Rate & Review: "Special Edna" (EABF02) [Archive]

NoOneFamous

01-05-2003, 05:55 PM

Wow, that was very, very good! I was dredding it, thinking it would be another cheap vacation episode where all they do is make fun of the place they're at, but it wasn't, because they included a decent story too. And Edna and Seymore finally got somewhere!! They're married! Thats awesome, because I'm sick of them just dating and Skinner being an idiot. Also, unlike a lot of episodes lately, this one didn't feature anything crude or nasty. And Homer was not annoying, another plus. I get the feeling that the whole Epcot spoof was just thrown in at the last minute, but it worked in the end, even if it really wasn't necessasary for the plot.

Some Great Jokes:
~Martin getting quickly beat up for making the test much harder than it should be.
~Seymore's pager, cell phone, and the reasons he had to go back to his mom (Fridge Too Loud)
~The IMAX movie - great satire, since IMAX screens are always wasted on the most boring documentaries
~Bart's reasons for delaying his paper
~Grandpa in WWI as a baby.
~All the Epcot parodies, which were very clever spoofs
~Bart's GTA/like game
~Skinner's idea of doing something horrible in Vietnam - stealing cupcakes
~Homer sneaking into the Magic Kingdom (Mickey Mouse is heard over the loud speaker)
~The 14 dollar churro
~Homer singing the pie song because hes so happy to be in the Magic Kingdom, and walking away, but they don't follow him!
and thats just a few.

The Bad:
~It seems kind of strange that Bart would ever nominate her for teacher of the year, or that she would win
~Though funny, the Enron joke was so up to date that it will seem weird in a few years. They need to focus on doing a little more substantial humor instead of doing so many cheap knocks at current events.
~Just to be nitpicky as a huge Walt Disney World fan (but NOT the Disney company itself, *shudders), Epcot is part of Disney World, so Homer saying "Lets go to Disney World!" doesn't make sense! And, they aren't really right next to each other either.

5/5, highly enjoyable episode, an equal balance of wacky humor and an actual, more serious story, the way it should be.

PS: Did anyone notice that every episode this season with low expectations turns out to be good, and the exact opposite for the ones we look foreward to?

"Yes i Cannibus"

01-05-2003, 06:02 PM

i liked the car that saud you would be gay

and yes they did drop the plot of principal/pauper (although it is a crime to mention it)

Moleman...Hans

01-05-2003, 06:04 PM

4/5. 2nd best episode of this season. Only second to Large Marge. This was really great andwell done. The song was probably my favorite part. I also loved Bart thinking of the Springfield bachelors.

Mafia

01-05-2003, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by Bubble Crum

P.S. Anyone notice the Principal/Pauper continuity error?

I think Principal/Pauper should never been taken into continuty.

Wow... this was great. Characterization was great despite a few Homer moans. It had a nice pace, and a satisfying ending. The Pie Song, eh... That was a good heh.

The show finally got me to laugh out loud a couple of times. Too bad the proposal was told. That leads to a future Edna/Skinner episode next season.

The Enron Ride was pretty good. So were plenty of EPCOT jokes... It was odd seeing Efcot. I guess a rating of the part made by the Simpsons.

Yay. A joke at Vermont Teddy Bears!

Osama bin Rottin. Wrestling. Black Hawk Up scene was a good laugh. Little Richard wasn't bad either. Yay! Homer wasn't dumb!

4.5/5 (i only give 5/5 to episodes that equal greatness)

Cole

01-05-2003, 06:08 PM

Great episode. Some great Bart pranks, great use of Skinner, and a less annoying Homer.

5/5

SNUH

01-05-2003, 06:23 PM

meh....2 out of 5

To quote Bart: Aye carumba indeed!

A few (and I mean a FEW) funny lines/moments....and fairly forgettable.

Better luck next week.

Simpson Purist

01-05-2003, 06:25 PM

Too bad the episode was overshadowed by an exciting and bizarre NFL playoff game. I taped the episode and will plan to watch it later. I didn't feel like watching it as it aired because I'm in kind of a Simpsons depression.

Bob Underdunk T

01-05-2003, 06:42 PM

5/5 Best of the season!!!
The couch gag was creative.
HIGHLIGHTS
-Martin getting beat up quickly
-Bart's reasons for delaying report
-Grampa in WWI
-Simpsons guessing the theme park
-almost all EFCOT jokes
-the pie song
I like seeing two characters already on the show getting married.
Edna's voice sounded very different towards the beginning. I wasn't paying attention to the credits, what with the pie song and all. Is someone else doing her now?
What Futurama ep was on tonight? I hadn't seen it before, but that was really sad at the end.

Bubble Crum

01-05-2003, 06:52 PM

What was the couch gag? Football cut it off.

Lard Lad Donuts

01-05-2003, 07:02 PM

CRAP!!!!!!!! I wasn't home in time to see it! I was hoping that it would crappy and not worth watching but according to your posts, you guys thought it was great! DAMN!!!!!!!!!! Tell me what happened? Did they actually tie the knot!!!

InputSelect

01-05-2003, 07:30 PM

They did yes but only at the end of the episodes. For the episode itselfs, I thought it was pretty great and had me laughing quite a lot of times even when I re-watched it. The only thing that I disliked was : "Mmmm That's good satire" wich was pretty lame but it's nothing big so : 4,5/5

Bubble Crum

01-05-2003, 08:00 PM

Lard Lad Donuts, They did NOT get married, just engaged.

Old Time Bike

01-05-2003, 08:09 PM

good episode, one of the best of the year in my opinion. i give it a 4.5 out of 5.

Jamie

01-05-2003, 08:38 PM

Mmmm, that's good Simpsons! A 5 from me.

First act was COMEDY GOLD, reminded me of earlier seasons.

edit:
Originally posted by Old Time Bike
one of the best of the year in my opinion.
:LOL:

(yes, i know you were talking about the season, but it's still pretty darn funny)

JonMDavis

01-05-2003, 08:56 PM

Not bad. Not bad at all. Definitely my favorite of the season. I loved the "holes" segment and the fact that the film was narrated by Wolfcastle. I didn't really like Homer's role/lines in the episode, though. The first segment was pretty good and it did fade going towards the end, but I still liked it (much weaker second segment).

Also, how far do you think they can push Skinner's devotion towards Agnes? I don't think it has gone to far, but what about you?

jagrmeister

01-05-2003, 10:10 PM

I've been harsh on the Simpsons this year and Al Jean's work...for this episode, I'll be slightly less harsh. There were a few good jokes such as the electric car ride. Aside from that, the gags were tired, strained, and simply not funny. Enron roller coaster was simplistic and hardly qualified as "satire". Homer having to pay $14 for a churro was a clumsy, unfunny way to end the episode. The only part I liked was that Skinner and Krabapel are getting married, and the only reason I like it is because it will aggravate "regulars" who watch this show and want nothing to change. But even those of us who are disappointed with the Simpsons continue to watch so I guess Jean and all are the ones who are laughing all the way to the bank.

NoOneFamous

01-05-2003, 11:37 PM

Originally posted by jagrmeister
Enron roller coaster was simplistic and hardly qualified as "satire". Homer having to pay $14 for a churro was a clumsy, unfunny way to end the episode.

