The Simpsons - TV Fanatic

The Simpsons Review: "Postcards from the Wedge"

eric@iscribelimited.com (The Barnacle) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:54:17 EST

While parts of this week's new episode of The Simpsons felt a little re-used, disjoint and superfluous, overall it was actually one of our favorite episode of the season.

Again, it wasn't that the overall plot of "Postcards from the Wedge" felt original or fresh, but the way in which it was presented was. We really liked that the episode used a Springfield of Tomorrow video to show us that Springfield has an antiquated subway system.

Sure we've never heard of the city having a subway in the 21 seasons the show's been on the air, but if the citizens were dumb enough to go for a monorail, we're sure they had a crummy subway system too. Either way, great presentation guys.

Despite its plain plot, the episode brought plenty of laughs, including two Internet jokes. We're not sure why, but we always get a kick when The Simpsons attempts to make jokes on modern technology. Maybe it's because we associate the show with the early 90s still.

In summary? Great jokes, mediocre plot, fantastic Springfield of Tomorrow video. You can catch up on all our favorite of The Simpsons quotes from the episode after the jump.

Homer: I say this boy needs more homework. I don't have to do it with him, do I?
Principal Skinner: No.
Homer: Pile it on. I want him to be Korean by the time he's done. | permalink

Lisa: You would mess up mom and dad's marriage just to get out of doing some homework?
Bart: I would end all life this planet to get out of doing fractions. | permalink

Homer: I want to eat at Moe's express.
Marge: The last time you ate there, you spent three nights at the mall jail.
Homer: That was last week and you're still bringing it up! | permalink

Marge: I don't mind if you pee in the shower, but only if you're taking a shower. | permalink

Homer: We can't let Bart drive us apart, he's the reason we had to get married. | permalink

Homer: If you're out of my sight, you must constantly twitter me what you're up to, even though I don't know what twitter is and I have no desire to find out. | permalink

Best of The Simpsons Season Four Quotes

eric@iscribelimited.com (The Barnacle) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:35:55 EST

We know it's a bold claim with 21 seasons, but we're going to declare that four was our favorite season of The Simpsons. Maybe it's because season four was the first season that Conan O'Brien wrote for the show.

Maybe it's because season four contained one of our favorite episodes of all time, "Marge vs. the Monorail" (which was coincidentally written by Conan). Either way, you'll recognize and love plenty of the season four quotes.

Whether the fat boy in you still loves wearing your jacket from the famous "Mr. Plow" episode or you just love whacking snakes, you should appreciate The Simpsons quotes below:

Lisa: You're serving us gruel?
Dolph: Not quite. This is "Krusty Brand Imitation Gruel." Nine out on ten orphans can't tell the difference. | permalink

Homer: Kids, let me tell you about another so-called wicked guy. He had long hair and some wild ideas. He didn't always do what other people thought was right. And that man's name was... I forget. But the point is... I forget that, too. Marge, you know what I'm talking about. He used to drive that blue car? | permalink

Homer: You're cute as a bug's ear.
Lisa: Fathers have to say that stuff!
Homer: Dad, am I cute as a bug's ear?
Grampa: No, you're homely as a mule's butt!
Homer: There, see? | permalink

Homer: If you don't start making more sense, we're going to have to put you in a home.
Grampa: You already put me in a home.
Homer: Then we'll put you in the crooked home we saw on Sixty Minutes!
Grampa: I'll be good. | permalink

Marge: You can't fire me just because I'm married. I'm gonna sue the pants off you!
Mr. Burns: You don't have to sue me to get my pants off. | permalink

Homer: Son, a woman is a lot like a... a refrigerator! They're about six feet tall, 300 pounds. They make ice, and um Oh, wait a minute! Actually, a woman is more like a beer. They smell good, they look good, you'd step over your own mother just to get one! But you can't stop at one, you wanna drink another woman! | permalink

Homer: There's a $10,000 bill in it for you.
Barney: Oh yeah? Which president's on it?
Homer: Uh, all of them. They're having a party. Jimmy Carter's passed out on the couch. | permalink

Chief Wiggum: This is Papa Bear. Put out an APB for a male suspect, driving a...car of some sort, heading in the direction of...you know, that place that sells chili. Suspect is hatless. Repeat, hatless. | permalink

