My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #1

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#1: Bart Sells His Soul
October 8, 1995

PLOT: To prove a point, Bart sells his soul to Milhouse, then spends the night trying to get it back.

Couch Gag: The family drive around the room in go-karts, wearing fezzes. They line up in front of the couch and honk their horns simultaneously.

I wouldn't say that this episode being #1 is a controversial pick, but it doesn't seem to make a lot of lists when dealing with the best Simpsons' Episodes. The best I could find online is a #11 placing in a list made by WhatCulture! Matt Groening himself, however, counts this as his very favorite episode and it is mine as well.

Depth. That's what this episode offers. If you look back at my selections, you'll see that I hold dearly those episodes that bear a little more substance than the average Simpson episode, and to me, this one ranks above all the others. In this episode, the creative team decided to raise the existential question of what exactly a soul is and shows the great lengths Bart is willing to do to get it back; even though he doesn't really understand what it is either. That is what makes this episode so special.

Bart is an innocent child. Not innocent in a legal standpoint; he's as bratty as they come. Here, though, he is a scared 10-year-old boy looking to undo what he has done. It's an emotional turn we rarely get to see out of Bart, which makes his last chance plea to God all the more heartbreaking.

This isn't an overwrought sobfest, though. There are some truly classic comedic moments in this episode. The cold open - Bart changing the weekly hymn with "In a Gadda da Vida" - is one of the best in the history. Moe's b-story about turning his bar into a casual dining restaurant also has some great moments. (Owww. My freakin' ears!) But without a doubt, my favorite comedic moment of this episode happens when Bart finds Milhouse at his Grandma's house.

Milhouse: I'm really sorry... I kind of traded your soul to the guy at the comic book store. But look! I got some cool pogs:

Milhouse: Alf pogs! Remember Alf? He's back... in pog form!

It's just so ridiculous it still makes me laugh to this day.

Mood: Chillin'

Nite Owl at 08:13 PM Jan 03

This thing could flash fry a buffalo in 60 seconds.

Awe, but I want it now.

YoshioKun13 at 04:31 AM Jan 04

Not No. 1 for me, but one of my all-time favorites.

"I'll tell you where you can put your freaking sodie too."

Terminal_83 at 06:26 AM Jan 04

Ow my freakin ears!

Read all 6 comments >>

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #2

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#2: Cape Feare
October 7, 1993

PLOT: Sideshow Bob is paroled and promptly seeks his revenge on Bart, prompting the family to go into the Witness Relocation Program.

Couch Gag: The Simpsons get up off the couch and form a line with some dancers. The wall behind the couch moves away. This reveals a lot of other circus acts such as elephants, jugglers, magicians, trapeze artists and Santa's Little Helper walking on two legs.

Truth be told, before writing this penultimate blog, I nearly switched the top 2. As this is the more traditional episode out of the two to be featured this high on the list, I figured it would be easiest to place as the #1. But seeing as how this is a list of my personal favorites, I figured I put this at #2 for a reason all the way back when this countdown started in February.

This is as perfect an episode as you will find. A nice, taut plot, a recurring character at his best and some of the funniest gags the show has ever featured. That's what this episode has to offer. From beginning to end, it is flawless in execution.

First of all: Sideshow Bob. In the history of television, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better villain and this is, without a doubt, his best episode. Kelsey Grammar is terrifying and hilarious always, but the combination of this character and a pitch-perfect homage to Cape Fear puts this running theme over the top. It is a match made in heaven and the writers do not disappoint in the execution.

In terms of plot, this is probably the best written episode. Obviously, they were following a template, but without a doubt, the plot shines here the most.

I love how this episode is equal parts thriller and comedic masterpiece. Its a perfect parody with some of the most hilarious moments in the show's history. I don't know what I find more hilarious: the Mr. Thompson scene or Sideshow Bob's scene with all the rakes. Two classic moments that any Simpson fan should remember. Also lesser recognized moments like Bob strapped to the bottom of the car or the classic "Bake him away, toys." contribution from Chief Wiggum are so hilarious that this review would not do the episode justice if I didn't mention them.

