Rate & Review: "The Dad Who Knew Too Little" (EABF03)

[Cole]

From SNPP (http://www.snpp.com)
After Homer gets Lisa an inappropriate birthday present", he hires a private investigator to find out more about her You can read and discuss previews and speculation in this thread (http://nohomers.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20995) until the episode airs. Once the episode airs, this thread and poll will be open for review.

[BlindPsychic]

No sir I didn't like it.

[Eddie]

Quite hilarious. There was a lot of "burst-out-laughing" moments (especially the videos from Flanders and Homer, "Padz," and Cletus's part), and I enjoyed the bonding moments between Homer (he was quite lovable this time around) and Lisa. There could have been some improvements, though. Ralph's bits should have been much funnier, the private detective was a little bland, and the whole circus thing was sort of stupid. This isn't the best of Season Fourteen, and "Lisa's Substitute," "Make Room for Lisa" and "Lost Our Lisa" were all much better episodes, but this was still very good for the current state of the show. 3.5/5. :) Also, this is the second time in a row that the credits have continued with a scene. A current trend for the future?

[allies107]

i didnt really laugh at this episode at all, overall 2/5. Just didnt seem funny.

[Citizen Kang]

Pretty good episode. The plot of Homer and Lisa relating wasn't very original but there were some good jokes. 4/5

I wrote to chunkylover23@aol.com on AIM. Here's what he said:

Citizen Kang NYC:homer?
chunkylover23:yes
Citizen Kang NYC:how ya doing?
chunkylover23:good good, how are you
Citizen Kang NYC:good man
Citizen Kang NYC:good episode tonight.
chunkylover23:sure is
Citizen Kang NYC: I'd imagine you're getting a million IMs from it.
chunkylover23: it's all gravy
Citizen Kang NYC: well I'll leave you alone then. Have a good night. Peace.
chunkylover23: Peace out.

[irv]

dear anyone who gave this less than a 3/5,

stop watching the simpsons.

love,
jesus

[HellBender]

A definitive improvement over last week's bore (Oh, I'm gonna get flamed for this).
The episode wasn't too wacky, had some really funny jokes. And Homer wasn't a jerk. 4/5, best of the season so far.

[Voodoo Monkey]

LOL@the conversation with chunkylover23. (Big chunks vegatables, big chunks beef)

Not bad. 4/5

I loved the Cletus scene, the carnival scene, and the smoking monkeys (going in my sig)

[Urts]

Boring, boring episode. I really didn't laugh once. On the upside, there really wasn't much wrong with it, there just wasn't much good about it. It felt like the skeleton of an episode, pretty much mediocrity from start to finish.

They missed many great opportunities. Any emotion at the end was sacrificed for a man in a cannon and circus animals. The third act could have been much darker, too. It would have benefited from a "Cape Feare"-esque darkness, but that was passed up.

Nothing horrible about this episode, but nothing impressive.

Rating: 2.5 or 3/5

[Tirefire]

I'll give it a five, better than last week's by just a hair. This one competes with the best from Season 13.

[Simpson Purist]

9/10, This episode rocked!!!

Pros
-Homer not being a jerkass
-Great noirish direction, really showcases the new digital look
-The home movie videos of Flanders and Lisa were hilarious
-Bart throwing the spaghetti into the fan
-Moe pouring the beer into the doggie bag
-Lisa saving Homer's life with the laser pointer
-Cletus and Brandine with the animals

Cons
-Ralph's lines weren't too great
-Eddie's comment about Amy
-Moe's transplant with the animal photo
-Stupid FOX Chicago cutting out the couch gag

Overall, a big step-up from Make Room For Lisa and one of the best episodes so far in this mixed season.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by jesus plays his hits
dear anyone who gave this less than a 3/5,

stop watching the simpsons.



Go sit on a very hard shard of glass.

[nowhere]

I thought it was a very good episode. An episode with an actual plot and several laugh-out loud parts. Hopefully the next few episodes will be as strong as this one.

4/5

Great line: (paraphrased)
"It's ironic that he is blind, after spending his whole life being able to see."

[HomertheGreat]

good episode

I loved the bonding between Lisa and Homer, the Flanders and Lisa's video's had me rolling! I also loved the scene where Homer paints on a tear mark. It made me actually feel sorry for Homer (which hasn't happened a lot during the newer seasons) and the end scene during the credits was hilarious also. 4/5

[JonMDavis]

Yeesh. A big step backwards from last week. It just wasn't very funny. They really tried too hard on a lot of jokes that just weren't that good. I was glad to see Ralph, liked the PTETA stuff, and liked the very end, but...yeesh.

1.5-2/5

[JDub]

When I heard the chunkylover23 I ran to the computer to try to get that sn. :p I was too late. But the episode wasn't that good. I onlt laughed once and I already forgot what part it was at.

[Mafia]

who did the voice of the detective? Was it the guest star? Sounded incredibly like an impression of Robert Stack from Unsolved Mysteries. Very identical voices.

Not so many jokes, but it was interesting and not as whacky. I really enjoyed it. I guess it shows me that there doesn't need to be a lot of laughs for it to be a good episode. The episode is probably worth a second viewing as I saw a bunch of things i might have missed. The detective was pretty cool. Gotta love rogue detectives. Laser pointer ending was ah-ight. The Homer remark was better. I hope to see detective return in a season of two... or in 2006.... *sigh* It tried less to be funny. I liked that. Some nice lines that were a heh like "From the moment I meant you, I just knew that I'd kill you in a house of mirrors." 4/5 or 8.5/10 (B)

[gravymaster]

Not really that great. Had some good moments but a pretty weak showing, especially after last week. 2.5/5

[Wavy Gravy]

Great episode! Lots of memorable moments (Rod's video, Lisa's video, PADZ, the montage of info-gathering, Homer and Lisa on the lam, the ending sequence, etc.) and plenty of laughs. But what I loved most was the fact that Homer was actually trying to be a good father, unlike the piece of junk that was AABF12, "Make Room for Lisa". He wasn't a jerk and he wasn't annoying - I could really feel for him trying to get to know Lisa better. 4/5.

What really surprised me was that my mom (who is notorious with me for despising "The Simpsons") watched it tonight and actually liked it. That meant it must've been at least pretty good.

[Tibor]

The laughs were mainly in the second act, but the videos were hilarious. As a Homer/Lisa episode, I put it somewhere in between Lost Our Lisa and Make Room For Lisa. Not as good as the former, but better than the latter.

The Good:
Homer cares
Smoking monkeys
The detective scenes
A tight focused plot
Homer's email adress

The Bad:
Ralph disappointed me
Lisa's Powerpuff Girl comment was lame
Was weak at some times

The Ugly:
Lipstick on Cletus' collar

A 3/5.

[Bartman3010]

This was a suprisingly good episode. Homer was actually a good father and didnt turn out like some annoying freak. The whole 'Make a movie for your kid' thing was a good addition, the diary seemed a little off the wall, but it was appreciative, especially for the ending sequence. It definatley suprised me.

There are a few problems in the episode though. Yes, Ralph was lame. But I guess thats the best they could do. Also I was hoping that the pen light on Skinner would result in him thinking that he would be shot at and resort back to his war days, and the fact that they're still not clear with the family members' birthdays. Last season Lisa had a birthday, but that just passed the writers by, and I doubt that people will think that Lisa is 9/10. Not to mention we're still not sure how old Bart is now.

Oh well, the errors are very tiny, and the animation really picked up with the computer animation they started to go on. The backgrounds are sharper, and they're really showing off the techniques in the show. The hall of mirrors, and the different actions going on through the show, like the downtown like city etc.

Definatley deserves a 4 out of 5. It was definatley above the other episodes of this and previous few seasons. Good job on their part.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

best episode of the last 10 years, this rocked, but where was homers oz jr joke i saw in the commercial?

definetly the best lisa episode of all time

and to the guy who didn't like it, i say you watch to much of that crappy farscape, now thats a bad show and its the biggest nerd show on tv

watch less of that and more of the simpsons

[Clarence]

I'm not going to make a big review , let's just say 7/10. (Or 3½/5)

[Necromancer]

3/5

[Madame O____]

Hmmm...
I enjoyed seeing Lisa prominently featured, as well as some very sweet bonding moments between Lisa and Homer. Nevertheless, a good deal of the episode was consumed by bits which might have had potential, had the writers been less lazy (e.g. Ralph Wiggum), and some mindless attempts at humor. 3/5

[Wang]

3/5

[Tibor]

Please don't be an ass, Yes I Cannibus. It's a big stretch to call this the best Lisa ep ever.

I liked how they made fun of the MTV style direction on PADZ. The banana full of cigarrete butts left me scratching my head though. Something to do with smoking monkeys?

[Stina]

4/5 ^_^

I loved the beginning, with 'Padz' making fun of the show Cribs, and the commericial that was making fun of those electronic password diaries for little girls. I also really liked the cheap video Flanders made. ^_^

Wasn't Bart supposed to be on the bus with Lisa when she was going to school?

[America: Fuck Yea!]

Just "good"...which is a might higher then any other episode I have seen in the past 3 years...

