (which aired in 1999 so he may have been born in 1939 Since the characters in The Simpsons haven't aged in 17 years, I think we can assume that he is 60. If we use the logic in the article when calculating age of the characters, Bart would be 27. If nobody has any arguments against it, I will change his age to 60 tomorrow. Prometheus-X303- 00:36, 21 March 2006 (UTC)

SNPP had this to say about his age: although his age was revealed in AABF06 to be 60, it is generally accepted that he's in his mid-30s or 40s. Prometheus-X303- 22:59, 29 March 2006 (UTC)

Shouldn't the info about his age be dropped from the article since its just a runing gag.Coasttocoast 22:06, 10 April 2006 (UTC)

Before waging an edit war, I think I should point out something. In Hurricane Neddy, it is said the sessions take place thirty years ago. I changed his age to late 30s or early 40s because of this. Somebody changed it back to late 40s or early 50s simply because "his parents are beatniks." Doesn't it seem like them stating "thirty years ago" is stronger evidence than how the parents dress? Please respond here before changing it back if you think it must be changed back.Eric Sieck 02:57, 30 April 2006 (UTC)

even though he did say that he treated ned 30 years ago, the fact that the flash backes referents Gene Krupa and that ned says himself that his parents are beatnicks point to this happening in the 50's not the 60's. the docter probobley just forgot how long ago he worked on ned. also look at the snpp page for Viva Ned Flanders for whare I originaly got that he should be in his late 40's or early 50's

Fair enough, I'll leave it be.Eric Sieck 02:59, 4 May 2006 (UTC)

In episode The Mansion Family, during an award show with the people of Springfield present, an award is to be given to Springfield's oldest citizen. Kent Brockman then asks those who are over 60 to stand up, and in the background Ned Flanders can be seen raising from his chair. Thus he is over is 60 years old or older. (I added this to the article) Drogo 22:25, 30 September 2006 (UTC)

I'm more inclined to believe the events of "Hurricane Neddy" (which I agree is a strong indicator of Ned's actual age, as it provides visual and spoken proof), and that and what his file at SNPP.com say (...it is generally accepted that he's in his mid-30s or 40s) indicate to me that he is actually no older than 40 and that he is lying about his age, so the age section of his infobox should be changed to reflect this (Claims to be 60, but looks no older than 40). If not, then perhaps the info on Ned's age should just be removed from his infobox. Starbuck-2 05:55, 22 February 2007 (UTC)

Looks like this convo has been over for a month. Since his age is still in the infobox, I also think it should be removed. 199.126.137.209 06:11, 18 March 2007 (UTC)

I've removed the parts about his age since I couldn't find a reliable source about it, and it could've just been a simple mistake on the show. Also, why would he need to lie about his age? It doesn't add up. --AAA! (AAAA) 10:52, 25 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Other

I have the feeling that the reference to Ned being based on the Irish academic is a prank and should probably be removed...

[edit] Flanders Family Names

Isn't the statement that besides Ned all his family's names rhyme with "God"? How does Maude rhyme with God? Maybe that should just be re-worded to say that just his sons names rhyme with God. TJ Spyke 21:39, 27 June 2006 (UTC)

>I believe the intent was to have them all rhyme with god, and the closest way for a female name to rhyme was to skew pronunciations to have "gawd" rhyme with "mawd".

>>Maude Flanders has always been pronounced "Mod Flanders", meaning it rhymes with God.

em... it's never been pronounced Mod in any episode I have ever seen. --Charlesknight 22:59, 1 October 2006 (UTC)

It's the American pronunciations that sound the same

On the show, it is pronounced to rhyme with god. Sure about that.Fishysushi 01:00, 30 December 2006 (UTC)

[edit] POV

There seems to be quite a lot of POV statements in this article. i.e. '"'The Passion of Cain and Abel (the title characters were played by Rod and Todd; Ned played Adam) was a gory homage to Mel Gibson's faith-through-film agenda." Regardless of what one may think of Mel Gibson's prostelyzing, this statement is pretty biased. I've removed a few other statements saying certain things are funny because Ned says them, etc., since they aren't cited from some review or other source. --199.218.252.113 23:21, 21 July 2006 (UTC)

Oops. Forgot to sign in and also accidently italicized a bunch of stuff. My bad. --Natalie 23:27, 21 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Fictional racists?

