Rate & Review: "Strong Arms Of The Ma" (EABF04)

[Cole]

You can read and discuss previews and speculation in this thread (http://nohomers.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21931) until the episode airs. Once the episode airs, this thread and poll will be open for review

[Necromancer]

3/5, not bad, not bad at all.

Disco Stu should have disco ducked.

[Andy]

Hmm...

Pretty good, not EXCELLENT, but good.

The "Marge lifting the bus" thing was a little uncalled for, but the rest of the ep was rather well-flowing, not that much disjointedness.

Better than Large Marge? Well, LM was a tad better.

[YesMan]

I really liked it... 4/5.

[EvilHomer01]

Some of the funnier jokes this season belong to this episode. I thought it finished off everything way too quick, though. 3.5/5

[Sam]

Pros:

It felt alot like a classic episode.
More intact plot
No Jerkass Homer!
Homer's Tetris Game
The Robber (with the goofy hat) made me laugh out loud, surprisingly.
The presence of hidden jokes again! no more "pointing them out". (e.g. The "golden globes" sale bin).
Snowball II through the duct
Continued return of old characters (Ruth Powers)

Cons:

The sword sticking out of homer's belly fell flat a little.
Grandpa in his underwear.
What was with the navy joke?

Neutral:

Marge beating up the bar (it was kinda unrealistic, but in the end allowed homer to get emotional, and prevented him from being a jerkass).

In the end, a good episode. Simpsons is getting more and more to how it used to be.

[b]Post Classified As:[b/] 4/5

(Beep)

["Yes i Cannibus"]

4/5 so funny, good story

fav jokes

couch gag
tetris joke

everything

take away the animation and lip sync screw ups and this woukd have been the perfect episode





farscape sucks

[Bubble Crum]

4/5

You take the good, you take the bad, you take what's left and then you have: The Strong Arms of Ma.

[Lard Lad Donuts]

Generally, I liked it! It didn't have many laughing moments but overall it was one of the good ones this season!

[Citizen Kang]

4/5

This seemed more like one of the Simpson's comic book stories and not like an episode. But I gave 4/5 cause I stilled laughed a lot.

Marge: I didn't give up my period to get second place.

Lenny: I hear ya!

[America: Fuck Yea!]

GREAT!!!!!!! not since NYC vs. Homer have I seen a 5 star episode....the godfather, twilight zone, apocalypse now references were great!!! Did anyone else feel like they were going through nostalgia...so many past references.....the school bus sucked but luckily they saved it with a good joke about "pot"


The simpsons are finally back!!!!!!!!

[Stina]

I really liked this episode. The Tetris scene was hilarious. It was cool seeing Marge kick that dude's ass. ^_^

5/5

[InputSelect]

I don't know how to rate it.
The first two acts were really great 5/5 and 4/5.
But the third act woulb be more like 2.5 or 3/5 with Marge being out of character.
But at least I cannot say I didn't laugh lots of great parodies

[Mr. Plow]

Very funny episode. The tetris gag was one of the funniest moments out of the whole episode. 4/5.

[felineki]

I liked the Tetris bit... cute.

[nowhere]

Great to see Eye on Springfield and for some reason I really liked the tetris joke. Outside of that there wasn't anything particularly good or bad.

3/5

[Datoupee]

The Godfather parody of Marge beating up the criminal makes this episode and INSTANT CLASSIC in my book ! 5 / 5 !!!

[HellBender]

I sure hope with that episode people will finally get off Carolyne Omine's case.

Pretty good episode, I can't help but compare it to LM, which was a bit better. The Tetris joke was awesome! A well deserved 4/5

[NoOneFamous]

For awhile, I was really enjoying this episode. It felt almost like vintage Simpsons. It had some decent jokes, and even some decent emotion with Marge's struggle with her fear to go outside. I even liked it when she beat up her mugger. After that, the episode fell to pieces, crashed and burned, etc. It immediately turned into "Marge goes crazy with her new muscles", and realism wasn't even anywhere to be found. It was like Marge turned into The Hulk combined with the Tazmanian Devil, and everything was unrealistic, cartoonish, and awkward. In other words, after Marge started taking steroids, the episode both sucked and blowed. It seems like they were trying to tackle the steroids issue, but using Marge as a buff killer is never a good way to get your message across.. they did a terrible job on that. Then we get a VERY anti-climatic ending in which Marge beats the living shit out of everyone at Moes for no reason, and then *poof*, Marge changes back, just in time for the episode to be over! The last scene felt to me like a bad dream *about* the Simpsons where they do something totally stupid and weird. and honestly, I'd take Simpson Safari over that ending.

2/5 - The first half was decent, and even had some great jokes, but not even that can make up for the terrible 2nd half. Thus, this becomes my least favorite of the season so far.

And another thing, I am sick to death of their lame ass sex jokes and toilet jokes. They need to leave that shit out and bring back the dignity they used to have, for God sakes.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

i loved the godfather gag

and ralph's "spicy booger" joke was a ralph classic

[no_msg]

It was quite enjoyable. For some reason, I really liked the Tetris bit. The Rob Schneider line was absolutely hilarious! That was the first time I laughed out loud at the Simpsons in a while (it takes a lot for me to laugh). Disco Stu's line was also amusing. There were quite a few memorable one-liners. 4/5 Great, solid episode.

I think this episode was actually quite full of jokes that I didn't pick up because they passed by too quickly. I have the feeling that I'll pick up more the next time I see this episode. That was a trait of the earlier seasons.

EDIT: How could I have forgotten to mention the Godfather bit? I loved that! But what was the Apocalypse Now bit?

[Compdude]

Hi everybody, I'm a new member who wants to say hi to fellow Simpsons critics/lovers.

I'm suprised. Overall, it was a bad episode. The jokes didn't fit, the plot was poor, and it felt sluggish until halfway through the second part. Plus, I was a little shocked by how violent and sad it was, especially at the end of first and third parts. And how would you explain Marge going back to normal by next ep?

But while it was kinda shocking, at the same time, I applaud the mood change into something more somber and serious. The Simpsons has always treated all issues with some level of irrevelance and humor, but this laid it on very heavy-handed with no intention of humor. I applaud that - and hope to see more if it, done well.

[bartimus prime]

I really didn't like it, not that funny and very, very weird plot. Anyways, I give it a 2/5.

[HomertheGreat]

Very nice episode! Probably is close up with Special Edna as the most emotional episode of the season. The First and Second Acts were great, the third act tailed off a bit, but a great episode on the whole. 4/5, the EABF's have really turned this season around.

[Mafia]

EXCELLENT! 4/5

What can I say... I'll point out my favorites.

A parody of my favorite Twilight Zone episode, "Time Has Come At Last" where the world is destroyed and a man finally gets the oppurtunity to read... and breaks his glasses. Classic Twilight Zone parody there.

A parody of "The Godfather" where Marge beats up the mugger in the street. Very memorable moment to parody (when Sonny beat the crap out of the guy in the street). I liked how the setting looked very similar.

Tetris was pretty good.

Rocky music.

Ruth returns.

school bus lifting.... man.... reminded me of an episode of Smallville. Pot joke kinda saved it.

Eye on Springfield opening.

Maybe a few jokes i didn't like, but this episode was a nice thing to see. I wasn't even bothered by the roid rage thing... I guess Homer helping Marge see her wrong way was good.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

why was reiners voice way off

i sure hope someone got fired for that

[Tomacco]

The first two acts were absolute vintage Simpsons stuff, and I'm not lying when I say it felt like I was watching season 8. The Tetris gag was hysterical, and there were a few other chuckles in act 1 too. I liked how they did Eye on Springfield again (maybe less re-used footage would have been nice though). I thought they handled the mugging scene and emotions well. I don't know what the point of the hat was though.

Act 2 had very good story progression and characterization. All the agorophobia jokes worked, and the basement scenes were nice. I even felt good for Marge when she beat up her mugger.

Act 3 is where it turned into Family Guy's "Lethal Weapons", an episode which also featured the wife wanting agressive sex with the husband, and a bar fight. I could have done without the entire pageant scene, and the bar fight dragged on until I really felt everything was getting too crazy. Homer's emotional speech salvaged some of this, and the very last scene was fine. But overall the steroid stuff, the bar scene, and the pageant really took away from what felt like season 8's good old times. Overall I think we're left with a solid 4/5 episode.

[Urts]

Probably my new least favorite of the season. I really didn't do more than chuckle at any of the jokes, there were so many wacky, season 12-like sight-gags, and they went overboard with Marge's new persona. I can understand how a person could go a bit mad with power after being so frightened then suddenly being in control, but they way she acted was not only out of character, it was shocking. The episode quickly degenerated into: "Marge runs amuck with her new muscles", what I was hoping it wouldn't come to.

Homer's plea at the end was nice, but the preceding fight-scene in Moe's was one of my least favorite things to happen on "The Simpsons" ever.

Rating: 2 or 2.5/5

[Andy]

on wolfcastle's voice: His voice's been kinda off the last few seasons. Too high-pitched.

[Fat Whitey]

4/5

I really enjoyed Homer's Tetris Game

Speaking of Homer, I liked him in this episode he was not being a jerkass, like people have stated and in the end was emotional to help Marge realized she's truly nice inside like Slappy stated

Also I enjoyed that Relax Don't Do it Song Bit before Disco Stu got hit 8-)

[AzRaEL107]

Wow, what an episode. It was pretty emotional, and it was good to see Eye on Springfield and Snowball II again.

The best parts:
The couch gag
Homer's Tetris gag
Bart as Apu
The church scene
The Twilight Zone gag
Marge spraying Ralph with mace :LOL:
Homer setting the bee's nest on fire and running
Homer telling Marge how he wants his old wife back

Was I the only one that got sad at the end of the first act after Marge started to cry? :(

All in all, good episode, 5/5.

[Hans Barber]

pretty good episode, 3.5\5. like the firs and sexond acts a lot.