Mood: Bored

Terminal_83 at 07:54 PM Jan 02

I shall send you to heaven! Before I send you to hell!

Take em away boys!
Hey I run things here! Bake him away Toys.
What'd you say chief?
Just do what the kid says.

randychico at 10:44 PM Jan 02

lol such a classic

Nite Owl at 12:57 AM Jan 03

Do you want a brownie before you go to bed!?

Read all 4 comments >>

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #3

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#3: Homer at the Bat
February 20, 1992

PLOT: Homer excels on the company softball team, but when Mr. Burns makes a wager with the owner of a rival plant, he enlists the help of professional ballplayers in order to win.

Couch Gag: The family runs to the couch, but knocks themselves unconscious in the process. Maggie (the only one who isn’t knocked out) ends up on the couch.

In terms of guest appearances, this is the crowning achievement in the show's history. The ability to get all of these players to record over a span of 6 months is amazing and a testament to how popular the show had become by 1992. This did not go unappreciated, as this episode marked the first time that the Simpsons had trumped a brand new episode of The Cosby Show in the ratings battle. Oh yeah, it also beat the Olympics.

I love this episode because of my love of baseball and in 1992, there was nothing I loved more. At seven, baseball was my life and the only thing that might have rivaled it was The Simpsons. This was basically combining peanut butter with chocolate to me. I also must mention that at this age, my idol was Don Mattingly; I even let my hair grow out so I could imitate him. If only I could've grown a 'stache.

Looking past the personal reason, this episode is just flat out hilarious, the best part being the unfortunate fates that befall each All-star except Darryl Strawberry, who has probably the best part of the show, as the kiss-ass of the group. My favorite mishap is definitely Wade Boggs, who gets punched out by Barney while arguing over who was England's best prime minister. Ridiculousness only the Simpsons can provide, but he deserves it for suggesting Pitt the Elder.

Some of the other highlights of these downfalls include:

Ken Griffey Jr.'s addiction to nerve tonic

Ozzie Smith's Trip to the Mystery Spot

Roger Clemens Thinking He's a Chicken

And Mike Scoscia Getting Radiation Poisoning

If you're a Simpsons geek like me, listen to the DVD Commentary on this one. It is truly a nice treat to hear the writers and show runners discuss the process of putting together the episode. It's interesting to hear who was completely game (Roger Clemens doing his own chicken noises), who was the biggest perfectionist (Ken Griffey Jr.), and who was a complete dick (Jose Canseco). I recommend all the commentaries, and the staff does one for nearly every episode, but this is one that I can't help but recommend. It's brilliant people talking about one of the finest piece of works they've ever put together.

Mood: Chillin'

Terminal_83 at 09:37 PM Dec 31

Can't... lift... arm... or... speak... at... normal... rate...

Terminal_83 at 09:38 PM Dec 31

Barney: And I say, England's greatest Prime Minister was Lord Palmerston!
Wade Boggs: Pitt the Elder!!
Barney: Lord Palmerston!!!
Wade Boggs: Pitt the Elder!!!! [pokes Barney]
Barney: Okay, you asked for it, bud! [punches him out]
Moe: Yeah, that's showing him, Barney! [scoffing] Pitt the Elder...
Barney: Lord Palmerston!!!! [punches Moe]

YoshioKun13 at 09:53 PM Dec 31

"We're talkin' Hoooooomer.........Ozzie and the Straw."

Read all 5 comments >>

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #4

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#4: 22 Short Films About Springfield
April 14, 1996

PLOT: A series of vignettes takes us on a day-in-the-life tour around Springfield.

Couch Gag: The whole room is under water, the couch is made of clam shells, and a treasure chest is in place of the TV. Sea monkey versions of the family members swim in and sit on the clam couch.