I think thats why they said "MMM, thats good Satire" at the end of the Enron coaster joke. They *know* it wasn't good satire, since good satire doesn't jump right out at you like that did, so to be even more sarcastic, they added that line. I still didn't like this joke and hope they cut it out in syndication. The joke seems somewhat late now.. so just think of how out of date it would be hearing it in a few years? Plus, it really had nothing to do with what was going on, seeing as how they weren't at a thrill park.

Simpson Purist

01-06-2003, 04:35 AM

8.5/10, a very funny and nice sentimental episode.

Pros
-I'll admit it, the Enron coaster gag was great. It would've been better had it been like the Enron Tower of Terror.
-The IMAX movie about holes
-"What Did I Think Of The Pie?" classic Homer
-Bart's prank on the church
-Agnes Skinner fearing a threesome
-The video game Bart was playing (a parody of GTA)

Cons
-Bully of the Year gag was probably the only gag I felt was out of place.

It was a great episode that offered a little bit of everything.

Eddie

01-06-2003, 05:11 AM

Oh, man, that was amazing! A great plot, great execution, great characterization, great animation...nothing seemed out of place or exceptionally odd! Plus, it was hilarious! I loved it! You're on a roll, Al! :) 4/5

DotheBartman

01-06-2003, 05:46 AM

*sigh*.....I laughed some, I can't honestly say there weren't any good jokes, but on the whole not that good. Most of it was just too jokey and not subtle enough, particularly considering that, based on the plot, there should have been SOME GODDAMN EMOTION. Everything they had was just plasticky, I didn't really care about what was going on, it just went from joke to joke, and even the jokes had issues:

The fireworks joke....COMPLETELY reused from Kamp Krusty, which did it better.
more meta refs....its like Bart said in Helter shelter(but I'm changing the quote slightly) "its not funny! they're a tv show! I get it!". Unneeded, though at least "mothballs in the beef stew" was moderately subtle
More overexplaining jokes (mmm...that's good satire!)
Marge's latin music awards comment....not really a bad joke, but the joke itself of making a similar zinger (another example being Willie's "ricky martin's girlfriend" comment in Brand New Badge) has gotten old.

So what'd I like? Well, the story itself didn't suck. And there were a moderate amount of jokes I liked (Nelson's bully of the year award, another big Bart prank, etc.). Some of it was even fairly smart, like the obviously sold out efcot ride, the enron ride (despite over explanation), or the "halloween pedestrian" game that was a nice nod to the over-done violence for the sake of over-done violence in games like GTA.

But I digress. I didn't hate the episode, but didn't really enjoy it that much either. Too many cartoony jokes that fell flat (the ones I mentioned are the worst ones), and no real emotion to accomadate what should've been a somewhat emotional story. Heck, what could've been a moderately sweet ending was essentially ruined, or "corrected" by more zany Homer fun. Until "The Simpsons" can learn to have ANY seriousness and humanity to it again, it'll never be even a fifth as good as the first 7 or 8 seasons.

Grade: C+. At least its better then Bart's first WWI paper.

And so far this season has been D-, D-, C+, F, C+, A-, C+

Thomas

01-06-2003, 06:11 AM

This episode was awsome. Did you guys notice the newest of the "Millhouse is gay" references. The first wolfcastle in a while. By the way jagrmeister the show didnt end with Homer buying the Churro it ended with the pie song which was a great gag. People have been complaining about out of place songsd in the show and I think this was there way of adressing that. Only one Homer appearance in the first act, this should make all those people that complain about too many "Homercenrtic" plots happy. I think this ep was a huge step in the right direction. B+

Matty

01-06-2003, 06:41 AM

Originally posted by Undercover_Nerd
The first wolfcastle in a while.

He was in The Great Louse Detective as well

I thought Special Mrs K was a great showing. Strong plot + great jokes which didn't fall flat on their face into a puddle of lameness, the guest voice was funny and not annoying, and to top that off, great animation which especially gave thrills in the amusement park, which was really done well, great coloring :-)...
I liked how they only got engaged and not immediatly married in the Simpsons backyard or something, made it more realistic. You dont marry immediatly after the proposal in real life either.

Also, did anybody else notice how much the typical Simpsons/Groening font was used in the backgrounds? They're really going crazy in style with the computers. I was especially fond of the use of it in the Honey I squirted on the audience ridename

DotheBartman

01-06-2003, 06:45 AM

Actually, even the animation I didn't find to be GREAT (though I admit, the direction is improving a little). In fact, I personally noticed a weired slight change in the yellow tint around Bart's mouth when he was talking at points, almost like he had a trademark Homer beard.

I think someone else noticed this at alt.tv.simpsons, but are he and I just crazy or what?

Simpson Purist

01-06-2003, 06:53 AM

I agree DTB, the animation has stiffened up a little from EABF01, perhaps it's the odd-even animation theory that Tomacco presented a while back.

Did anyone else think that Mr. Bergstrom was going to make a cameo when Lisa mentioned the substitute teacher of the year award?

Matty

01-06-2003, 06:57 AM

Well, could've happened, but since I view the episode on my computer, it's harder to notice these glitches. But they often occur, in all cartoons, and in older episodes of the Simpsons as well
Only other thing that seemed weird to me was the first look of the coaster, the close-up part

The rest was great to my eyes. Beautiful & smooth layer/pan effects, nice details, coloring (look for example at that uhm... round thing, nice Futuramaesque coloring there)

Of course, it's based on what I can see on the MPG file, and it may look different as hell on tv...

MaxpowerAK79

01-06-2003, 06:58 AM

I was not too impressed. I just wasn't laughing as much as I wanted to be laughing. I was really happy with the pie song, the electric car, and the ring Skinner has on his pager (I have that on my cellphone for when my girlfriend calls). But it was slow and some of the cast seemed out of character:

Bart is never that nice to Krabby.
Krab. never takes the time to teach like she did with the WWI report

The sentiment was nice and it was good to see good things happen to Edna. And Agnes is getting out of hand. She was never this bad before.

DotheBartman

01-06-2003, 07:06 AM

Originally posted by Dark Lord Sauron
I agree DTB, the animation has stiffened up a little from EABF01, perhaps it's the odd-even animation theory that Tomacco presented a while back.

Yeah, might be. When Tomacco comes back maybe he can comment. I'll admit the coloring was mostly fine, too (save for Bart's new beard), but yeah, the animation itself seems rather stiff now, though I don't know if I've really noticed a difference from the recent cel animation to that. Basically, the coloring is great now, but the posing and expression to it is mostly missing, replaced by a pretty series of framegrabs (though, again, some of the direction is improving slightly...for instance when Bart is playing the game and Skinner sits behind him, I thought the angle they chose to animate that from was interesting)

Thomas

01-06-2003, 07:48 AM

I dont recall wolfcastle in the great louse detective someone refresh my memory please :)

Simpson Purist

01-06-2003, 07:57 AM

Originally posted by Bubble Crum
What was the couch gag? Football cut it off.

