>>103537820No, it was satire of the shallowness of modern society - satire of the highest order.
>>103540953It was made weak in order to emphasize just how shallow Ben and Elaine's decision was to thwart Mrs. Robinson's plans. Her adultery had ruined (in her eyes) the one thing she had that she felt was good. Having Ben come in and steal Elaine from her control had removed the one positive thing over which she still had influence. The fact that Ben and Elaine have absolutely no chance of success together shows both Elaine's desperation for escaping her mother's control and Ben's need to destroy Mrs. Robinson publicly and completely after being taken a ride.
That said, using the church/bus scenes from "The Graduate" is a time-honored tradition for shows. It's fun. (And if the barefoot scene speaks to you carnally, then it's fan service.)