[Mafia]

is it becoming a trend now to have a scene of the episode during the credits? I'm liking this a lot. Two episodes in a row.... Strummer Vacation had one too. There might have been another.

[thecapecoddah]

Also tried to get the chunkylover23 (or 53, whatever it was) screenname after the scene aired.. too late. Loved the Flanders videos and Cletus' lines... very enjoyable episode. 4/5.

[Simpson Purist]

Could somebody please tell me what the couch gag (and chalkboard, if any) was? My local FOX station didn't cut to the network feed in time :(.

[Imanstacym]

I thought it was a fairly good episode, but thanks to a screw-up at WTTG Fox 5, instead of the first act, I got to see the first act of The Computer Wore Menace Shoes. What happened up until the Skinner/pants scene?

[brentholomew]

4/5

Too good episodes in a row, that's a good sign since Season 14 was kind of a let down in the beginning. Not to copy Citizen Kang, I also did an IM to another Chunky Lover person..

BRENTWOOD23: Hey!
BRENTWOOD23: do you realize Homer said this is what his screen name was tonight?!!!
chunkylover35: he copied me
chunkylover35: cuz im the coolest person on the net
BRENTWOOD23: was it 23 or 35?
BRENTWOOD23: somebody else said it was 23 but I think I hear 35
chunkylover35: it was actaully 53
BRENTWOOD23: dammit
BRENTWOOD23: Everyone has been IMing everybody with " ChunkyLover" in the name tonight
BRENTWOOD23: out of all the people I could IMed who had this name, you are a Simspons fan? I have a weird feeling you just made this name right now
chunkylover35: yeah i regestered it right after he said it

[Moleman...Hans]

4/5

Great episode. Some cons but mostly good things. One of the better ones recently.

[Bubble Crum]

5/5 PADZ, Skinner's red dot, and Lisa's video had me laughing out loud and I loved it.

[Blue Phoenix]

4/5

I have nothing to add that hasn't been said. A little heart goes a long way.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"
best episode of the last 10 years, this rocked, but where was homers oz jr joke i saw in the commercial?

definetly the best lisa episode of all time

and to the guy who didn't like it, i say you watch to much of that crappy farscape, now thats a bad show and its the biggest nerd show on tv

watch less of that and more of the simpsons

I hope you realize that anything you insult now automatically looks good.

Nobody asked your opinion on FarScape. Would you like it if I made fun of Blues Clues or Teletubbies?

Dumbass...

[Simpson Purist]

I assume you're still continuing your new episode "fasting" FarScapeR yes?

[InputSelect]

IT was pretty god and had lots of good jokes but I felt like the episode was going really fast like if it just happened in one day.
But overall pretty great
4/5

[Toxic Monkey]

4/5, deserved.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

Originally posted by Simpson Purist
Could somebody please tell me what the couch gag (and chalkboard, if any) was? My local FOX station didn't cut to the network feed in time :(.

there was no chalkboard

and the couch gag was

they were on a beam and it was being lowered by a crane, also it was in black and white

it was very funny

[Hans Barber]

good episode. its def improving, 3.5\5

[Milhouse Van Houten]

2.5/5, this was horrible, almost as bad as Helter Shelter. The whole episode was made up of cheap hit or miss jokes. Complete and Udder crap. I knew it was going to be bad when homer started eating pants, its just plain stupid.

[Simpson Purist]

...

["Yes i Cannibus"]

Originally posted by FarScapeR


I hope you realize that anything you insult now automatically looks good.

Nobody asked your opinion on FarScape. Would you like it if I made fun of Blues Clues or Teletubbies?

Dumbass...

i was simply saying that farscape sucks big balls, and you are such a nerd for watching it that you don't know a good simpsons episode when you see it

p.s. nobody cares about your stupid farscape quote of the day, it makes you look like a giant tool. the show sucks and its been cancelled, you and your mother/girlfriend will have to find something else to do with your time, might i suggest suicide

idiot!

[Handsome Pete]

Urk. This episode sure wasn't very good. There was nothing terribly wrong with the plot or structuring of it, it's just that the entire episode was handled badly. Jokes were very lackluster and not well thought out, and characters were either too out of character or too much in character. For example, I was sickened by how Marge simply allowed Bart to throw spaghetti into the fan just so she could find something to take her mind off Homer and Lisa. It's that kind of material that really makes an episode bad.

On the plus side, a few of the jokes were okay (both Flander's and Homer's video for Rod and Lisa was an example), and the plot and structuring was, as I said earlier, not all that bad. I'd give it a 2.5/5, which rounds up to a 3. Let's hope the next episodes improve a little.

[Moose of Doom!]

Things I've Noticed and Liked:
Running gags that tie to plot points, very clever.
Guest star not portraying themselves and appearing for more than 5 minutes AND not hyping it up, they're learning.
Using the change in the animation to its full potential, great.
After Bart threw his dinner into the fan and Marge started cleaning, Maggie threw hers too, funny.
One last gag during the credits, I like it, maybe they're doing it to force fox into showing the full credits.

Things I Didn't Like:
Ralph's interrigation, not funny.
Homer hit with the cannon guy, thought it was leading to a Homerpalooza reference, was wrong, still wasn't funny.
Homer's gift, I know it was supposed to be bad, but it just stopped being funny.
"Chief, Lisa is innocent until proven guilty." Wait, didn't they just prove she was guilty? Bad line, very very bad line.

Good episode, I laughed my ass off. It was a step in the right direction.

[Blue Phoenix]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"


i was simply saying that farscape sucks big balls, and you are such a nerd for watching it that you don't know a good simpsons episode when you see it

p.s. nobody cares about your stupid farscape quote of the day, it makes you look like a giant tool. the show sucks and its been cancelled, you and your mother/girlfriend will have to find something else to do with your time, might i suggest suicide

idiot!

Oh yeah having his show insulted by a guy with the posting syntax of a 4 year old must really hurt.

If those are the best insults you can come up with I suggest you save them for the bully stealing your lunch money.

Farscape is a good show and in no way makes anyone a 'nerd' by liking. Of course if you ever make it into the real world your soon realize insulting others only makes YOU look like a braindead immature fungus.

He can like whatever he damn well pleases and seems to have a better grasp of The Simpsons then your dumb ass.

So in closing your derailing the thread so take your crap elsewhere junior.

[Milhouse Van Houten]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"


and you are such a nerd for watching it that you don't know a good simpsons episode when you see it

First off every single person here is a nerd and if you deny it you are lieing to yourself the simpsons is considerd a nerd show its in the same catagory as farscape,and second off maybe you have not been watching the show long enough to know a "mediocure" episode when you see it, this hardly falls in the catagory of good. Do us all a faver and go hang out with your "popular" friends.

[irv]

i get the feeling that faggots here actually go into the episode thinking "boy am i going to hate this one!" light yourselves on fire, assholes.

[Simpson Purist]

Geez, I'd never thought this thread would turn into a fight over the definition of "nerd" ;-/. Sorry but I'm afraid The Simpsons is a nerd show, that's why there's over a million websites and message boards (like this one) dedicated to it.

Now that's said, let's get back on topic and argue the merits of this exceptional episode :).

[doyle]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"


i was simply saying that farscape sucks big balls, and you are such a nerd for watching it that you don't know a good simpsons episode when you see it

im pretty sure he didnt see it. hes stopped due to the decline of the show. he shows up for threads about old episodes mostly and looks at the new episode reviews occasionally

speaking of which 4/5 no jerkass homer yay
plus it was a lot funnier than id expected it to be

[Mike Scully]

Nothing really special about this episode, but nothing too annoying either.

C 2/5

Season 14, so far, is tied closely with season 12 for worst season ever.

[skittlebrau]

Oy, warning points issued here. Please, everybody just stop with the bullshit and leave this thread to rating and reviewing tonight's episode only.

Anyways, great episode. The show is improving. 4/5.

[Bliss Goggles]

i was half watching--twas on fone

what was homers email again?

[Simpson Purist]

chunkylover53@aol.com

[StrideR]

Originally posted by Simpson Purist
I assume you're still continuing your new episode "fasting" FarScapeR yes?

It was difficult... 2 out of 3 TVs in my friend's place were tuned in to The Simpsons. He did tell me I wasn't missing much, but please don't take that as some sort of rating or grade.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

i say you can only comment on the show if you watched it, farscaper is just a trouble maker and he may possibly be gay

anyways on with the reviews

[Mafia]

So... Elliot Gould played himself (the PADZ) and the detective? Anyway, a large group of people on the board do go into an episode expecting to hate it and they sometimes do. Perhaps it is for the best if people are satisfied like that. The same can be said the other way around.

Ah... the beauty of seeing a bunch of brides chasing after Joe Millionare... I can't wait for Joe Hetero, Joe Caucasian, and Joe Not-A-Rapist, coming next. Then I hope for Jon Stewart's "You're Not Gonna Make Us Fu** Dogs Are You?"

[Old Time Bike]

Originally posted by jesus plays his hits
dear anyone who gave this less than a 3/5,

stop watching the simpsons.

love,
jesus

Originally posted by jesus plays his hits
i get the feeling that faggots here actually go into the episode thinking "boy am i going to hate this one!" light yourselves on fire, assholes.


wow, i actually agreed with JPHH twice in one thread. i'm scared.