It was the Simpson family being dunked into a french fry machine (the one where you dump the fries into the water and it fries up) and after that, the french-fried version of OFF was placed on the couch.

skittlebrau

01-06-2003, 07:58 AM

Originally posted by NoOneFamous
Some Great Jokes:
~Martin getting quickly beat up for making the test much harder than it should be.
~Seymore's pager, cell phone, and the reasons he had to go back to his mom (Fridge Too Loud)
~Bart's reasons for delaying his paper
~Grandpa in WWI as a baby.
~All the Epcot parodies, which were very clever spoofs
~Homer sneaking into the Magic Kingdom (Mickey Mouse is heard over the loud speaker)
~The 14 dollar churro
~Homer singing the pie song because hes so happy to be in the Magic Kingdom, and walking away, but they don't follow him!
and thats just a few.

The Bad:
~It seems kind of strange that Bart would ever nominate her for teacher of the year, or that she would win
~Though funny, the Enron joke was so up to date that it will seem weird in a few years. They need to focus on doing a little more substantial humor instead of doing so many cheap knocks at current events.
~Just to be nitpicky as a huge Walt Disney World fan, Epcot is part of Disney World, so Homer saying "Lets go to Disney World doesn't make sense!" And, they aren't right next to each other either.

My sentiments exactly.

Best of the season, by far. 5/5.

J.Re*

01-06-2003, 08:00 AM

4/5. Good Flow. Good Story. Mostly Decent Jokes. It didn't make me laugh as much as it could have.

Bartman3010

01-06-2003, 08:07 AM

I liked it, it was one of the better 'Simpsons go to some place' episodes. Most importantly, its actually one of the loves in Springfield that DIDNT crash and burn. I mean, lets look at the facts, Bart, Lisa, Grandpa, even Skinner bombed in a relationship. And for once one of them (Other than Homer and Marge) actually worked out. The jokes were there, they had some really good parts, like the Disney World wall, the Epcot center.

Though there were parts that just didnt seem to go anywhere...biut it was still a good episode. So I give it a 4 out of 5.

melZets

01-06-2003, 08:46 AM

4/5

Pleasantly surprising. First episode in a long time with replay value.

> Colin Ka-Pow! He's dropping sanction! (By which I mean anvils)
> First Church of Springfield: Welcome pissed-off Catholics
> Because I like you, I'll do it pro boner.
> Purple Rain!!!! ... Michael Jackson just told me to shut up!

...and the nerd in me laughed at the diff eq line.

Appelsauce

01-06-2003, 09:54 AM

The episode was pretty good...i guess since I have been looking forward to it for so long my expectattions were pretty high. Nevertheless it could have been SOOOO much worse. I enjoyed the fact that they got engaged at the end....skinner really was becoming even more of a collosal pussy. The ep did have some nice sentiment to it too....especially when skinner drove to see edna @ efcot. That was sweet. Also...in her own way Agnes did accept them at the end. In its own twisted way the "three people in one bed" joke was kind of touching, considering Agnes said it. The plot and joke possibilities are endless if the 3 of them are in a house together.
One thing, is it me or did Ms. K not look very good in this episode?? And she sounded kind of weird.
overall i give it a 3.5/5
Do you guys think that they will continue the "skinner's never going to propose to edna" into the "prolonged engagement getting out of hand" joke. Because that would suck. I prefer to see them marry in the Simpsons backyward. I do hope they address their engagement..maybe in little side stories, like they did in the Ma and Pa store ep.

HellBender

01-06-2003, 10:40 AM

I'm afraid I'm in the minority here.

I can't say the episode had bad jokes, because I don'T remember the episodes having a lot of jokes. I laughed maybe twice (IMAX movie, Willy's car), and chuckled a few other times. The epcon "*Something* of tommorow" joke got old fast.

So with almost no jokes that worked for me, I was left with a semi-interesting plot (Which I got to admit was better than most plots this season) but because of the lack of laughs, I'm giving this episode a 3/5

hwtrash

01-06-2003, 10:48 AM

I enjoyed watching this episode mainly on the fact that it wasn't a Homer-driven plot and that the plot was maintained for all three acts. That said...the whole Skinner/Anes thing is pretty old. I hope this is the end...unless there is a wedding episode. (fingers crossed no.)

Also, no one has mentioned this, Skinner's Vietnam flashback was pretty weak. Cupcakes? Come on, when you have the classic guy getting killed on Valentine's Day or the flashback with Mad Magazine you need to think of something better.

I thought the "World's Greatest Dad" mug joke was good, but they should have stopped it with being filled with Gummi worms, instead of the Gummi fish on the wall.

It's tough to parody/satirize Disney when they already did it with Itchy and Scratchy Land...which was many times better than last night.
Just the "Remember kids, we're in the Itchy Lot" and "the Itchy and Scratchy Dollars" goofs were a lot sharper and smarter.

Anyway. I enjoyed watching it, but in rotation, I'll prolly pass on this one.

Adios.

brentholomew

01-06-2003, 11:21 AM

What an amazingly suprising episode! Every episode this year with bad expectations turns out great ( This and Special Edna) and everyone with good, well turns out either mediocre or bad ( Great Louse Detective, Treehouse of Horror XIII)

The episode had SO many good gags. Everything I could totally imagine in an earlier episode. The vacation still didn't have to do with the episode at all, so I felt the gags fit right in. Everything I'd expect from a new episode wasn't there! When Skinner proposed to Edna, and before he starting talking I was like " Oh God, it's gonna be a stupid trick) and it wasn't. Best of the season, easily

5/5

Robbie

01-06-2003, 11:42 AM

Meh, I thought this episode was pretty forgettable. Nothing that outstanding or terrible in it. 3/5

By the way, why are there so few posts in this thread? Did the football game preempt the show in some places or something?

Helper Monkey

01-06-2003, 11:57 AM

Classic. Actually, classic might be too strong of a tag for a new episode, but I laughed all the way through. The only things that I was disappointed about were the jokes that appeared in the previews, and then only because I thought they would have been better enjoyed within the flow of the story. Really, a wonderful episode, and well worth the watch, especially considering that I have been really down on the show for a while now.

Best line: "Excuse me! I was looking for my girlfriend, not PAM DAWBER!" :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

HM

Hans Barber

01-06-2003, 11:59 AM

with all do respect, but are we third graders here? cause thats the only way i could see people laughing out loud to that episode. its wasnt ALL bad, but it has farly been overrated. i would say that the best things about the episode was the realism in the plot, the animation and the fact that it focused on a lot of characters.
i really hate to bust on the simpsons but those jokes were very cheesy. the only funny part was the ending with the song. maybe i have to re watch it, but i wont be doing that til the next time it airs. so i cant give my opion froma second viewing.
i respect evry ones opinions, but for now my opinion stands, and that episdoe was just average, average being a nice boost to it. good cause the realism, bad because the cheesyness\cheap jokes. i may be a little harsh on them because the show is improving, but they have dumbed down some jokes far too much. "ill put boogers in his desk for you?" is this what we limit our intelligence to?
2.5\5

huh?

