How would you rate She of Little Faith episode?

[Mr. Plow]

hey are you guys just as psyched as i am about the first new al jean episode on sunday? only 4 days!!!

[Tomacco]

Hell yes! Plus, it's an xmas episode, and I always like that.

Homer: Look, I found the dog! Now our Christmas will be complete!
Marge: We're looking for Lisa!

[DotheBartman]

Aside from the fact that Al Jean is involved, I'm glad that this episode has such an intruiging plot, plus the episode is about Lisa, and she's one of the characters I feel I can relate best too. :lisa:

[Mr. Plow]

this is one of the eps. ive been looking fwrd too. the preview was pretty funny

[Jake]

On a side note, Richard Gere's son is named Homer!

Jake

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by Jake
On a side note, Richard Gere's son is named Homer!

Jake

Wow, that's pretty weird.

While we're talking about Gere, though, I've kind of tired of having a guest appearane every week, so I hope Gere can really add something. Even in the older eps, when there wasn't as much of a saturation of guest stars, whenever a guest star plays him/herself, his/her scenes tend to be the low points of the episodes.

[Jake]

Originally posted by DotheBartman


Wow, that's pretty weird.

While we're talking about Gere, though, I've kind of tired of having a guest appearane every week...

Well, the show is ailing, so they need as many guest stars to keep the ratings up.

Jake :rolleyes

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by Jake


Well, the show is ailing, so they need as many guest stars to keep the ratings up.

Jake :rolleyes

Ugh, your probably right that that is why they are doing that, but they shouldn't have to. When I look back at classics like Lisa the Vegetarian or Flaming Moe's, and I try to think of the parts that made me laugh the most, the guest appearances almost never come to mind first. Lisa the Vegetarian, for instance, was pure gold throught, but if I had to pick the weakest scene, it would have to be Paul and Linda McCartney as themselves. With Flaming Moe's that is intensified even more, as, while the episode itself was hilarious, Moe singing with Aerosmith was pointless, unfunny, and unneeded. I just hope Gere can defeat the odds (Leonard Nemoy did so in The Springfield Files) and provide a scene that doesn't end up being the weakest part of the whole episode. Oh, and as usual, I do hope he doesn't provide much of a role, as When you Dish Upon a Star didn't dish out too many laughs for me, and Beyond Blunderdome was truely a blunder (had to type that).

[Tomacco]

Yeah, I was gonna point out that Gere's guest-spot will likely be similar to Paul and Linda's in "Lisa the Vegetarian", which I actually really liked, especially the "Would you like to hear a song?" "Wow thatd be great!" "Okay, take it Apu!" bit. That was a major highlite of the episode.

[Voodoo Monkey]

My TV Guide says that Mr. Burns raises money to rebuild the church, and that spawns Lisa's interest in Buddhism. I don't see why. Furthermore, that seems completely out-of-character for Mr. Burns.

[Tomacco]

Ryan, this description will clear it all up for you:

"The trouble starts when congregants of the First Church of Springfield, faced with a sudden need for funds after Homer destroys the church, turn for help to Mr. Burns, who turns the church into a business (“The old church was skewing pious,” says his advisor). Enter podium-placed advertising and in-sermon commercials; and exit an outraged Lisa. Her disenchantment leads her to the Springfield Buddhist Temple and to Richard Gere, who introduces her to teachings she finds easy to embrace. All of which has Rev. Lovejoy wondering what to do about “Marge Simpson's devil daughter" who's only present problem is finding it hard to not celebrate Christmas. "

[Richiewhiteboy]

I don't what to expect. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed with the preview. It just seemed like more Scully crap to me.

[InanimateCarbonRod]

I'm really really looking foreward to this episode too, but I have to agree, the commercials, and ANOTHER guest star starring as himself, makes this look exactly like Scully's crap. For some reason, I predict that the show won't improve instantly, instead it will take a few months. They couldn't go from crappy to great in one episode, could they?

