Metanarrative and The Simpsons

In particular, the episode ''22 Short Films About Springfield'' holds many of the theories and key terms used in Post modern critique and art alike.

As well as the obvious post modern, pastiche and borrowing from other media (with alarming success) that The Simpson's uses, a lot of people argue that the show argues cultural, political and religious points
e.g. Many TV critics believe the character chief wiggum, portrayed as the governing and powerful authority in the fictional town of Springfield, despite being 'in charge' so to speak, is actually grossly incompetent at what he does, and is actually more along the lines of a less well rounded child than someone you would assume to be of a higher intellect. is this a stab at the governing bodies of America? or is it just funny that the town sheriff is a buffoon?

The same feature is noted for many other 'powerful characters', The reverend is an emotionless self involved man, the lawyer is a money grabbing free loader, the doctor like all of the before mentioned is again grossly incompetent for what he does.

The reason i chose this episode in particular, is it shows many of the characters, is very ''borrowed'' and ''re-worked'', it is also very aware of itself, often citing cultural references as well as references to itself, occasionally breaking the fourth wall, and ''spilling the beans''.

the exhaustive list of over 1000 characters is considered by many an ample amount, considering the shows longevity and style. however it is because of this, characters such as Barney the town drunk, the lonely grandpa, The local bully Nelson (the list goes on) that Simpson's reflects and parodies the pluralism of post modern society, in the most obvious of symbolic ways.
this episode shows how the characters, all varying from one another act as cogs, each having their own outrageous storyline, yet the town works because of it.

being unable to pin the show down to one genre, is what makes it post modern, the episode starts with the most mundane intro, yet finishes with the whole town congregating into a final scene.

Maggie Simpson...the poster child (literally of post modernism). the baby has lived for over 20 years, yet still wears a baby grow and sucks a dummy. although clearly the Simpson's represents contemporary social America, they also live in 'no time' 'no place' and are not specifically anyone, yet this paradox allows them represent every American family at any time during this post modern era.

I need help condensing the key points and theories really. there is a ton to work with and i do find myself jumping around. I really just need some sort of outline of which key theory/ies i could possibly work more with.

thanks Phil