01-06-2003, 12:14 PM

Pretty good episode, with quite a bunch of good jokes(My personal favorite: the Eastern Airlines-sponsered city of the future). I would give this episode a 5/5. However, the Skinner's mom's jokes are starting to get a bit stupid in my opinion. Still a great episode though, 4/5

HomertheGreat

01-06-2003, 01:16 PM

Great episode but it was with its flaws

The Good:
Enron roller coaster
Bart's prank
Martin getting beat up
Epcot
The I-MAX holes thing
the plot flow was excellent
for probably the first time this season a solid first, second, and third act (though the third act was the weakest one)
imagine the future ride
they actually had some emotional moments we haven't seen that in a long time

The Bad:
it seemed kind of weird that Bart would take Mrs. K out
The Agnes/Skinner joke was overused
the joke at the end of Bart's prank with The Flanders was not needed
a not needed sex joke between Bart and Skinner
ending with Homer going screaming into Disney World was dumb IMO
and last but not least, the pie song was good but it all seemed kind of pointless with Marge not following him

Overall a very good episode I'll give it a 4/5

Citizen Kang

01-06-2003, 01:31 PM

3/5

Decent episode...but I found myself not paying attention at times.

I need to watch it again...

Mr. Plow

01-06-2003, 01:32 PM

I thought it was a great episode. Marge became a bit annoying with her trying to be funny. Good use of all the characters. It was nice to see an episode dedicated to Edna, which hasen't been done since Season 8, I believe when Skinner and her started their fling. The best joke probably came at the end when Homer bought a churro at Disney World. 4/5.

King Lear

01-06-2003, 01:35 PM

I give this episode 2/5. There were some, very few, laughs. THe plot was for the most part fairly realistic but what can I say the episode was boring, in every sense of the word (but still not the worst I've seen :()

Helper Monkey

01-06-2003, 01:43 PM

Originally posted by Hans Moleman Jr.
with all do respect, but are we third graders here? cause thats the only way i could see people laughing out loud to that episode. its wasnt ALL bad, but it has farly been overrated. i would say that the best things about the episode was the realism in the plot, the animation and the fact that it focused on a lot of characters.
i really hate to bust on the simpsons but those jokes were very cheesy. the only funny part was the ending with the song. maybe i have to re watch it, but i wont be doing that til the next time it airs. so i cant give my opion froma second viewing.
i respect evry ones opinions, but for now my opinion stands, and that episdoe was just average, average being a nice boost to it. good cause the realism, bad because the cheesyness\cheap jokes. i may be a little harsh on them because the show is improving, but they have dumbed down some jokes far too much. "ill put boogers in his desk for you?" is this what we limit our intelligence to?
2.5\5

Huh. Hans, which jokes did you find "cheesy"? Don't say "all of them". I just don't understand how you could not have found humor in this episode. Yes, boogers in a desk is very juvenile. Bart is in 4th grade. Have you spoken to a fourth-grader lately? What did you want him to do, write a scathing editorial to the Springfield Shopper?

Skinner is El Cheese-o himself. Everything he says and does is tainted with the stench of horrible nerdiness, and on top of that, he is a major mama's boy. If you don't enjoy his cheesiness, you are missing out on his character.

I can understand if you didn't like the Enron bit, since timely humor is not exactly the hallmark of great Simpsons, but the rest of the park was a pretty accurate dissemination of Epcot, the worst of all theme parks (The Future of Yesterday... Today!).

The documentary on holes-- cheesy or no? I thought it was good satire on the low-grade films that get made for IMAX. The hilarity was from the cheese, in that case, much like with Skinner. Plus, we got fine lines like "giving birth to a hole," and "holes define who we are, and where we are going."

I would just like to understand what was so bad about this episode. If you or anyone could please get specific about the bad parts, I am interested in reading your opinions. I will admit, I gave it a 5/5, which is generous, but I actually laughed out loud at more than one joke, and I stayed interested through the entire episode, which is far better than any episode since Trilogy of Error.

HM

Channel Surfer

01-06-2003, 01:50 PM

I was a bit rushed in writing up this review, so it isn't written exactly the way I want it. But it still lists the key strengths/weaknesses, so I'll provide a link anyway.

My Review (http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/EpisodeReviewPage/showid-146/epid-137735/blockid-79455/)

A fun episode, though it's hardly one I'll be calling a classic. I enjoyed every ride they had at Epcot, as well as Agnes Skinners role in the episode. And the wrestling match near the beginning and the "Natures Biggest Holes" movie were comic gold, IMO. Plotwise, the relationship aspect of the episode progressed the story well, though it was hardly touching. Then again, it wasn't touching in "Grade School Confidential".

A few of the jokes, mostly revolving around "bodily functions" (save for Skinner's statement at the press conference) seemed thrown in, as padder jokes so to speak. And Marge seemed far dumber then normal, even for modern day episodes ("He does well around the seat too"), perhaps due to her ding batty, Edith Bunker esche voice (surprised DotheBartman didn’t comment on it). But she was intelligent enough in "Large Marge", so this is probably an extreme case.

Still, an enjoyable episode that will be nice to have in the syndication rotation, and a tad better then "Brawl in the Family" (the respective episode equivalent of last year). A little fine tuning, and it may have been the best of the season. Oh well.

Grade: 4/5, or a B

Overall rankings

Treehouse of Horror XIII B
Special Edna B
How I Spent My Strummer Vacation B-
The Great Louse Detective C+
Bart vs. Lisa vs. the 3rd Grade C
Large Marge C-
Helter Shelter D-

Glad I was one of the (seemingly) few people who never lost faith in this episode.

Number Two

01-06-2003, 01:53 PM

4/5 really good episode, good jokes, all around best of the season. heres how i rate season 14:
1. Special Edna
2.Large Marge
3.The great louse detective
4. Helter shelter

caffolote

01-06-2003, 02:20 PM

4/5 indeed, I like the part where Edna sprayed Milhouse.

|RABiD|

01-06-2003, 02:26 PM

Excellent episode. Right up there with The Great Louse Detective for best season 14 episode. 9/10

JonMDavis

01-06-2003, 02:52 PM

Originally posted by hwtrash
Also, no one has mentioned this, Skinner's Vietnam flashback was pretty weak. Cupcakes? Come on, when you have the classic guy getting killed on Valentine's Day or the flashback with Mad Magazine you need to think of something better.

I thought the "World's Greatest Dad" mug joke was good, but they should have stopped it with being filled with Gummi worms, instead of the Gummi fish on the wall.

I think the "lameness" of his flash back was the point. He is a dull guy. It wasn't incredibly funny, but I didn't think it was that bad.

I do agree with you about the gummi fish, though. They probably should have stopped it at the gummi worms, or at least left out the piece where he ate some of the fish. Actually, I think the gummi worms to catch the gummi fish was worth it.

JDub

01-06-2003, 03:02 PM

I liked that episode a lot and was laughing out loud many times. I was almost laughing so hard I almost had tears in my eyes when Homer said "Purple Rain!" "Michael Jackson just told me to shut up."

Jessfrogger88

01-06-2003, 03:22 PM

I thought it was very funny. Although there was a lot of hit/miss comedy. Mrs. Krababpple locket, the store bought apples, the discussion of where they were going, the pie gag, gods sign to bart, the documentery, the future ride. I thought all were very very funny. I didn't like the Bully of the Year thing or the gay car thing, I thought the gag was fine before that was added. Marge's Potty comment was way out in left feild I have no clue why she said it. Nevertheless I was very impressed with the episode very good for this era. Definantly a step in the right direction, but I also noticed that there was something wrong with Enda's voice. She sounded really really weird which seems to be a trend lately. I have noticed in previous episodes that Bart, Lisa, Super Intendent Chalmers voices all off. Are they being cheap and not telling us. I sure hope not.