Mayor Quimby: And, uh, may the Force be with you.
Leonard Nimoy: You have no idea who I am, do you?
Mayor Quimby: Sure, I do. You're one of the Little Rascals, right? | permalink

Puppets: Duff beer for me, Duff beer for you, I'll have a Duff, you have one too! Duff beer for me, Duff beer for you, I'll have a Duff, you have one too!
Bart: I want to get off.
Selma: No, you can't get off. We have five more continents to visit. | permalink

Ralph: I Choo-Choo-Choose you. | permalink

Bart: I'll go, disguised as you.
Lisa: What if he wants to hold hands?
Bart: I'm prepared to make that sacrifice.
Lisa: What if he wants a kiss?
Bart: I'm prepared to make that sacrifice.
Lisa: What if he
Bart: You don't want to know how far I'll go. | permalink

Homer: What does this job pay?
Carl: Nothing.
Homer: D'oh!
Carl: Unless you're crooked.
Homer: Whoo-hoo! | permalink

Homer: Alright brain. You don't like me and I don't like you. But let's just do this and I can get back to killing you with beer
Homer's Brain: It's a deal. | permalink

Bart: Ladies and gentlemen! Whacking Day is a sham! It was originally conceived in 1922 as an excuse to beat up on the Irish.
Old Irishman: 'Tis true. I took many a lump, but 'twas all in fun. | permalink

Hutz: Now don't you worry, Mrs. Simpson, I- uh-oh. We've drawn Judge Snyder.
Marge: Is that bad?
Hutz: Well, he's kind of had it in for me, since I accidently ran over his dog. Actually, replace "accidently" with "repeatedly," and replace "dog" with "son." | permalink

Bart: I didn't know you knew Luke Perry.
Krusty: Know him? He's my worthless half-brother.
Lisa: He's a big TV star.
Krusty: Yeah, on Fox. (Sticks out tounge) | permalink

The Simpsons Review: "The Color Yellow"

eric@iscribelimited.com (The Barnacle) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:09:15 EST

On this week's episode of The Simpsons we were given the first black history month special we can remember in the show's 21 season history, yet some how the episode still felt a little rehashed.

"The Color Yellow" took the standard bit of dressing the Simpsons family in older clothes, smacking a new accent on them and giving them new names. This time it we went back to the 19th century as Eliza (Lisa) helped one of Colonel Burns' slaves, Virgil, escape via the underground railroad.

Although the episode relied very heavily on the flashbacks and some of the plot elements, including all the Simpson ancestors being soundrals, being taken from past episodes, there were still plenty of laughs.

Whether it was Ralph giving the best Black History month presentation ever or the horde of unoriginal kids readying their Obama speeches, the presentation itself was funnier than any of the flashback stories.

However, we're going to give the joke of the week to Mr. Burns when he heard Lisa discussing Colonel Burns: "I haven't heard my father's name in years." Those age jokes at Montogemery's expense kill us every time.

As loyal Simpsons fans for 21 seasons, we also have to give it up to the attic sequence with quick little references for fans including Mr. Plow. Speaking of background jokes, anyone else notice Willie catching a fish from a hole he just filled with water? Great stuff.

Overall, it was only a decent episode and quite the let down after last week's fantastic one. Either way you know where to go to find the ultimate collection of The Simpsons quotes after each episode. Our favorite ones from the episode after the jump.

Lisa: We're 1/64 black!
Bart: So that's why I'm so cool.
Lisa: And that's why my jazz is so smooth.
Homer: And that's why I earn less than my white co-workers. | permalink

Homer: If i were you I wouldn't take it to the past. I lived in part of that past, and I got out for a reason. | permalink

Ralph: Mr. Luther King had a dream. Dreams are where Elmo and Toy Story had a party, and I went there. Yay, my turn is over.
Principal Skinner: One of your best Ralph. | permalink

Best of The Simpsons Season Three Quotes

eric@iscribelimited.com (The Barnacle) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:58:56 EST

When a season of The Simpsons opened with Michael Jackson guest voicing a crazy, fat white man who sang Lisa a happy birthday song, you knew you were in for an amazing season.

By season three, we really feel The Simpsons founds its groove and entered what many call the golden age of The Simpsons. The show had plenty of classic episodes during season three including "Flaming Moe's" and "Homer at the Bat."