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by InanimateCarbonRod
I'm really really looking foreward to this episode too, but I have to agree, the commercials, and ANOTHER guest star starring as himself, makes this look exactly like Scully's crap. For some reason, I predict that the show won't improve instantly, instead it will take a few months. They couldn't go from crappy to great in one episode, could they?

I do agree that the previews aren't the best (although I did find it funny), but keep in mind that Fox tends to advertise the worst parts of any given episode. For instance, all the ads for Hungry Hungry Homer that I saw featured one joke "I'm wasting away, I'm down to a bea-cup!" which was an okay joke, but probably the worst of the entire episode.

However, I do agree that the show wont take a 180 turn instantly. Like how the show gradually declined, it will only gradually improve, if it does at all (and I think we all hope it does).

And Tomacco, I do agree that the guest appearance was funny, but somehow it just isn't the first thing that comes to mind when I think of the episode. The whole thing was hilarious, but I think the best parts didn't have any guest voices attached to them, aside from Phil Hartman.

Overall, though, I'm fine with the occasional self-played guest star. My main problem with it is that its getting pretty tedious when some celebrity visits Springfield every week. Come on! This is supposed to be "America's Crudbucket", how many celebrities would honestly wont to go there? Anyways, though, I do hope Richard Gere can legitimately add to the episode, I'm just not holding my breath on his scenes like I'm holding my breath on the rest of it.

[Tomacco]

Yeah, I don't like all these guests either. But there aren't THAT many left this season from what I know.

Also, I don't think it'll make an instant improvement either. Just like the first few Scully episodes were season 8 quality. I really liked the first few Scully episodes. So, I expect Jean kept things going the way they were, and he saw what he wants to change over a few episodes, and then started to gradually change it after a few episodes. I speak in past tense cuz all these episodes have already been made.

[Jake]

Originally posted by Tomacco
Yeah, I don't like all these guests either. But there aren't THAT many left this season from what I know.

I don't think there's many living guests left who can appear. Perhaps Springfield should be renamed: "Hollywoodfield".

Jake

[irv]

Originally posted by Jake


I don't think there's many living guests left who can appear. Perhaps Springfield should be renamed: "Hollywoodfield".

Jake

ZING!

[The Skoot]

I'm interested in seeing whether Marge and Homer get Lisa a Christmas present or not. They might do, just to be nice, or they may respect her new religion and not.

[Voodoo Monkey]

Originally posted by Tomacco
Ryan, this description will clear it all up for you:

"The trouble starts when congregants of the First Church of Springfield, faced with a sudden need for funds after Homer destroys the church, turn for help to Mr. Burns, who turns the church into a business (“The old church was skewing pious,” says his advisor). Enter podium-placed advertising and in-sermon commercials; and exit an outraged Lisa. Her disenchantment leads her to the Springfield Buddhist Temple and to Richard Gere, who introduces her to teachings she finds easy to embrace. All of which has Rev. Lovejoy wondering what to do about “Marge Simpson's devil daughter" who's only present problem is finding it hard to not celebrate Christmas. "

Thanks!

[:bang:]

Sounds like it has some potential. Kind of bummed I'm going to miss it...

[Voodoo Monkey]

Originally posted by Hugh Jass
Sounds like it has some potential. Kind of bummed I'm going to miss it...

Why can't you tape it?

[:bang:]

My VCR decided it doesn't want to accept tapes anymore. I've had it for 4 years, so I can't complain too much. I bet I end up getting someone to tape it...

[Bart_Star]

I think this episode sounds really good, and not too wacky( Except Homer destroying the church :p ). I also think Richard Gere will play a good part in it, as it seems to be him who convinces Lisa to convert to Buddhism. Also, unlike The Skoot, I think Lisa will become a Christian again at the end, as the draw of Christmas is too much for her. Perhaps it will end with the family going out and buying her a present of her choice, with Lisa only deciding to stay Christian on Christmas Eve. That would be nice.

[radiationdude7]

I don't know what to think. I think that everyone is making to big of a deal about Al Jean. This episode doesn't sound like the "savior" everybody is talking about. I think it might be a slow start. But hey, I could be wrong. Besides, the season is fine so far. As for Gere, how does he fit into the epsiode.