This is one of the very first anthology episodes the The Simpsons ever tried, outside of the Treehouse of Horror episodes and it is one of the best. What is great about this episode is that it is a shining moment in a lot of the familiar characters' stories. We get to see a moment in their lives that we usually don't get to see. Finally, we get to see it from their side, rather than from the Simpsons' perspective.

I like the idea of the non-traditional story structure. As the show has gotten a bit more stale, the structure and formula of an individual episode has become pretty evident. In these sort of episodes, it helps to shake it up a bit and can really come off as refreshing.

There are some great storylines here and my favorite happens to be the Skinner story. I just love it for this exchange:

Skinner: Oh Superintendent, I was just, er, stretching my calves of the windowsill, isometric exercise. Care to join me?

Skinner: No, Mother, it's just the Northern Lights.

I also love the Wiggum storyline as it is basically one long Pulp Fiction reference.

Mood: Bored

Terminal_83 at 08:09 PM Dec 28

Hey, maw! Get off the dang roof!

cerealkiller182 at 08:17 PM Dec 28

Good call, this is a great one

YoshioKun13 at 02:03 AM Dec 29

"Uh, the McDonald's. I never heard of it either, but they have over 2,000 locations in this state alone."

"Must've sprung up overnight."

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #5

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#5: Deep Space Homer
February 24, 1994

PLOT: In an effort to boost ratings of shuttle launches, NASA sends average Joe Homer to space.

Couch Gag: The family runs in and finds an obese man taking up the entire couch. The man tries to give the Simpsons room to sit, but it's a tight fit.

Anyone who paid attention to the first four and a half seasons of the Simpsons would tell you that sending Homer to space would probably be a disaster. And it was, but at least it was fun to watch.

Looking back, its kind of mind-boggling that this was a plot line this early into the show run. It seems like a story more fitting for a struggling series, but here we find it smack dab in the show's heyday. Fear not, however. This episode is an all-time classic.

What makes this episode so great is how bad an idea it is to put Homer in a space shuttle. There are 6 billion people in the world and Homer is the last one to bring near rockets. And he doesn't disappoint in this episode. He messes up a simple mission with a bag of potato chips. Just like Homer.

Great moments in this episode include Homer's angry phone calls, the press conference, the training sequence, and James Taylor's cameo. It even introduced us to the most important inanimate object in the show:

I like how this episode also delves into Homer's desperation for his children's approval. It's a pretty human turn in that aspect and I like that he does get a little bit of redemption in that manner. But really, this episode isn't about some sort of character turn. This is about Homer going to space, Barney going crazy on nonalcoholic champagne, and Kent Brockman welcoming his ant overlords.

Mood: Chillin'

Terminal_83 at 10:15 PM Dec 26

Careful! They're ruffled!

Nite Owl at 09:09 AM Dec 27

Awe, they were about to show the rod.

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #6

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#6: Marge vs. the Monorail
January 14, 1993

PLOT: When Springfield comes into some money, a traveling salesman persuades them to spend it on a monorail.

Couch Gag: The Simpsons sit down, followed by three rows of secondary characters (such as Kent Brockman, Apu, Krusty, Principal Skinner, Marge's mother Jackie, Mr. Burns, Smithers, a black-haired Princess Kashmir in her belly dancer costume, Nelson, Milhouse, Martin, and Mrs. Krabappel) from the show who obstruct the family's view.

This episode is great for so many reasons and its status as one of the most iconic episodes in the show's run cannot be disputed.

First of all, the song. It's one of, if not the best song the show has ever featured and it is the most iconic moment of this episode. It completely identifies the Lyle Lanley character as a Music Man-style charlatan and exemplifies the effect he has on the townspeople almost immediately:

Phil Hartman never disappoints and here is another fantastic performance that the late comic gave to us. It is him at his best and it is such a shame that we lost him.