They've made Ned's character increasingly unpleasant over the years, the death of his wife is sometimes given as an explanation in fandom, but racist? The prejudices mentioned are against religions not races. I've never seen an episode where they show him as being racist.--T. Anthony 09:33, 12 August 2006 (UTC)

Oh I see where they get this. No, he clearly does not hate Jews. He was quite friendly with Krusty and other Jews when they were in episodes together. Possibly he believes "Jews run Hollywood" judging by that one episode, but it's also possible the dream sequence just represented his fear Hollywood would make his sons abandon Christianity. Wanting your kids to share your faith isn't Anti-Semitic. The Star of David deal is more about his obsessive fear some other belief system will be proven true by a miracle or by reason.--T. Anthony 09:38, 12 August 2006 (UTC)
Agreed, he's always been portrayed as getting on fine with the various different ethnic groups in Springfield. I'm removing the category. --Switch 11:56, 27 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Hello Joe

Her exclamation "Hello, Joe!" is entirely in keeping with the cutesy rhyming ways of the Flanders family. No Joseph Flanders has ever been mentioned.

This sort of reminds me how young the demographic generally is for editing articles like this. There's no reason this statement would imply any Joseph. "Hello Joe" was part of an old routine/song. Something like "Hello Joe, what do you know, just got back from Kokomo." (Although where the Joe got back from sometimes varies) This was used once or twice in Mystery Science Theater 3000. I've seen indications it dates back to World War II or in least the late 1950s. Anyway the statement is most likely only meant to imply she's old and senile so spouts old routines/songs--T. Anthony 13:34, 3 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Weather skanks?

This statement Ned watches Fox News, as well, though perhaps only for the "weather skanks" (whom he refers to as "hot") seems so out of character I wonder what episode it's from.--T. Anthony 09:33, 7 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Hobbies and interests

That whole section is just line after line. It needs to be cleaned up so it's nicer lookin'. Razorthe6249th 12:20, 6 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Directional Difficulties

I changed "NE Flanders St." to the correct "NW Flanders St." as the inspiration for Ned Flanders' name. This is backed up from Groening's own words on Simpsons DVD commentaries (Season 9). --Satyricrash 10:45, 11 May 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Fair use rationale for Image:C-flanders.png

Image:C-flanders.png is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in Wikipedia articles constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.BetacommandBot 04:53, 2 June 2007 (UTC)

I added a rationale. I think it's sufficient. --AAA! (AAAA) 06:58, 2 June 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Age 60

Can someone source that --62.150.178.140 20:40, 4 June 2007 (UTC)

He said it himself in Viva Ned Flanders. I have added the reference. GeorgeC 16:06, 8 June 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Flanders' origin?

Has Groenig ever commented on who Flanders is modeled after in real life? I've heard tell that he was modeled after one Peter Sipple, headmaster of Moravian Academy, who was at Harvard when Groenig was there. Chubbles 01:30, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Restructuring

Okay, I restructed the hell out of this page. There is a lot of cruft in here that could probably be cleared away, as well.

Using the lazy peer reviewer, the following tasks still need to be done:

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The article currently is far too long and does not follow the Wikipedia guideline on writing about fiction. The article should be about one-third its current length. It should not have all that "biographical" information about the character (including his favourite flavour of ice-cream!) but instead needs to be rewritten from a real-world perspective. For example, the article should not have a paragraph explaining why “Ned Flanders” started to sprinkle his speech with the term diddily because of a discipline program; rather the article should explain why Harry Shearer and the Simpsons writers originally chose to voice the character like that. --Mathew5000 03:58, 29 August 2007 (UTC)
I'm currently busy with other projects, but I'll clean up as much cruft as I can. -- Scorpion0422 20:46, 29 August 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Vegas wife

Hi all,

In the interest of accuracy, it should be noted that Ned is still legally married to Ginger, until such time as they tell us otherwise in canon. Anyone know of a reason this would not be the case?