[Handsome Pete]

Not too bad...even if it was handled awkwardly, it was nice to see an old character (Ruth Powers) return briefly. Surprisingly, Homer wasn't a complete jerk, and there was actually a wee bit of emotion to boot. Characterization wasn't bad, either.

Now, if I based the episode on just those things, I would have given it a 4/5. Unfortunately, there were some jokes that really struck me as poorly thought out. The "sword" thing, Marge picking up the bus, and Marge throwing the weights into the furnace simply didn't work. Things like that really bogged down an otherwise fine episode. Good thing there were some good jokes thrown in the mix, though. The burglar with the Goofy hat, the Rob Schneider joke ("My Baby is an Ugly Man"), and the Tetris thing were all pretty good. I also got a kick out of seeing Bart dressed up as Apu, and some of the freeze-frame gags weren't bad (Golden Globes, anyone?).

Overall, 3/5. Not quite as good as Large Marge, but still a solid episode.

Oh yeah, nearly forgot about Wiggum telling the people to catch their own criminals! :LOL: Isn't it great to have an incompetent police chief?

[Wavy Gravy]

Sheesh, not all that hot. Then again, I didn't expect much from this one, so I guess you get what you give. I did like some things - for instance, the (partial) return of the "Eye on Springfield" opening (woulda been nicer if they had the whole thing from 8F08, "Flaming Moe's"), Homer's Tetris car game, and Marge's 1-10 scale scene trying to conquer her agoraphobia. But things started to dip when the weight-lifting began. While it was pretty cool to see Marge beat the crap out of the mugger, as soon as Ruth (whose return I was neutral towards) convinced her to take steroids, I knew it wasn't getting any better. The Iron Maiden pageant left a lot to be desired, but the scene at Moe's just took the cake - Marge has never been more out of character before in the series' history than she was in the bar tonight. Seeing her fly off the handle for no apparent reason in a VERY cartoonish manner knocked the episode down to a 2/5 for me. And did anyone else notice that the lip sync seemed to be WAY off tonight? Hopefully next week's EABF06, "Pray Anything" will work out better - the preview seems pretty enticing (all except Homer getting his tongue struck by lightning).

[NoOneFamous]

Did anyone notice that the Celebrity boxing scene from the commercial promo wasnt in the episode? But I'm glad it wasn't.

[Warren]

4/5. Surprised me,it was actually a great episode.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

bart as apu

i forgot about that one

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha aha ha aha

by the way where was krusty's celebrity boxing joke

[Moose of Doom!]

I also enjoyed the Tetris joke. Besides that, I'm speechless. For one of the first times ever, I've been rendered speechless by an episode.

[Mafia]

i really have a good feeling about Pray Anything. FOX finally gave a great trailer... well... besides the lightning thing. Homer will probably be more of a jerk ass (than the last few episodes).

Homer has been pretty good of late.

[brentholomew]

3/5

A good first act. A very good second act. A "WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS" third act. Why the hell did Marge just kick everyone's ass? I don't really get it, even though it allowed Homer to be emotional. The only episode this season that was worse was Helter Shelter.

[|RABiD|]

I love this episode. Tetris gag kicked ass and it was quite emotional. For some reason, I liked Marge kicking the crap out the men at the end. Bart disguised as Apu was great too. Also, did anyone notice the awesome directing work by Pete Michels? When Marge went outside to help the mailman and then the colors changed was really kewl.

[Handsome Pete]

Originally posted by Wavy Gravy
The Iron Maiden pageant left a lot to be desired, but the scene at Moe's just took the cake - Marge has never been more out of character before in the series' history than she was in the bar tonight.

Don't know whether it was intended or not, but Marge could have very well been out of character due to the fact that she had been taking steroids. Still seemed a little odd, though, especially since her voice didn't get lower.

[SNUH]

I gave it a 4...had a lot of laughs.

I too loved Eye on Springfield...and the tetris humor. Bart as Apu was great too!

Only downfall...Marge had better abs than me!

["Yes i Cannibus"]

where can i get the pray anything trailer

[Mafia]

roid rage can completely change people... or atleast... that is the tv stereotype of it... mainly in the 80's.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

man with the boob job and the muscular body, the producers are really mking me want to fuck marge more and more

[Toxic Monkey]

4/5

the good stuff was almost the whole ep, esp the eos beggining (nice to see it back), no homer jerkass-ness, and the tetris bit was pure genius.

but... marge lifting the bus and sorda wacky plot is what made it lose that one point. definatly not as good as large marge.

[HellBender]

Did anyone notice that Marge's licence plate was EABF04?

[doyle]

it was great up till she got strong then it got crappy. the tetris was great but there were some bad jokes too that took it down. plus the worlds strongest woman thing was terrible

overall grade: B-

[Cole]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"
the producers are really mking me want to fuck marge more and more
seek help.


great episode. 4/5.

[Tomacco]

I gotta say Marge episodes have generally been pretty good in the past couple of years.

And yeah, Homer was wonderfully in-character in this episode.

[Thrillhouse24]

i realy liked this episode most of the enw oes sucked but i think this season is pretty good so far. i rated this 5 out of 5 the robber was funny and then otto was like what am i smoking oh yeah pot.pretty funny episode.im so glad marge didnt keep her muscles its bad enough barney is sober.i hate when they change a character for more tehn one episode.

[Sam]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"
man with the boob job and the muscular body, the producers are really mking me want to fuck marge more and more

You cant fuck a series of animation cells.

Post Classified As: People That Find Marge Attractive Freak Me Out

(Beep)

[TerrorK]

Originally posted by Mafia
EXCELLENT! 4/5

What can I say... I'll point out my favorites.

A parody of my favorite Twilight Zone episode, "Time Has Come At Last" where the world is destroyed and a man finally gets the oppurtunity to read... and breaks his glasses. Classic Twilight Zone parody there.

Sounds like they completely ripped off the Futurama gag from "The Scary Door" where the guy finally has a chance to read... and breaks his glasses, then realises he can read the large print books... but looses his eyes, then realises he can read braile... then loses his hands and tongue... then his head falls off.

- Kenneth White

[Tibor]

Wow, I was pleasantly surprised. A lot of great laughs and some genuine emotion. Homer acted like a husband again. It hit WAY more than it missed, which is saying something. The only two gags that I didn't like was the knife in Homer and the whole school bus thing, which cancelled it out. Also some great parodies/refs.

"What am I smokin'? Oh, yeah, pot."

That and the tetris gag were two of the funniest things I've seen on OFF for a while.

4/5

["Yes i Cannibus"]

Originally posted by TerrorK


Sounds like they completely ripped off the Futurama gag from "The Scary Door" where the guy finally has a chance to read... and breaks his glasses, then realises he can read the large print books... but looses his eyes, then realises he can read braile... then loses his hands and tongue... then his head falls off.

- Kenneth White

actually its a spoof on an old twilight zone episode, and it has been spoofed on family guy and a simpsosns comic once

[Tomacco]

By that logic, Futurama ripped off Family Guy, who also did that joke. It's a popular reference.

[Simpson Purist]

8/10

Pros
-Tetris gag
-Marge beating up the guy a la Sonny's tirade in The Godfather
-Homer isn't a Jerk
-"Disco Stu forgot to Disco Duck"
-Great use of Snowball II and Maggie
-Return of some background characters (Ruth Powers, barflies, Herman)
-Ralph getting pepper sprayed
-Eye On Springfield

Cons
-Most of the 3rd act turned me off...literally (my damn VCR didn't tape the moments after Marge's tirade at Moe's so I wasn't able to see the end of the episode)
-the pie-sword in Homer's stomach
-I thought Marge had a drawer full of pearl necklaces

[Beyerstein]

I didn't like the episode very much but I liked the Rocky trumpets

[TerrorK]

Originally posted by Tomacco
By that logic, Futurama ripped off Family Guy, who also did that joke. It's a popular reference.

Depends which did it first: Futurama or Family Guy. Futurama has been around for two more years than Family Goy, so.....

["Yes i Cannibus"]

i think the robbers wife keeping the necklace in a drawer, was a reference to marge's drawer full of necklaces

[NoOneFamous]

Ok... I'm reading through your reviews... and most of you gave it a good grade. Thats fine, but then the only reasons you give as to why the episode was good is by listing 2 or 3 jokes from the episode, and something about Homer's character or emotion. Is a couple of decent jokes really enough to make the episode great? No, it isn't... and a hilarious Tetris joke isn't enough to get a good review from me.

[Kalbelgarion]

Yep, that Tetris gag is up there with LM's 60's Batman gag as the best joke of the season. :)

This was a rather good episode, where just about everyone stayed in character. I'd give the first act a 4.5/5. Great sight gags and the Tetris joke had me rolling. I wasn't too fond of the porno-related lines, though.

The second act was also very good. I really liked the way Marge's problem was handled, and the entire thing felt very believeable and down-to-Earth. The Twilight Zone reference was grand. 4.5/5

I thought, just as everyone else did, that the third act was by far the worst. This episode would have certainly been the best of the season if the third act was done correctly. The sentamental feeling at the end and the funny ending lines helped end this episode on a high note. 2.5/5.

Overall: 4/5.

I am really, *really* looking forward to next week's episode. Some of the very best jokes that have ever been done on the show have involved God (I still roll on the floor laughing when Homer and God talk about the Arizona Cards in "Homer the Heratic"), and it also looks like Homer will be at his best in "Pray Anything". I can't wait. :)

[mintjellyonthelam]

4/5 I'm gonna cry 4 great eps in a row!
Pros:Tetris
Marge spraying Ralph:)
Rob Schneider
Eye On Springfield
Bart as Apu
Twillight Zone parody
almost everything

Cons:
Marge creeped me out

That's it. I agree with Tomacco,very season 8-ish. GOOD JOB!

Ranking: Thoh13:C
HISMSV:B+
Third Grade:C+
Large Marge:B
Helter:B-
Louse:A-
Edna:B+
Little:A-
Strong:A-

Best season since 9!