Homer as the conductor is an obvious opportunity for hilarity and it doesn't disappoint here. Its the little moments, really. Like when he says, "I call the big one Bitey" or when he accidentally locks his keys in the monorail, its just Homer at his best. And this exchange:

Marge: Homer! There's someone here who says he can help you.
Homer: Batman?!
Marge: No, he's a scientist.
Homer: Batman's a scientist!
Marge: It's not Batman!

I also like Marge here. She gets a bit more to do than she usually does as the one townsperson that is skeptical of Lanley and the monorail. Its a pretty nice turn by her as she helps Homer save the day.

Mood: Pissed!

tbondrage99 at 04:14 AM Dec 17

"I call the big one bitey."

Terminal_83 at 04:15 AM Dec 17

"A solar eclipse. The cosmic ballet goes on."
"Does anyone want to switch seats?"

YoshioKun13 at 04:16 AM Dec 17

"Do you even know who I am?"

"Of course I do. Weren't you one of the Little Rascals?"

Conan O'Brien is a big part of what makes this one so great.

Read all 4 comments >>

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #7

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#7: Homer's Phobia
February 16, 1997

PLOT: Homer befriends an outgoing man named John, then freaks out when he finds out John is gay.

Couch Gag: The living room is in an “America Onlink” window on a computer screen. An unseen computer user tries to download the family, but the download shows no signs of progress after a few seconds and the user tries to exit the window (which also doesn’t work).

One of the things that made The Simpsons so groundbreaking is the fact that it was one of the first of its kind: a socially-aware cartoon. This episode aired in February of 1997, months before South Park aired its first episode, and seasons before it became the socially-conscious satire that it is known as today. An animated show tackling the issue of homosexuality nowadays is rare; back in 1997, it was unheard of. Mind you, this was the same year that Ellen came out of the closet in real life and on her show. Her show never recovered.

This episode tackles homosexuality and, more accurately, homophobia, in a style which is very Simpsons. Both sides of the coin are magnified 100 times over, exposing what should be a non-issue for the farce that it is. This has to do with the fact that this issue is looked at through Homer's ignorant gaze, as the homosexuals in his world are as FLAAAAMING as his beer is cold.

The episode pokes fun at the hypocrisy of homophobia. Homer instantly develops a bond and friendship with John, a perfectly nice man with an infectious personality. He is no doubt gay to everyone but Homer, who I guess, expects gays to be leather-clad 24/7. Its an interesting character turn to see Homer go from friendly to blindingly disliking his former friend. A turn, that thankfully, Homer goes back on, in his own ignorant way.

The hilarity and absurdity of this episode really centers on Homer and Bart's relationship as Homer, fearing Bart may be gay, takes him on a tour of, what he is hoping, are the manliest places in Springfield. What he comes upon, however, is the absolutely gayest steel mills in the history of homosexuality or steel. This is one of my all-time favorite scenes from the show and can only be summed up by GIFs:

John Waters gives a very fine performance in the episode, more or less, playing himself. More importantly, in this exaggerated world of straight and gay, he is the voice of reason that sexual preference does not make you who you are.

Mood: Chillin'

Terminal_83 at 03:43 AM Dec 06

Can I come out now Mr. Gay man?! I'll do anything you want! ANYTHING!

Cuh-lassic.

YoshioKun13 at 04:15 AM Dec 06

"Something about a bunch of guys alone, together, in the woods... seems kinda gay."

Terminal_83 at 11:13 AM Dec 06

"I like my beer cold, my TV loud and my homosexuals fa-laming."

Read all 6 comments >>

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #8

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#8: Lisa's Substitute
April 25, 1991

PLOT: When Miss Hoover is out for an extended period of time, Lisa develops a crush on the substitute, Mr. Bergstrom.

Couch Gag: The Simpsons come to sit on the couch, but find it missing. They all turn their heads around quickly to look for it.