But don't worry, you don't just have to take our word for it. In our effort to make the most complete archive of The Simpsons quotes in one place, we've reached this iconic season. And yes, we do realize with 18 seasons left to go, we're nowhere near complete.

However, that's not your concern. Your job is to get clicking because with nearly 500 of The Simpsons season three quotes in our system, you have plenty of work youself. Our favorites below:

Psychiatrist: Mrs. Simpson, I'm sorry, but your husband suffers from a persecution complex, extreme paranoia, and bladder hostility.
Marge: Doctor, if you just talk to him for five minutes without mentioning our son Bart, you'd see how sane he is.
Psychiatrist: You mean there really is a Bart?! Good Lord! | permalink

Homer: Look, I don't care if Ned Flanders is the nicest guy in the world, he's a jerk! End of story! | permalink

Bart: Uh, say, are you guys crooks?
Fat Tony: Bart, um, is it wrong to steal a loaf of bread to feed your starving family?
Bart: No.
Fat Tony: Well, suppose you got a large starving family. Is it wrong to steal a truckload of bread to feed them?
Bart: Uh uh.
Fat Tony: And, what if your family don't like bread? They like...cigarettes?
Bart: I guess that's okay.
Fat Tony: Now, what if instead of giving them away, you sold them at a price that was practically giving them away. Would that be a crime, Bart?
Bart: Hell, no!
Fat Tony: Enjoy your gift. | permalink

Homer: Son, you don't have to follow in my footsteps.
Bart: That's okay, I don't even like using the bathroom after you.
Homer: Why you little! | permalink

Homer: I'll make a wish that can't backfire! I wish for a turkey sandwich, on rye bread, with lettuce, and mustard, and... I don't want any zombie turkeys, I don't wanna turn into a turkey myself, and I don't want any more weird surprises, you got it! (Homer eats)... Mmm, not bad, nice hot mustard, good bread, turkeys a little dry... THE TURKEY'S A LITTLE DRY!!! | permalink

Bart: My father invented that drink, and if you'll allow me to demonstrate...
Edna: Bart, are those liquor bottles?
Bart: Um...yes
Edna: Take them to the teacher's lounge. You can have what's left after school. | permalink

Horst: We regret to announce the following lay-offs, which I will read in alphabetical order. Simpson, Homer. (Pause) That is all. | permalink

Marge: Well, do you ever take an interest in anything he does?
Lisa: Well, we used to have burping contests but I outgrew it. | permalink

Eddie: She's locked in the car and refuses to move.
Chief Wiggum: Did you flash your lights?
Eddie: Yes.
Chief Wiggum: Well, I'm fresh out of ideas. | permalink

Marge: Bart's grades are up a little this term. But Lisa's are way down.
Homer: We always have one good kid and one lousy kid. Why can't both our kids be good?
Marge: We have three kids, Homer.
Homer: Marge, the dog doesn't count as a kid!
Marge: No, Maggie! | permalink

Smithers: People like dogs, Mr. Burns.
Burns: Nonsense, dogs are idiots. Think about it Smithers, if I came into your room and started sniffing at your crotch and slobbering all over your face, what would you say?
Smithers: Umm...if you did it, sir? | permalink

Millhouse: Bart, I don't want you to see me cry.
Bart: Oh come on, I've seen you cry a million times. You cry when you scrape your knee, you cry when they're out of chocolate milk, you cry when you're doing long division and you have a remainder left over. | permalink

Bart: Unckie Herb, what advice would you give to a young boy who would most likely become a bum like yourself?
Herb: Discarded pizza boxes are an inexpensive source of cheese. | permalink

Best of The Simpsons Season Two Quotes

eric@iscribelimited.com (The Barnacle) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:00:47 EST

Back in 1990, The Simpsons began a tradition with season two that has continued for the last twenty years with the first "Treehouse of Horror" Halloween special.

Season two was also notable for introducing us to plenty of recurring characters including Dr. Hibbert, his less successful counterpart Dr. Nick, Akira, and so many other faces we still see to this day.

Oh and did we mention we first met Phil Hartman's wonderful contributions of Lionel Hutz and Troy McClure that we would enjoy for eight more seasons until the actor's untimely death in 1998?