[Tomacco]

Originally posted by TerrorK
Depends which did it first: Futurama or Family Guy. Futurama has been around for two more years than Family Goy, so.....

Well, someone's a Futurama fan. :D Sorry, but Family Guy did the joke first (summer 2000 for FG vs. May 2001 for Futurama) even though Futurama's older.

[Moose of Doom!]

Sounds like they completely ripped off the Futurama gag from "The Scary Door" where the guy finally has a chance to read... and breaks his glasses, then realises he can read the large print books... but looses his eyes, then realises he can read braile... then loses his hands and tongue... then his head falls off.

You forgot about the last part, where he sees the spooky mirror.

EDIT: Wow, we've gone from reviewing to kinda arguing about a Twilight Zone reference.

[Mafia]

Originally posted by TerrorK


Sounds like they completely ripped off the Futurama gag from "The Scary Door" where the guy finally has a chance to read... and breaks his glasses, then realises he can read the large print books... but looses his eyes, then realises he can read braile... then loses his hands and tongue... then his head falls off.

- Kenneth White

heh... you thought the Twilight Zone ripped off Futurama. That's pretty funny. You probably though I was talking about the new Twilight Zone series when I was referring to the one of the 1960's. A little hard for the Zone to rip off Futurama.

It has been done before, but I liked this one. I like how three similar cartoon all make one parody. I've only seen the Family Guy parody. Any parody of "Time Has Come At Last" is a good one.


EDIT TO Mouse of Doom's EDIT: Yeah.... funny isn't it. We've all reviewed the episode though so until more people review, the Twilight arguement overshadows.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by "Yes i Cannibus"

farscape sucks

'tis good we can trust you to be a yotz everytime you post an opinion.

To everyone else, please accept my apologies for going off topic. Carry on...

[Jessfrogger88]

I was sooooo happy at the second commercial break everything had gone so smoothly until then. I really didn't mind the pie or bus gag, but the whole 3rd acts was preety horrible the first two acts were excellent grad A. At the end of the first act when Marge cried i actually felt sad in a good way. Which the simpsons hasn't done for me in a really long time. The tetris gag made me laugh out loud. The only part of the third act I liked was how the songs kept changing on the jukebox that was good.

[Sultan of Seltzer]

i got sad when marge cried too. and yeah, where was the krusty celebrity boxing? i give this episode 3/5. one of the weaker ones this season, but still very funny. my favorite parts were tetris, the otto "what am i smoking?" joke, and bart as apu.

[frostilicous]

Great Twilight Zone and Godfather parodies. ended a little weak

Overall: 4.5/5

P.S. Was the bar scene in which Marge beat everyone up a parody of anything? It looked awfully familiar at the end with the fan spinning with a guy on it and all the bodies on the ground....

[ILikeTheSimpsons]

A solid 4/5. I thought it was better than Large Marge, but I've only seen both episodes for the first time today. I gave Large Marge a 4/5 but it was closer to a 3. I think Marge was more out of character in Large Marge. Fake breasts don't change a person except for...well, giving them bigger breasts. Steroids do, and that's why she changed in Strong Arms of the Ma. I could have done without the pagent scene though, and I think the writers made her a little too buff...but overall it was great. Homer was a much bigger ass in Large Marge, too. Very emotional episode that was hilarious with a lot of parodies and hidden gags...classic Simpsons??

[Cosmo Kramer]

Originally posted by Mafia

heh... you thought the Twilight Zone ripped off Futurama. That's pretty funny.

No, Actually he meant that futurama did a parody of it before the simpsons did.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

Originally posted by FarScapeR


'tis good we can trust you to be a yotz everytime you post an opinion.

To everyone else, please accept my apologies for going off topic. Carry on...

shut up, no one cares

[skittlebrau]

Well...it was a pretty good episode. The first and second acts were outstanding. I felt like I was watching a classic episode. It all went downhill in the third act. Could've been alot better (and had the potential to be a 5/5 episode), but the third act just dragged this episode down and that's why I'll give a very low 4/5 (almost a 3/5).

[Coolbonesite]

I give it 4/5, I liked it better than most of the stuff they had lately.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

Originally posted by frostilicous
Great Twilight Zone and Godfather parodies. ended a little weak

Overall: 4.5/5

P.S. Was the bar scene in which Marge beat everyone up a parody of anything? It looked awfully familiar at the end with the fan spinning with a guy on it and all the bodies on the ground....

you probably remember it because the exact same thing happend on family guy in the ep "lethal weapons"

[Maddog53]

First off I really enjoyed the emotion in this episode. It was the first time in a long, long while since I actually felt sympathy for one of the characters. At the end of the first act as well as Homer's speech to Marge at the end, truly classic in my opinion. Jokes for the most part worked for me, however there were quite a few that did not. I really don't enjoy the really surreal jokes that OFF does. That works with Family Guy because that is the universe that they created for that show, but when the Simpson's does it, it just comes off as weird (i.e. the pie sword, the bus scene, the muscle ears). I didn't enjoy how Marge just changed all of a sudden, even with the speech by Homer it just came off as weak. I did like it a bit more than Large Marge, but I still am going to give it a 3/5. By the way that is how this season has been going. There have been many great moments and jokes, they just can't sustain it for a whole episod it seems.

So to recap:
Episode grade: 3/5
Season grade so far: 3/5

Maddog.

[TMyst]

2/5. Up to the Rob Schneider reference, I was really liking the episode. After that, it was an ongoing disappointment. I don't mind returning characters if done correctly, but Ruth Powers returning seemed to be pointless and made no sense. Why not just bring in a new one-time character? In comparison to Large Marge, the boob job was better than the steroids.

["Yes i Cannibus"]

ruth had to be the one who advised marge, if it had just been a new character marge would't have cared, it had to be an old friend

[DotheBartman]

First act: Its....okay....the tetris joke was great, but nothing else is amazingly funny, and the pie sword joke was pathetic. I liked Maggie though, and the end of the act was suprisingly not horrible.

Second act: Meh. It starts off horribly, with a lame gay joke, then a lame crotch joke, then a lame joke about Ralph's boogers. And it ends even worse: Marge beating up on the thief was too out of character, regardless of whatever rage she'd beat up, and was painful to watch. The rest of the act was again decent, with suprisingly good development, but nothing amazingly funny or great.

Third act: Pitiful. Marge beats up everyone in a bar? Lifting a bus? (though I liked the pot joke) Everything was too cartoony, Ruth was completely wasted and not funny (I reiterate: don't bring and ruin classic characters just for the sake of bringing them back unless you can do something good with), and the only good bit was Homer's speech near the end and PART of the ending in the basement (in fact, I'd go so far as to say Homer was the only likeable character in this bulk of this episode!). Again, the ending is okay at first, but rather then truly ending it on a sweet note, we get another lame joke ending.

Grade: D Not as bad as I thought, but by no means good or even decent. At least they're doing some decent parodies again (without pointing them out too much, save for the Twighlight Zone magazine) and the animation direction is indeed improving a little.

THOH: D+ (clones was good)
Strummer: D-
Third grade: C+
Large Marge: F
Shelter: C/C+
Great Louse: A-
Special Edna: C+
Too Little: D
Strong Arms: D

This season is really making quite an effort to make me hate it :(

As for the Pray Anything preview, it actually looks pretty good (the tongue joke aside), and I have a feeling it may have some real content and things to think about, rather then just being a series of stuff that happens like this one was.

[Tomacco]

DTBM, I'm glad you're still giving the show some credit. I can see you're trying to come off really tough on the show, but it really does seem like you are enjoying the episodes to an extent.

[StrideR]

Yes, DTBM, you're a bigger fan than I...

[Tomacco]

This episode does deserve credit for being one of the only, or THE, darkest Simpsons episode ever. Between a mugging, agoraphobia, drug abuse, and a fight scene, this episode was dark, had emotion, and had plenty of laughs. I guess now that I think about it, there's lots to praise, and less to complain about.

[no_msg]

Originally posted by Tomacco
This episode does deserve credit for being one of the only, or THE, darkest Simpsons episode ever. Between a mugging, agoraphobia, drug abuse, and a fight scene, this episode was dark, had emotion, and had plenty of laughs. I guess now that I think about it, there's lots to praise, and less to complain about.

Hm. I'd have to say that Krusty Gets Busted was a darker episode. Although this one did deal with a lot of serious themes.

[Andy]

Oh boy. Don't forget Homer's Enemy.

But I see what you're saying Jonah. It's up there.

[Rekart]

didn't think it was that good, 2.5/5

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by Tomacco
DTBM, I'm glad you're still giving the show some credit. I can see you're trying to come off really tough on the show, but it really does seem like you are enjoying the episodes to an extent.

For the most part, I don't think I'm TRYING to hate it, in fact much of the time its the direct opposite. But yet, I can notice and point out when I enjoy something, and I tried to do that here too. There just wasn't that much to like here. Though I must reiterate, I actually really liked Homer's characterization. It was Marge that wrecked it for me.

Also, regarding it being "dark", I guess that's sort of depends on the point of view. For instance, "Homer's Enemy"'s ending has a very dark exterior, but in reality its actually very lighthearted and jokey. There are scenes in "Lisa's Substitute", on the other hand, that are much darker because they deal with real emotion and hopelessness rather then just being silly, despite that no death is involved. Not saying one is better then the other (though I do prefer the "Substitute" style approach personally), just that its an important line to look at.

[Brad Scanticon]

5/5 Top 100 episode, best of the season, had a good balance of emotion and comedy.

[no_msg]

Originally posted by PsycheEnFuego
Oh boy. Don't forget Homer's Enemy.

But I see what you're saying Jonah. It's up there.

Hah, yeah, Homer's Enemy. That was one freakily funny episode, the "I-don't-know-whether-to-laugh-or-cry" type. The ending was great though.