[SNUH]

Well...I gave it 3 out of 5...but something really weird happened:

* The show opened...but there was some technical difficulty...and the Fox image appeared for a few seconds.

* Then...the episode started...and it was a repeat. It was the episode where Homer buys and computer and starts a web page: Mr. X.

* Suddenly...that episode stopped...and there was Principal Skinner dropping his drawers w/red dot crotch disease....and we were into the new episode.

So...I didn't see about the first 7 or so minutes.

[Sam]

5/5. I really liked it. Loved the videos, the dot, and other parts. I was laughing out loud quite a bit.

Ralph was lame..but honestly he hasnt really been funny to me ever.

Slappy Says: Woohoo! The Simpsons is good again!

(Beep)

[Old Time Bike]

Originally posted by Simpson Purist
chunkylover23@aol.com


isn't it chunkylover53?

["Yes i Cannibus"]

it was 53, who said it was 23, probably farscaper i hear hes a slow learner

[skittlebrau]

Dude, drop it. Warned twice again.

[Handsome Pete]

For those who care, my older brother and I try to watch new episodes of the Simpsons together. About halfway through this episode, he made a remark that I'd like to share with all of you, and I don't think most of you will really like it all that much:

"The Simpsons is like Weekend at Bernie's now. Essentially, the show is Bernie, and like Bernie, it's being manipulated."

Now, what I just posted was worded a little differently, and I don't speak on behalf of him, but it is something to think about. Just giving all of you a completely different opinion of the show right now.

Oh yeah, before I forget, there was a brief pause in the show when Homer and the detective were in the Hall of Mirrors and Lisa was talking to them. Must have been the sattelite or something. I know that SNUH had it worse than I did, but did that happen to the rest of you?

[Bob Underdunk T]

I didn't experience any problems except those stupid brides that ran in front of Edna's podium last week. How long does that millionaire show last? They're probably going to do this at the start of the second act until that show is over.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

this is off topic, but what is a warning level, mine has gone up, have i won something?

[|RABiD|]

Fantastic episode. Loads of hilarious scenes. 4/5

[Cole]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"
this is off topic, but what is a warning level, mine has gone up, have i won something? Banishment at 30.


Episode was decent. Not alot of laughs but still enjoyable. 3/5

[ILikeTheSimpsons]

4/5. It was really funny. Found myself laughing out loud more than usual. it was missing something though, to make it a great episode, i just can't put my finger on it. Wacky bonding episode, but not too wacky. Really really liked the dot joke with Skinner, and Rod and Lisa's tapes. I liked Ralph, he doesn't have to be LOL funny at all times. "Can lisa come out with her hands up?" heh... the Chief wiggum was funny in this one too. "I'm just...not....very good."

[1completeidiot]

i can't say anything that's not been mentioned already. it wasn't perfect, but it was funny. 4/5.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

skinner dropping his pants was way out of character, skinner would never go nude in public

[Sam]

He would rather go nude than die of red dot disease.

Slappy Says: I hear that disease kills...

(Beep)

[Blue Phoenix]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"
skinner dropping his pants was way out of character, skinner would never go nude in public

You just don't get it do you ? If your going to mock a group of people in a format where writing is the method of comunacation, make sure their not smarter then you are.

But hey if you want to look foolish before your banned for gross incompatance feel free.

This is my last post on the subject.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

Originally posted by Blue Phoenix


You just don't get it do you ? If your going to mock a group of people in a format where writing is the method of comunacation, make sure their not smarter then you are.

But hey if you want to look foolish before your banned for gross incompatance feel free.

This is my last post on the subject.


can you please explain to me what you meant by that post?

by the way, its "they're" not 'their"

[Maddog53]

A couple of other people have commented on it, but I thought that the animation was absolutely great tonight, especially the Hall of Mirrors scene. However, other than that not an overly great episode, yet not a totally bad one either. Here is my full review (http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/EpisodeReviewPage/showid-146/epid-145098/blockid-97961/) if you care to read it.

Maddog.

[Channel Surfer]

Tough one to grade. Most of the jokes worked for me, and the plot was engaging, so the one's that didn't weren't as bad. But Lisa was a tad unlikable throughout some of it, most notably at the beginning when she "demands" that diary in a self-centered, egotistical way. Because of that, it reduces whatever empathy I may have felt for her during Homer's video. She redeems herself later on, but it still left a bad taste in my mouth.

Homer, however, was well characterized in this one, trying his best to overcome his ignorance regarding Lisa's interests, and it continues beyond that point, most notably when he throws her aside during the somewhat infamous cannon scene. And even some of the little things he did, like laughing in the house of mirrors, got some little laughs out of me. Probably his best characterization this season.

There weren't many strong laughs in this episode. My favorite parts were probably at the beginning with Krusty (in "Padz"), and the Flanders video. Other gags weren't necessarily strong, but they carried themselves well throughout the episode, and reinforced the already, IMO, engaging plot.

Currently tied with "Special Edna", with a 4/5, or a B. I'll have to think a bit before I decide which is the better episode.

Edit: Great review Maddog. Though your overall grade was a bit lower then mine, it showcases many of the same thoughts I had regarding it. And I you're probably right in that the scene with Homer and the fake tears may have been more effective with real tears.

[Blue Phoenix]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"



can you please explain to me what you meant by that post?

by the way, its "they're" not 'their"

No not really.

If I was wrong in my conclusion that you were making a thinly vailed knock at those who analize the show, I am sorry.

That being said your behavior in this thread has really rubbed me the wrong way and I have no desire to continue this conversation further.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

how have i rubbed you the wrong way, all i did was stand up for a great episode which farscaper put down without even seeing

i'm a hero

[Max Power]

To sum it up in a fraction, 4/5.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"
how have i rubbed you the wrong way, all i did was stand up for a great episode which farscaper put down without even seeing

i'm a hero

I never said anything about the episode.

[Brian S.]

i thought this was a great episode.

i was laughing throughout the episode. mr. teeny's kid biting problem, mmmm...mcnuggets, brandine threatening cletus about pig lipstick, and bart getting homer to think the turbo diary was a storybook my favourite parts. i was also glad that dexter colt wasn't played by some guest star.

5/5

[*Waylon Smithers*]

4/5 - A definite improvement on last weeks.
The couch gag was ok, but kinda weird. The diary idea was pretty good, and Burns purchasing the last one was fucking hi-larious. Flanderses movie and Lisa's movie was also funny. The detective part was pretty funny, and everything about the being on the lam was funny also. The ending during the credits was also very funny.

[Jason]

Good episode, laughed throughout. I give it a 4/5.

[Methane monkey man]

The plot was no lesss then genus but the jokes needed working... but the plot is what was missing before and that is the key point because of this episode my hopes for the simpsons has come back

[Beyerstein]

i fell asleep during the episode.

[Tomacco]

If I've ever seen a 3/5 episode, this was it. The third act was a tad all over the place, and featured almost zero laughs. The first act had the LOL moments with the videos and such. A good starting act. The second act was alright I guess. I'm not sure I really liked the whole investigation thing. Overall though this episode just felt lacking to me, and kind of done before. Much better than "Make Room for Lisa", but slightly worse than "Lost Our Lisa".

Speaking of Lisa, I don't know how people are overlooking that she was horribly annoying in this episode. I was very upset with her early scene where she said to Homer and Marge "just get me the friggin' toy". That was probably the most out-of-character moment for Lisa I've ever witnessed. I didn't enjoy her protest scenes at all either. I normally find it okay when they have her protesting things that are built up throughout an episode, but just having her protest for animal's rights as if it's some kind of hobby made it annoying. Homer was pretty good in this episode overall though. Too bad they left out the joke from the commercial about Oz Junior.

All in all, some funny moments, but less and less as the episode went along. The story increased in craziness too, and I didn't like how Homer and Lisa bursted out of the garage on the lam. Had a season 10 feeling to it. Nothing all-out terribly bad, but nothing great either makes this a 3/5 easy. Last week's episode featured better jokes, characterization, and storyline.

[homer5000]

Whoa! This was funny! This is in tie with Special Edna as best episode of S14, even though it's been getting mixed reviews. This episode's animation seems like a mix of "Great Louse Detective" and "Special Edna" with some great animation mixed in too. The best part, I think, is Lisa's and Rod's ametuer (sp?) videos that really reminds me of a "Create-a-book" thing where you'd add names (just like it) and objects that my parents did for me and my sister when we were really young. The best part of it was "McNuggets....mmmm...McNuggets...(Homer drools)". "PADZ" was stupid and the only bad moment I could think of, and was STILL entertaining, like Classic Simpsons used to be (the bad still being good). I loved the Chunkylover scene, even though it reminds me of scenes in those animated sitcoms on the Adult Swim (they do the same random thing that Homer did "yep...there you go...chunkylover...yep"). The private detective was good, and the scene with Ralph was funny, though the detective should of talked to Milhouse (I mean...c'mon, who wouldn't be obsessed and know a lot of Lisa? Then again...Milhouse 'is gay' according to what the writers want you to think). I liked the paint scene (though what happened to the "Oz" joke? Another misplaced joke!). Homer telling Lisa on what he did reminded me of what he did to teenage Marge in "The Way We Was", and the paint tears was stupid and touching simutaneously. The Hall of Mirrors was WONDERFUL animation and a little funny, too. I like the Cletus scene, and the end credits thing reminded me of two things: the Ullman shorts (the way it was done) and a Butterfinger commercial called "The Shock", where Bart does the same thing (if anyone wants to see it, it is on the Season 2 DVD). Great, great episode! 5/5

Also, Futurama was meh...needed more Fry...oh, and this is the first night a Groening production runs on another channel other than FOX: Futurama is premiering reruns on Cartoon Network (Adult Swim) at 11, so, Futurama fans, be sure to watch!...

