I think some people here are hard on the later season episode so now is the time to give something back. What later season episodes do you love?
Two of mine are 1. The episode where homer becomes an artist (don't know the title). Funny gags (love the Jasper Johns running joke) the conflict between Marge and Homer is funny but a bit sad and did mention it was funny? Plus it's got "Shaven' my shoulders. Gettin' it all shaved off!" Possibly the funniest "left field" joke on the show. 2. HOMR: Again very funny (Dr. Hibbert's walk on, "is there no place for a man with 105 IQ"), the social commentary is spot on and the ending with the note to Lisa is very sweet. A winner!
C'mon there's got to be a few you like, otherwise why do you still watch the show?
Agreed--I think there are some really great late episodes. My favorites from each season (and 2 from S11):
S10: They Saved Lisa's Brain--the best job OFF has done at social satire in recent years. I love how they attack the nanny state created by Mensa. Also, as a future physicist, I love the Hawking guest appearance, and the best physics-related line in OFF: "Your theory of a donut-shaped universe is intriguing, Homer. I may have to steal it." Great one-liners and nice social satire make this the best of S10.
S11: Faith Off--The best musical scene ever with "Testify", and a rather touching episode when it comes to Bart's conscience. The sub-plot is great and ties in to the main plot in a way that very few eps do, even in earlier years. Bart as faith-healer is one of the more believable ideas for Bart that they've used.
Also, Behind the Laughter--The best of all the clip shows, and amazing meta-humor. "Everyday, I thought about canning Marge." "And that's how an act of grotesque child abuse become one of our most loved running gags."
S12: Day of the Jackanapes--I love Sideshow Bob eps, and this was no exception. Not quite up to the Cape Feare level, but the plot is quite good. It's the weakest of the 4, though, as S12 was the weakest season.
Some other notables: Saddlesore Galactica (the best ep of S11 until the 3rd act,) Last Tap Dance in Springfield (I loved it when I watched it, but I haven't seen it in a while,) and Wild Barts Can't Be Broken ("I mean, that is some clever voyving.")