Here's an amusing quote from Jonah from the speculation thread:

Originally posted by Tomacco
This episode could be a winner if they handle the possible emotional sides, like focusing a lot on the family's worrying about Marge's new personality and making her realize her errors.

It turns out that most of the episode was just that. Great emotion.

[mr. broom]

I'm the only one who's given it a 1 so far. Huh. Ruth Powers' appearance was pointless and not funny, and Marge's sudden conversion from "drugs are unquestionably bad" to "pass the drugs or I'll kill you" was instantaneous, which was stupid. I anticipated every single joke about female bodybuilders being butch. Marge's preposterous strength at the end was more of the 'wacky' crap they've been shoving at us in recent seasons.

[NoOneFamous]

Originally posted by no_msg
It turns out that most of the episode was just that. Great emotion.

No it wasn't... it only was from when Marge cried after being mugged to when she beat up the mugger, the rest of it was just zany nonsense.

Also, I don't understand Ruth's appearance... I didn't know she even left! I thought she still lived next door.

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by NoOneFamous


No it wasn't... it only was from when Marge cried after being mugged to when she beat up the mugger, the rest of it was just zany nonsense.

Also, I don't understand Ruth's appearance... I didn't know she even left! I thought she still lived next door.

Exactly. While the stuff between the crying and beating the mugger was good for the most part, and almost made me care about what was going on, the rest was essentially saturday morning cartoon stuff. The only other really good bit was Homer's speech at the end. I find it a little sad that the only empathetical character in a Marge episode is Homer. Marge was simply too out of character, and it was painful to watch some of her scenes.

[Eddie]

2.5/5 The opening McBain scenes were very funny and creative. The "Tetris" parody was weird, but funny, I guess. There was a series of tons of other chuckles, too (involving Wiggum, Apu, Grampa, Ralph, Hibbert, etc.). I also liked some of the muscle-related jokes, too ("Quiet, muscular ears can hear us!"). After that, a lot of the episode felt too much like "The Springfield Connection," "King of the Hill," "Weekend at Burnsies," and "Large Marge." Also, I don't think Marge would end up beating the crap out of that necklace thief. Same goes for the Moe's scene. It was a tad outrageous (but I guess it made sense because of the steroids). And all I could say when I saw Ruth Powers was "Oh, c'mon..." :uhh: Sure, she's fine when she's just an occasional background character, but giving her another speaking part was stupid. At least it wasn't that big, though. I did like the emotional part between Marge and Homer, too. All in all, just an average Season Fourteen episode. Better than "Helter Shelter" and "Bart vs. Lisa vs. the Third Grade," but still not as good as "Large Marge" and "Special Edna."

[DaSimpsons]

Great episode. Everything was pretty much said already.

But what was the couch gag?

[Tibor]

Why all the complaints about Ruth, it wasn't like she was supposed to steal the show, just open up another door for the plot. And as much as it kills me to marginally agree with 'Yes I Cannibus', it made more sense for her to get Marge in on the bodybuilding circuit than some random new character.

[davidshirt]

I liked it, it was funny.

[Tomacco]

Seems you've all forgotten another emotional moment, after the Kwik-E-Mart setup in the living room fails, and Homer finds Marge huddled in the basement. That was pretty good. Also, the shot after the bar brawl with Marge holding up the body with the wide shot of all the wreckage, the severity of what she had done was shown very well, and the background music was very good too.

[InputSelect]

What would have made this episode better I think is if it has focused more on Marge being mugged than Marge being on Roid Rage

[Phony Mc Ring Ring]

4/5 Great origional art and return of RUTH.

[davidshirt]

Originally posted by HellBender
Did anyone notice that Marge's licence plate was EABF04?

haha, yeah. that's the episode number whatever something. but you already know this.

[used]

the only thing that kept me from giving this episode a 1/5 was good homer characterization, and a good appearance by ruth. The reast pissed me off
Marges fight with the mugger went on to long, and shouldnt have happened at all, like the bar scene, which had a good enind, (Moe and the insurance was funny). Marge taking drugs is way way way way way worse then her getting breast implants, I can see her getting implants and feeling insecure, but she would never do drugs.

This episode really didn't click with me, I either felt bored or mad at the zanyness, with only two or three laughs and good emotional moments. i give it 1.5/5, but voted for one on the poll, because the votes are really too high.

[|RABiD|]

Originally posted by Tomacco
Seems you've all forgotten another emotional moment, after the Kwik-E-Mart setup in the living room fails, and Homer finds Marge huddled in the basement. That was pretty good. Also, the shot after the bar brawl with Marge holding up the body with the wide shot of all the wreckage, the severity of what she had done was shown very well, and the background music was very good too.

Yes, that scene where she lifts Lenny above her. I'm almost sure that this scene is a parody also...can anyone confirm this?

[irv]

acts one and two were just awesome, as was act three from the bar scene on. homer's words to marge in the bar were sweet, and the ending would have been better if they just ended it with homer giggling as marge carried him up the stairs. but seriously, such a good episode. i thought the sword thing was funny, who gives a shit if it's not possible.

here's what I wrote in the speculation thread earlier today:

a surprisingly excellent episode. third straight incredibly enjoyable episode.

there are some very sweet moments in this and some great animation. i don't think it's valid to complain that anyone was necessarily out of character, as that was the point of the third act. it was a part of the episode that needed to get resolved, and was.

great writing, great animation. hilarious moments involving marge's agoraphobia. the show is returning to a consistently good form not seen in 4-5 years, and i think that's something everyone should be happy about.

after three straight episodes that were way more than adequate, i think anyone who can still complain or negatively speculate before an episode airs isn't a fan of the show anymore and should seriously consider why they still post on simpsons messageboards.

i think the writers showed that they are now capable of handling more farfetched plots and pulling them off in an enjoyable and believable way, rather than the horseshit that seasons ten and eleven were comprised of.

the EAB- episodes are making me a fan again. i think these episodes are easily as enjoyable as an average season 9 episode. with exception of the great louse detective, all of them have been something the writers should be proud of, and something that we should be happy with. and even that was a fine episode that many enjoyed.

seriously, stop complaining. i would probably post in this forum if it wasn't so depressing. you're allowed to complain about an episode to an extent after it airs, but complaining about an episode before it airs, convincing yourselves that there is nothing that can make you like the episode, is really counterproductive and sad. if you really hate the show enough to pre-judge episodes, why even continue to watch it? this is really baffling to me, and i feel that i make a valid point. why continue to devote time to something which is obviously not enjoyable?

anyway, i have a few minor complaints about the episode, but nothing that keep it from being very well done, and nothing that stops me from eagerly anticipating next week's episode.

I give this episode a 4.5/5

[Brad Scanticon]

the Twilight Zone parody of the episode "Time Enough at Last" in this episode was great. However; is it just me or did they do a parody of that episode already like a while ago? Maybe I am thinking of a differnet cartoon, but I remember seeing a parody of that b4.

[irv]

read this thread

[Max Power]

4/5. So close...yet so far.

[thecapecoddah]

4/5. Loved the Tetris scene, Godfather parody, the Eye on Springfield opening, and the return of Ruth Powers... great first couple of acts. Disliked the wacky crap in the third act involving Marge (the bar scene in particular) which brought the episode down a notch. And I guess the writers forgot that Marge was once a cop and she shouldn't have been completely terrified of the thief, but I can let that slide. Enjoyable episode.

[*Waylon Smithers*]

3/5, better than I expected it to be. (PS, I noticed that NoOneFamous)
The return of Ruth Powers and Wolfcastle was pretty nice. Marge 'bulked up' was kind of disturbing, and didn't Marge have a full drawer full of her necklaces in an episode (quite possiby Homer the Vigilante?)? The first two acts were great, but the last act kind of fell apart when Marge messed up Moe's Tavern. Other than that, it was a meh-plus episode.

[JonMDavis]

3.5/5

Not bad. Some pretty good stuff in there. I liked the Wiggum stuff ("even my boogers taste like pepper," the situation when Wiggum had to chose either Eddy or Lou as his best man for the job, and the end of the second segment when he was trying to get the public to solver their own crimes). I liked the Tetris bit at first (and in the end), but it was a lot like the KOTH bit and the characters were rather awkward looking.

I did not like the plot, however. A lot of it was recycled from the Springfield Connection. I also hated the bar scene (except for their reaction when Marge mentioned her period). Besides, the Marge after steroids looked really freaky.

EDIT: Sorry if this was repeated in another post, as I haven't had the time to read them yet, but did the opening for Eye on Sprinfield seem as if it had been doubled in length because the episode ran shorter than usual, or for some other reason (they must have held the last shot, the logo, for a good three seconds and really stretched out the theme music).

[Moleman...Hans]

I'll make it quick. For the plot, it was good like Large Marge, but a few of the scenes I didn't like that much. Total 3.5/but i voted 4/5

[Brian S.]

heh, it was a good episode.

ralph's spicy boogers and marge fighting the mugger were great parts.

4/5

[Channel Surfer]

My Review (http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/EpisodeReviewPage/showid-146/epid-145099/blockid-79455/)

I'll concede the ending was a little rambling (not as bad as "Strummer"), but I still really enjoyed this episode as a whole. The jokes, such as the "Tetris" and "Time Enough at Last" allusions were very funny, and sight gags like "Golden Globes, 50 cents a pound" were also well placed. I also enjoyed some of the quick gags, such as Homer's and Wiggum's exchanges at the beginning at act 2. The plot also flowed very well, and I personally found the evolving Marge to be just as well played as Homer was in "Jaws Wired Shut".

Speaking of Marge, how was she exactly out of character in this episode, as I've read in so many posts? She got a tad aggressive during act 3 granted, but steroids are going to mess around with the body, so it's to be expected. I felt she was more out of character in "Special Edna" then here. And I've also read complaints about the clichéd ending, but it felt no worse to me then "Blood Feud", which didn't bug me that much.