[mr. broom]

I think it's interesting that the supposed 'savior' episode is a Christmas episode. Is Al Jean giving birth to Christ with this episode or something? :LOL:
I think it'd be a big mistake to have Lisa become a Buddhist, but also a bad idea to introduce Buddhism in the episode, have Lisa study it, then decide not to get into it. Sounds like a dismissal of the entire belief system. So I'm a little uncomfortable with the whole idea, though I've got some hope for this episode.

[Tomacco]

FOX must really like the episode, because they're airing it twice!

1st airing: December 16, 2001
2nd airing: December 25, 2001

[Stitchface]

Richard Gere is a buddhist,thats how he fits into the episode,I'm guessing Lisa stumbles upon him and then starts liking Buddhism

[barneybeergumble]

Rate it once you see it!

[AnswerMan]

Hilarious episode!

[AnswerMan]

I take it back, its craptacular.

[AnswerMan]

End of part 2. Total amount of laughs outloud: 1

[Dano]

Well, I guess Mike Scully wasn't the problem. They at least stayed on-topic with this episode but I still didn't like it. So far it's better than the Scully era but that really doesn't mean much.



Dear FOX,

NO MORE SPECIAL GUESTS!

[milpool]

I am not some naive fan that thinks every episode is great (I rarely watch the 1st season), but I think some people here are too critical! Granted, this is all my opinion....LOL

I think tonight's episode has been brilliant so far, and think that the limits to which they have stretched the thematic content is hilarious. I have been waiting for something like this, actually, and find the timing to be impeccable. I love the commericialization of the church, and the scene where Lisa loses it b/c of it (reminds me of an actual Biblical scene, the only one ever where Jesus is angered...when he sees the merchants on the steps of the temple). You cannot go to any store without getting Christmas crammed down their throat, so this was funny.....With Christmas approaching, and all of the international consternation due to religious and political differences, I found Lisa's exploration of religious sects to be appropriate as well. I also admired her selection. :LOL:

[barneybeergumble]

What a rip-off! It was christmas for like the last 3 minutes of the show. I thought to myself, this has to be an hour long. But, it wasn't. Otherwise pretty good episode. But, Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire beats the hell out of it in terms of a Christmas themed episode.

[Handsome Pete]

Review: "She of Little Faith"

Was it just me, or was this episode really sort compared to other ones? Anyway, this was an alright episode. It seemed to me that Richard Gere's cameo wasn't all that forced. It was minor for sure. It was more of a story episode to me, but there were some interesting jokes.

Grade: None this time around. I thought it was alright, but I'm not really sure of what to rate it. If I had to give it something, it would be a B.

Hindsight: Similar the Simpson's church, there were way too many ads between the parts of this weeks episode! It was just really annoying. Oh yeah, I don't feel like commenting on the religious parts of this episode; milpool's above post talks about it some, and that's good enough for me.

[Mr. Plow]

i actually liked the episode
8/10

[irv]

I thought it was the best holiday-themed episode ever. Really well done. I actually thought the episode seemed long, but I guess it's just me.

And seriously, you fucking nerds need to stop doing play by play for episodes. It's basically SPAMMING.

[Voodoo Monkey]

I thought the episode in question wasn't that bad. The part about saving Lisa seemed brief, the rocket part was strange, and Lenny must have switched religions.

[cyben5150]

I rather liked it. It wasnt GREAT, but it wasnt bad. The token celebrity guest that they love so much actually fit in, for the most part it wasnt too 'wacky' though the rocket launching could have been better, and best of all it made use of the characters. I think it took a little too long to get into the meat of the plot, which was lisa finding a buddhism, but that wasnt too bad. My main hope was more use of secondary characters and less focus on just the family. they made good use of the characters, the nerds, ralph, lovejoy ,etc. I found marges behaviour to be getting stranger and stranger with each episode. The obsession with the lumberjack last week, the eavesdropping on lisas prayers...its not like her. I like how at the end lisa bugged marge about the pony...it helped portray her as a child rather than some supersmart entity. They also made use of maggie. This is a good thing, she was one of the funniest things about the shorts and the first season. I need to see it again before i can truly give a good review of it, but it was the best episode of the season so far and i am looking forward to seeing if the next one is better.