Jessfrogger88

01-06-2003, 03:28 PM

3.8/5, 7.0/10

Handsome Pete

01-06-2003, 03:38 PM

Not too bad...better than the previous new episode. It was nice to see Edna and Skinner in the spotlight this time, and not have the focus entirely on OFF going to Orlando. A few of the gags at Efcot were also pretty good (Lisa's line about people who lived in the 60's thinking about what life would be like in the 80's in particular), but a lot of it seemed to be awkwardly handled (The gummi fish, a good deal of the meta-references, etc.). By the way, the Enron ride wasn't very good in the first place, as it was just too blatant, and the "Mmm, that's good satire line" made it even worse. Sorry, but it was not good at all.

Good Things:

-Some good jokes
-More plot and character development for Edna and Skinner
-Some slight resemblances to episodes from previous seasons (in the way some jokes were handled)

Bad Things:

-Some lousy jokes or lousy delivery
-Many concepts that didn't work

Okay, vague reasons, but most of you have seen the episode, so you can see where I'm going with that. I'd give it somewhere between a 3 and a 3.5 out of 5. Could have been better, but I'm not disappointed.

Paranoid Android

01-06-2003, 04:02 PM

I might be the only one that didn't think this was a good episode. I might have chuckled a little. But I didn't really laugh at all in this episode. The characters were off, I thought this writer had not seen any episode preceding it, and was only given a rough sketch of Skinner and Krabappel. The story seemed to go here, then dart into an unexpected direction. I don't know if you think that's good or not. The preposal seemed forced and quickened because it was the end of the show. I didn't feel it at all. But I kind of liked Little Richies part in the show. I give it a 2/5

Smilin'JoeFission

01-06-2003, 04:07 PM

B+, well-done. A few gags left nothing for me, but that's not to say some were really well. Actually, I got a kick out of the gummi fish thing, and the IMAX film about holes was hilarious, especially with the dog "giving birth to a new hole".

The plot was very good, and it was fun to look into Mrs. K's life again(virtually untouched since "Grade School Confidential"). I had a few gripes about the Simpsons in Orlando, it seemed to take a little away from the main plot. I wasn't crazy about having Little Richard appear, either. Worst part? The little "Joe Millionare" bottom screen thing at the beginning of act 2. Ugh.

I wouldn't sayTHE best ep of the season so far, but it was done even better than I expected.

Best three so far (In no order)
"Large Marge"
"Special Edna"
"Great Louse Detective"

Stackhouse

01-06-2003, 04:10 PM

Great episode, season 9 quality despite some jokes that fell flat.. like the gummy fish. But all alround good.

9.7/10, Best of the Season (undoubtedly) so far

Bob Underdunk T

01-06-2003, 04:47 PM

Originally posted by Undercover_Nerd
The first wolfcastle in a while.

Originally posted by Matty
He was also in great louse detective

*shudder*

Jason

01-06-2003, 04:49 PM

3/5. Nothing special, didn't like Martin quickly getting beat up. The enron ride was good. A good episode nonetheless.

Urts

01-06-2003, 05:47 PM

I'm going to be honest: I've been fairly disappointed by this season so far. Not majorly, just a tad. I may have expected too much, but some of the episodes haven't met, or exceeded, my expectations. Yet this one did. After seeing the previews, I thought, "Oh, great: This is basically going to be: 'The Simpsons Run Amuck in Florida, Part II'." I didn't know how wrong I would be.

The first act contained some of the best Bart pranks in years. It made me laugh out loud more often than I had in ages. Bart taking Edna out was also very interesting towards the plot. The characterization of Bart was top-notch: A hell-raiser, but not thoughtless. It had a few odd moments, but I was very optimistic about the rest of the episode, after seeing it.

So many things were done right with this episode. It wasn't Homer-centric, Skinner improved his character tremendously, the past-references were subtle(Lisa's beef-stew comment made me laugh.), Bart re-became the prankster he once was. I hope the rest of the season stays up to the level of this one.

Rating: 5/5

*Waylon Smithers*

01-06-2003, 06:41 PM

I give it a 2/5 for several reasons:
I hated the couch gag, it was just stupid. It was way too predictable that Skinner would propose and Edna accept. Plus, The Simpsons have already been to Florida.

Max Power

01-06-2003, 06:45 PM

Meh. Almost gave it 3 but went up a peg with the Enron ride and "the devil in the blue shorts".
Kudos, Principal Charming.

"Yes i Cannibus"

01-06-2003, 06:52 PM

weren't the simpsons banned from the state of florida?

SideshowTim

01-06-2003, 07:15 PM

Hey I won't see this episode for a while since I live in Australia so could someone please give me a quick review on what happened In the episode

NoOneFamous

01-06-2003, 07:25 PM

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"
weren't the simpsons banned from the state of florida?

Yes, but that was such a horrible episode that it shouldn't be included in the continuity anyway. The map showed that they were banned from like 48 states anyway, and they've obviously been to some of them since then.

The Lawn Wrangler

01-06-2003, 07:31 PM

4/5
Good episode, pretty even with the previous one, I thought.

The video I watched cut off before the end though, can someone tell me what happened after Lisa said "I love happy endings", if anything?

NoOneFamous

01-06-2003, 07:34 PM

Originally posted by The Lawn Wrangler
4/5
Best of the season so far, I'd say.

The video I watched cut off before the end though, can someone tell me what happened after Lisa said "I love happy endings", if anything?

Basically, they end up in the Magic Kingdom (or as they refer to it, the *real* Disney World), and are shown eating at a resturant. Homer eats pie and breaks into a song about it in a Disney-like way ("what did I think of the pie??") and he walks off, but they don't follow him, so his song cuts off. Edna asks why they aren't following him, and Marge says she doesn't want to because shes on vacation, or something like that. Then, they cut to the credits.

SideshowTim

01-06-2003, 07:36 PM

Originally posted by The Lawn Wrangler
4/5
Good episode, pretty even with the previous one, I thought.

The video I watched cut off before the end though, can someone tell me what happened after Lisa said "I love happy endings", if anything?

Hey how did You get to watch It you Live In Australia?

The Lawn Wrangler

01-06-2003, 07:44 PM

Thanks, NOF. I guess it's not really worth downloading another version of the episode just for that part.

SideshowTim, Kazaa.

SideshowTim

01-06-2003, 08:10 PM

Oh ok, My computer is too slow to download episodes

Munkybutt

01-06-2003, 08:35 PM

4 outta 5. They didn't get too ridiculous. The story was alright, maybe we're starting to see a turnaround here! The two worst moments for me were Homer blubbering again(twice) and the end of the Enron ride. Could we please loose the Carson impersonations, God I hate those.

Tibor

01-06-2003, 08:55 PM

I know what I hate. And I don't hate this. This episode left me feeling really good, not because it was a great episode, but because it was going in all the right directions. The episode for once didn't center around Homer, it had a tighter plot and didn't waste time to decide which direction the episode was going. It was flawed, sometimes we were taken to far away from the action for gags that would have worked better as subtle background things. The Enron ride, which was a bit dated, was too heavy handed. "Mmm, that's good satire" was completely unnecessary and distracting from the humor. I'm giving it 5/5, just for the hope it gives me for the future.