But I enjoyed it. And in the end, that's all that really counts for me. A 4/5 here, rounding to a high B. I may even consider giving it a B+ with some thought. And, unlike many people here, seeing it back-to-back with "Large Marge" reinforced why I enjoyed this episode, but didn't care much for the somewhat jumpy, bland "Large Marge".

All IMO.

[Moleman...Hans]

ANyone notice that when Lisa was holding magazines there was time and it had our old friend the Inanimate Carbon Rod ont the cover AGAIN? Also the revernd had wierd hair. Nice too see eye on springfield either though it was mostly old footage in the intro :( I missed the couch and chalk gag. What were they?

[Jake]

Originally posted by Tomacco
The first two acts were absolute vintage Simpsons stuff, and I'm not lying when I say it felt like I was watching season 8...

Overall, I'd agree with 98% of what you said, but I gave it a 3/5. A buff Marge made me shudder...

[homer5000]

Okay...took me an hour to finally get through reading everything. 4/5 all the way. I can't believe it that this episode is getting good reviews, and I can't believe I loved it too. The jokes were top-notch, so were the parodies (Twilight Zone, Tetris, Godfather, whatever the bar scene was parodying). I can't believe no one mentioned Homer's "Cheers" line. I thought that was hilarious! "I loved that show! It meant it was a half-hour 'til 'Wings' and then you can sleep through Monday!", or something to that extent, whatever it was, it was hilarious. The "EABF04" license plate was great, and freeze-frame gags by the dozen! A great episode all-in-all...

[Incognito, Guy]

If you rate this episode a 4/5 or a 5/5, what do you rate the great episodes when the Simpson's were in their prime? 10/5? 15/5? 100/5?

[homer5000]

Errr...we rate episode "1-5"...yeah, that's how it works!...

EDIT: Oh, by the way, you all discussed the episode's Twilight Zone reference being like Futurama's? Well, here's a suprise: The exact episode of Futurama is running tonight (at 11) on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim!...

[Incognito, Guy]

Originally posted by homer5000
Errr...we rate episode "1-5"...yeah, that's how it works!...

Hehe...I guess you didn't get my point :p

[homer5000]

No...I was just saying that we rate episode "1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 4/5, 5/5" and that's how it has always been. And if anyone rates old episodes, that's how they rate them too...

[Incognito, Guy]

Originally posted by homer5000
No...I was just saying that we rate episode "1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 4/5, 5/5" and that's how it has always been. And if anyone rates old episodes, that's how they rate them too...

I understand what you're saying. You don't understand what I was saying.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by Incognito, Guy
If you rate this episode a 4/5 or a 5/5, what do you rate the great episodes when the Simpson's were in their prime? 10/5? 15/5? 100/5?

I try to rate all episodes on the same scale, no matter what the season. An "A" is an "A" is an "A". It's just that during their prime, I found there were more 4/5s and 5/5s then now.

[homer5000]

Listen...I don't wanna start a fight...you don't wanna start a fight...so, let's just get off the whole thing...I was only trying to joke around...leave the rest of the thread for reviewing...

[Andy]

Incognito, Guy seems to be fascinated by the fact that people rate "new episodes" as well as or better than "old episodes" because as we ALL KNOW, all new episodes suck and old episodes are better. ;)

To each his/her own. Let's not go too far into it, because it'll just start pointless fighting, like homer5000 said.

[Incognito, Guy]

May I ask how old everyone here is?

[Incognito, Guy]

Originally posted by homer5000
Listen...I don't wanna start a fight...you don't wanna start a fight...so, let's just get off the whole thing...I was only trying to joke around...leave the rest of the thread for reviewing...

A fight? Geez.

[Andy]

Check profiles for age.

[Incognito, Guy]

K, thanks. I'm outta here. Don't want to ruffle any more feathers. Later.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by Incognito, Guy
May I ask how old everyone here is?

Look, it's pretty clear to me that you didn't care for this episode, at least in relation to the "classic years" (seasons 1-n). So how about you try to persuade others why this episode doesn't measure up, instead of condemning other people's opinions about it.

BTW, why do want to know other peoples ages when you're not willing to display your own in your own profile? And since when does age mean anything anyway? It's the ideas one brings to the board that count.

[Moleman...Hans]

Originally posted by Incognito, Guy
May I ask how old everyone here is?

12.

[America: Fuck Yea!]

Originally posted by frostilicous
\P.S. Was the bar scene in which Marge beat everyone up a parody of anything? It looked awfully familiar at the end with the fan spinning with a guy on it and all the bodies on the ground....

Francis Ford Coppola's, "Apocalypse Now"

[Rowdy]

Best episode of the season. That is all.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by Incognito, Guy
K, thanks. I'm outta here. Don't want to ruffle any more feathers. Later.

If it makes you feel any better, you didn't ruffle my feathers, they just look that way. Plus, I agree with your assesment of the ratings here.

[DaSimpsons]

A few of you said the couch gag was nice, what was it?????

[blueduck37]

This is shaping up to be one of the best seasons in years.
Last night's episode was no exception. :)

[Simpson Purist]

Originally posted by Lawnboy


Francis Ford Coppola's, "Apocalypse Now"

It's actually from "Platoon". The music played is Adagio for Strings.

EDIT: No offense jphh, but if there weren't people coming to this board to complain about the show, there'd be no balance in this board ;).

[Arriaga 2]

Marge administering a "Sonny" vs. Carlo" beating was one of the funniest things I've seen in a few years.

Also, I enjoyed the "Eye on Springfield" opening, with some newer Kent moments (He and Catro on a roller coaster), mixed in with classic moments.

4/5 for losing steam at the ending.

[MaxpowerAK79]

Not bad at all...Here's something I noticed:

Lemon Tree in the back yard? I remember LIsa got a peach tree for her combined birthday/christmas present...but the lemon tree is new. Or did I miss that one from another ep.

Good to see Eye on Springfield

Tetris scene was really great...They even had the music!

Sword cane, sword pineapple, sword pie, sword sword sharpener!

Godfather beatdown scene

"Mother's against Meth" bumper sticker

Ruth was back!



Didn't Like:

Twitching Muscles on Wolfie
"Fudged her huggies"
Period jokes
Marge taking drugs

[homer5000]

Hey, I just watched it a second time (at a werid time in the morning) and I noticed the ancient head that Burns gave the Simpsons in "Blood Feud" is still there. I don't think it has been pictured in the basement lately...oh, and the air hockey table that they eat at wouldn't have the air on unless you plug it in...and why would they plug it in to eat dinner?...

[irv]

Originally posted by PsycheEnFuego
Incognito, Guy seems to be fascinated by the fact that people rate "new episodes" as well as or better than "old episodes" because as we ALL KNOW, all new episodes suck and old episodes are better. ;)


shut the fuck up

one would expect you, as a moderator, to be setting a positive example for the eleven year olds who post here. instead, after three straight great episodes, you are encouraging this horse shit to continue. if you can still complain a great deal after three straight episodes that were nothing less than very good, then you should really think about why you still post here.

[mohammed jafar]

Originally posted by FarScapeR


If it makes you feel any better, you didn't ruffle my feathers, they just look that way. Plus, I agree with your assesment of the ratings here.

have you seen the episode?

[Tango de la Muerte]

I don't know if this has been asked yet (I didn't have the time nor sanity to look), but what is the music from after Marge beats up all the men in Moe's bar. I know I have heard it before, but I don't know where. Someone help me on this......

[dr.foot]

I liked it a lot.
"what I am I smoken?"
Did anyone notice the similarities of this episode and the family guy episode where Lois becomes aggresive?

[Mike Scully]

For a good while, this was a fantastic episode. It had a real conflict, and I really felt something for Marge when she became afraid of leaving the house. The scene when Marge cries after she was mugged was actually very effective and sad. The comedy worked well with the emotional storyline, Marge's attempt to overcome her agoraphobia were both very very funny and touching, and I even rather liked her Rocky-style beating of the mugger. Not since Half-Decent Proposal has there been such good storytelling.

Things really fell apart in the 3rd act, and I mean REALLY fell apart. Suddenly, Marge is taking steroids just because Ruth tells her to. I feared this plot device, because I would think Marge would know better, and there'd have to be a VERY good reason for her to start (there wasn't). Her anger towards her family came on too strong. But I was totally unprepared for what happened next, a scene of her beating people up at Moe's. Now, I realize that steroids can cause a person's personality to change, but this was ridiculous! It was like the writers introduced the steroids plot device just to give an excuse to write Marge out-of-character. Showing her kick everyone's ass is just pandering to the lowest-common-denominator. Why couldn't her anger have been more, well, subtle, and just kept within her family??

All in all, despite that most of the episode is quite good, I just can't respect an episode that lets itself degenerate into such a bad climax. I give this episode, a C+/C.

[J.Re*]

Good. The steroids made her cartoonishly strong though and it made me feel stupid watching her lift the bus :-/ Otto saved that scene, but just barely. The references looked great especially the Godfather one which I recognized right away.

[Dr Zaius]

What was The Godfather gag?

[StrideR]

Originally posted by Mohammed Jafar


have you seen the episode?

Sorry, if it wasn't apparent, but I was referring to the rating system of the newer seasons. I once asked the same question on the board and one answer I got was that there were different scales being used. But I'm not sure that applies to everyone.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by jesus plays his hits


shut the fuck up

one would expect you, as a moderator, to be setting a positive example for the eleven year olds who post here. instead, after three straight great episodes, you are encouraging this horse shit to continue. if you can still complain a great deal after three straight episodes that were nothing less than very good, then you should really think about why you still post here.

You're one to talk, jackass. The fact that you're actually talking about setting positive examples would be laughable if I actually thought you were joking. You actually have the gall to complain... yeesh! I'll just stop there.

Even I know that PEF was being sarcastic when he made that statement, as much as I'd like to think otherwise.

[Andy]

Ryan's sarcasm detector seems to be broken.