[lisa_the_greek]

While Al Jean didn't improve everything at once(he's not a miracle worker, these things take time) I noticed a DEFINITE improvement over the Scully area. This episode was better than most of seasons 11 and 12, and it was simply hilarious at some parts. I loved the Cookie Kwan advertisement :)

And it gets extra points for being about Lisa

GRADE B-

Season 13 is off to a great start(I consider this to be the first episode of Season 13)

[Tomacco]

To you guys who were reviewing it while watching the episode, those reviews don't mean anything! It's not finished, so you can't grade it. Just sit back and enjoy the episode next time, and review it afterwards.

[cyben5150]

well, i just posted this but the topic was then nicely closed

I rather liked it. It wasnt GREAT, but it wasnt bad. The token celebrity guest that they love so much actually fit in, for the most part it wasnt too 'wacky' though the rocket launching could have been better, and best of all it made use of the characters. I think it took a little too long to get into the meat of the plot, which was lisa finding a buddhism, but that wasnt too bad. My main hope was more use of secondary characters and less focus on just the family. they made good use of the characters, the nerds, ralph, lovejoy ,etc. I found marges behaviour to be getting stranger and stranger with each episode. The obsession with the lumberjack last week, the eavesdropping on lisas prayers...its not like her. I like how at the end lisa bugged marge about the pony...it helped portray her as a child rather than some supersmart entity. They also made use of maggie. This is a good thing, she was one of the funniest things about the shorts and the first season. I need to see it again before i can truly give a good review of it, but it was the best episode of the season so far and i am looking forward to seeing if the next one is better.

Take it for what its worth...hopefully this one wont get closed right after i post but...either way..

[ShineMcShiney]

Even though having to post in this column has begun to sap the joy from my system, I must say that was a pretty damned good episode. MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH better than anything in the Scully era. At times it almost bordered on pre-season 9 greatness! Thanks for coming back Al Jean. We needed you.

[Tomacco]

Not really a Christmas episode exactly, but I liked how the first half of the episode was more about laughs, and the second act was mostly story. It made a very nice balance. The first act was hilarious, and even though it had nothing much to do with the rest of the episode, it was pretty short, and funny enough to make me not care. The second act was probably the shortest act in Simpsons history, and the third act was probably the longest. I'll write my complete review on my site soon. So far, Al Jean is off to a very good start. There were a lot of subtle things that I thought improved (Homer was more calm and funny, Marge and Bart were given good parts, lots of very effective sight gags, no wackiness or unrealisticness, and a good plot. If this episode was the average episode of what's to come, then The Simpsons are in for a major improvement! Also, this was the first episode that writer ever wrote, so he's a keeper. Also, Gere's spot didn't detract from the episode AT ALL. He kind of seemed like the more knowledgable guy who looks down on Lenny and Carl, which was great.

Grade: 4/5

[barneybeergumble]

Will some mod put this on sticky?

[Mr. Plow]

hey tomacco how come u closed down that topic i made?

& personally, i thought this was a pretty good ep. too. 4/5. i thought it was good, not really good

[BurningLeprechaun]

Best this year. wahoo!

[Handsome Pete]

I mean no disrespect Tomacco, but...the episode was over starting when I reviewed it. I mean it. Also, Ryan Irvine: Same goes to you. I am serious when I mean no disrespect.

[thecapecoddah]

Merged the thread with the other "She of Little Faith" topic.

Barney: Sorry that the topic states that it was started by joshman. Crazy board.