SideshowTim

01-06-2003, 09:05 PM

Hey Tibor Your sig is my motto!

Tomacco

01-06-2003, 09:22 PM

I'm BACK, baby!
Hope y'all had a nice xmas and new years.

Caught "Special Edna" in a hotel yesterday, and I was damn impressed. I can honestly say it REALLY felt like season 6-8 Simpsons. The plot flowed very well, and was very focussed even with the trip stuff going on. Nice ending, great characterization, nothing too off-the wall, equals best of the season. This was probably best of the Al Jean season 13-14 command too. 5/5

thecapecoddah

01-06-2003, 09:29 PM

4/5, can't go wrong with Skinner episodes. plenty of laughs/chuckles.

welcome back, jonah

Jerry P.

01-06-2003, 10:17 PM

About this being the second time the Simpsons went to Florida: I'm pretty sure that "Florida" was never said by anyone in this episode, nor did it appear printed anywhere. Seems to me that the Simpsons went to some other Orlando that just happens to be similar to the one in Florida...

StrideR

01-07-2003, 02:12 AM

Intriguing reviews.

necrulez

01-07-2003, 07:13 AM

nice episode,i rate it 4/5...
btw, like the quote "2/5 - even Friends handles engagements better"...:-)

irv

01-07-2003, 07:18 AM

first act wasn't great, but the rest was excellent. the disney land parody was so great, plenty of great moments, great characterizations. seemed like itchy and scratchy land part 2 for some reason, but it was a welcome episode. Best of the season.

Matty

01-07-2003, 07:53 AM

Originally posted by Number One
can't go wrong with Skinner episodes.

Liar

Tomacco

01-07-2003, 07:54 AM

About the animation, they really took advantage of the new computer stuff with the theme park backgrounds, which were beautiful. Also, anyone notice the dusk shading in the sky outside the class window when Bart and Edna were working after school? Great touch.

The directing overall was very well-done (I didn't catch who did it). The Halloween Hit and Run game scene with Skinner in the back seat was original direction, and I found all the angles in the episode were great. Upon my second viewing, I did notice that Bart "beard" coloring problem, which only seemed to have happened when he was talking before watching wrestling on TV. It reminded me of when I was drawing Bart's mouth in Flash, and reanimated his mouth while keeping the same body picture for multiple frames. They probably did something similar to that for his talking parts.

As of now, we've seen what the odd and even numbered episodes look like with the new animation. Personally, as with the ink and paint, I find the even-numbered eps look better. But both still look good with the digital coloring.

Matty

01-07-2003, 08:11 AM

Originally posted by Tomacco
. It reminded me of when I was drawing Bart's mouth in Flash, and reanimated his mouth while keeping the same body picture for multiple frames. They probably did something similar to that for his talking parts.

That is done most of the time. It's just weird they didn't notice the error and fixed it, should be fastly done on the computer. Maybe they just changed Bart's line at the last moment and copy & pasted the lips to get them in sync, and screwed up at it there. These kind of color screw-ups aren't unusual though, sometimes an arm is different colored from the rest of the body etc. It's just more noticable for the viewer when you put a mouth on a dif colored face

Tomacco

01-07-2003, 08:55 AM

Y'know I have to say I don't understand how people rate their Simpsons episode. People went nuts over "Little Girl in the Big Ten" last year because it felt like an older episode (in ways). But I found "Special Edna" felt much more like a classic Simpsons. The plot flowed very well, and took advantage of its location while keeping attention to the storyline. This kind of writing is what made "Bart vs Australia" successful, and what was lacking from the other vacation episodes in the past years. Episodes like "Simpson Safari", "Kill the Alligator and Run", "Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo", and "Blame it On Lisa" all had weak plots or just revolved around the family being on vacation, causing them to twist all over the place. This episode did not have such a problem, as the relationship between Skinner and Krabappel part of the story was established in the very second scene of the whole ep (in Skinner's office), and the Teacher of the Year award part began midway in the first act too.

So, in a way, there were three conflicts/plotlines woven nicely together in unity throughout the entire episode: 1) Skinner/Krabappel relationship / 2) Teacher of the Year award / 3) Vacation in Orlando.

One more bright point: No needless "THE SIMPSONS ARE GOING TO ORLANDO!" bullcrap.

thecapecoddah

01-07-2003, 09:46 AM

Originally posted by Matty
Liar

minus "principal and the pauper" of course

irv

01-07-2003, 10:10 AM

yeah, except this is a simpsonfag messageboard, so hating episodes is required in order to post. sorry jonah. :(

Friz

01-07-2003, 11:10 AM

This episode deserves full marks.

It had great humour (IMAX spoof, Three way love heart necklace, the side-splitting song at the end that was just so random and funny) and no stupid humour. A real surprise. It also happened at a quick pace, nothing was exaggerated and it was a classic episode. 5/5.

bald adonis

01-07-2003, 12:47 PM

I only saw the last 15 minutes of this episode, because I was just getting back from the 49ers-Giants game. No regrets there. Anyway, from what I saw, I thought it odd Bart nominated Ms. Krababel for the award, and also that the Simpsons were allowed back in Florida now. Actually, come to think of it, the episode had continuity errors with both Principal and the Pauper as well as Kill the Alligator and Run. However, those episodes both suck so who cares. Besides that, the jokes were excellent. I like the new animation style better than the cel animation as well. An incomplete rating of 4/5. I'll pass full judgment when I see it in reruns.

HellBender

01-07-2003, 12:57 PM

Was I the only one who wished for a Mr. Bergstrom cameo (Not a speaking role, but just in the background) during the ceremony? Would've been a perfect opportunity, considering they seemed to have brought some old characters back this season (Mary Bailey, Stampy, GoofBall)

Simpson Purist

01-07-2003, 01:03 PM

Originally posted by HellBender
Was I the only one who wished for a Mr. Bergstrom cameo (Not a speaking role, but just in the background) during the ceremony? Would've been a perfect opportunity, considering they seemed to have brought some old characters back this season (Mary Bailey, Stampy, GoofBall)

I had the same thought too although it would've probably disgusted some classic Simpsons fans due to the substitute teacher building being burnt down gag early in the episode.

Stackhouse

01-07-2003, 01:40 PM

Originally posted by FarScapeR
Intriguing reviews.

Looks like you left at just the wrong time :D

Jake

01-07-2003, 02:24 PM

Well, Special Edna started off with the best scenes and Bart characterizations in years. The entire episode was perfect until the actual Skinner/Edna plot took over. After that it was okay, but there wasn't anything that was hillarious and it wasn't very moving, either. On the bright side, there wasn't anything annoyingly bad like in Kill the Alligator and Run.

Overall, I'd give it a C+.

Jake

spiky hair

01-07-2003, 02:37 PM

loved it 5/5 - even Agnes Skinner should be proud :)

or_smth

01-07-2003, 03:39 PM

Originally posted by Tomacco
About the animation, they really took advantage of the new computer stuff with the theme park backgrounds, which were beautiful. Also, anyone notice the dusk shading in the sky outside the class window when Bart and Edna were working after school? Great touch.