This is the quintessential Lisa episode and arguably, the most emotional episode in the history of the show. Arguably, this is the writers’ finest moment of storytelling and it is the Gold Standard of any emotional episode that precedes it. Honestly, although it ranks 8th on this list, I could have just as easily put this as the top entry.

The plot is a simple story of unrequited love at its most basic, but simplifying the emotional journey of Lisa as a schoolgirl crush just isn’t fair. Mr. Bergstrom awakens a feeling of self-worth in Lisa that no other person has ever been able to accomplish with her. Thinking back, maybe Bleeding Gums Murphy has a comparable effect, but not to this magnitude. It is a heartbreaking story, as Lisa has to say goodbye to him before she is ready; if they had killed him off, the feeling would be no different. But what is so powerful are all the moments leading up to the bittersweet finale. From winning his cowboy hat in a contest to her own private tour of the museum to making her believe in her sax playing, it’s a touching story that culminates in, even just for the rest of the episode, Lisa believing she is someone special. She IS Lisa Simpson.

There’s also a pretty decent b-story involving Bart’s attempt to become class president. This story really takes a back seat to the main story, but it definitely had enough promise to warrant a full episode. Bart vs. Martin is always a pretty good storyline from early episodes and its almost a disservice to be paired with such an iconic Lisa story. I almost forgot that it was in this episode.

Dustin Hoffman aka Sam Etic gives an incredible performance as Mr. Bergstrom. Not often are guest stars asked to provide this dynamic of a performance with as much emotion backing it, but Hoffman delivers, as he usually does. He laughs, he cries, he creates a three-dimensional character that, sadly, only sticks around for this single episode. This is easily one of the top three one-shot guest appearances in the show’s history and it set the bar for the following two decades plus of celebrity cameos.

Mood: Chillin'

Terminal_83 at 03:50 AM Dec 05

What a wonderful episode. Dustin Hoffman you are king.

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #9

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#9: Homer Goes to College
October 14, 1993

PLOT: In order to keep his job at the power plant, Homer must go to college. With hilarious results.

Couch Gag: The family sits; the couch and family are crushed by the cutout foot from the opening of Monty Python's Flying Circus.

I have to imagine that the writers were chomping at the bit to do a college episode. The staff has often been flooded with alums from Harvard and were former writers of The Harvard Lampoon (including episode writer Conan O'Brien), of which National Lampoon was spun-off from. As in: National Lampoon's "Animal House", the movie that molded the outsider's belief in what college is supposed to be like. This includes Homer, who believes, when he's ordered to go to college, that his life is about to become party central.

What's great about this episode is the humor that comes out of Homer's attempt to live the college life he's always dreamed about: filled with partying, pranks, and crusty old deans. I love how the episode turns the college movie genre on its head, replacing the classic "Jocks vs. Nerds" storyline with a bunch of... well, nerds, trying to get work done as Homer makes it nearly impossible for everyone. And it is this obnoxiousness of Homer that makes it so fantastically funny.

This is about as classic as it comes and its just oh so quotable.

" I am so smart. I am so smart. S-M-R-T. I mean S-M-A-R-T!"

"A bee bit my bottom. Now my bottom's big."

"That's not the wallet inspector."

Mood: Chillin'

Nite Owl at 06:41 PM Dec 04

Classic episode, and yet another reason why the past few years of the series really piss me off when they try to rewrite the characters history. Like the episode where Homer and Marge were in college, and Homer became a Kurt Cobainian rock star after she broke up with him. I quit watching after that episode.

Terminal_83 at 07:40 PM Dec 04

Hehehe, Ni.

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #10

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#10: Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment
March 16, 1997

PLOT: After the St. Patrick’s Day parade gets out-of-control, Springfield reinstates Prohibition, inspiring Homer to be the sole source of alcohol, adopting the moniker as “The Beer Baron”.

Couch Gag: The couch sits in the middle of a desert; the family, in western cowboy garb, sits on the couch, which gallops off into the sunset.

