Here is part II of my list of the greatest Simpsons episodes from each season…yes I do live a sad existence.
Season 6- Episode 18: A Star is Burns
Probably show creator Matt Groening’s least favourite episode, “A Star is Burns” is the Simpsons cross-over with James L. Brooks’ (and also former Simpsons show-runners Mike Reiss and Al Jean’s) show “The Critic”, starring John Lovitz as film critic Jay Sherman. A financially strapped city of Springfield decides to boost tourism by hosting a film festival and Jay Sherman is asked to take part as one of the judges. The festival is packed with a hilarious string of films made by beloved characters (including Hans Moleman’s “Man getting hit by football” it delivers what it promises…in the groin!). Barney Gumbles’ heartfelt film about his alcoholism and Mr. Burn’s vanity film (directed by Steven Spielberg’s non-union Mexican equivalent “Senor Spielbergo”) “A Burns for all seasons” lead the way for the award of best film. The final decision has been left to Homer(who really wants “football in the Groin” to win), as Jay and Marge vote for Barney’s film and Krusty and Mayor Quimby have taken bribes to vote for Burns. The episode deftly blends the styles of the two shows without compromising the integrity of the Simpsons, and never did it feel like a cheap ploy to get people to tune into the Critic, which had just been picked up by Fox after it had been left on the scrap heap over at ABC.
Favourite Quote: “Barney’s film had heart, but football in the groin had a football in the groin”- Homer
Season 7- Episode 21: 22 Short Film’s about Springfield
In what is essentially a parody of Pulp Fiction, this episode is a series of short sketches interwoven to form one somewhat cohesive story. Lisa gets gum in her hair, Mr. Smithers is stung by a bee, Bumblebee Man’s marriage is destroyed, Wiggum and Snake are kidnapped by Herman (in an obvious nod to Pulp Fiction, sans sodomy), Cletus finds Brandine some boots for her job intervi…well let’s just stop there as I grow weary of listing all of the mini plotlines (there are not 22) within this gem. This episode is an awesome example of the strong supporting characters featured on the show, and how episodes could easily be carried without the Simpsons being the focal point. This episode also marks the debut of one of my favourite tertiary (and I use that term loosely) characters “The Very Tall Man”.
Favourite Quote: “Do you find something comical about my appearance when I am driving my automobile?”- The Very Tall Man
Season 8- Episode 2: You Only Move Twice
Easily my second favourite episode of all time (after the aforementioned “Homer Goes to College), Homer moves his family to Cypress creek, an idyllic planned community, to take a plum gig at the Globex Corporation. Hank Scorpio is Homer’s charismatic new boss, who’s progressive and supportive attitude are a stark contrast to Homer’s old boss the crotchety Mr. Burns. The pristine exterior of the family’s new life begins to crack as the rest of the family begin to grow unhappy in Cypress creek…oh yeah, also, Hank Scorpio turns out to be megalomaniacal super-villain bent on world domination (he’s basically a Bond villain, Homer is even unknowingly involved in the demise of “James Bont”). Albert Brooks (a frequent guest star) breathes life into the brilliant Hank Scorpio, and is still able to charm me in spite of his evil plans and eventual seizure of the east coast. As close to a perfectly written, performed and executed episode of television that you will ever see.
Favourite Quote: “Yes Mr. Scorpion I will notice this”- Homer. “Don’t call Mr. Scorpion, its Mr. Scorpio but don’t call me that either. Call me Hank”- Hank Scorpio
Season 9- Episode 5: The Cartridge Family
After a soccer riot erupts and the Springfield streets are littered with looters, Homer decides buying a gun is the only solution. After Bart is caught playing a twisted version of the story of William Tell with Milhouse (with the apple in Milhouse’s mouth instead of on his head), Marge forces Homer to choose between his family and his gun. This episode is a classic Homer caper, as the strongest character on the show comedically, Homer never disappoints, whether it’s his hilarious misuse of the gun to do simple tasks (including turning on and off the TV and opening a beer), or his waiting for the gun for 5 days while comedic “targets” pass him by, Homer continually proves that he is the heart (even if the arteries are clogged) of the show.
Favourite Quote: “I felt this incredible surge of power, like God must feel when he’s holding a gun”- Homer
Season 10- Episode 9: Mayored to the Mob
After Homer saves Mayor Quimby and Mark Hamill from a bloodthirsty mob (of nerds) at the “Bi-mon-sci-fi-con” he is asked to become the Mayor’s personal bodyguard. While guarding Quimby, Homer is privy to all of his shady dealings including Fat Tony providing school children with milk…grotesquely extracted from rats. The rat milk was the last straw, and Quimby reluctantly ended his relationship with the mob, thus causing them to publicly threaten his life. Only Homer can save The Mayor now…also Mark Hamill. The key to this episode is Hamill’s willingness to zing himself, as a product whoring hack, who‘s biggest gig is a dinner theatre version of “Guys and Dolls”. His version of “Luck be a lady” entitled “Luke be a Jedi” still makes my heart smile.
Favourite Quote: “The mighty robots from Battlestar Galactica versus the gay robots from Star Wars!”- Bi-mon-sci-fi-con announcer
**Stay tuned folks, for part III of this award winning series*
*this series has won no awards