That's a really good point about the comfort of it. Sometimes you just need that safe, happy ending after a long day. Modern shows can feel like they're trying too hard to be dark or leave you hanging. The Simpsons formula works because you know the heart is always there, even when they fight. It's like comfort food for your brain. Not every story needs to break new ground to be worth watching.

You saying the structural difference is night and day really hits home. I used to swear by glue for speed, but a similar fail made me switch to sewing for good. It just lasts.

My friend Mark lost a whole batch of sauerkraut last month, same issue as nancy_green. He was using a cloth cover and it just went slimy. Told him to get a proper lid with an airlock and his next try was perfect.

Honestly, the dog living probably gave you a better, more original plot anyway.

My friend had the same thing happen with that extra proofing time. Her loaf finally got that deep color she was chasing.