This episode is one of my favorites from season 1. There are some great cultural references, moments of controversy and some Simpsons oddities.
Firstly, as the episode was running long, no chalkboard or couch gag were included. It had already been notes that the shows intro was unusually long and indeed, later seasons would see a shortened version used frequently. This episode simply cuts to an exterior shot of
742 Evergreen terrace.
The next point if interest is the introduction of two staple characters, Herman and more importantly, Nelson Muntz. Herman is amusing enough, with his obsession over military history and often sadistic turn of phrase, but it is Nelson, the school bully who provides the show with a truly deep character- one capable of heartless victimization one minute, loyal friendship the next. The product of a broken home Nelson embodies what may be termed Trailer Trash America. Living with his alcoholic mother, pining for his run away father we see Nelson presented initially as nothing but a bully, yet by the end of the episode, he and Bart appear to be becoming friends. The relationship between the two is never really cemented and Nelsons many facets provide the writers with an excellent character to work with.
THis episode also did much to promote Bart as the shows superstar. Whilst many fans now regard Homer as the star, in 1990 it was Bart and 'Bartmania' that secured the shows success. He appeal of Bart in this episode is his fragility, resourcefulness and ultimately, his humanity and ability to forgive. At numerous times across the seasons the writers let see through the bratty exterior and this episode perfectly balances the rebel with the thoughtful boy.
You have to love the references to classic Vietnam war films in this episode, as well as the writers middle finger to the censors which came through grandpa simpsons letter of complaint to a bridal mag. The censor did not want the phrase gamut jewels to go at at prime time, but it did anyway.
Finally, Bart's fourth wall breaking monologue at the end condemning all but three wars, and one of those is Star Wars is a lovely touch
4/5 in my humble opinion.
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Season 1 Episode 4 - There's no disgrace like home
Quite good this one. Chalkboard gag- "I will not burp in class", sofa gag- the family rush to the sofa and Homer is squeezed out onto tue floor.
This episode provides a fascinating insight into just how complex the characters personalities and character traits would become. Having been disgraced by his families behavior at a power plant picnic, Homer enrolls the family on a behavior therapy course run by reoccurring secondary character, Dr Marvin Monroe. To afford this expensive treatment Homer breaks into the kids college fund and pawns the Tv. The doctor fails to correct their behavior with electo shock therapy and pays them double to get out! Homer uses this money to buy a better TV which the family then bond over.
We see Homer acting very differently in this episode from previous outings and indeed, fro
the way he would go on to act. We also see Marge disgrace herself by getting drunk and leading a cracking "hey sisters pour the wine" routine. In his pawning of the TV Homer shows that he is willing to sacrifice one of his most precious items for the sake of his family, yet when given the opportunity to shock or not to shock, he does so willingly!
Interestingly, when the BBC aired the season for the first time, this was the episode they chose to show. I wonder whether the person who made the decision watched them all first, as surely it would have been better not to set the views up for a shock when they discovered that this episode was atypical. Had this episode come in a later series it would have been Marge who would have adopted this stance.
3/5 in my humble opinion
This episode provides a fascinating insight into just how complex the characters personalities and character traits would become. Having been disgraced by his families behavior at a power plant picnic, Homer enrolls the family on a behavior therapy course run by reoccurring secondary character, Dr Marvin Monroe. To afford this expensive treatment Homer breaks into the kids college fund and pawns the Tv. The doctor fails to correct their behavior with electo shock therapy and pays them double to get out! Homer uses this money to buy a better TV which the family then bond over.
We see Homer acting very differently in this episode from previous outings and indeed, fro
the way he would go on to act. We also see Marge disgrace herself by getting drunk and leading a cracking "hey sisters pour the wine" routine. In his pawning of the TV Homer shows that he is willing to sacrifice one of his most precious items for the sake of his family, yet when given the opportunity to shock or not to shock, he does so willingly!
Interestingly, when the BBC aired the season for the first time, this was the episode they chose to show. I wonder whether the person who made the decision watched them all first, as surely it would have been better not to set the views up for a shock when they discovered that this episode was atypical. Had this episode come in a later series it would have been Marge who would have adopted this stance.
3/5 in my humble opinion
Season 1 Episode 3- Homer's Odysee
Whilst the plot of this episode may not be the strongest in season 1, a number of important characters and events occur during his second regular lenght episode. The chalkboard an couch gags continue, the former being " I must not skateboard in the halls" and the latter seeing the sofa collapse as the family hurries onto it.
The basic premise of the episode is that during a visit to the Power plant by Barts class Homer causes a serious accident and is fired infront of Bart by Sheri & Teri's father. The aforementioned twins are just two of the important secondary characters introduced in the episode. Depressed by the situation Homer attempts suicide but after being nearly run over realizes how precious his life is and sets about making Springfield a safer place for everyone. Interestingly, this idea would resurface in a later episode which sees Homer embark on a baby safety campaign. It ends with him trying to take on Mr Burns and unlitmatly capitulating when the offer of becoming plant safety inspector is made. Homer accepts and remains in this post on and off for the rest of the run.
Along side the twins, Chief Wiggum, Jaspar and Mr & Mrs Whinfield are introduced in this episode, as well as a black Smithers. The writing had always called for Smithers to be a sycophant to Burns and the production team decided that by portraying this slave like character as black would be a bad idea. The next time we see Smithers he is white. And gay.
This episodes most remarkable feature is perhaps it's dealings with feelings of drepression and suicide. Few cartooons before and explored such themes as they would reoccur in The Simpsons throughout it's history.