Or what about the many other celebrities that would lend their voices to characters including Danny DeVito, Dustin Hoffman, and Ringo Starr. Yeah, season two featured some amazing episodes.

Don't believe us? Well then you better start reading our collection of The Simpsons season two quotes and be convinced.

Fine, too lazy for that? Then check out our selection of our favorite Simpsons quotes from the season:

(Bart has just given a poor book report on Treasure Island.)
Mrs. Krabappel: Bart, did you read the book?
Bart: Mrs.Krabappel, I am insulted. Is this a book report or a witch hunt?
Mrs. Krabappel: Then perhaps you'd like to tell us the name of the pirate.
Bart's Brain: Blackbeard. Captain Nemo. Captain Hook. Long John Silver. Peg Leg Pete. Bluebeard.
Bart: Bluebeard? | permalink

(After dinner at the Simpsons goes badly and costs Mr.Burns the election, he and Smithers head home.)
Mr. Burns: Ironic, isn't it, Smithers? This anonymous clan of slack-jawed troglodytes has cost me the election. And yet, if I were to have them killed, I would be the one to go to jail. That's democracy for you.
Smithers: You are noble and poetic in defeat, sir. | permalink

Marge: Homer, I couldn't help overhearing you warp Bart's mind.
Homer: And?
Marge: I'm worried that you're making to big a deal of this silly little kiddie golf tournament.
Homer: But, Marge, this is our big chance to show up the Flandereses.
Marge: I'm sure it is, but why do we want to do that?
Homer: Because sometimes the only way you can feel good about yourself is by making someone else look bad. And I'm tired of making other people feel good about themselves. | permalink

Bart: Otto, I'm going to jump Springfield Gorge on my skateboard.
Otto: You know, Bart, as the only adult here, I feel I should say something?
Bart: What?
Otto: Cool! | permalink

Kent Brockman: Are cartoons too violent for children? Most people would say "No, of course not, what kind of stupid question is that?" But one woman says "Yes"... Marge Simpson. | permalink

Lionel Hutz: Hutz is the name, Mr. Simpson. Lionel Hutz, attorney at law. Here's my card. It turns into a sponge when you put it in water.
Homer: Ooh, classy. | permalink

Marge: Hmm, well, to be honest, he seemed a lot more concerned about wrapping Bart in bandages than in making him feel better. And he mispronounced words that even I know, like abdomen... and his office was dirty. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure if he was even a doctor! | permalink

Homer: Poison? What should I do, what should I do? Tell me, quick.
Chef: Oh, no need to panic. There's a map to the hospital on the back of the menu. | permalink

Homer: Marge, honey, I've got five words to say to you: (Counts on fingers) Greasy Joe's Bottomless Bar-B-Q Pit!
Marge: Oh, Homer, remember you promised you'd try to limit pork to six servings a week?
Homer: Marge, I'm only human! | permalink

Skinner: Bart, I'm flabbergasted. Surely you knew as you were writing your own name in 40-foot-high letters on the field that you would be caught.
Bart: Maybe it was one of the other Barts. Sir.
Skinner: (Yelling) There are no other Barts! | permalink

Bart: Ya know, Grampa kinda smells like that trunk in the garage where the bottom's all wet.
Lisa: Nuh-uh. He smells more like a photo lab.
Homer: Stop it, both of you! Grampa smells like a regular old man, which is more like a hallway in a hospital.
Marge: Homer, that's terrible! We should be teaching the children to treasure the elderly. You know, we'll be old someday.
Homer: (Gasps) My God, you're right, Marge! You kids won't put me in a home like I did to my dad, would ya?
Bart: Well
Homer: (Screams) Marge, what do we do!? | permalink

Mr. Bergstrom: There is a wonderful girl's future at stake.
Homer: Well, if she's so wonderful, give her an A!
Mr. Bergstrom: I am giving her an A.
Homer: Great, but don't tell her it was a favor to me. Tell her she earned it.
Mr. Bergstrom: Mr. Simpson, she did earn it.
Homer: You are smooth, I'll give you that. | permalink

Marge: So maybe a part-time job is the answer.
Bart: Aw, Mom, I couldn't ask you to do that. You're already taking care of Maggie, and Lisa is such a handful--
Lisa: She means you should get a job, stupid. | permalink