[Mr. Plow]

ok i was just confused. when i went & wrote my thoughts on the ep, i returned & it said closed on the bottom of tomaccos thread

[James]

Yep, it was what I expected from an Al Jean show. I did notice some changes.....it seemed sharper and more full of satire, had great minor cast appearances, it was more finely chiseled and quick on the uptake in it's writing, it had nice little comedic touches, and a good Marge part. I thought it zipped through well, with good jokes to keep it going and touches of satire. I love the way it satired the commercialization and marketing of religion, and the money-changers thing and Bart posing as Jesus for the last supper were hilarious! My only complaint was that it took awhile to get to the meat of the show......................but, when it got to the part about Buddhism, it was a good and funny portrayal of religious misunderstanding and intolerance. And I don't really think the main focus of the episode was to be a Christmas show, so I didn't really mind much of that. I never really pictured Lenny and Carl as Buddhists, but that was all right :rolleyes . Gere's appearance fit well in, very well in. Lisa was done well, and the kind of intelligent humor she had was renewed a bit here. Overall, a great show! :lisa:

[Prof. Frink13]

It was an OK episode I guess. I was disappointed because this episode had nearly nothing to do with Christmas. I liked Ralph and Milhouse a pony though

[ShineMcShiney]

Can't we just judge the episode on it's own merits rather than what we THOUGHT it would be about? It was great. A big step up.

[radiationdude7]

Halleluia. I loved the episode. I didnt stop laughing. It used all the characters you could use in a episode, and it worked. I loved the roket thingy and all the quotes. Benjamin, Doug and Gary made their third(correct me if i'm wrong) appearance. I liked the Lisa thing. It really shows her character. The church thing was great too. PFK at the door of the church asking if she wasnted her hand stamped. the running marquee on the reverend's stand that said "Watch Ally McBeal, Its great" :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

Grade: A

[irv]

I really can't understand anyone who was disappointed with this episode. I thought it was easily the best episode of the season so far. The jokes and references were more sophistocated, the first act was hysterical.

Who wrote this episode, anyway?

[barneybeergumble]

Originally posted by ShineMcShiney
Can't we just judge the episode on it's own merits rather than what we THOUGHT it would be about? It was great. A big step up. It wasn't what we thought it would be like christmas, FOX told us it would be about christmas.

[ShineMcShiney]

If Fox hadn't marketed it as a Christmas episode, your rating wouldn't have been as low. Your expections would not have been built up for one thing, and you would have been able to view the show objectively. Blame Fox for your dissapointment, not the show.

[blueduck37]

I give this episode a solid "A".

So far, so good Al! :bart:

[InanimateCarbonRod]

I thought it was a big improvement over most of the scully era, but it felt a little forced. Almost like Al Jean was trying really hard to make it feel like a pre-scully episode, but the writers, who are so used to writing the nonsense, just couldn't do it. This is evident because the jokes were better, it didn't feel "hectic", everyone acted in-character...but the plot still went nowhere, and the plot was pointless at best. The least they could have done is hint that it was the Christmas season throughout the show, rather than stick it into the last 3 minutes. Then it would have probably felt like a Christmas episode.

It wasn't a Christmas episode. If it was, then Homer the Moe was a Thanksgiving episode...

[cyben5150]

from everything i heard the episode was supposed to be focused around lisa becoming buddhist. not once was i led to believe that it was going to be a full fledged christmas episode. But...if you want one of those may i suggest gift of the magi, that was indeed a christmas episode. maybe it will be more to your liking

[irv]

Lets find a reason to bitch about every episode!

[Tomacco]

Yeah, I can't believe how many people are complaining that it wasn't really an xmas episode. That just seems odd to me. I like episodes about religion a lot anyways, so its all good.

[irv]

They're complaining because that's what they think people on the board do after every episode. And they're right.

[ShineMcShiney]

But usually the Simspons episodes suck. But this one was really, really...good.

[cyben5150]

Actually, i think that only one or two people are complaining about it not being a christmas episode. If thats their biggest complaint though then i think it speaks louder than any praise could. previous episodes you hear stuff about how its going downhill blah blah blah...If not being christmas is the only bad thing they have to say then good, it means that this episode is a vast improvement over previous ones.