I'm not to sure about the colouring. I was watching with a very critical eye (Don't we all...) but I noticed some fairly serious errors at points. First of all the skin tone seemed to change every new scene/"camera shot". They went from that ugly hyper-yellow of the new seasons to an ugly pale-yellow that hasn't existed up into now. So, maybe some colours in the middle would be nice :). I was thinking that digital animation would help get the colours identical for every frame but perhaps I was wrong.

There was one glaring example of strangeness. In the scene where Bart is talking to Edna inside the classroom, Bart's skin tone actually flickers between the two colours I previously mentioned. It was really strange, because nothing else in the room flickered in colour, just Bart (which leads me to believe that it wasn't my TV/Satellite).

Anyway, I voted two out of five but I should have voted three. If you've ever been to Epcot you can see that they satirized the whole park pretty well. I didn't like the way they carried gags to extreme (the airplanes whipping people), and I absolutely hated the interaction between Seymore and his mother. They should have killed off her instead of Maud, everyone hates her anyway.

The song seemed forced (again) but not as bad as some others this season.

Shiver

01-07-2003, 04:24 PM

it was iight, IMO one of the best this season(which isn't saying much)
Like others mentioned the enron ride was the highlight....

Rating: 3.5/5

-Shiver

BangBangBart

01-07-2003, 07:26 PM

5/5 great episode!

mintjellyonthelam

01-07-2003, 07:37 PM

4/5.

Too many Epcot jokes but all was saved by one of the funniest scenes in years: Grandpa in WW1

The Pie Song was great to. My tape ran ou. Dang-i forgot most of it now

•ºMikè~Stáº•

01-07-2003, 08:16 PM

4.5/5 "One of Us, One of Us!"

Bob Underdunk T

01-07-2003, 08:24 PM

Originally posted by or_smth
The song seemed forced (again) but not as bad as some others this season.
That was the most of the joke. The song was done in the old Disney fashion, and because it was so stupid and unfitting, the writers Simpsonized the scene by not having the other characters follow Homer to join in and dance and finish the song like they would in an old Disney movie. It was supposed to seem tacked on.

larouda

01-07-2003, 08:26 PM

4.5/5, Absolutely fantastic!

What is the next episode and when does it air?

SideshowTim

01-07-2003, 10:39 PM

Hey larouda you live In australia how did you get to see the episode

larouda

01-07-2003, 11:08 PM

I download it from Kazaa, Tim. I did the same thing with all the season 13 episodes. I have downloaded 225 episodes.

Matty

01-08-2003, 12:27 AM

Originally posted by Bob Underdunk T

That was the most of the joke. The song was done in the old Disney fashion, and because it was so stupid and unfitting, the writers Simpsonized the scene by not having the other characters follow Homer to join in and dance and finish the song like they would in an old Disney movie. It was supposed to seem tacked on.

I believe it also parodies those stupid people they hire to walk around the park like a normal tourist, but suddenly start singing out of nowhere, trying to get other people to sing with them

Akbar

01-08-2003, 04:18 AM

The episode was pretty decent joke and plot wise.

necrulez

01-08-2003, 06:35 AM

Btw, does anyone know what the name of the song is played during 'the conquest of Eastern Airlines'(also during the credits at the end)?! Kinda like that song....

Roarke

01-08-2003, 07:15 AM

"Happy Together" - The Turtles

Oh, and 4.5/5, 5/5 for the poll.

necrulez

01-08-2003, 07:21 AM

tanx Roarke

Kamikaze_chimp

01-08-2003, 07:49 AM

no time for a full review - 6.5/10(ill vote for 3/5)

Wavy Gravy

01-08-2003, 08:20 AM

I MISSED IT! AAARGHHH! My dad was watching "The Last Castle" on Starz or some dumb channel, and it didn't end until 9, and he wouldn't let me change the channel! The stupid movie'll be on again, how often does Skinner propose to Krabappel? I hate my family.

Simpson Purist

01-08-2003, 08:23 AM

You couldn't tape it Wavy? :(

BTW The Last Castle is horrible.

Mike Scully

01-08-2003, 09:27 AM

Finally, a great episode. A rich, satisfying and hilarious sotryline, where the Disney vacation served as a backdrop. This is the kind of episode The Bart Wants What It Wants should have been. (B+)

doyle

01-08-2003, 12:03 PM

5/5 not going to be in my top 20 of all time but easily in my top 5 of the last 6 years. it was great

Stina

01-08-2003, 12:35 PM

This was a really cute episode.

4/5 ^_^

tim_duncan2000

01-08-2003, 12:51 PM

I thought this was an okay episode. I didn't care much for the Bully of the Year joke, the Enron joke, the fireworks joke, or the joke towards the end where Homer jumped over the wall to "go to Disney World". I also did not like the joke where Marge mentioned the Latin Grammy Awards.

I did like the joke about Martin getting beat up and Homer's reacting to Ms. Krabappel not winning the award. I also liked Bart's prank and Grampa talking about WWI. The story also was not too bad, though it could have had a bit more emotion in it. 3/5

blockyourfather

01-08-2003, 01:32 PM

4/5. Very good episode. Liked the conversation between Skinner and Willie, and the James Bond parody thereafter. I also cracked up when Homer said, "Michael Jackson just told me to shut up!" as well as Bart thinking of Edna's possible suitors. Little Richard was a great guest voice. There was some unnecesary Homer crying, however; the episodes only weakness, IMO.....can somebody please tell me what happened between the line "If she's danced with the devil in the bright blue shorts and lived to tell about it, we have ourselves a nominee!" and Edna's nomination speech(my damn tape ran out.)?

Goat Punishment

01-08-2003, 03:17 PM

Yeah, it deffinently made me think that the writer was reminiscent of the earlier seasons (the aye carumba tiped me right off). There was a gimmick (efcot) but they didn't push to far. This was a Chacracter driven episode not a setting driven one, unlike most vacation scripts.

Latley they've taking a gimmick and exploited it to no end, it really is a shame since they have so many great characters to work with, and so many loose ends to tie up.

Moose of Doom!

01-08-2003, 07:53 PM

The animation really impressed me. The IMAX and Epcot scenes were really nice looking.

kansasteen14

01-08-2003, 08:05 PM

Originally posted by Matty

I believe it also parodies those stupid people they hire to walk around the park like a normal tourist, but suddenly start singing out of nowhere, trying to get other people to sing with them

they dont do that buddy... I loved it,I love simpsons and disney so it was great, but it might have already been said that was NOT epcot it was paroding it,thats why it was EFCOT CENTER, the real name is just Epcot

EgoJudicata

01-08-2003, 08:44 PM

http://www.austrian-mint.com/Bilder/Gold/e/purgold.jpg

Andy

01-08-2003, 09:22 PM

I thought it was okay. Some of the jokes were a tad drawn out, yet the episode was still funny for what it's worth. However, Krabappel did seem a bit out-of-character, and I can't put my finger on it... maybe it's this "love" thing. Eh, wuteva. Good, not excellent, just good.

Appelsauce

01-09-2003, 08:34 AM

Originally posted by tim_duncan2000
I also did not like the joke where Marge mentioned the Latin Grammy Awards.

3/5

Have you ever SEEN the Latin Grammys???
....and i thought my people had come so far....that program sets us back a good 50 years.