Homer: Don't you know the story of Hercules and the lion?
Bart: Is it a Bible story?
Homer: Yeah, probably. Anyway, once upon a time, there was a big mean lion who got a thorn in his paw. All the village people tried to pull it out, but nobody was strong enough! So they got Hercules, and Hercules used his mighty strength, and...bingo! Anyway, the moral is, the lion was so happy, he gave Hercules this big...thing...of riches.
Bart: How did a lion get rich?
Homer: It was the olden days! | permalink

The Simpsons Review: "Boy Meets Curl"

eric@iscribelimited.com (The Barnacle) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:01:20 EST

This week The Simpsons took on the silliest of the Winter Olympic sports, curling, and impressively it did so with a straight face and poked very little fun at the sport. After a date night gone wrong, Homer and Marge stumble into a sport that combines the two things the couple excels at: bowling and sweeping.

With Marge's lifetime of practice in the art of sweeping, the couple manages to make it all the way to the Vancouver Winter Olympics. During the cliche of an underdog sports story, The Simpsons was able to make some amazing jokes at the Olympics and Canada's expense, including a hilarious parody of the opening ceremony and Bob Costas making a funny, satirical guest appearance.

Overall the main story line had plenty of funny jokes and gave our straight woman, Marge, another solid storyline. Whether she's becoming a police officer or posing nude, we love seeing this housewife prove just how capable she is outside of her sheltered life. Go Marge!

Meanwhile, in the side story of "Boy Meets Curl," Lisa manages to get addicted to collecting pins and soon fines herself naked in the streets playing saxophone after trading in her signature pearls for a pin. Bart, being the amazing brother he is when he needs to, creates a fake pin for the made up Olympic mascot, fatoff from the upcoming 2014 Olympics.

While the salesman montage with Fatoff was pretty funny, the real treat came after the credits when Homer danced with the guy. It's truly impressive they were able to make such a creature out of Homer's head.

Overall, for a Olympics episode of The Simpsons we were very impressed. Thanks for making an otherwise depressing Valentine's Day just a little bit funnier guys!

Now for our favorite quotes from The Simpsons after the jump.

Lenny: Date night, it's the embalming fluid that keeps the mummy of a marriage fresh after the heart and brain have been pulled out through the nose.
Carl: I never should have given you that Egyptology book. | permalink

Bart: Principal Skinner? This is bogus man, you know the rules: two letter and a conference before I get a home visit.
Skinner: Bart, my cargo pants indicate I am not here on school business. I'm here on cool business, i.e. curl business. | permalink

Agnes [in flashback]: I was in love with a soldier boy on leave from Korea. It was a fifties style of romance, five minutes of sex and a lifetime of regret. He went back to his war and I went back to my dream of pole vaulting in the Helsinki Olympics. But there was a bump in the road, a bump named Seymore. | permalink

Marge: Homer! We're going to Vancouver!
Homer: Pack your winter coat, we're going to Canada's warmest city. | permalink

Best of The Simpsons Season One Quotes

eric@iscribelimited.com (The Barnacle) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:08:36 EST

At the risk of sounding like an old man, it's hard to believe that when The Simpsons first aired in 1990, I had to watch the show with my parents due to the adult nature of some of the jokes. Obviously, when you compare seaosn oen of The Simpsons to any primetime cartoon today like Family Guy, South Park, or even current seasons of The Simpsons, it's a joke.

The show was much calmer back then, much less zany, but still had plenty of heart and jokes. Now's your chance to relive some of the most classic episodes with the most complete collection of The Simpsons quotes from the premiere season.

In this post we've put together our favorites from the season, but be sure and browse through our entire collection of The Simpsons season one quotes to vote for your favorites!