This episode is pure hilarity. There is no emotional journey any character makes. There is no lesson (except maybe that Prohibition is stupid). Its just unadulterated Simpsons humor at its best.
As the plot description summarizes, this episode tales the tale of the short-lived Prohibition that befalls Springfield after a chaotic St. Patrick’s Day Parade; one in which sweet, lovable Bart accidentally gets drunk. As the town looks for an answer for their alcohol craving, Homer takes matters into his own hands and becomes the Beer Baron, and thusly, keeps the townspeople pleasantly soused. Town officials call in Rex Banner to help stop the underground drinking, but it turns out Banner is just as hapless as the rest of the police force.

This episode is really strange when you take a step back and look at it. Major things happen in it, but all go back to status quo in the 22-minute runtime and the show carries on as if nothing has happened. This show, like most sitcoms, do not have any long-running story arcs; even so much as taking metaphysical pot shots at times at the “return-to-normal” structure of the episode (See: “Homer Loves Flanders”), but for some reason, this one is sticking out to me as a special case of this.

This is probably partly do to the fact that the episode employs a sparing use of a 1920s-era voiceover, which makes it feel like it is taking place back during America’s original Prohibition Era. It could also be because the plot is based heavily on the introduction of Rex Banner, an Elliot Ness-type trying to catch Homer in the act; a character we meet and who is quickly given a permanent sendoff. This quick exit is reminiscent of other one-shot characters – Frank Grimes and “The Real” Seymour Skinner – who shake up the fabric of the show, only to watch it snap back into place.

It’s always fun to see Homer succeed and this is one of his greatest schemes. Its great to watch all the creative ways he delivers the beer, thanks in large part to an underground Rube Goldberg machine that connects the bowling alley with Moe’s Tavern. Its so utterly far-fetched that its just pure genius.

Rex Banner is a fantastic single-episode character, playing the comic foil to one of Homer’s shining achievements. He’s just the straight-laced sap you love to watch get bested, even if he means well.
Watch this episode drunk, as it will make you feel like it’s the proper thing to do.

“To alcohol: the cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.” –Homer Simpson

Mood: Bored

Terminal_83 at 04:17 AM Nov 30

Banner: You're out there somewhere, beer baron! And I'll find you.
Homer: No you won't!
Banner: Yes, I will!
Homer: Won't!

YoshioKun13 at 09:59 AM Nov 30

"What kind of pet shop is filled with rambunctious yahoos, and hot jazz music at 1am?"

This would probably be in my Top 10 as well.

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #11

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#11: Homer the Great
January 8, 1995

PLOT: Homer joins a secret society, then is quickly identified as "The Chosen One" but his new-found power comes with the price of alienating his friends.

Couch Gag: The living room is at the center of an M.C. Escher's Relativity style environment with multiple staircases and conflicting perspectives; the family enters from various directions (and dimensions) and sits.

This is a classic in every sense of the word, as most of the upcoming episodes will be. But this is probably one even the casual Simpson fan is familiar with and with good reason. It's a fantastic episode, with some Grade A Simpsons humor and some actual human emotion rarely scene in Homer-heavy episodes.

The plot is one that is hilarious and heartfelt. Homer finds out about a secret society, the Stonecutters, in which basically all of Springfield's men are members: Lenny, Carl, Moe, Mr. Burns etc. Eventually, Homer becomes a member and through fate, thanks to his birthmark, is celebrated as "The Chosen One" and is treated like royalty. But this status comes at a price. While his absolute power is fun for a while, Homer starts to get bored with getting his way all the time and when he tries to use his power to do some good, he turns off his fellow members, who want nothing more than to drink beer and carouse.

This episode taps into one of Homer's anxieties and one that is completely relatable: the fear of being left out. Flashing back to a childhood anecdote, this episode gives us one of the saddest (though, hilarious at the same time) chapters in young Homer's life: The No Homers Club. Heartbreaking may be over-selling it, but it is sad to see Homer left out as its something we have all probably experienced at least once.