[mohammed jafar]

Originally posted by FarScapeR


Sorry, if it wasn't apparent, but I was referring to the rating system of the newer seasons. I once asked the same question on the board and one answer I got was that there were different scales being used. But I'm not sure that applies to everyone.

ok then. there wasn't any disrespect in my question, just wondering if you had decided to start watching again

by the way, you're going to be mightily pissed off if this season turns out great and you have to wait to watch them all again in syndication!!

[Robbie]

I figured the reviews would be a lot lower. The only thing I thought was really hilarious was the Tetris gag, and the rest was pretty lackluster. The third act was really rushed, and Ruth's reappearance didn't make much sense. All in all, I'd give it a 2/5.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by Mohammed Jafar


ok then. there wasn't any disrespect in my question, just wondering if you had decided to start watching again

by the way, you're going to be mightily pissed off if this season turns out great and you have to wait to watch them all again in syndication!!

Well so far, everyone's been saying how funny the jokes are, and how Homer's characterization has gotten better. I'm still looking for the post that says the episode had intelligent humor/wit. What some might consider great, from what I've seen so far, would still get low marks from me. Don't worry, if I'm given enough reason to think an episode is worth watching, I'll watch it, and you'll hear from me.

@@@@ :-)

[irv]

why are you still here

[StrideR]

Originally posted by jesus plays his hits
why are you still here

Although I do not watch, I still like to hear people's opinions, rumors and actual news. That, and the fact that I still have this naive hope that someone will wake up and start doing OFF right again.

[NoOneFamous]

Originally posted by FarScapeR


Well so far, everyone's been saying how funny the jokes are, and how Homer's characterization has gotten better. I'm still looking for the post that says the episode had intelligent humor/wit.

Exactly. Most of the good reviews for this episode in this thread site one or 2 of the few good jokes there were in this episode, and then say "I loved it, it was great!" without any other support. Its almost like if that Tetris gag hadn't been in the episode, it would have gotten a lower score from most people. A few positives in an episode don't make it a good episode when they are entirely overshadowed by bad things.

[Mike Scully]

Originally posted by DotheBartman

THOH: D+ (clones was good)
Strummer: D-
Third grade: C+
Large Marge: F
Shelter: C/C+
Great Louse: A-
Special Edna: C+
Too Little: D
Strong Arms: D

This season is really making quite an effort to make me hate it :(


To be honest, I also kind of agree with Tomacco that you're trying to come down awfully hard on this season (although I admit it started off bad). I mean, you gave The Dad Who Knew Too Little a D?? In my view, that episode had some of the best character-driven humor in a long while (like most Matt Selman episodes), had a lot of heart to it, likeable and interesting characters, and payed homage to film noirs in a very interesting and satirical way. I'd say that adds up to a near classic. Even ol' Chris Pfeiler loved it. Since you were wondering why people liked that episode so much,here's his review (http://groups.google.com/groups?q=chris+pfeiler+eabf03&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=3E340BD0.B2E232C3%40t-online.de&rnum=2) . I also thought Strummer Vacation, even if it was written around the guest stars, was far from a bad episode. Guest stars CAN be used in a funny way, and I think Strummer Vacation did that.

But it's your opinion.

[hwtrash]

Glad to see that "Eye On Springfield" is still alive. I liked that some of the clips were old and some new.
Other than that...the Tetris was really really funny.
I also liked a lot of Homer because he actually had some real emotions in this one. His fear in the sack with Marge was really good.
Not a classic. Not bad either. I enjoyed it.

[Mr. Plow]

Originally posted by Dr Zaius
What was The Godfather gag?

When Marge beats up the mugger. I'm pretty sure this was the first Godfather. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. You can also see this parody in the Clerk's cartoon.

[Stackhouse]

Enjoyable episode, 8.9/10, rounded up to a 5 on the poll.

A strange thing I thought I'd mention though- I always watch the new episodes every Sunday that they're on with a group of my friends. When Helter Shelter was on, they were rolling on the floor laughing, and afterwards, one of them commented, 'Man, that was one of the best episodes ever!'.

Yesterday, they hardly laughed at all, and afterwards, one of them commented, 'Wow.. that sucked!'.

What a wierd world we live in :P

[K Storm]

wasn't very good although I loved "Oh man what am I smoking....oh yeah pot"

[mohammed jafar]

Originally posted by Mike Scully


To be honest, I also kind of agree with Tomacco that you're trying to come down awfully hard on this season (although I admit it started off bad). I mean, you gave The Dad Who Knew Too Little a D?? In my view, that episode had some of the best character-driven humor in a long while (like most Matt Selman episodes), had a lot of heart to it, likeable and interesting characters, and payed homage to film noirs in a very interesting and satirical way. I'd say that adds up to a near classic. Even ol' Chris Pfeiler loved it. Since you were wondering why people liked that episode so much . I also thought Strummer Vacation, even if it was written around the guest stars, was far from a bad episode. Guest stars CAN be used in a funny way, and I think Strummer Vacation did that.

But it's your opinion.

What confuses me is that he gave The Great Louse Detective an A-!!!! I mean, THAT'S what you're looking for in an episode???? I always assume people who genuinely dislike most newer episodes (like me) are looking for intelligent character-driven wit, intriguing references, and coherent, clever plotlines. Which I don't see how in anyone's opinion that episode could have been seen to have.

[NoOneFamous]

Originally posted by ~Christmas Ape~
A strange thing I thought I'd mention though- I always watch the new episodes every Sunday that they're on with a group of my friends. When Helter Shelter was on, they were rolling on the floor laughing, and afterwards, one of them commented, 'Man, that was one of the best episodes ever!'.

Yesterday, they hardly laughed at all, and afterwards, one of them commented, 'Wow.. that sucked!'

Yeah, its weird.. the casual Simpsons viewers are split into 2 categories: the ones who find the wacky, new stuff funny, and the ones who still enjoy the older episodes more. The sad thing is, more and more people are beginning to like the wacky episodes, and most of the dumbasses of the American general public will probably be like "Yeah d00d, OMG Did you see the Simpsons last night?? Marge kicked everyones ass for no reason!! It was sooo awesome!!" ;-/

[Shadowstar]

Ugh, Marge episodes always fall flat. But it wasn't so bad. Of course the first act was for fun and it instigated the main plot at the end. The Tetris gag, Twilight Zone and some other things were funny, but it ended up getting annoying when Marge got angry and exaggeratingly buff. Blecch. Also, two interesting anecdotes.
1. Matt Groening is on the cover of the "Us" magazine Lisa holds up.
2. The license plate of Marge's car reads "EABF04" the production code of this ep.
Since everyone has their Season 14 lists up, I might as well list mine. I don't see why you guys like the third grade episode so much. It was mostly just Bart and Lisa fighting and they kiss and make up in an one minute scene.

1. Special Edna
2. The Dad Who Knew Too Little
3. The Great Louse Detective
4. Large Marge
5. Treehouse of Horror XIII
6. How I Spent My Strummer Vacation
7. Bart vs. Lisa and the Third Grade
8. Helther Shelther
9. Strong Arms of the Ma

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by NoOneFamous


Yeah, its weird.. the casual Simpsons viewers are split into 2 categories: the ones who find the wacky, new stuff funny, and the ones who still enjoy the older episodes more. The sad thing is, more and more people are beginning to like the wacky episodes, and most of the dumbasses of the American general public will probably be like "Yeah d00d, OMG Did you see the Simpsons last night?? Marge kicked everyones ass for no reason!! It was sooo awesome!!" ;-/

I find that to be an oversimplification, simply because I know people in their forties (and older even) who own the first 2 season DVDs, yet can still enjoy the new episodes for their own merits. Ditto with teens, kids, and people in their twenties/thirties/ect. (I know a lot of "Simpsons" fans, if you can't already tell). People like this try to evaluate each episode on their own merits, as well as myself, and probably most people here too.

And what's wrong with wackiness in of itself? If done well, it can be just as good as a well-done down-to-earth episode. Am I right?

[Julie]

I didn't really like it that much. There was just something ... missing. And I can't put my finger on exactly what. But I did find the Tetris part cute. :) Er, so I guess I'll say 3/5.

[Milhouse Van Houten]

No jerkass homer! 4/5

[NoOneFamous]

Originally posted by Channel Surfer
And what's wrong with wackiness in of itself? If done well, it can be just as good as a well-done down-to-earth episode. Am I right?

Yeah, but theres a point where it stops being funny and crosses over into absurdity. For example, Deep Space Homer is a considerably wacky epispode, and the plot of Homer becoming an astronaut isn't very realistic, but it was done right and never once did I think "thats impossible, it couldn't happen" or shouldn't have happened. Marge lifting and stopping a moving bus like the Hulk? Give me a break, thats just lame.

[Moleman...Hans]

Originally posted by Channel Surfer


I find that to be an oversimplification, simply because I know people in their forties (and older even) who own the first 2 season DVDs, yet can still enjoy the new episodes for their own merits. Ditto with teens, kids, and people in their twenties/thirties/ect. (I know a lot of "Simpsons" fans, if you can't already tell). People like this try to evaluate each episode on their own merits, as well as myself, and probably most people here too.

And what's wrong with wackiness in of itself? If done well, it can be just as good as a well-done down-to-earth episode. Am I right?

I totally agree with ya Channel Surfer. My dad is middle aged (fill in age here lol) and he likes new episodes. I like new episodes too, it's jus t I don't like bad new episodes like Helter Shelter or Great Louse.

SORRY for double post! Didn't see it! ;-/

[Moleman...Hans]

Originally posted by ~Christmas Ape~
Enjoyable episode, 8.9/10, rounded up to a 5 on the poll.

A strange thing I thought I'd mention though- I always watch the new episodes every Sunday that they're on with a group of my friends. When Helter Shelter was on, they were rolling on the floor laughing, and afterwards, one of them commented, 'Man, that was one of the best episodes ever!'.

Yesterday, they hardly laughed at all, and afterwards, one of them commented, 'Wow.. that sucked!'.