Principal Skinner: The fifth grade will now favor us with a scene from Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol.
Homer: How many grades does this school have!? | permalink

Martin: Bart, I hope you won't bear some sort of simpleminded grudge against me. I was merely trying to fend off the desecration of the school building.
Bart: Eat my shorts. | permalink

Sherri: Hey, Bart, our dad says your dad is incompetent.
Bart: What does incompetent mean?
Terri: It means he spends more time yakking and scarfing down doughnuts than doing his job.
Bart: Oh, okay, I thought you were putting him down. | permalink

Homer: To save this family, we're going to have to make the supreme sacrifice.
Lisa: No, Dad. Please don't pawn the TV!
Bart: Aw, come on, Dad, anything but that!
Marge: Homer, couldn't we pawn my engagement ring instead?
Homer: Now, I appreciate that honey, but we need $150 here.
Pawn Shop Owner: Afternoon, Simpson. So, what can I do for ya?
Homer: Would you pay $150 for this lovely Motorola?
Pawn Shop Owner: Is it cable ready?
Homer: Ready as she'll ever be.
Pawn Shop Owner: Mister, you got yourself a deal. | permalink

Lisa: Why don't you go see Grampa?
Bart: What can he do?
Lisa: He'll give you good advice. He's the toughest Simpson alive.
Bart: He is?
Lisa: Yeah. Remember the fight he put up when we put him in the home? | permalink

Bleeding Gums Murphy: My friends call me Bleedin' Gums.
Lisa: Eww. How'd you get a name like that?
Bleeding Gums Murphy: Well, let me put it this way. You ever been to the dentist?
Lisa: Yeah.
Bleeding Gums Murphy: Not me. I suppose I should go to one, but I got enough pain in my life as it is. | permalink

Bob: Mr. Simpson, you're never gonna own a better RV. And I don't mean that in a good way. I mean literally, buddy. This is for you, you know? It's this or a wagon. | permalink

Marge: Homer, you don't even know why you're apologizing.
Homer: Yes, I do. Because I'm hungry, my clothes are smelly, and I'm tired. | permalink

Sideshow Bob: Hand over all your money in a paper bag.
Apu: Yes, yes. I know the procedure for armed robbery. I do work in a convenience store, you know. | permalink

Sideshow Bob: Bart, children, this whole sordid affair has been a shock to all of us. But we must get on with our lives. Let's try to remember Krusty, not as a hardened criminal, but as that loveable jester who honked his horn and puttered around in his little car.
Bart: And shot you out of a cannon.
Sideshow Bob: And shot me out of a cannon. Yes, we will never forget that, will we? | permalink

Dr. Monroe: The pig has made you into his mother. You are not the hot love object you deserve to be.
Marge: Really?
Dr. Monroe: I'm as sure of it as I'm sure my voice is annoying. Marge, tonight, the second he comes through that front door, you've got to tell him you're fed up, and if he doesn't start loving, you will be leaving.
Marge: Leave Homer?
Dr. Monroe: Please, don't use his real name!
Marge: Leave Pedro? | permalink

The Simpsons Review: "Million Dollar Maybe"

eric@iscribelimited.com (The Barnacle) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:30:41 EST

This week's episode of The Simpsons was a some what hyped episode in which Coldplay guest starred at the "Best. Character. Ever" contest winning-character made his debut?

So how did the two publicity stunts go? Well, although Coldplay's appearance was completely random, it actually got a few laughs for its short screen time. However, Peggy Black's winning entry of Ricardo Bomba just got spat on by The Simpsons writers as they sent him to a fiery car crash within second of introduction. Poor form guys.

The main plot line of "Million Dollar Maybe" was a take on the generic sitcom device of husband has something he can't tell his wife about, and in this case it was Homer winning the lottery. Luckily the storyline had enough heart and jokes in it to keep this recycled plotline fun.

Unfortunately, the second storyline of Lisa buying grandpa and his retirement home a Nintendo Wii, err Zii, fell flat. Although it took some biting shots at retirement homes and its aides, it fell flat on the humor and any real satire. Weak.

Overall, we would have ranked the episode much lower rating if it weren't for Police Chief Wiggum delivering one of the best lines about a speeding ticket. You can always count on a Wiggum to save an episode.

You can read Wiggum's line and the rest of The Simpsons quotes from the episode after the jump.

Homer: What should I buy first, a mirror that gives me advice or Hitler's baseball?
Mirror: My advice is to buy Hitler's baseball. | permalink

Clancy: Let him go Lou, someone going that fast has no time for a ticket. | permalink

Homer [about fortune cookies]: Any part of a cookie you can't eat is a waste of time. | permalink

Mr. Burns: Wait, I'm shooting at nazis? That's not how I remember it. | permalink

The Simpsons Review: "Once Upon a Time in Springfield"

eric@iscribelimited.com (The Barnacle) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:28:11 EST

This week was the infamous 450th episode of The Simpsons that FOX has been pushing hard. So how did the hyped episode that aired alongside a live action special, "The Simpsons 20th Anniversary Special: In 3-D! On Ice!" fare?