Wavy Gravy

01-09-2003, 01:13 PM

Originally posted by Dark Lord Sauron
You couldn't tape it Wavy? :(

BTW The Last Castle is horrible.

No, I did not tape it - and that means I can't make a guide page for it. Damn.

homer5000

01-09-2003, 03:40 PM

Ehh...I'll be short:

1st Act: Funny. I like Bart's prank, and some of the other jokes.

2nd Act: Efcot. Ha! The Enron ride was good. And Edna's locket with a picture of her, Skinner and Anges yelling at Skinner.

3rd Act: Very touching in some ways. Little Richard was useless except for Homer's "Purple Rain!", which was very funny.

Credits: "What Did I Think of the Pie?" Enough Said.

Also, "mmm...gummi fish", part of the helicopter ride, "Mmm...that's good satire" at the end of the Enron ride and the Mickey Mouse telling Homer to step away from the wall will be cut from syndication...

used

01-09-2003, 04:15 PM

Does anyone else think Krabbable's voice was off... I don't know, but it sounded odd to me.

Channel Surfer

01-09-2003, 07:20 PM

Originally posted by Say Days Ago
Does anyone else think Krabbable's voice was off... I don't know, but it sounded odd to me.

I found it off compared to her original voice, but not for, say, seasons 11+ (most notably starting with "Take My Wife, Sleaze"). It had a deeper undertone to it, IMO.

However, her voice sounded normal to me in her brief scene in "Hungry Hungry Homer", so I really don't understand what could be causing it.

noeleon

01-10-2003, 01:12 AM

a well rounded episode

nothing crap, nothing hilariously eye watering

though i missed the song at the end :(

i wanted to see some interaction between skinner and superintendent chalmers but oh well

Friz

01-10-2003, 04:42 AM

I'm surprised no-one's mentioned the "Deep Deep Trouble" reference...

Oh, and my guide page for it is now up (just click on my sig...)

Simpson Purist

01-10-2003, 05:02 AM

You mean the "Do the Bartman" reference Friz? That song contained the lyric about "putting mothballs in the beef stew". Unless I missed something else.

Token

01-10-2003, 12:46 PM

There was absolutely no special parts to this movie. I loved the couch gag. There were some good parts, but nothing that made me go.. OOOOOOOOH... 3.5 outta 5. Better than Helter Shelter, thank God.

doyle

01-10-2003, 01:12 PM

Originally posted by Dark Lord Sauron
You mean the "Do the Bartman" reference Friz? That song contained the lyric about "putting mothballs in the beef stew". Unless I missed something else. i thought it was deep deep trouble too

gravymaster

01-10-2003, 01:49 PM

Originally posted by Jason
3/5. Nothing special, didn't like Martin quickly getting beat up.

Ok I gotta ask. What is not to like about that? Really. I found it to be rather amusing.

Friz

01-10-2003, 03:08 PM

Yeah, it was "Do The Bartman". Whoopsy.

"Homer was Yellin', Mom was too, Because I put Mothballs in the beef stew..."

Hans Barber

01-10-2003, 03:47 PM

helper: like i said before, i wanna rewatch the episode. people pointed things out that i may of missed possibly. plus. because i cant even really remember the episode from now. but i respect what you pointed out and all.
as for the timing of the jokes, the simpsons used to have amazing timing. and theflash backs were somewhat cheesy(from what i remeber) i usually love it when they use flashbacks. anyway, for now, i still give it a 2.5-3\5

Tirefire

01-10-2003, 11:17 PM

That was one sweet episode, especially for this season, definately the best S14. It's the first episode I've given a five to since Pappa's Got A Brand New Badge. It had lots of elements that I would consider similar to the generally more preferred earlier seasons.

Simpsonite

01-12-2003, 12:57 AM

Absolutely hilarious!! I loved this episode!! I actually laughed out loud quite a few times! Definetly will go down as a classic. Best I've seen this season, so far.

Everybody who loved this episode had my sentiments exactly!
(When Martin got beat up,it kind of reminded me of when Nelson beat up Milhouse when he thought Milhouse wrote him a love letter).Hilarious! Now we're getting back on track with smart writing! :kingme: :bow: :headbang:

George Cauldron

02-07-2003, 06:34 AM

Viewers in the UK - This one airs on Sunday evening at 6:30pm. Thought I'd bump it up so that everyone can find it and save us from having to create another thread on the same subject.

snrub

02-09-2003, 12:18 PM

4/5 - Loved it quite a lot

Friz

02-09-2003, 12:51 PM

Meh- there's another thread been made. Sorta pointless now.

mohammed jafar

02-09-2003, 01:36 PM

OK, I'm going to wax lyrical, because this was one of the best episodes since season 9.

Goddamn, this episode made me feel good. I have been very disappointed in this season : the TOH was weak, Strummer Vacation was only mildly entertaining (B minus), the rest of the DABFs were really quite shit, and I was very disheartened at how awful the first ep of the EABF run was. But tonight's ep was a massive boost to my faith in the show, and the leap in quality from the rest of the season is enormous. Like the highlights of the DABFs, Half-Decent Proposal and Little Girl In The Big Ten, this was so enjoyable to watch mostly because it felt like a episode from before season 10, a episode from the "classic years". Why? It had a good story, that you could tell was actually planned out and thought about - all the episodes this season apart from possibly Strummer Vacation seemed to have been thrown together in 5 minutes. They write a beginning, then meander through some half-assed ideas and sketches irregardless of structure or plot, before noticing they've written about enough to fill 23 minutes, and throw in an abrupt forced ending to "conclude" it. This had an elegant, calculated structure and a solid main theme around which everything was based. The Agnes/Seymour/Edna conflict is introduced early, and is very well developed using CHARACTERS of all things. This ep also did not have the hateful and increasingly prolific style of crude, forced, Family Guy-style sight gags based around weak plot-driving dialogue, as the previous eps in this season have, we got character-driven dialogue-based comedy in the true Simpsons style for a change, and as a result we got more witty, well-written lines here than the rest of the season put together, by far. Also, great use of Bart that builds on the quirky Edna/Bart relationship most memorably seen before in Bart The Lover and Grade School Confidential. The subplot of "The Simpsons are going to EPCOT!!" is also a nice touch, and is both blended and balanced perfectly with the main Skinner/Edna plot. The jabs at Disney are not as hilarious as the ones in I & S Land, but were amusing and intelligent nonetheless. Other hilarious gags in this episode were the Do The Bartman reference, the Mickey voice saying "step away from the wall", Bart's prank in church, "just a few equations....", Bart padding his report with ads, the eligible bachelors, Edna's Agnes-incorporating locket, and the "Dead Poets Society has ruined a generation of teachers" bit was very clever too. There were dodgy moments - the Enron ride gag is already out of date and isn't funny anyway, Marge's Latin Grammies line was annoyingly poor - but they were refreshingly few and far between. For an episode like this they could have gone with more emotional resonance, but I'm not particularly bothered because the style they did do instead (emotional, but light-hearted) worked fine. To half-plaigarise what Tibor said early in this thread : this wasn't a classic episode by any means, it wasn't even especially great, but it went in all the right directions. One of the finest moments of the Al Jean era so far. I'm happy. Grade B+