2/5 in my humble opinion
The basic premise of the episode is that during a visit to the Power plant by Barts class Homer causes a serious accident and is fired infront of Bart by Sheri & Teri's father. The aforementioned twins are just two of the important secondary characters introduced in the episode. Depressed by the situation Homer attempts suicide but after being nearly run over realizes how precious his life is and sets about making Springfield a safer place for everyone. Interestingly, this idea would resurface in a later episode which sees Homer embark on a baby safety campaign. It ends with him trying to take on Mr Burns and unlitmatly capitulating when the offer of becoming plant safety inspector is made. Homer accepts and remains in this post on and off for the rest of the run.
Along side the twins, Chief Wiggum, Jaspar and Mr & Mrs Whinfield are introduced in this episode, as well as a black Smithers. The writing had always called for Smithers to be a sycophant to Burns and the production team decided that by portraying this slave like character as black would be a bad idea. The next time we see Smithers he is white. And gay.
This episodes most remarkable feature is perhaps it's dealings with feelings of drepression and suicide. Few cartooons before and explored such themes as they would reoccur in The Simpsons throughout it's history.
2/5 in my humble opinion
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Season 1 Episode 2- Bart the genius
This is a decent effort from the the worlds most lovable dysfunctionals! The basic premise is that Bart switches IQ tests with a new character, Martin Prince. This leads to him being sent to a school for gifted students- with disasterous consequences.
This episode (first broadcast on the 14 of January 1990) introduces a lot of Simpsons staples. We see the first chalkboard gag (I must not waste chalk) and the first couch gag ( the family rushing to the couch forcing Bart into the air). This episode also features the first use of Barts catchphrase "eat my shorts". It also deals with Barts presumably low intelligence for the first time. Whilst not as well rounded as the later 'Bart get a D' episode, it does introduce us to this reoccurring theme. The beauty of it's treatment in this episode is it's allusion to the fact that whilst Bart my not be an intellectual, hes not stupid. Later episodes will confirm this, as we witness Bart speak fluent French and see his disastrous first day at school.
3/5 in my humble opinion.
This episode (first broadcast on the 14 of January 1990) introduces a lot of Simpsons staples. We see the first chalkboard gag (I must not waste chalk) and the first couch gag ( the family rushing to the couch forcing Bart into the air). This episode also features the first use of Barts catchphrase "eat my shorts". It also deals with Barts presumably low intelligence for the first time. Whilst not as well rounded as the later 'Bart get a D' episode, it does introduce us to this reoccurring theme. The beauty of it's treatment in this episode is it's allusion to the fact that whilst Bart my not be an intellectual, hes not stupid. Later episodes will confirm this, as we witness Bart speak fluent French and see his disastrous first day at school.
3/5 in my humble opinion.
Season 1 Episode 1 - Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire
Apart from the early 'shorts' on the Tracy Ullman show, this was the first full length Simpsons episode, which first aired in December 1989. In terms of iconic status among the hundreds of Simpsons offerings this one is perhaps more functional than spectacular, serving to both introduce and complete the family (with the addition of Santas Little Helper). It's a reasonable romp with some great set plays, Marges hiding of the Christmas money in her hair, Barts getting a tattoo and needing it removed and Homer tryin and failing to play Santa all raise a smile,if not a belly laugh.
There are some oddities that do stand out however. When we see Lisa perfuming on stage in the Christmas padgent she is portrayed as an accomplished dancer capable of juggling fire clubs. This amazing skill is then never referenced again! Also, as throughout the first season, the animation is of a decidedly lower quality than it would become, and this is particularly apparent in Lisa's worrying lack of underwear in the dance scene. The animation in the power plant is also fairly dodgy.
These blips aside it is perhaps most important as a clear indication of the genius that was to come. Homers awkward conversation with Patty on the phone is amusing as is Barts response to the switching on of the Christmas lights - " it's craptacular dad". I think however the quote of the episode has to come from Homer, when he questions the children's desire to take home their future pet from the race track. "he's a loser, he's pathetic, he's..... a Simpson".
The episode also introduces the often dark and sinister theme of poverty that returns throughout the Simpsons. Homers needing to work an extra job followed by his desperate trip to the dog track to provde his family with a suitable Christmas tells us, I think all we need to know about Homer- although he is terminally stupid and boorish, he loves his family more than anything else.
3/5 in my humble opinion
There are some oddities that do stand out however. When we see Lisa perfuming on stage in the Christmas padgent she is portrayed as an accomplished dancer capable of juggling fire clubs. This amazing skill is then never referenced again! Also, as throughout the first season, the animation is of a decidedly lower quality than it would become, and this is particularly apparent in Lisa's worrying lack of underwear in the dance scene. The animation in the power plant is also fairly dodgy.
These blips aside it is perhaps most important as a clear indication of the genius that was to come. Homers awkward conversation with Patty on the phone is amusing as is Barts response to the switching on of the Christmas lights - " it's craptacular dad". I think however the quote of the episode has to come from Homer, when he questions the children's desire to take home their future pet from the race track. "he's a loser, he's pathetic, he's..... a Simpson".
The episode also introduces the often dark and sinister theme of poverty that returns throughout the Simpsons. Homers needing to work an extra job followed by his desperate trip to the dog track to provde his family with a suitable Christmas tells us, I think all we need to know about Homer- although he is terminally stupid and boorish, he loves his family more than anything else.
3/5 in my humble opinion
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Here We Go!!!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
I am going to review, fairly and critically every single Simpsons episode. Probably be done before, probably will be done again, but hey - this is my take on this fantastic series!
I am going to review, fairly and critically every single Simpsons episode. Probably be done before, probably will be done again, but hey - this is my take on this fantastic series!
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