The writers of The Simpsons know how to gauge the cultural climate. And so they’ve revamped the role of Ned Flanders, Springfield’s holiest neighbor who’s apparently inching his way towards center stage — this week co-producing a biblical pageant for the Super Bowl halftime show that will offend the entire nation with it’s “‘blatant display of religion and decency.'” According to Simpsons executive producer Al Jean, “‘The values he represents have become more visible in American life as people who maybe are outward advocates of Ned’s values have come into positions of power. We always satirize who’s in power and what the cultural zeitgeist is, so currently the point of view Ned has is a little more ripe for satire.'”