[mr. broom]

Originally posted by ShineMcShiney
If Fox hadn't marketed it as a Christmas episode, your rating wouldn't have been as low. Your expections would not have been built up for one thing, and you would have been able to view the show objectively. Blame Fox for your dissapointment, not the show.
Hey, here's a plan: Let's harp on FOX in every thread! Who gives a damn if it was a Christmas episode or not? Are holiday episodes supposed to be automatically better or something? And if you people hate FOX so much, why did you believe their advertisements for the episode in the first place? Give it a rest, FOX-bashers.
This was a fun episode. Though I'm getting a little tired of Burns being in every episode, he didn't play a huge part in this one, which was good. Richard Gere's part was actually somewhat funny, and I liked the fact that Lenny was clueless about Buddhism. The Christmas stuff at the end seemed somewhat forced, I thought, but it made for a couple of decent jokes. Better than average, on the whole.

[ShineMcShiney]

I don't HATE Fox, but it sure as hell ain't a perfect network. This episode had VERY little do with Christmas, if anything, but the ad was comprised mainly of the scene with Homer picking up Santa's Little Helper and saying, you know, the line. Some people were understandably misled, and as a result, disappointed with this new ep.

[Jessica Lovejoy]

I normally enjoy the episodes where Lisa is the staring character and tonights episode was no different. It really struck a chord with me because last year I was having trouble with my true spiritual identity and I completely understood what Lisa was going through. The jokes were all fairly good as well and I loved the references to some of the older episodes, especially the bits with Nibbles the hamster, Homer's nerd friends from Springfield Uunversity (I forget their names!) and Lisa wanting a pony. The only part that annoyed me was at the end of act II when Homer asked Marge how he should be feeling after Lisa ran out of the church. It seemed like it was just thrown in to kill time and it made Homer look really stupid (what else is new?!). But overall, I give it an A.

As for those of you who seem to enjoy bashing the newer episodes just because it seems like the cool thing to do, you really need to get over yourselves. Sure, stating your opinion is always great, but quit the "this episode sucks!!!!" posts without justifying WHY it sucks.

[ShineMcShiney]

Originally posted by Mr. Broom

I'm getting a little tired of Burns being in every episode, he didn't play a huge part in this one, which was good.

Mr. Burns hasn't been in any of the season 13 episodes. Or any episode of the last three seasons. Tonight was his first appearance, ditto Lisa.

[barneybeergumble]

Originally posted by ShineMcShiney


Mr. Burns hasn't been in any of the season 13 episodes. Or any episode of the last three seasons. Tonight was his first appearance, ditto Lisa. :shocked: your joking, right? :shocked:

[ShineMcShiney]

I meant they haven't been accurately portrayed, untill tonight. Previous scully episodes featuring Burns this season were WAY off the mark. And probably the others he's done with Burns too, I didn't tune in for much of the last few seasons. In this episode he was heartless, evil capitalist. Just like he should be.

[Tomacco]

Let's hope Shineymcshine was joking because Burns was a big part of last week's episode, and especially the week before. I dunno, I LOVE Burns and I'm happy he's being used so much now, and well too!
How could you not have liked his scene with the smoke bomb??? HAHAH!

[ShineMcShiney]

I was joking...

[mr. broom]

I agree with Shiney about Burns not being accurately portrayed. I'm tired of poor lonely Monty who needs love and human contact. I want insane, evil capitalist C.M. Burns who has no redeeming qualitites whatsoever.

[irv]

Burns should be portrayed as a bastard-asshole, not some guy homer is friends with.

[Tomacco]

Okay, Burns is another topic alltogether, heheh. Ever since Who Shot Mr. Burns he's changed anyways, so I don't think he's gonna be like he was before that now.

Anyways, check out my complete review in its entirety here:
www.thespringfieldshopper.com/reviewdabf02.htm

[Drew]

The episode had a well written and more believable plot line (besides the hampster part, than most new funny yet unbelievalbe story lines, however this episode wasnt funny.

[irv]

Since you posted the exact same thing at maggied, let me reply with the exact same thing I posted at maggied.

Are you fucking nuts? The first act was hysterical. The rest was meant to be serious, but was still rich with cultural references that provided me with many a chuckle.