Patrick Stewart gives a memorable guest appearance as #1, the Stonecutter defacto leader. And, of course, we get one of the absolute best songs in the history of the show:

Mood: Bored

Terminal_83 at 04:59 PM Nov 29

Why don't those stupid idiots let me in their crappy club for jerks?

Munson, Roy E. at 05:54 PM Nov 29

I think he should have to take a different oath!

Invidtus at 06:27 PM Nov 29

Now lets all get drunk and play ping pong-

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #12

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#12: Homer's Enemy
May 4, 1997

PLOT: Homer tries to impress his new co-worker, Frank Grimes, but his attempts only send the man over the edge.

Couch Gag: The whole scene is a Simpsons rendition of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper album, featuring a large crowd of regulars, several objects associated with the show, wax statues of the Simpsons as they were on The Tracy Ullman Show. The last chord to the Beatles song, "A Day in the Life" plays instead of the traditional Simpsons music as the family comes in, standing front and center and dressed in Sgt. Pepper regalia. Homer looks around and turns to look at the crowded scene behind him.

According to the writers' commentary on this episode, this episode did not resonate with fans of the show immediately. Apparently, it proved to be one of the most polarizing of episodes. But to me, this is one in which the writing really shines and I think it was always an instant classic.

Frank Grimes is a hard-worker and does everything the way things are supposed to be done, with little to show for it. Homer, on the other hand, skates by in life, barely surviving his own stupidity, but has plenty to show for it: a loving family, a beautiful home, and lobster for dinner. This is what infuriates Grimes and this is the main conflict of the episode.

This episode is cut from the same cloth as the previous entry "Two Bad Neighbors" in that it deals with an outsider coming to Springfield and being down-right appalled at the antics of The Simpsons (more specifically, here, with Homer). What I always find interesting about these episodes is that these outsiders more than have a point in their criticism, but the town seems to turn a blind eye to The Simpsons' flaws. Grimes is basically in his own Twilight Zone scenario where Homer's sloth and idiocy is more or less rewarded and he can't get anyone to see his point-of-view. And we don't really see it either as we are not meant to agree with him, either. It sort of leaves you with a feeling that there's absolutely nothing gained or lost from this episode; while the demise of Grimes is shocking and sad for him, its status quo for us and the residence of Springfield.

Mood: Bored

razgriz21 at 12:44 AM Sep 25

I love this episode.

Terminal_83 at 01:36 AM Sep 25

That's our Homer!

YoshioKun13 at 03:03 AM Sep 25

"I'm better than okay.......I'm Homer Simpson."

Read all 4 comments >>

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #13

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#13: Bart's Girlfriend
November 6, 1994

PLOT: Bart falls for Reverend Lovejoy's daughter, only to find that she's a little more than he can handle.

Couch Gag: The lights are out as five pairs of eyes enter. The lights turn on revealing only eyes, as the eyeless family rushes in and sits down, reconnecting with their eyes.

Very few times have we actually gotten to see the vulnerable side of Bart. He's fallen in love a few times, had a crisis of identity a few other times, but more often than not, most episodes revolving around Bart deal with his trouble-making ways. This is a completely different episode.

Comparatively, Bart is on his best behavior here, as he tries desperately to win the affection of Jessica Lovejoy. Unfortunately for him, though, she's not interested in the good guy version of Bart; she likes him bad, but even more bad than he's willing to go.

I love seeing Bart in a situation that he can't keep up with. Often we see him as a master of his own fate; he's always the one with the quick-wit answer and rarely is behind the 8 ball. Here, its amazing to see him struggle to keep his sanity in one of his first forays into love. It's a very human, very adult, turn for him, as he recognizes how bad Jessica is for him, but can't help falling into her trap over and over again.

