On my MySpace page (www.myspace.com/jolfrey), I have a list of the 25 (26) greatest Simpsons episodes ever... or at least, in my opinion. I'm going to expound on the list in blog form. Enjoy, Mancouch!
26. Hurricane Neddy- This is such a brilliantly-written Ned episode. While the episode where he opens the Leftoreum may be more memorable, this episode certainly packs a greater comedic wallop. Ned's rant on many of Springfield's residents in truly priceless, and Hurricane Neddy also has one of the most quotable lines in the show's history:
"Look, I'm Dick Tracy. Take that, Prune Face! Now I'm Prune Face. Take that, Dick Tracy! Now I'm Prune Tracy... take that, Dick--!"
Ned's threat to run people down with his car if he irks them and Dr. Foster's suggestion that the Simpson family wander about the psycho ward unattended ("One of our patients is a cannibal. Try to guess which one; I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!") are classic moments as well.
25. Cape Feare- This is ranked far lower on my list than on many other Greatest Simpsons lists, and I think it is because this episode loses something for me on repeated viewing. The rake incident with Sideshow Bob is still funny, but not as uproarious as the first time I saw it. My fondest memories of Cape Feare are:
-Bart holding a show program with Sideshow Bob's picture on it during his attempt to distract Sideshow Bob from killing him.
-Homer flying into a very nervous Bart's room with brownies and a sharp knife, then with a chainsaw.
- Sideshow Bob's tattoo saying Die Bart, Die ("Nobody who speaks German can be evil!")
24. I Am Furious Yellow- Stan Lee's cameo appearance in superb.
Bart: Stan Lee came back?
Comic Book Guy: Stan Lee never left. I'm beginning to think his mind is not in mint condition.
I also always thought Krusty's reaction to first seeing "Angry Dad" is so accurate about how comedians react to something that is funny. This episode also satirized the .com bubble beautifully. Loved it.
23. Mountain Madness- Homer and Mr. Burns are trapped in an avalanche-covered cabin during a team-building retreat for the Power Plant. All I have to say about this episode is that it's really, really funny. Homer and Mr. Burns' descents into madness made my week after seeing this episode for the first time. Lenny and Carl also enjoy marquee performances in Mountain Madness.
22. A Star is Burns- This was a controversial Simpsons episode because Matt Groening did not want it to be created; he feared it would too closely associate The Critic with The Simpsons and basically act as a half-hour commercial for the show. It did, but oh well; this episode was terrific. Barney's movie was great, but his reaction upon realizing he made a movie (explaining why he was on the cover of Entertainment Weekly) is wonderful. Am I the only person who laughed as hard as Homer the first time I saw Hans Moleman get nailed in the scrotes with a football? Didn't think so.
Burns: Listen, Spielbergo: Schindler and I have a lot in common. We both made bombs for the Nazis... but mine worked, dammit!
21. Homer Badman- Another episode that is rated lower than some might expect. While brilliant and grand in its undertaking, there are just some Simpsons shows I like more, plain and simple. Homer's escapades at the candy convention are hysterical, and the way he gets misrepresented on television are also priceless. Nothing against the episode, I can just think of a few others that are funnier to me.
I love it when feminists get proven wrong, though. That's my favorite thing about this ep. But that babysitter did have a sweet can.
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