[Maddog53]

Originally posted by Tomacco
Speaking of Lisa, I don't know how people are overlooking that she was horribly annoying in this episode. I was very upset with her early scene where she said to Homer and Marge "just get me the friggin' toy".

I couldn't agree more. I mentioned in my review that Lisa saying "friggen" was just too much like a swear for her.

Maddog.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by Tomacco
Speaking of Lisa, I don't know how people are overlooking that she was horribly annoying in this episode. I was very upset with her early scene where she said to Homer and Marge "just get me the friggin' toy". That was probably the most out-of-character moment for Lisa I've ever witnessed. I didn't enjoy her protest scenes at all either. I normally find it okay when they have her protesting things that are built up throughout an episode, but just having her protest for animal's rights as if it's some kind of hobby made it annoying.


Glad you caught it too. For all the Lisa fans this forum seems to employ, I was quite surprised by the almost zero criticism revolving around her.

Dang it, you beat me by a second Maddog. Well, at least Homer was well characterized.

[Lard Lad Donuts]

It wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. I'm confused!

[Bubble Crum]

To those who don't know, the couchgag is a reference to a famous photo. Friends did a parody of it in the soundtrack "Friends again." Anyway, I agree this ep had too much out of line "swearing." But I had to give it 5/5 because I havn't laughed so much in a long time and so much at a Simpsons ep. since Little Girl in the Big Ten (or maybe even ever!)Maybe I was just in a good mood after studying for finals all day. I even really liked Ralph. But after "Maggie isn't my best friend" I would expect to see Janie also. And on another note, Homer acted like in a season 5 ep (almost). It's my S14 fav. ep!

Please excuse the randomness of this ramble. It really is getting late.

Edit: Question I forgot to ask: How did the detective sell the pigs/monkeys to the circus if he had no relation to them?

And I loved how they didn't overexaggerate subtle jokes
"Favorite parent:mother" for example

Edit 2: Did anyone else like that it was Lisa's birthday but it mentioned her being eight later?

[Tomacco]

On a low note, it pains me to say that it seems King of the Hill is jumping the shark this season. Laughs have been at a low, and plots have been either plain weird or boring. I don't know what's going on there. And you know me, I'm a huge KOTH fan. And why was the first ep tonight so out of season?

[*Waylon Smithers*]

Agreed, Tomacco. The two episodes tonight were low on humor.

[homer5000]

Yeah? What's with it being Halloween in January?...

[Blue Phoenix]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"
how have i rubbed you the wrong way, all i did was stand up for a great episode which farscaper put down without even seeing

i'm a hero

He didn't say anything about the episode. All I saw was you making a jerk out of yourself and making archaic nerd jokes and bashing Farscape, which has no palce in this thread.

If your a hero then I could easily get the job of divine being with little effort.

[Rekart]

First off, I haven't seen the episode yet, someone taped it for me though.

Second, I'm a little late, but, I don't believe the Simpsons is a nerd show. Just because there are message boards and sites dedicated to it means nothing. There are too many fans of the Simpsons for it to be a nerd show. Some people are definitely nerds, yes, but it's not a nerd show

[melZets]

Loved last week's ep. Boo-urns this week. 1/5

[Cool Ranch Soda]

Excuse me but does anyone have a screen shot of Lisa with her "Powerpuff girl" hair?

As for the quality of the episode I will give it a 3/5, average not terribly LOL funny but a few chuckles here and there. Ah, another Homer/Lisa relationship eppie.

[Jake]

Originally posted by jesus plays his hits
i get the feeling that faggots here actually go into the episode thinking "boy am i going to hate this one!" light yourselves on fire, assholes.

We'll do it if you go first.

[Jake]

Originally posted by Handsome Pete
For example, I was sickened by how Marge simply allowed Bart to throw spaghetti into the fan just so she could find something to take her mind off Homer and Lisa. It's that kind of material that really makes an episode bad.


If that was the only side of the joke, then it would've been stupid, but the cuteness of Maggie dropping her bowl right after Bart's bowl toss made the scene funny, IMO.

Anyway, this was enjoyable episode that is the best Season 14 episode to date. Nothing really bad, except Homer being too stupid here and there. The asking and yelling at Lisa about what her favorite cigars were was unnerving, but moments like that were overshadowed by extremely funny bits, like the "Lisa" video.

Suprisingly, the Simpsons tonight was funnier than Futurama, and I don't think I've said that in a while.

Simpsons: A-
Futurama: B
King of the Hill: Didn't see it yet.

Jake

[Calamachino]

Originally posted by Milhouse Vanhouten
second off maybe you have not been watching the show long enough to know a "mediocure" episode when you see it, this hardly falls in the catagory of good.

With comments like this, you're being just as bad as he is.

[doyle]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"
how have i rubbed you the wrong way, all i did was stand up for a great episode which farscaper put down without even seeing

i'm a hero farscapers taken a lot of crap ever since leaving the show (yes from myself included, if anyone remembers)

ive learned that its no use to try and change poeple's minds. it hardly ever works. voicing your opinions in this sort of way will just make you look bad. am i opinionated and voice my opinions loudly sometimes? hell yes. but ive learned that it works best not to argue your point because its never too successful. you should just let it go

[rpm1200]

Agree with Tomacco 100%. Definitely a 3/5.

[Mr. Plow]

I've watched the episode twice now, and 4/5 it is. Very nice episode with great laughs. The ending too was hilarious involving Lisa's diary.

Futurama was also great, and both King of the Hills were just plain awful.

[Simpson Purist]

Originally posted by Tomacco

Speaking of Lisa, I don't know how people are overlooking that she was horribly annoying in this episode. I was very upset with her early scene where she said to Homer and Marge "just get me the friggin' toy". That was probably the most out-of-character moment for Lisa I've ever witnessed.

How is this any different from the moment in "Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy" when Lisa pushed all those kids out of the way in an attempt to get a Malibu Stacy doll?

[irv]

tommacco is incorrect

[Jessfrogger88]

I really didn't like this episode much maybe like a 2.6 out of 5. There wasn't anything wrong with the main plot, but it wasn't that funny and a lot of stuff bugged me. I hate the stupid Marge cleaning jokes. Marge used to be annoyed when her family was messy not excited. Lisa "just get me the freaking toy" what was that. Nothing really made me laugh. Last weeks was way better.

[Thomas]

For everyone that missed the couch gag it was a parody of this famous photo taken in New York in 1932

http://artwork.barewalls.com/product/artwork.exe?ArtworkID=109349&thumbs=1

I thouhgt this ep was pretty good I really liked the cannon reference, padz, and some classic wiggum. Not quite as good as Special Edna IMO 4/5

[deviler]

I gave it a 4/5 i found it really funny and I laughed a lot. There were some jokes that wernt funny at all though. I liked the tickle me Krusty doll "I'm anatomacly correct - go ahead, take a peek!"

[irv]

this episode gets a 3.1415926535897932384626433832795028841971693993751058209749 44 out of a possible 3.2415926535897932384626433832795028841971693993751058209749 44

[Jessfrogger88]

ha ha no

[Thomas]

Jeez I get no props for finding that link to the couch gag it only took me 20 mins to find... I get no respect :) j/k

[irv]

who are you

[MaxpowerAK79]

Good episode! I would give it a 4/5. I would also agree that for a lisa centered episode, I liked it more than usual.

Excellent laughs in many different places. "So sad, yet so sexy, yet so delicious!"

Some slow moments, and Lisa saying "friggin?" and Marge allowing it? But a good show!

ak

[Robbie]

Yeah, I really liked this episode. There was nothing that had me rolling, but I thought it was consistently funny throughout.

And on another note, since when is "friggin'" a cuss word?

[Mafia]

lisa was kind of annoying... but not as annoying as she'll probably be in "Scuse Me While I Kiss the Sky." Lisa protests ____ formula is almost as bad as Homer getting a new job. Lisa protests _____ was funny, but it has been executed poorly of late.


One of the things I noticed about the third act is that it didn't really try hard to be funny. I only loled once but still enjoyed the episode. It kept me interested... It is odd... since I complain about how there are so few good jokes.

[Akbar]

3 5. it didn't feel right. The chracters were inconsistent. It was funny though(Rods space adventure) Large Marge definetly is the best of this season though.