Well, as compared to any other episode, "Once Upon a Time in Springfield," was a fantastic outing by The Simpsons. The episode featured Anne Hathaway in a great performance (assuming that was her singing) as Princess Penelope, an appeal to female viewers forced on Krusty by television execs.

Penelope also served as a love interest to Krusty and the two even almsot got married by Krusty's father (Jackie Mason). So far, so good, right?

Well, unforutnately Homer's adventure with Lenny and Carl served as a B story, while Bart and Lisa were merely supporting characters in Krusty's A Story. Therefore, our main issue, is a 450th special episode should be about the Simpson family, not one of its supporting characters.

Granted, The Simpsons is known for its ridiculously fleshed out town of Springfield and the characters they've been able to develop over the previous 449 episodes, but any special should be based on the main, title characters. Anyways, that's too much complaining for an episode that featured Krusty eating a gin sandwich. Pure genius.

Now for our favorite of the The Simpsons quotes from the half hour had us laughing:

Lady Exec: These are your ratings with young girls.
Krusty: If my writers knew how to appeal to girls, they wouldn't be writers. | permalink

Gator McCall: You nuclear workers have no idea how valuable you are. Time's never been better for your industry now that all the protesters that marched in front of nuclear power plants are dying off from radiation poisoning. | permalink

Bart: Poor Krusty. He's become the lowest form of life, a sidekick.
Milhouse: You said it, Bart. Way to sum up the situation.
Bart: Take it easy, buddy.
Milhouse: That's exactly how I'll take it. | permalink

Homer: That is the most amazing doughnut I've ever tasted
Mr. Burns: Well, if you stay on with the Springfield nuclear plant, you could have one of these tasty beauties every day.
Lenny [about doughnut]: One of these every day might kill us.
Carl: Can we get a health plan to go with them?
Mr. Burns: Sure, you could have a health care or.... two donuts a day. | permalink

Homer: They took away our doughnuts at work! All I've had are my meals. | permalink

The Simpsons Review: "Thursdays with Abie"

eric@iscribelimited.com (The Barnacle) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:19:32 EST

Maybe it's because of our love of Grandpa Simpson's rambling, heavily exaggerated stories, or they fact they remind us of our own grandfather, but we really liked this week's episode of The Simpsons, "Thursdays with Abie."

The episode focused on Grandpa, who finally found someone interested in his ramblings: a human interest journalist named Marshall. As Grandpa grew famous, the plot turned more sinister, with Homer having to step in to help save his father.

The strength of the story came from Grandpa's stories, and Homer's amazing attempt at one at the end involving a flower named Godzilla that went on to tour the nation as the Rolling Stones. Homer's bonding with his father was very sweet as well.

Meanwhile, the B story focused on Bart being forced to go on an adventure with the class stuffed animal, Larry the Lamb. While not as strong as Grandpa's storyline, Larry the Lamb led to some funny moments by some of our favorite supporting characters Chief Wiggum, Agnes, and Nelson.

Overall, we're going to give the episode a B for being heavy on the sweet, and a little light on the humor. Now for some of our favorite Simpsons quotes from the episode:

Lisa: hief, my brother fell in the storm drain!
Clancy: I'm strictly an above the ground policeman, what you need is the sewer cops.
Lisa: Fine, what's the number?
Wiggum: Lisa, you're old enough now that I can tell you the truth. There's no such thing as sewer cops. It's just something we tell the kids to feel safe.
Lisa: What about Bart?
Wiggum: Well if you miss him, you can yell into a toilet. | permalink

Ralph: Clouds are God's sneezes. | permalink

Grandpa: That's how I got my idea for a suitcase with wheels: from a commercial for a suitcase with wheels. | permalink

Grandpa: Why don't we let Homer tell the story.
Homer: Really, me? You mean it?
Grandpa: I think you're ready for your first ramble.
Homer: I've been waiting for this day for so long. The year is 1946, and in a world torn, a single flower blooms and that flower is an angry Japanese monster named Godzilla. How am I doing dad?
Grandpa: I'm hanging on every word. | permalink