What a wierd world we live in :P

My friends are always quoting things from the WORST episodes ever. They love Simpsons Safari. When I try to explain to them the deccline in quality they get pissed off and tell me I'm crazy... strange world indeed.

[Jason]

4/5. Really enjoyed this episode. Loved the tetris bit, and loved Marge pepperspraying Ralph.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by Channel Surfer


I find that to be an oversimplification, simply because I know people in their forties (and older even) who own the first 2 season DVDs, yet can still enjoy the new episodes for their own merits. Ditto with teens, kids, and people in their twenties/thirties/ect. (I know a lot of "Simpsons" fans, if you can't already tell). People like this try to evaluate each episode on their own merits, as well as myself, and probably most people here too.


You're right. Other factors that affect the classification of fans are when we started watching and how fast the show changed while we were watching. Some people became fans in seasons 10+, but quickly found the older eps more rounded and intelligent. Still, they derive entertainment from the newer episodes, as much as they did before. Some started watching in the beginning, and find it easier to justify the changes with the show as the years have gone by. The "kids"/"new skool fans" are those who started watching with the newer seasons, but have no appreciation whatsoever for deep, intellectual humor/wit wrapped around realistically emotional characters. Some had a rush of most of the "classic" episodes within a short period of time (ranging from months to slightly over a year) while watching the reruns, and were shocked to see season 10, 11, 12 and onwards.

DTBM's appreciation of "The Great Louse Detective" *may* lie in the fact that no matter how crappy Sideshow Bob episodes get, Terwilliger himself carries an air of intelligence around him, even in the wackiest/silliest of plots. Of course, that notwithstanding, I wouldn't have given "The Great Louse Detective" (which was the last ep I saw, for those who are set to get on my case ;)) a C, much less an A-.

[Stretch Dude]

4/5. I had a feeling this was going to be a good episode, and I wasn't disappointed. It had all the workings of a classic Simpsons episode: a solid, well-formed plot, non-pointless use of old characters (Ruth, Snowball), great parodies and a few freeze-frame jokes (I didn't even notice Marge's license plate until the second time I watched it!), and plenty of emotion. I'm not very good at outwardly showing my emotions, but I really felt bad for Marge after she was mugged. Watching her beat the living snot of the mugger made me feel good inside, like watching a despicable movie villain meet a gruesome demise. I agree that Marge was out-of-character in the third act, but I feel the need to stress that that was the whole point! She was on steroids, people! Did you expect her to prance about making people happy like a magical woman from Happyland in a gumdrop house on Lollipop Lane? :p

Incidentally, I LOVED the bus scene. My favorite joke in the whole episode is Marge waving the fender in the air and cheerfully saying "Bye, kids!" like an ordinary mom who didn't just lift up the rear end of a bus. :D

[I Am Lion-O]

4/5 It surprised me all these reviews kinda sum it up, what else can I say.

[Munkybutt]

Best one I've seen this season! 4.5 outta 5. It had more laugh out loud moments then I've had yet.

I thought the entire first and second acts were greatness, and the agorophobia thing was very well done, especially the 1-10 part.

The third act was kinda weak though. The Iron Maiden Pagent was kinda sucky and the bar scene was wierd( but I'm gonna chock Marge's out of character-ness up to the 'roids). I liked Moe's line about there not being enough booze in the bar to make her look good.

The future looks bright.

[Maddog53]

Originally posted by Sherri
I didn't really like it that much. There was just something ... missing. And I can't put my finger on exactly what. But I did find the Tetris part cute. :) Er, so I guess I'll say 3/5.

I've had that feeling for the last few years. I can enjoy many of the new episodes, but there is just that little thing that is missing so that I cannot say they are as good than the earlier seasons. It's weird that thing that is missing.

Maddog.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by NoOneFamous
Yeah, but theres a point where it stops being funny and crosses over into absurdity. For example, Deep Space Homer is a considerably wacky epispode, and the plot of Homer becoming an astronaut isn't very realistic, but it was done right and never once did I think "thats impossible, it couldn't happen" or shouldn't have happened. Marge lifting and stopping a moving bus like the Hulk? Give me a break, thats just lame.

To be fair though, the same can be said for emotion becoming forced too ("I'm Goin' to Praiseland", "The Sweetest Apu"). IMO, it's always the execution, no matter which style one prefers.

[DotheBartman]

First off, I'll defend and explain my Great Louse grade a little. Not trying to be confrontational or anything with any of this, just explaining myself.

I'll admit, my Great Louse grade was probably a tad high, just because I was so pleased to have an episode I could actually deem GOOD this season, that it made it that much more enjoyable. I still enjoyed it though. It may have been wacky, but as Channel Surfer and NoOneFamous said, that's not inheritly a bad thing. And despite a few overdone gags (Tom Brokaw's face, anyone?), I didn't think it was that bad, certainly not as cartoonish and stupid as Marge lifting a bus or pounding people at a bar. By that token, I felt that, despite the wackiness, the story and mystery were considerably well written, plus I actually cared what was going on, partially because Homer was essentially being himself. Still slightly in the overly stupid state he's generally in now, but regardless I think he was essentially more of the lovable, naive Homer, rather then the jackass Homer of the Scully years. By that token, I'd actually say he's been the most in character of anyone this season, and it actually makes me almost wish they'd do more episodes completely about him again, so we don't have to deal with random Marge escapades and the like (steroids or not, the bar scene WAS over the top and simply wasn't believable, especcially the way she just suddenly goes back, all without helping the people in the bar as she normally would). Basically, the episode isn't "serious" by any means, but I thought the characters were still lovable enough that, in the very least, the helped the comedy a little. And hey, the ending (with Bob actually escaping and remaining free) was actually pretty intriguing.

As for "Too Little", I saw Chris Phfeiler's review, and, while I generally agree with him, I'm not entirely sure where he's coming from. I can see the points he's making, especcially with the again basically well characterized Homer, but there was just too much in that episode I couldn't like. More crotch jokes. Monkeys smoking (it wasn't even a joke, same for the novelty of seeing a monkey). Random craziness, especcially in the third act, that ends up wrecking any emotional build up. Every "emotional" bit is gone through quickly to move to the next joke; essentially, they're "apologized" for. As examples, Homer using the black gel to draw tears (couldn't they just use real tears for once? please?), Lisa blinding a man with a laser pointer right when a Homer/Lisa bonding moment is starting (and right after Homer gets shot....again), and the entire ending. Rather then ending on a truly touching note, they cut to a lame joke about Cletus, then to an even lamer (and very obviously set up) joke about Homer getting shocked or hurt AGAIN. Heck, as if that weren't enough, there were plenty of obvious similarities to other episodes and ideas reused from other episodes (most or all of them having been don plenty by now) that I don't need to explain them. I didn't actually HATE the episode while I was watching it, but to be honest, there were so many flaws, that it basically deserves a "D". It was much like watching a show or movie where, you don't really think about it while you're watching (largely because you weren't really entertained), but when you think about it later you realize just how flawed it was.

And as for me being "tough" on the show, I must admit I probably do that to some degree (I'd say most everyone here who has been negative about the show has been perhaps a bit intentionally tough on it at points), but regardless my current opinions stand. As a silly, wacky, cartoon comedy, this season has been uneven with some highs and lows. As a character based satire, its been (save for Louse's better character moments and some nice Homer moments later) pretty much a complete joke.

[Tomacco]

Seriously, I've found that the show's problems in the past few seasons has stemmed mostly from an unfocused or lack of conflict. Conflict is what drives a good episode, and what keeps us interested, meaning it's always more effective if we're aware of the conflict as early as possible. This is what made "Special Edna" a great accomplishment. We recognized the Skinner/Krabappel conflict right from scene two, and it was concentrated throughout the entire episode, even though there were scenes involving Efcot center that were off-topic.

On the other hand, an episode like "Helter Shelter" failed because there was no concrete conflict. I suppose the conflict was that the family has nowhere to live. This conflict was introduced at the end of act one, which is something that has happened in many episodes in the past few years, which has made the show suffer a bit. Okay, back on track, the family has nowhere to stay, but in the second act this conflict is already solved adequately. The next conflict that's introduced is the family having to adjust to life in the new home. They do this very fast too. By the end of act three, we're already into a third conflict, being the family finding themselves dropped in a river. FOURTH conflict - the family is stranded on an island and must find a way to survive. They eventually decide to team up with other reality show people to escape. They're back home with no mention of the very first conflict. See what happened? The first half of the episode winds up being pointless!

Wandering conflicts is what has plagued the show since season 10. Seriously, THAT IS REALLY IT! Other episodes that suffered from this were "Simpson Safari", "Kill the Alligator and Run", "Tennis the Menace", "New Kids on the Blechh", "I'm Goin' to Praiseland", "The Computer Wore Menace Shoes", "Brother's Little Helper", "Take My Wife, Sleaze", "The Lastest Gun in the West", "Jaws Wired Shut", "The Blunder Years", "Homer the Moe", "The Parent Rap", "Weekend at Burnsies", "Bart to the Future", "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad Marge", "Sunday, Cruddy Sunday", "Viva Ned Flanders", "Monty Can't Buy Me Love", "The Old Man and the C Student", "Make Room for Lisa", "Homer to the Max", "Gump Roast", "I Am Furious (Yellow)", "She of Little Faith", "How I Spent My Strummer Vacation", "Bart vs Lisa vs Third Grade", and others.

Episodes with this problem fortunately don't always turn out bad, but trust me, they do suffer. For examples of what GOOD episodes with solid, fluent conflicts and themes are like, see:
"Flaming Moe's", "Last Exit to Springfield", "Special Edna", "Trilogy of Error", "Worst Episode Ever", "Cape Feare", "Life on the Fast Lane", "Large Marge", "Homer Goes to College", "Bart vs Thanksgiving", "When Flanders Failed", "Lisa the Simpson", "Duffless", "I Love Lisa", "Lisa on Ice", and "Homer's Barbershop Quartet" just to name a few.