[blockyourfather]

I'm sorry, but I didn't like this one. Homer's contacts were about the only thing I laughed at. I wasn't expecting Lisa to stay Buddist- I was hoping she would regain her senses and go back to Christianity, and there wasn't enough emphasis on Christmas in this episode; it was just thrown together in Act 3. Now the writers have to remember Lisa's Buddism as well as her vegetarianism, Kirk and Luanne's divorce, and Apu, Manjula, and the octuplets. I give She of Little Faith a D.

[Tomacco]

blockyourfather, basically you're saying you don't like minor changes in a decade + show? I think all the changes they've made, except maybe Maude's death, were good.

What's with all the Christmas complaints!? Oh my god!

[ShineMcShiney]

Originally posted by blockyourfather
I wasn't expecting Lisa to stay Buddist- I was hoping she would regain her senses and go back to Christianity, and there wasn't enough emphasis on Christmas in this episode.

You know, Christianity isn't the end all, be all religion...except for it's followers. Why don't we try being a bit more tolerant? Sorry, but as a gay dude, the thought of Christians makes my triggger finger itchy.

[ShineMcShiney]

I really caught everyone off guard with that, eh? It's okay. I'm sure in a couple of decades, and give or take one or two VERY passionate slain activists, no one will bat an eye at such an announcement.

[Tomacco]

Gotta say, I didn't know how to respond to that. I can't be the only one here. Anyways, keep discussin the episode everyone.

[ShineMcShiney]

I thought tonight was a big improvement over the previous episodes. I heartily look forward to next sunday. Also, I'm glad that Al Jean is dove tailing back to earlier, classic seasons by inculding characters we haven't heard from in quite awhile, such as the nerds tonight and Artie Ziff in the upcoming "Half Decent Proposal"

[thecapecoddah]

REVIEW: Nice for a Lisa oriented episode which remained amusing throughout even though generally "boring characters" such as Marge played a major role. The episode forced me to follow the storyline and made me think, which several recent episodes haven't accomplished. Great scenes with Lenny & Carl, loved the hamster scene, and Gere's appearance wasn't bad at all. Homer and Bart at the breakfast table was hilarious.

If Al Jean can do this nice a job with a Lisa/Christmas episode, I can't wait to see what he can do with the other characters.

[DotheBartman]

Wow, let me start off with a little comment....how could anyone dislike this episode?

This was one of the best episodes I've seen in a while, in fact, the best since Trilogy of Error. However, its tradition for me to start off with the negatives, and for now, I'm going to keep that tradition. However, the list is considerably short.

1. Richard Gere. Not so much of a dislike as something that I think could have been better. He wasn't really all that funny, much like most guest stars nowadays. However, he didn't really detract from the episode for once, and for that I am very grateful.

2. The ending, once again, not really a dislike, just could have been better. My main problem here was that the writers seemed to be trying to make things go back to normal without it really happening, if you can even understand what I'm saying. Lisa stays Budhist, but apparently will still worship with her family (will she still do so differently from them?). However, this wasn't even a big deal.

Anyways, not that that's over, this episode was GREAT! I haven't seen too many episodes of this quality for a while, and my list goes on and on with things that I liked. The first act in particular was a gut buster. Bart reciting Homer's credit card number was great, and the Flanders unwittingly outstripping Homer's efforts with the rocket was classic Flanders. It was great to see the nerds again (are they becoming regular characters?), and, even if it was a little silly, it was absolutely impossible to not laugh watching the hampster walk bravely into the rocket. Once the church had been blown up, I knew this was going to be good.

The second act was really short (even shorter than the first act), but still provided nice laughs. I've noticed that Burns has been used a lot this season so far, but he's been funny each time, and this was no exception. The whole smoke thing has been used before, but its a classic Simpsons gag, so there's no complaint there. Lovejoy provided some classic moments here, and it also became evident that this episode was going to provide some nice satire on the commercialization of religion. The Cookie Kwan ad also brought back memories, same with most of the ads in there. The new comfy seats looked alot like airplane seats I noticed (another ad, perhaps), and Lisa was perfectly in character with her being upset about the situation. One last thing, it was good to see Lindsay Neagel (she seems to be a regular character now, she was originally named when Lisa joins MENSA) again.