[Moleman...Hans]

Originally posted by Channel Surfer


Glad you caught it too. For all the Lisa fans this forum seems to employ, I was quite surprised by the almost zero criticism revolving around her.

Dang it, you beat me by a second Maddog. Well, at least Homer was well characterized.

I hated that damn friggin bit too. It just wasn't her.

[Tomacco]

It's much different in "Lisa vs Malibu Stacy" when she pushes the other kids around to get the toys, because she points out right before that the given situation makes her act "crazy", being out of her ordinary personality. So it was meant to be out of character. When she said "just get me the friggin' toy", it was meant to be her ACTUAL personality coming across. The word "friggin'" aside, she was just far too much of a spoiled brat bitch in that scene than ever before.

Now honestly, how can anyone disagree with me on this?

[SideshowTim]

I completely Agree

[Smilin'JoeFission]

Mixed reviews. The writers' attempt at giving us an emotional "Lisa & Homer ep" was OK, not as good as "Lost Our Lisa", but far better than "Make Room For Lisa". Of course, nowhere near as good as "Lisa's Substitute".

Best moments:
"PADZ", good parody
Girltech, a division of BOYTECH
Flanders' video for Rod, and Homer's video for Lisa
Detective Dexter Colt's scenes with Skinner and Nelson

Worst moments
"Just get me the friggin' book"
Ralph's lines
Human Cannonball- when he hit Homer in the gut, I thought Homer would get seriously injured, due to his stint with Hullabalooza.
Hair dye gags- CHeap laugh, only I didn't laugh

Overal, once again, it was good for the state the show is currently in.
Grade: A-

[Maddog53]

Originally posted by Tomacco
Now honestly, how can anyone disagree with me on this?

I disagree with disagreeing with you. :)

Maddog.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by Moleman...Hans


I hated that damn friggin bit too. It just wasn't her.

I'll add though that it's not as though Lisa hasn't sworn before in the first place. Consider "Homie the Clown", "The Joy of Sect", and the already mentioned "Lisa Vs. Malibu Stacy", amongst others. It was the context of the dialogue that made it discouraging for me, and probably yourself.

Lisa, in this episode, reminded me a bit of the little girl in that cell phone commercial (forget the brand) who gets a toy bear, but begins screaming when she discovers it couldn't talk. Very self-centered.

On a side note, Homer reminded me of that same girl at the beginning of "Trash of the Titans". :LOL:

[SideshowTim]

Alot Like that girl off Rugrats who gets everything she wants then when she gets It she want's even more, Angelica I think her name Is

[Tomacco]

You don't think Angelica is her name. You know it is but are too embarassed to admit it. :p

[huh?]

Great episode, even better than last week's in my opinion. A lot of funny jokes, especially in the first act with the video, and a pretty good plot, 5/5.

[mintjellyonthelam]

4/5

Great 3 weeks in a row. I'm gonna cry.
Best Parts:
Homer wasn't a jerk, Lisa wasn't annoying and didn't throw a hissyfit
The Laser Dot
The Homemade Video (Hobbies:Diabetes) McNuggets
PADZ
Elliot Gould on ^^^^
Cletus
Spaghetti

Bad:
Ralph has had nosebleed jokes before
Some miss jokes (sounds like they are waiting for a laugh track, Jean does this a lot)

Odd:
Nelson's Snow White Picture

Grades:
THOH13:C
Strummer:B+
Third Grade: C+
Large Marge:B
Helter:C+
Louse:A-
Edna: A-
Too Little: A-

A couple more good jokes and "EHH!"

[irv]

the part where homer gives his email address is funny, because it's so much like real life.

that's chunkylover53 at aol. chunkylover53. that's one word. chunkylover53 at aol.

dot com.

that part was fantastic, as was the part when home ran from the office.

[Milhouse Van Houten]

I was realy boerd and e-maild chunkylover53@aol.com, anybody else do this?

[Warren]

I give it a 4.5/5

So far this season:
THOH XIII: C
Strummer: C-
Third Grade: C+
Large Marge: B+
Helter Shelter: F
Louse: A-
Edna: A
Too Little: A-

[Bob Underdunk T]

I never got a chance to see the trailer. Could someone tell me what the 'Ozzy Jr. joke' was? And anything else not included in the ep.

[Handsome Pete]

You know, I didn't like how most people in that episode were out of character, but there was one person who seemed to be right on: Maggie. She seemed to act like more like a real infant, and not more adult like she has in more recent episodes. I hadn't even noticed that she dropped her bowl when Bart threw his up into the fan (Thanks for pointing that out, Jake!).

[Pepito]

Originally posted by Citizen Kang
Pretty good episode. The plot of Homer and Lisa relating wasn't very original but there were some good jokes. 4/5

I wrote to chunkylover23@aol.com on AIM. Here's what he said:

Citizen Kang NYC:homer?
chunkylover23:yes
Citizen Kang NYC:how ya doing?
chunkylover23:good good, how are you
Citizen Kang NYC:good man
Citizen Kang NYC:good episode tonight.
chunkylover23:sure is
Citizen Kang NYC: I'd imagine you're getting a million IMs from it.
chunkylover23: it's all gravy
Citizen Kang NYC: well I'll leave you alone then. Have a good night. Peace.
chunkylover23: Peace out.
"Peace" o wait "cool" rapper expression

[Akbar]

Originally posted by Tomacco
You don't think Angelica is her name. You know it is but are too embarassed to admit it. :p
ooh drama LOL.

[Tomacco]

Heh heh, naw I'm just kiddin' around.

[Stackhouse]

I watched it twice.. and I think I'll give it a 8.8/10, and a 5/5 for the poll. It wasn't that funny, but it had a good plot, which doesn't happen much with these new eps.

Good:
- PADZ

- Rod and Lisa's homemade movies

- Homer eating all the free samples

- Homer and Bart trying to get a Turbodiary, the guy saying he had just sold the last one (this reminded me of that terrible Arnold Swartzeneggar *oops- hard last name* movie, Jingle all the way, where he's looking for the Turboman doll for his kid, the guy says hes just sold the last one... I dunno if the writers were referring to that- probably not- but it worked for me :P.)

- 'Maggie, you're her best friend, go talk to her.'

- the Smoking Monkeys

- Ralph, 'Can Lisa come out and play with her hands up'?

- I liked the hall of mirrors scene

- The plot was well done

Bad:

- Nelson's snow white comment

- A few others I can't think of

All in all, good, but not as good as Special Edna.

[Akbar]

if it wasn't funny why did you give it a five star rating?

[Hans Barber]

"Man I love being a Nerd-le!!"
heh we r all nerds, right on that milhouse. just all different kinds of nerds, but nerds.
and by the way, lets keep the peace. i dont have anything against u yes i cannibis, but is farscaper is stride83, i have a lo of respect for him and he knows a good amount on the show. im not saying you dont, its just that he has his opinion, and you fighting back with kiddy remarks wont make you seem any better of a person. were all cool here, we all have different opinions, thats life.

[Mike Scully]

I'm not a nerd ... nerds are smart.

[Channel Surfer]

Nerdish behavior ahead :LOL:

I'm still flexing around with the grades of this season a bit. Some have gone up. Others have gone down. But hey, seeing as how everyone else is posting a list, why not me.

Season 14 Rankings:

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

To make things more interesting, I'll also rate them in relation to the entire 13th season. I'll bold the season 14 episodes.

Seasons 13-14 Rankings:

"Little Girl in the Big Ten" A
"Half-Decent Proposal" A
"Tales From Public Domain" A-
"Treehouse of Horror XII" B+
"Sweets and Sour Marge" B+
"Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge" B+
"Treehouse of Horror XIII" B
"Jaws Wired Shut" B
"Special Edna" B
"Weekend At Burnsies" B
"The Old Man and the Key" B
"Blame it on Lisa" B
"The Blunder Years" B-
"How I Spent My Strummer Vacation" B-
"Brawl in the Family" B-
"She of Little Faith" C+
"The Dad Who Knew Too Little" C+
"Gump Roast" C+
"The Great Louse Detectives" C+
"The Bart Wants What it Wants" C+
"Large Marge" C
"A Hunka Hunka Burns in Love" C
"Homer the Moe" C
"I am Furious (Yellow)" C
"The Parent Rap" C-
"Bart vs. Lisa vs. the 3rd Grade" C-
"The Lastest Gun in the West" C-
"The Frying Game" C-
"The Sweetest Apu" C-
"Helter Shelter" D-

[Jessfrogger88]

I just thought I would add I didn't like either Skinner jokes the dot and the stapeler. They were both lame.

[davidshirt]

Best episode ever.

[Simpsonite]

It was o.k.,not great though.
But,I did like the bond between Homer and Lisa again.
The PADZ skit was pretty funny. The diary bit was o.k.
The Ned Flanders movie star maker was very funny,especially when Homer tried to do it for Lisa. Chief Wiggum saying to Skinner "My Uncle died of crouch dot" was hilarious!Overall it was somewhat good.Last week was way better to me though.

[chiefdan]

Originally posted by jesus plays his hits
this episode gets a 3.1415926535897932384626433832795028841971693993751058209749 44 out of a possible 3.2415926535897932384626433832795028841971693993751058209749 44

mmm......pie.