I hope everyone read this post, because I don't think I've ever felt as serious about this point about where the show has gone wrong in the past few years. If this problem were fixed, the show would feel A LOT more like classic Simpsons.

[Bob Underdunk T]

Most emotional episode in a loooooong time.
I like the way each time they show the Eye on Springfield Opening they remove some clips and add a few new ones, just like real opening credits of that style.

[DotheBartman]

I obviously disagree a little about some of those episodes being good or bad (which is true of most anyone here, I'm sure), but you know what? I think you really have something. Looking at those lists, it really seems to be more or less correct. Really caring about what's going on was helped a lot in the early years by the plots being continuous throughout, and staying on track. Heck, even some real classics like "Bart the Daredevil" suffered a tad from not being continuous.

Also, I have another good, but less obvious example of a continous episode: Deep Space Homer. People always bring it up as an example of extreme wackiness in an older episode, and it is very wacky, but that wasn't the point. The point was that Homer wanted respect and to be loved and remembered/noticed, and that theme was more or less present througout, even beginning and ending with it.

Yeah, I'd say everyone who (like me, as if I haven't made it obvious enough) has any feelings about there being a decline should look at Tomacco's post. Its really something to think about.

[Jamie]

3/5. Nothing else to add that hasn't already been said.

[NoOneFamous]

Conflict wondering isn't the only problem with the bad episodes... dont forget that many of them are anti-climatic, and often times because they fall to pieces in the 3rd act. This episode was a perfect example of that.

[Matty]

Originally posted by Tomacco


Well, someone's a Futurama fan. :D Sorry, but Family Guy did the joke first (summer 2000 for FG vs. May 2001 for Futurama) even though Futurama's older.

You got the 2 Scary Door's mixed up. The first one talked about here is from December 1999, the second one is with the airplane / gremlin / hitler thing and is from May 2001

[Gagnonsux]

I really did enjoy the first 2 and a half acts of this episode, they really felt like classic quality SImpsons stuff, and closer to the episodes I loved in season 13. Homer's charactor was right on target for the first time in a while and Marge did a good job carrying an episode. Despite the fact that the premise of this episode was similiar to large Marge, I felt they handled the charactors better and followed through with a richer plot. My only real complaints are the same complaints I've had for a while now: Too many swx jokes, terrible ending, and disjointed acts. ANother thing that sorta bugged me was that they wasted Ruth Powers charactor, according to this episode she no longer lives nextdoor and is a steroid freak. Of well the first 2.5 acts were gold, so I'll just let the few annoyances roll off my back. 4/5

[tim_duncan2000]

The Good
"Eye On Springfield" intro was good
A lot of the stuff at the bankruptcy sale was funny
The guy at the pageant intro talking about how "the doctor assures us are women"
The use of the air hockey table in the basement
Bart as Apu
Apu not wanting Marge to use the bathroom
Moe wanting to set fire to his bar (again)

The Bad
The sex jokes (Homer's "is any of this hetero", the implication that Marge was forcing Homer to have sex and then the aftermath)
Marge randomly fighting everyone at Moe's
Marge lifting the bus and the all-too-obvious joke about Otto using pot.
The tacked-on, anticlimactic, rushed ending where Marge all-of-the-sudden changes back.

I'd give it a 2/5.

[tim_duncan2000]

The point was that Homer wanted respect and to be loved and remembered/noticed, and that theme was more or less present througout, even beginning and ending with it.
I think you are right. In those episodes, they may not have dealt with situations that could happen to the average person, but at least they had a point. Episodes like "Kill the Alligator and Run" were wacky, unrealistic, and only had one point. That point was to make the Seasons 11-12 fans say, "LoOk aT H0mer!!!1111 Hez so fuNy and KeWl!!1111!1! SimPSonZ r00l!!11!1!".

[Mafia]

people stereotype fans of newer episodes way too much... yet the same people disagree with people stereotyping them about watching a cartoon (intelligent or not).

Conflict is important and Jonah is probably right. Surrealism is not really the problem (although it is to some people). NoOneFamous's last post also shows what is missing from bad episodes. How well the surrealism is used... wait... I'm just repeating what has been said.

Meh... i'm glad there aren't people complaining about how surreal the tetris scene was.

[Matty]

The Tetris scene was more one of Homer's fantasies than being surreal

Forgive me if it has already been brought up, but I just watched Large Marge and I couldnt help but notice Ruth sitting in the restaurant. Funny seeing her in the two very similar episodes

[tim_duncan2000]

Though I don't see how anyone can like most of the episodes from Seasons 11-12, I don't mind people who do enjoy a lot of those episodes as long as they can admit that they are not as good as previous seasons. I know it is a matter of opinion as to which episodes are good, but most people, even those who don't feel that Season 11-12 are that bad, can at least admit that those seaons were not that great. I only have a problem with those who claim that Season 11-12 were fine and that we are "loosers" for not laughing at every single joke in every singled episode. Those are the people I am referring to when I make those "siMpSoNS r00l!!!1!1!" quotes.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by Tomacco
Wandering conflicts is what has plagued the show since season 10. Seriously, THAT IS REALLY IT! Other episodes that suffered from this were "Simpson Safari", "Kill the Alligator and Run", "Tennis the Menace", "New Kids on the Blechh", "I'm Goin' to Praiseland", "The Computer Wore Menace Shoes", "Brother's Little Helper", "Take My Wife, Sleaze", "The Lastest Gun in the West", "Jaws Wired Shut", "The Blunder Years", "Homer the Moe", "The Parent Rap", "Weekend at Burnsies", "Bart to the Future", "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad Marge", "Sunday, Cruddy Sunday", "Viva Ned Flanders", "Monty Can't Buy Me Love", "The Old Man and the C Student", "Make Room for Lisa", "Homer to the Max", "Gump Roast", "I Am Furious (Yellow)", "She of Little Faith", "How I Spent My Strummer Vacation", "Bart vs Lisa vs Third Grade", and others.

Episodes with this problem fortunately don't always turn out bad, but trust me, they do suffer. For examples of what GOOD episodes with solid, fluent conflicts and themes are like, see:
"Flaming Moe's", "Last Exit to Springfield", "Special Edna", "Trilogy of Error", "Worst Episode Ever", "Cape Feare", "Life on the Fast Lane", "Large Marge", "Homer Goes to College", "Bart vs Thanksgiving", "When Flanders Failed", "Lisa the Simpson", "Duffless", "I Love Lisa", "Lisa on Ice", and "Homer's Barbershop Quartet" just to name a few.

I understand what your getting at, though I question "Homer Goes to College" having a solid, fluent conflict (or even theme), even if I agree its a great episode anyway. An episode with a solid conflict encourages one to be interested in the plot, so if the episode is either joke light or a joke failure, the episode can always fall back on its plot to entertain. A rambling plot promotes disinterest and, as you said, makes the earlier parts of the episode a bit pointless.

Still, it doesn't inherently make an episode good, IMO. "The Sweetest Apu" introduced its conflict early, though I still found it a weak episode for various reasons. But I will agree it certainly helps, and I found my season 13 favorite, "Little Girl in the Big Ten", to have a solid, fluent, coherent conflict and theme, reinforcing to me that it is practically a necessity for an episode to be great.

[StrideR]

Plot, conflict and realism are all good, but dialog, intelligence, pacing, style and delivery are not to be ignored.

[Tomacco]

Y'know what I thought was a great subtle joke?
At the end in the basement when Marge says "I really do miss being a lady" and kisses Homer, while they're embraced, she lifts her leg back (a ladylike gesture) and closes the furnace door with his foot.

The license plate gag evaded me for three watchings, which makes it a quality free-frame gag. The reason for this is because every time I watched that part of the episode, I was trying to read the bumper stickers and payed no attention to the plate.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by Tomacco
The license plate gag evaded me for three watchings, which makes it a quality free-frame gag. The reason for this is because every time I watched that part of the episode, I was trying to read the bumper stickers and payed no attention to the plate.

Same here, and I even caught the "Golden Globe" sight gag at the beginning. The bumper stickers were meant to distract us viewers always keeping an eye out for these sorts of things. :LOL:

[Smilin'JoeFission]

After a good exposition, and an OK second act, the third part seemed to go right downhill. I was completely lost by the time Marge started the brawl, it seemed to get too fast-paced towards the end. I may have to watch this a second time before I can give it a grade.

[JonMDavis]

They really needed to end the pot gag before Otto said "pot." Finishing it with "Oh, yeah" and quickly cutting away would have been much better. We know what he's smoking (and those who don't probably don't need to find out about it on the Simpsons) so there was no need to tell us.

[Friz]

Loved the Tetris thing, kept having to watch again.

Annoying bits:
Grampa in baby "Happy New Year" costume standing in the scene for too long. Should have just been a "What play?", not a "What? Ooh? Eeh? Watchu... talkin about?"
Disco Stu's Every so forced line.

Great bits:
Homer Tetris (accompanied with music and 'Game Over' music)
Return of classics, such as pamphlets ("The Woman who Died in her Home") and Eye on Springfield.

Couldn't care much for buffed up Ruth. Or Marge for that matter.

And, please, we've had our share of Omine. Didn't really like this episode (and for the matter, the blackboard gag). C+

[George Cauldron]

Originally posted by Friz
And, please, we've had our share of Omine. Didn't really like this episode (and for the matter, the blackboard gag). C+

It's probably the show itself that needs the regime change, huh?

[Mafia]

What was the blackboard gag?

I think a great one would have been "This is not the 300th episode... I think."

[George Cauldron]

Blackboard gag was "THE SCHOOL DOES NOT NEED A 'REGIME CHANGE.'"

They'll probably make a reference to the non-300th episode in the apparently 300th episode.

[NoOneFamous]

Originally posted by JonMDavis
They really needed to end the pot gag before Otto said "pot." Finishing it with "Oh, yeah" and quickly cutting away would have been much be