Thanks - Seansinc 17:30, 15 September 2007 (UTC)

It shouldn't be mentioned in the lead because it was a 2 episode thing and has little to do with Flanderses character. -- Scorpion0422 17:49, 15 September 2007 (UTC)
But the lead paragraph also shouldn't contain an untrue statement. Herbert Powell has only appeared in 2 episodes, but it would be inaccurate to state "Homer has no siblings". I know it's a silly subplot, but Ned is still married according to canon -- if you don't think this is important to his character, move the discussion to further down in the article, but don't just lie. Seansinc 15:20, 17 September 2007 (UTC)
I never said it doesn't belong in the article, I said that doesn't belong in the lead. There's a difference. -- Scorpion0422 15:29, 17 September 2007 (UTC)
You are right on that. I've moved the topic to the Romantic Relationships section, where it belongs. Seansinc 15:38, 17 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] GA pass

Yup, definitely a good article, well-written, referenced, comprehensive enough and it adheres to WP:WAF. I hope to see a beefed up FA-level article one day with lots of analysis on Ned: but this is fine. Alientraveller 21:29, 14 November 2007 (UTC)

[edit] keeping kosher

sorry if this is off topic. I searched and could not find any mention of Ned keeping kosher, in the article nor in the Talk: page. However my son (more knowledgeable than I am about the Simpsons) says that Ned Flanders eats kosher food, "just to be on the safe side". Shouldn't this be mentioned somewhere in the article? Just my 0.02 Mike Schwartz (talk) 05:01, 28 February 2008 (UTC)

Not really, because it was just a single line in which he mentions this: "I've even kept Kosher just to be on the safe side", and we try to limit one-off jokes and lines like that because otherwise the article would be twice the size. -- Scorpion0422 05:05, 28 February 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Culture influence

I added a bit of information that came directly from Harry Shearer about a cult in England that dresses up as Flanders, yadda yadda yadda. I know you don't think "cultural" really means a cult; I only put "cult" because I don't know what else to call it; "group" seems too general to me, and I was referring more to Flanders' influence on them, rather than any literal translation of the word. Would you mind if I added it back? - Cubs Fan (talk) 23:02, 16 December 2007 (UTC)

Is there a better source than the Harry Shearer interview? I think somethink like that should have a news report or something because for all we know, Shearer might have been joking. We also don't know a lot about them - is it a serious thing, how many are there, when did they start, etc. -- Scorpion0422 03:48, 17 December 2007 (UTC)
Oh, okay. I don't think there's anything else that covered it; and it sounds funny, but personally, I don't think Shearer was joking. But I'll leave it be. -- Cubs Fan (talk) 22:40, 17 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Is he really recurring?

I would argue that, contrary to the lead sentence, he isn't a recurring character - he is in nearly all episodes. I would change it, but I am interested to hear others' perspectives first. --J. Atkins (talk - contribs) 19:07, 14 January 2008 (UTC)

CHange it to what? We call the non-family members recurring characters because then we don't have to deal POV issues like if it should say "main character" or "semi main character". -- Scorpion0422 19:29, 14 January 2008 (UTC)
I'm also confused here; he is a recurring character. He isn't a one-off character, nor is he Homer or Bart. From recurring character:

A recurring character is a fictional character, usually in a prime time TV series, who is not a main character but who appears from time to time during the series' run. Recurring characters often play major roles in an episode, sometimes being the main focus.

This seems to fit Ned to a T. faithless (speak) 19:33, 14 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Beatles

Should there be a bit about Ned's infatuation with the Beatles, as seen in Bart of War? Apparently he took Lennon's infamous speech to heart. Burnside65 (talk) 22:21, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

I don't see the harm in a one or two line mention, but we should be careful not to pay it undue weight. :) faithless (speak) 23:59, 26 March 2008 (UTC)
Right, thanks. Burnside65 (talk) 13:57, 27 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Ned Flanders cult

There's been some mentions in various things about some sort of Ned Flanders cult. It's almost become an urban legend. I found a few things though, and this impact on real life is definitely notable. Maybe someone can work this stuff into the article somehow.