[Mike Scully]

Originally posted by Channel Surfer
Nerdish behavior ahead :LOL:

I'm still flexing around with the grades of this season a bit. Some have gone up. Others have gone down. But hey, seeing as how everyone else is posting a list, why not me.

(snip)



I like the way you think, Channel Surfer. :) I agree almost exactly with all your rankings. My only disagreements are this year's Halloween special (worst THOH ever), and I Am Furious Yellow (which I liked).

[TheRabidmoose]

I thought that this was a descent episode compared to some of the other episodes this year. I was very, very worried when Homer drove out of his garage and thought it was going to be another whacky ending.

I'm surprised no one brought this up but I loved how they had another billboard sign like they did in the Springfield Files.

All in all a good episode probably 4/5.

[Akbar]

I get straight As. I'm a nerd.

[pot, george]

HEY FRIZ HOW ARE YOU?

[Friz]

Urm... F-Fine..?

Did you go in "Who's Online"?

[Hans Barber]

agreed jolly, i really can not stand thoh13. but i prob would have lowered special edna and risen large marge, or bart vs. lisa. vs. thirdn grade. but their his ratings and his opinions.

[hwtrash]

Decent. It was pretty funny and had a focused plot, which were nice to see.
I really didn't care for the "Padz" thing. It could have been a lot funnier and Elliot Gould brought nothing to the table. MTV's "Cribs" is ripe for satire, but I think the writers really dropped the ball.
The Flanders video was lame. Not funny at all.
I did like how it turned into a semi-film noir at the end. It was funny to me, because so many of those movies end up in a carnival.
It's a few days later and I don't remember too much of this episode, so take that for what it's worth.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

crotch dot

hahahahahahaha

best joke ever

[Tomacco]

Actually I thought the "my uncle died of crotch dot" joke was terrible.

[HomertheGreat]

I did too it seemed too much out of charactor for Skinner to be dropping his pants in public

[Simpson Purist]

The "crotch dot" was weird, but not as weird as Moe's animal transplant gag.

[Tomacco]

Not as weird as Moe's "maybe someday I'll turn into a swan" though.

[MaxpowerAK79]

I don't think anybody has mentioned my favorite joke of the whole episode:

Homer: Hey Flanders, what are you buying? Jerk stuff!?
Flanders: Sure am!

[Mendoza!!!!]

I loved that one of Rod's hobbies was Diabetes. Tasteless and hilarious.

[Mafia]

crotch dot and swan are jokes that make me embarrassed to watch with others...

I think one line of Lisa shouldan't really matter, despite being really out of character. Since she is a buddhist, wouldn't she not want it, as she claimed that she didn't want gifts in She of Little Faith (well.... she was lying, but she wouldn't give into gifts)

[doyle]

Originally posted by Akbar
I get straight As. I'm a nerd. finally! we got someone else from rhode island here

[Simpson Purist]

Anyone know what's the name of the song that is briefly played during the scene in which Lisa, Homer, and Bart wear their "Lisa's father/Homer's daughter/Bart" t-shirts?

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by The Jolly Bengali
I like the way you think, Channel Surfer. :) I agree almost exactly with all your rankings. My only disagreements are this year's Halloween special (worst THOH ever), and I Am Furious Yellow (which I liked).

Thanks.

"I am Furious (Yellow)" was far too self-referential for my tastes ("I hope nobody's drawing this", "I wondered why she was here", ect.) and I found much of the satire on the profitability of Internet businesses to be painfully unfunny. There are plenty of gags I liked, and Stan Lee was the best self-portrayed guest star that season. But it just felt kind of lacking to me.

As far as "Treehouse of Horror XIII" is concerned, I guess I'm a bit more forgiving to it then many other people. Though it did lack much of the Halloween spirit of many others, that didn't quite bother me the way it seemed to bother others (though that is a reason why it ranked below "Treehouse of Horror XI and XII"). I guess I'm just more favorable to the Halloween Specials.

And personally, I've always felt "Treehouse of Horror X" was the worst of the series.

Originally posted by Hans Moleman Jr.
agreed jolly, i really can not stand thoh13. but i prob would have lowered special edna and risen large marge, or bart vs. lisa. vs. thirdn grade. but their his ratings and his opinions.

I don't mind people commenting. If I did, I wouldn't have posted that list to begin with.

I found "Large Marge" to be dull during its middle segment, not to mention its formulaic development. Plus, was Stampy's appearance really necessary?

"Bart vs. Lisa vs. the 3rd Grade" was very funny at the beginning, but it continues to get less interesting as it went along, IMO. (the hicks?). It also felt gimmicky, and it didn't do anything with the Bart/Lisa rivalry that hadn't been done in, say, "My Sister My Sitter". Perhaps if the actual 3rd grade experience had been more memorable, perhaps by introducing a new kid, I may have enjoyed it more.

Originally posted by Mafia
I think one line of Lisa shouldan't really matter, despite being really out of character. Since she is a buddhist, wouldn't she not want it, as she claimed that she didn't want gifts in She of Little Faith (well.... she was lying, but she wouldn't give into gifts)

But also remember that she was asking for that pony during that incredibly long walking scene. Besides, considering she still uses products made by animals (I mean one's that require the killing of the animal), I'd surmise she wouldn't be a perfect Buddhist either.

[irv]

crotch dot was a play on the term crotch rot, for you horrible assholes who post in mr. brooms "we get none of the jokes that are on the simpsons" thread

[Bob Underdunk T]

I never got a chance to see the trailer. Could someone tell me what the 'Ozzy Jr. joke' was? And anything else not included in the ep.

[Hapablap]

this episode felt more like a much earlier episode for me, the plot was good with good/great jokes inserted. Not too much stupid, crazy, stuff in there. The actual story was worth watching, even without the outrageous jokes, which is what almost everyone seems to want, judging by past reviews in here. Yet alot of people say it wasnt funny enough. I give this one a 3/5 for a good episode, I judge on funniness, then plot. This one met my expectations, and yet seemed much more tame than anything in the last couple seasons. I'd say the show is getting back on the right track. boo yeah

[Jake]

Dumb observation: If Wiggum pulled up in front of Skinner, wouldn't that have blocked the 'dot'?

["Yes i Cannibus"]

Originally posted by Jake
Dumb observation: If Wiggum pulled up in front of Skinner, wouldn't that have blocked the 'dot'?

well....yes

and what happend to the oz jr. joke?, i thought it was funny and the ABC joke was even funnier seeing as ABC are idiots with stupid shows

[StrideR]

Sure ...and FOX has set the standard for excellent entertainment:uhh:. ABC has had some pretty good shows like Drew Carey, Spin City, and even My Wife and Kids. They've just had a hard couple of seasons.

[Bob Underdunk T]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"
and what happend to the oz jr. joke?, i thought it was funny and the ABC joke was even funnier seeing as ABC are idiots with stupid shows
Could someone please tell me what the jokes were that weren't included in the ep?

[HomertheGreat]

FarScape I'm curious to see what your ratings are for all the Season 14 episodes...

[StrideR]

I've only seen 5 season 14 episodes, but they go something like this:

THOH XIII - 4/10
How I Spent My Strummer Vacation - 4/10
Bart vs Lisa vs The Third Grade - 4/10
Large Marge - 4.5/10
Helter Shelter - 1/10
The Great Louse Detective - 3/10

[SideshowTim]

Your pretty harsh

2000th POST!!! :p ;) ;) :p :p :chug:

[StrideR]

I've always been harsh. If this board represented the US political system, I'd be the "right" in right-wing politics.

[Friz]

I did like this episode very much. Amazing animation, jokes, fun Ralph scenes.

I also noticed that they've started to do things during the end credits (similar to Frasier, Friends...). This has happened with "How I Spent My Strummer Vacation", "Special Edna" and this one. It's something I like, and let's hope they stick to it throughout the season.

4/5. (Felt like Season Nine...)

[Akbar]

Originally posted by Friz
I did like this episode very much. Amazing animation, jokes, fun
4/5. (Felt like Season Nine...)

and season 9 was good because...

[Mafia]

season 9 was the last good season. Sure, at the time of Season 9, Season 9 was the worst season... and the begining of the end, but it gave many great moments.

[StrideR]

Namely "The Cartridge Family," "City of NY vs. Homer Simpson," and "Simpson Tide."

[Moleman...Hans]

Season 9 is actually pretty good. It has some extremely wacky plots, but it is still okay.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by Mafia
season 9 was the last good season. Sure, at the time of Season 9, Season 9 was the worst season... and the begining of the end, but it gave many great moments.

I still say season 13 was better. I compared both seasons on this thread (http://www.nohomers.net/showthread.php?threadid=21195). An excerpt from my post:

While season 9 and 13 are neck in neck with their better episodes, the bottom of the barrel of season 9 is much worse then that of season 13, IMO. Also, season 9 has three more episodes, yet only two episodes in the A range, as opposed to season 13's three.

