I've been reviewing the random episodes I have on my tape and I have about 15 right now. So most of these are syndicated so they have some original jokes cut out of them. I give each episode a letter grade, mines the first grade after the review, the second is my friends. Of coarse the opinions that are written are only mine though. Ok, so here goes 15 Short reviews of the simpsons...........
Homie the Clown (Season 6) Sure, its without any deep emotions, but at least we get a lot of witty-esque humor. Homer starts off very cute (like the old Homer), yet still manages to get somewhat annoying when he finds out he can have advantages by looking like hes Krusty, but he gets no where near the sadistic, raving, lunatic he became in many season 10-12 episodes. Another small flaw is how Apu can't tell its Homer, despite the obvious give aways, still, I can live with it. Luckily no one is out of character. Bart and Lisa are normal siblings, not enemies. Also a nice way of including Fat Tony in the story. Quite good and funny. (B+) (B)
The Cartridge Family (Season 9) A very good episode for the usually decent season 9. Although Homer complains and is somewhat mean, he shows SOME feelings. This episode has some dark undertones about possesion and obsession vs. family. Homer even EVENTUALLY figures out something. The ending kind of blurs the moral though. (A-) (A-)
22 Short Films About Springfield (Season 7) This episode falls together quite nicely. An original episode also. One big plus is the use of many secondary characters (much like Trilogy of Error). I like the Pulp Fiction paradies too. A definate negative though is the stupid actions made by Marge. She usually is a bit smarter. Overall, a nice episode that won't get you thinking much, but its original and very funny too. (A-) (B-)
Das Bus (Season 9) I personally have mixed thoughts. First off, this episode IS funny. The characterization is quite good. Bart actually even stands up for Lisa, something you might expect from season 3 not 9. The problems are usual for the Scully era. Horrible endings and the need of Homer in every episode. Another pro was at least the "monster" was something real, just a couple seasons later and they would gave made it a 3 armed goblin with 1 eye. (B-) (B+)
Lisa's Sax (Season 9) A hilarious episode with a lot of emotion as well. It explains the way Bart acts the way he does and gives the family back some of its true family quality. I heard it was originally written in season 7 so go figure. You truly feel sorry for the lost soul, that is and was Bart. The cahracters seem extremely real in this one too. If this was put in season 2 it might not stand out all that much, but here it stands out like a shooting star. One more note : The way two choices/conflicts in the same episode is great, popularity vs. academics then directly after Homer makes a character defining decision. (A) (A+)
Hello Gutter Hello Fadder (Season 11) This is the perfect example od the show going out of continuity for pure comedy. A couple examples are Maggie carrying up Homer, Homer eating radioactive waste, and Homer jumping off the building. Still, its pretty good compared to the crap in other later episodes. The also try to bring the old Homer back, but sadly fail. I know this is a very lenient grade, but it is funny, and good for season 11. (B) (B)
Another Simpsons Clip Show (Season 6) I used to hate this episode. Its still not a good episode, but if you look at some of the lines, they are great. Lisa's view on romance line was great. A couple of Homer and Marge's lines are good too. All the clips fit together. Now, for a clip show, its great, but for an episode, mediocre. A couple more strong points are the families great characterization and the lovable "cute" ending. (B-) (B)
Bart the Mother (Season 10) Sure, Homer gets hurt for comedy again and it has its flaws, but this is a classic by season 10 standards. Bart and Nelson are shown in perfect 5th grade boy personality. Bart shows feelings and a little bad boy side and Nelson is exactly how I picture him (a punk-esque bully with no home life). Marge is shown as an actual mom too. Another hige plus is Homers not that annoying. (B+) (A-)
Homer Goes to College (Season 5) Yea, its funny. I'll admit it, I laugh quite a bit in it. Yet I feel compelled to give it a sub par grade for seasons before 10. Homer acts stupid/no emotions shown/some unrealistic things happen, all the traits from the last couple seasons. Sure, no where near the sadistic extremes, of say season 11, but huge signs pointing that way. (B-) (B)
King of the Hill (Season 9) A pretty decent episode for the later seasons. Has its fair share of funny moments and not completely insane (like a certain little Missionary episode). The plot is similar to other Homer tries to lose weight episode until Powersauce and mountains get into the mix. Homer saying "gym" was hilarious. (B) (B-)
Round Springfield (Season 6) A good representation of season 6 for the most part. Many people hate this episode because Bleeding Gums (Probably one of the most hated characters) and too sappy in some opinions. Sure, its a little sappy, but you could do much worse. In fact I think its a good character episodes. It explores Bart's love for his sister at the end (a great moment) and is quite deep., but not depressing with enough funny moments.
Scenes From the Class Struggle in Springfield (Season 7) Another good one. Man, looking back 80% of seasons 2-8 were in the A/B zone. This is one is no exception. Somewhat dark, and has some good moral questions. like "How important is it too be in the upper class?" and "Importance vs. popularity". A good plot and the whole thing flows nicely. Well done. (B+) (A-)
Bart on the Road (Season 7) A funny episode. Its hard to find serious flaws with this episode. Despite the subject matter, this tends to stay down to earth and serious. The lisa/Homer plot blends perfectly with the Bart road trip one. Stays true to the season 7 style IMO. Liked by most fans, this will go down as a unique little funny episode right here. (A-) (B)
Lost Our Lisa (Season 9) This episode shows that season 9 still had punch. Homers and Lisas conversation over the phone was hilarious, Dr, Hibbert has a good appearence, and Lenny and Carl are funny. Not many flaws, ecxept for a few unrealistc things. All the characterization here is right on too. Good job. (B+) (B+)
Twisted World of Marge Simpson (Season 8) A lot of people think Marge is out of character in this one. It actually shows her as human, not one dimensional house wife. Still, the episodes lack of hilarious moments and a pretty predictible plot. Actually, watching the episode, Marge gets a little too negative, but at least its understandable. As many others have pointed out though, the ending is unsolved, abrubt, and similar to the strange endings today. (C+) (A-)
There u go.....the first 15. I will put up another 15 or so up in about 2 weeks. I know most of the grades are lenient, but we haven't got to any of my hated episodes yet. Please respond, I like to hear other opinions too. Thanks!
A Perfect Void