hunter zolomon at 10:10 AM Jan 03

mine as well

threezy at 12:39 PM Jan 03

I MUST PLAY! THAT FUN?

PSUDelVec at 07:24 AM Jan 04

It's fun if you like getting your heart ripped out. But yeah, its the most engaging storyline I've ever seen in a video game. Funny, heartbreaking, tense. Does everything great.

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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 12:13 PM Jan 03

This thing could flash fry a buffalo in 60 seconds.

Awe, but I want it now.

YoshioKun13 at 08:31 PM Jan 03

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 10:26 PM Jan 03

Ow my freakin ears!

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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 11:54 AM 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 02:44 PM Jan 02

lol such a classic

Nite Owl at 04:57 PM Jan 02

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

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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 01:37 PM Dec 31

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

Terminal_83 at 01:38 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 01:53 PM Dec 31

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

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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 08:14 PM Dec 16

"I call the big one bitey."

Terminal_83 at 08:15 PM Dec 16

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

YoshioKun13 at 08:16 PM Dec 16

"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.

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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 07:43 PM Dec 05

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

Cuh-lassic.

YoshioKun13 at 08:15 PM Dec 05

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

Terminal_83 at 03:13 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 07:50 PM Dec 04

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 10:41 AM 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 11:40 AM Dec 04

Hehehe, Ni.