[StrideR]

Previously posted by Channel Surfer

Season 9:

"Lisa's Sax" A
"Treehouse of Horror VIII" A
"Natural Born Kissers" B+
"The Cartridge Family" B+
"The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons" B+
"King of the Hill" B
"The Last Temptation of Krust" B
"Lisa the Simpson" B
"Simpson Tide" B
"The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson" B
"Lost Our Lisa" B-
"The Trouble with Trillions" B-
"Miracle on Evergreen Terrace" B-
"Bart Star" B-
"Lisa the Skeptic" C+
"Realty Bites" C+
"Das Bus" C+
"Girly Edition" C+
"Trash of the Titans" C
"Bart Carny" C
"Dumbbell Indemnity" C
"This Little Wiggy" C-
"The Joy of Sect" C-
"The Principal and the Pauper" D
"All Singing, All Dancing" D-

Season 13:

"Little Girl in the Big Ten" A
"Half-Decent Proposal" A
"Tales From Public Domain" A-
"Treehouse of Horror XII" B+
"Sweets and Sour Marge" B+
"Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge" B+
"Jaws Wired Shut" B
"Weekend At Burnsies" B
"The Old Man and the Key" B
"Blame it on Lisa" B
"The Blunder Years" B-
"Brawl in the Family" B-
"She of Little Faith" C+
"Gump Roast" C+
"The Bart Wants What it Wants" C+
"A Hunka Hunka Burns in Love" C
"Homer the Moe" C
"I am Furious (Yellow)" C
"The Parent Rap" C-
"The Lastest Gun in the West" C-
"The Frying Game" C-
"The Sweetest Apu" C-




I'm sorry, but the best of season 13 don't compare with the best of season 9. And, no matter how harmful it was to the space/time continuum, "The Principal and The Pauper" is still better than "Blame it on Lisa," and most of the stuff from season 13. Also, "Lisa's sax" on a higher plane of consciousness than every episode that got an A in Season 13.

[Mike Scully]

Hm, in retrospect this episode probably deserves a B, instead of the original C I gave it.

The plot was quite good and the film noir atmosphere was very well-done and makes the episode stand out in some ways.

[Mike Scully]

I think my biggest laugh in this episode was the detective's line "You know, Homer, when you first stepped into my office, I had a feeling I'd shoot you in a hall of mirrors."

[davidshirt]

Originally posted by The Jolly Bengali
I think my biggest laugh in this episode was the detective's line "You know, Homer, when you first stepped into my office, I had a feeling I'd shoot you in a hall of mirrors."

Yeah, that was pretty funny. I think Sunday's episode will be one of those ones that was pretty good when you first saw it, but will get better the more you think about it and watch it again.

[Tomacco]

I don't know why everyone loved Sunday's ep.
There were some glaring problems and flopping jokes that took away from it for me. It was alright, but it was just..well..nothing. Not memorable at all really.

[Mafia]

Originally posted by FarScapeR



I'm sorry, but the best of season 13 don't compare with the best of season 9. And, no matter how harmful it was to the space/time continuum, "The Principal and The Pauper" is still better than "Blame it on Lisa," and most of the stuff from season 13. Also, "Lisa's sax" on a higher plane of consciousness than every episode that got an A in Season 13.


i agree. i can honestly live without the idea of an episode revolving around an 8 year old pretending to be a college student being considered the best of the season. I'd say the best of Season 9 (The City of NY Vs. Homer Simpson was voted best, i think... Lisa's Sax second) would plow over the best of Season 13 (Little Girl In the Big Ten and Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge.) Half Decent Proposal and Poppa's probably were my favorite episodes... even if the plot of Half Decent Proposal was used as one little joke in a previous episode. (The Front... High School Reunion... Marge sees Artie Ziff. Homer says "Wow, I bet you'd pay a million dollars for one night with my wife." Artie says yea and Homer laughs. i might be a little off. It is just opinion though.

[doyle]

Originally posted by FarScapeR



I'm sorry, but the best of season 13 don't compare with the best of season 9. And, no matter how harmful it was to the space/time continuum, "The Principal and The Pauper" is still better than "Blame it on Lisa," and most of the stuff from season 13. Also, "Lisa's sax" on a higher plane of consciousness than every episode that got an A in Season 13.
yeah its true lisas sax is a ways above everything season 13 had to offer but i think more sweat was put into season 13 to try to get the simpsons back on track and i find it myself hard to argue with the grades that channel surfer gave

[Simpson Purist]

Channel Surfer is grading the episodes on their own merits. If we were all grading the episodes relative to seasons 1-9, a good majority of them would get C's or lower.

The Star Wars moral of the day is: do not let your feelings get in the way of your judgment.

[Mike Scully]

No, I don't consider season 9 to be part of the classic seasons, and I consider season 13 to be just as good as season 9. Though most season 9 episodes were enjoyable in their own way, the only episodes that season that stood out were Natural Born Kissers, Lisa's Sax, Cartridge Family, Lisa the Simpson, and Treehouse of Horror 8. I consider season 9's supposed best episode, Homer vs New York, to be extremely overrated. I mean, half the episode is about Homer's need to use the bathroom, and driving a car that's been locked. What does that have to do with classic Simpsons? I'd much rather watch an empathetic and interesting episode like season 13's Little Girl in The Big Ten. Season 9 had its fair share of toilet/juvenile humor, and the characterization was often downright sloppy (Homer in Trash of the Titans and 2 Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons, Lisa in Lard of the Dance and Girly Edition). The worst episodes of season 9 plain sucked (Trash of the Titans, The Principal and the Pauper, Lard of the Dance) while the worst of season 13 (The Frying Game, The Sweetest Apu) weren't quite as bad. Overall, my first impression of season 9 was shock at how much the show had jumped in quality that year.

My biggest problems with season 13 was the use of plastic emotion in many episodes (Brawl in the Family, The Bart Wants What it Wants), and some boring stories with bad endings. But I think season 13 is at least up to season 9 levels (maybe even better), because it returned to the character-driven, realistic, and satirical roots of The Simpsons, even more than season 9, and the best season 13 episodes (The Old Man And The Key, Half-Decent Proposal, Jaws Wired Shut, Little Girl in the Big Ten) were more than just a string of gags; they actually told humorous storylines.

[tim_duncan2000]

I'd give it about a 3.5 out of 5. It was pretty good, but there were a few jokes that I could have done without. I thought it was funny when Homer was eating all the free samples, but then they showed him eating some pants. They should have quit while they were ahead on that one. I also did not find it that funny how Homer put all that stuff on his head to look like hair. I also agree with others about how the protest seemed thrown in, but that didn't bother me too much.
I also did not care for the part where Bart threw his food in the fan and Marge's odd reaction to it. In earlier eps, she would have scolded him for doing that.

I really enjoyed the bit showing Krusty's home and what it's like, Homer's Lisa video, what the Tickle-Me-Krusty Doll said, and the Bridge Outstanding sign.

Overall, it was a pretty solid ep with a few minor flaws. It was a pretty interesting and original plot, and they didn't try to ruin it with some horribly lame guest star.

[tim_duncan2000]

The worst episodes of season 9 plain sucked (Trash of the Titans, The Principal and the Pauper, Lard of the Dance) while the worst of season 13 (The Frying Game, The Sweetest Apu) weren't quite as bad. Overall, my first impression of season 9 was shock at how much the show had jumped in quality that year.
You thought The Frying Game and The Sweetest Apu were the worst episodes of Season 13? I didn't like either one that much, but Homer the Moe, The Parent Rap, and The Blunder Years were way worse than anything from Season 9. I consider myself to be one that hates 85+ % of newer seasons, but I kind of liked Trash of the Titans.

I think Season 9 totally kicks Season 13's ass all over the place. In addition to the others I've already mentioned, I also did not like Brawl in the Family, Jaws Wired Shut, Sweets and Sour Marge, Gump Roast, and most of Weekend at Burnsies. The only Season 9 episodes that I don't care for are the last part of The Trouble With Trillions, The Principal and The Pauper, and The Last Temptation of Krust.

[Channel Surfer]

Didn't expect as much of a response to my list here. I'll respond to most everyone's comments.

Originally posted by FarScapeR

I'm sorry, but the best of season 13 don't compare with the best of season 9. And, no matter how harmful it was to the space/time continuum, "The Principal and The Pauper" is still better than "Blame it on Lisa," and most of the stuff from season 13. Also, "Lisa's sax" on a higher plane of consciousness than every episode that got an A in Season 13.


Following your lead...

"Lisa's Sax" is probably the best episode in both seasons 9 and 13, but not on the level that people make it out to be. The power of "Lisa's Sax" comes from its strongly played story, empathetic situations, raw gags, and attention to detail (like Lisa building a pony out of clay in the daycare). However, it is diffidently on the same grade level to "Little Girl in the Big Ten", with its expressive, empathetic (like Sax), and satirical backdrop combined with a smart mix of different styles of gags. Not to mention an animation scheme based in expression over recreation (such as the sunshine rays during Lisa's somewhat infamous "dive"). "LGITBT" is very close in quality to "Lisa's Sax". And remember, "Lisa's Sax" has had years to develop a nostalgic connection with me.

