"You Don't Have to Live Like a Referee" follows Homer as he is selected to referee the World Cup in Brazil, but is faced with bribes and corruption at every turn. One of the biggest issues with the episode is its reliance on recycled plot lines. Many of the jokes and gags feel surreal. The jokes about Brazil, Brazilian culture, and the World Cup are also rather lazy and not particularly funny, which is a shame considering the potential for satire and commentary on these topics.
Furthermore, the episode has a surreal quality that doesn't quite work. The bizarre visual gags feel out of place, and take away from the already weak storyline.
Overall, "You Don't Have to Live Like a Referee" is a disappointing episode of The Simpsons. While the episode is popular for its prediction of the World Cup champion and for the Spanish viewers for the couch gag, the recycled plot lines, weak jokes, and surreal elements make for a lackluster viewing experience. However, I did enjoy and found it funny the cameo of the samba teacher insulting Marge.
Furthermore, the episode has a surreal quality that doesn't quite work. The bizarre visual gags feel out of place, and take away from the already weak storyline.
Overall, "You Don't Have to Live Like a Referee" is a disappointing episode of The Simpsons. While the episode is popular for its prediction of the World Cup champion and for the Spanish viewers for the couch gag, the recycled plot lines, weak jokes, and surreal elements make for a lackluster viewing experience. However, I did enjoy and found it funny the cameo of the samba teacher insulting Marge.