Obviously, I love the story, but what makes this episode an all-timer is the voice work of Meryl Streep. To me, this is one of the greatest guest star roles the show has ever had. She's unrecognizable and to think that one of the greatest actresses of all-time completely immerses herself into a one time role on an animated series just speaks volumes to the importance of the show. Jessica is a fully-realized character, one of the most dynamic the show has seen. The character is so good, you almost wish that she was a regular. That's the mark of a great character.

Mood: Chillin'

Nite Owl at 05:11 PM Sep 23

She is so much better than that Sarah, plain and tall.

Terminal_83 at 05:36 PM Sep 23

There's only one thing to do at a moment like this: strut!

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #14

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#14: Last Exit to Springfield
March 11, 1993

PLOT: Employees of the Nuclear Power Plant go on strike after Mr. Burns takes away their dental plan.

Couch Gag: The family sits on the couch. The couch transforms into a monster and swallows the family.

What can I say about this episode? This is as inspiring as a Simpsons episode can get and one of the most scathingly satirical episodes in the history. Its also one of the few times, as a fan, that you can be truly proud of Homer, as he rises to the occasion and makes a difference in his microcosm of a world.

The plot is pretty straight forward: The employees lose their dental plan and Homer is appointed Union President and initiates a strike. Its not goofy, as most episodes are, but that is one of the things that makes this episode so special. It treats the plot very seriously, as does Homer, who becomes a true hero in this episode. In a life of failures, this is one of his greatest successes.

The episode is still hilarious, as serious as it is. It creates one of the most iconic moments in the show's history and I only need mention two words: "Dental Plan!" Not to mention Lisa's song is a haunting, beautiful rallying cry that still sends chills down my spine every time I hear it.

Now play "Classical Gas".

Mood: Chillin'

PSUDelVec at 09:06 PM Sep 08

Thanks :) I didn't plan on these longer-than-usual time between updates, so now the list is going on 7 months, but I enjoy writing them.

YoshioKun13 at 10:22 PM Sep 08

This may just be my No. 1 episode of all-time.

"Dental plan..."

Terminal_83 at 12:15 PM Sep 09

What a wonderful episode. They have the plant, but we have the power.

Read all 4 comments >>

My Top 40 Favorite Episodes of the Simpsons: #15

In celebration of the 500th Episode of my favorite TV show of all-time, The Simpsons. I'm counting down my Top 40 favorite episodes.

#15: Itchy and Scratchy Land
October 2, 1994

PLOT: The Simpsons go to Itchy and Scratchy Land when the robots go haywire and take over the park.

Couch Gag: The family is beamed onto the couch, Star Trek-style.

This is what you get when the writers of the Simpsons take on the monolith that is Disney World. Mix in a little Jurassic Park (or Westworld) and what you get is a hilarious episode that is a surprisingly good action tale.

The plot is simple: The Simpsons decide to take their family vacation to Itchy and Scratchy Land, which is basically a thinly-veiled excuse to make fun of the Disney Corporation and its founder. Bart and Homer waste no time misbehaving at the park and get in trouble, until the robots go nuts and terrorize the patrons of the park.

The finale goes into full action mode as the Simpsons try their best to save themselves and the park once they discover the one weakness the robots have.

I'll just reiterate how much I love an episode that goes outside the boundaries of Springfield. It really broadens the world the writers have to play with and its where it really shines. The laughs are non-stop in this episode, and Disney gets a pretty big beating, which is funny to see.

There are no character turns in this one. This is just pure Simpsons comedy, which is always great. Don't think too much about it, just enjoy.

Favorite Lines:

- "When you get to Hell, tell 'em Itchy sent ya."

Mood: Bored

YoshioKun13 at 09:50 PM Aug 28

"Where nothing could possiblie go wrong."

Terminal_83 at 02:06 AM Aug 29

I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE this episode. We need more "Bort" license plates in the gift shop. I repeat, we are sold out of "Bort" license plates.