"The Principle and the Pauper" just sucks. Beyond basing the episode around degrading discontinuity, the episode is written in a way so I should empathize with Skinner, a very difficult thing to do considering the absurdity of the writing. The ending doesn't help either.

Originally posted by Mafia
i agree. i can honestly live without the idea of an episode revolving around an 8 year old pretending to be a college student being considered the best of the season. I'd say the best of Season 9 (The City of NY Vs. Homer Simpson was voted best, i think... Lisa's Sax second) would plow over the best of Season 13 (Little Girl In the Big Ten and Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge.) Half Decent Proposal and Poppa's probably were my favorite episodes... even if the plot of Half Decent Proposal was used as one little joke in a previous episode. (The Front... High School Reunion... Marge sees Artie Ziff. Homer says "Wow, I bet you'd pay a million dollars for one night with my wife." Artie says yea and Homer laughs. i might be a little off. It is just opinion though.

Personally, I can honestly live without the idea of Homer losing his car in New York and holding back a pee while waiting to pick it up being the best episode of season 9. As The Jolly Bengali already said, I consider the supposed best episode of season 9, "The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson" to be extremely overrated. It has a great start with Duffman's first appearance, and Homer's flashback to New York is all LOL material. But come Homer's encounter with the boot, the segments of the episode revolving around him aren't that engaging to me (is his encounter with "the boot" really that great?) The story revolving around the rest of the family is a little better, but outside of the Broadway Musical "Kicking' it" and possibly the jab at "Mad Magazine", there wasn't anything classic about it either. I do think it's a fun episode though, and I did give it a B, on par with other later day, slightly uneven vacation episodes like "30 Minutes Over Tokyo", "Blame it on Lisa", and "Special Edna". But it's just not anything special to me.


Originally posted by Simpson Purist
Channel Surfer is grading the episodes on their own merits. If we were all grading the episodes relative to seasons 1-9, a good majority of them would get C's or lower.

The Star Wars moral of the day is: do not let your feelings get in the way of your judgment.

Yes, I do [attempt to] grade episodes based off their own merits, and recommend that everyone else do so too. I try to rate all episodes based on my reactions to their viewings, and make an honest effort not to round my grades to please a season of decline. An "A" is an "A" is an "A", no matter what season it's in.

Interesting "Star Wars" moral. But wouldn't my judgment on "Simpsons" episodes be also my feelings about it (as they're based in either subjectivity or intersubjectivity)? ;)

Originally posted by The Jolly Bengali
...Season 9 had its fair share of toilet/juvenile humor, and the characterization was often downright sloppy (Homer in Trash of the Titans and 2 Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons, Lisa in Lard of the Dance and Girly Edition). The worst episodes of season 9 plain sucked (Trash of the Titans, The Principal and the Pauper, Lard of the Dance) while the worst of season 13 (The Frying Game, The Sweetest Apu) weren't quite as bad. Overall, my first impression of season 9 was shock at how much the show had jumped in quality that year.

My biggest problems with season 13 was the use of plastic emotion in many episodes (Brawl in the Family, The Bart Wants What it Wants), and some boring stories with bad endings. But I think season 13 is at least up to season 9 levels (maybe even better), because it returned to the character-driven, realistic, and satirical roots of The Simpsons...

That more or less matches my feelings. While the emotional aspect of season 13 was lacking, I feel that it wasn't as bad as the characterizations in season 9 (and a bit beyond)

Oh dang, I forgot "Lard of the Dance". If that is part of season 9, then season 13 is not only better then season 9, it's superior to it!

[whoismrbungle]

5/5

The home video footage had me hooked, and the rest was great. It made sense, but it wasn't "normal".

Best episode of the season, and destined to become a classic. Yeah, it was that good.

Does anyone have the full quote on Rod's interests? I remember one was diabetes...

[Mike Scully]

Originally posted by tim_duncan2000

You thought The Frying Game and The Sweetest Apu were the worst episodes of Season 13? I didn't like either one that much, but Homer the Moe, The Parent Rap, and The Blunder Years were way worse than anything from Season 9. I consider myself to be one that hates 85+ % of newer seasons, but I kind of liked Trash of the Titans.


Actually, yeah, I agree with you about Homer the Moe and The Parent Rap being among season 13's worst as well. Homer the Moe was the only episode in season 13 that I hated; (whereas, I hated many episodes from seasons 11-12). All the other episodes in season 13 had at least a little redeeming quality, such as Homer freeing Marge from death row in The Frying Game.

But I did like The Blunder Years. To me, it was one of the first signs that the show was starting to get back on track.

[NoOneFamous]

Alright, I'm a little late, but I finally got around to seeing this episode (I just downloaded it.) I'm not going to do the longer reviews that I've been doing lately, because theres no point. Lets just say that this episode was above average, and might have gotten a 5/5 from me if it weren't for the annoying pop culture fad references (like 2 minutes spent on the MTV Cribs parody), toilet humor for kids (what Ralph said, stuff Bart has said lately, Krusty doll telling kids to check out its crotch, and Cletus kissing the pigs), and jokes that just missed the mark or were totally lame. But, it had enough laugh-out-loud moments (the Kiosk home made tapes especially)and an interesting enough story to keep me entertained. The emotion between Homer and Lisa still felt kind of forced, but at least they're trying to put emotion back into the show.

3.5/5 - C+ or B- range.

[SideshowTim]

When will the next ep air?

[DotheBartman]

Just saw this tonight after a two week trip, and here's my incredibly late review.

First act: Meh. There's some good jokes here and there, but its just uninteresting. Some good jokes ensue (I liked PADZ, despite that the tv parodies are getting REALLY tiring), but most doesn't really engage. Near the end there's some decent ATTEMPTS at emotion, but it just doesn't really seem to work. The crotch jokes were pathetic. 2.5/5

Second act: It fares a little better. Again some good jokes here and there, with a couple big time floppers (what the fuck with the Moe and the bull joke? and the pig thing was pitiful, particularly Homer's line). A couple laugh out louders, but nothing really great. 3/5

Third act: Not as bad as anticipated, but it certainly could've been better. Again, I liked that they ATTEMPTED emotion, but it just kept succumbing to current idea of "apologizing" for emotion with more crazy wackiness. Case in point, right as Lisa makes that comment about Homer remembering something about her, it seems there could be a nice Homer and Lisa moment coming....and then she zaps the detective to blindness with a laser pointer. Most of it just felt contrived to shut up us "lousy complainers", with more hilarious apologizing at the end with a cletus joke and a rather obviously set up joke about Homer getting injured again, right where there should've been a nice Homer and Lisa bonding moment. Oh, and Homer gets shot....not good. Still watchable, I guess.... 3/5

So, another mediocre episode of a (currently) mediocre show. Yes, its nice they're TRYING emotion again on something of a regular basis. That's certainly more then Scully gave us. But sadly this is really no different from most of Scully's "emotional" episodes (save for a couple like Lost our Lisa and Hungry Hungry Homer) in that it really falls completely flat, and is essentially overpowered by a bunch of decent but not hilarious jokes. And to add, there are reused concepts, like Homer having trouble with Lisa (with a rather blanant rip off of Lisa's Pony) and Simpsons characters running from the law (Marge on the Lam, and even Lost our Lisa come to mind). Basically, its a bunch of decent by forgettable jokes (I'm writing this just minutes after watching it, and I'm having trouble remembering some of them, which seems to happen lately watching new episodes).

So, to recap: Decent, but not great or even good really. C, and I'm being generous at this point. Like Tomacco said, its basically....nothing. No substance whatsoever.

[Sunday Best Hugo]

I loved the episode. With Lisa being one of my favorite characters, I was happy to see an episode more focused around her. I thought that the "Make your child a star" bit was hilarious!

Lisa's favorite book is: Magazine!

The whole Chunkylover thing was hilarious too, and it was good to see Cletus and Brandine. Ralph's lines did need some improvement, based on his track record of comedy, but overall I loved the episode.

And because I am bias toward Lisa.. I score it a 5/5.

[red]

Finally saw this episode. A little boring in places, but I laughed out loud a few times and liked the fact that the episode was based around a relationship, rather than some crazy holiday or something.

Originally posted by Tomacco

Speaking of Lisa, I don't know how people are overlooking that she was horribly annoying in this episode. I was very upset with her early scene where she said to Homer and Marge "just get me the friggin' toy". That was probably the most out-of-character moment for Lisa I've ever witnessed.
This was the worst part of the episode for me.


I liked Bart asking Homer to read him Lisa's diary at the end.. this was classic Bart behaviour that we don't see very much of lately.

Favourite part: "Maggie, you're her best friend. Go talk to her", followed by Maggie falling over.

I enjoyed Homer drawing on his face with hair dye, and his phone call to Marge.

Also: ""how ironic, now he's blind after a lifetime of enjoying being able to see"

2/5

[Number Two]

Meh, 3/5

[George Cauldron]

I thought this episode was brilliant, and had the makings of a classic episode, with a mistake of comedy, emotion, and whatever else there is that makes the show great. 5/5, easily beating Futurama which aired in the UK today, which was A Taste of Freedom.

[Mayor Quimby]

4/5 for me saw it twice now keeps getting better.