The third act was nothing short of great either, aside from what I mentioned in the negatives. Lenny and Carl seem to have changed religions, and provided alot of laughs, particularly Lenny not knowing anything about his own religion (which is what happens with a lot of religious people, actually). More classic Flanders "my Satan sense is tingling", and the act also provided some classic satire on the idea that you have to be of a certain religion (and that all those who aren't must be converted). I must also admit that in my family we have often debated God even being a male for sure, so I loved Marge's "Mr. Lord" quip. This would also bring me to mentioning that Marge provided an absolutely hilarious moment here, impersonating God. Milhouse and Ralph were great as the "horse", and for once Bart and Homer were truly funny again. (like they were through the rest of this episode). Kearney was hilarious here, with "I say that as a teenager and the parent of a teenager" and about dating Jimbo's mom "Hey, she came on to me!". It was also great to see the bullies again, and Bart's "suggestions" for a new religion were classic. Wow, I realize that whole last paragraph probably rambled alot, so I'll finish this up.

Congratulations to the new writer who wrote this episode (keep this guy), and to Al Jean for providing such a great start to his new era. If this is what we can expect from Jean throughout the season, I may actually bitch and whine a lot less.

Overall: A-

And so far the grades are: B, B, D-, B+, B+, A-

[Lenny]

it was good, but not great.
I give it a B.
Here's why: I thought it took way too long to get into Lisa's problem.
And also, I agree that it wasnt enough of a christmas episode. Come on, it WAS a christmas episode, otherwise the last three minutes wouldnt have introduced that it was Christmas. I think they should have had the first scene showing that it was christmas, by having Lisa decorating the tree or something, and showing her being excited about Christmas. Then Bart could have seen a commercial about a toy rocket, and then he asks Homer for one for Christmas, and Homer goes and gets him one before christmas. I wouldve liked that.
but i'm not saying the episode sucked or anything. i gave it a B, remember. The funniest parts were Homer singing his song, Lenny being clueless about Buddahism, Bart posing with The Last Supper, and a few other parts...that i cant remember.
I'll have to watch the episode again.

definitely an improvement from the Scully era though.

[Silent_G]

Very good episode. I was waiting for Lisa's "change in religion" ever since the episode "Lisa the Skeptic".. the one when she didn't believe the skeleton was an angel when everyone else in town did.. I saw this comming really.
I also enjoyed the scene with Bart and the bullies. plus Kerney had some great lines too.
Bart (to Jimbo): I thought Kerney was dating your mom...
Kerney: Hey, she came on to me!
Jimbo: Lets get him!
*They all start beating up Kerney..and even Bart starts punching him..*
In the next scene in the chruch basement..you see Kerney sitting at the table with everyone and has a bandage on his head and wrinkled shirt... A bit of detal that was lacking from previous episode..the writers actually remembered he was beaten up in the last scene..

Kerney "As a teenager and a parent of a teenager..."

[BattleSmack]

humor was really lacking in this one. plot was ok. but i just didnt find many things funny. 2/5

[ShineMcShiney]

Originally posted by DotheBartman
2The first act in particular was a gut buster. Bart reciting Homer's credit card number was great, and the Flanders unwittingly outstripping Homer's efforts with the rocket was classic Flanders.

Actually the whole episode was classic everything. Everyone behabved in character, and the satire while a bit ham-fisted was intelligent. Really warms my heart after all the bullshit that comprised previous seasons.
Though its odd to see people such as Drew Karnuick (a Scully episode defender) complain about the quality... :rolleyes

[Lenny]

oh yeah, the breakfast scene with bart and homer was HILARIOUS!

[Transactoid]

Deffinitely thought that was a HUGE improvement over previous episodes. For once, it wasn't a "Homer doing wacky things" episode, and instead had an actual plot line and character development. Best of all, it didn't feature Homer *screaming*!

:shocked:

[DotheBartman]

One thing I'd like to know ( I missed the first half of the opening credits). WHat was the chalkboard?

[Roarke]

This topic is near un-avoidable with this episode, considered posting as a new topic...but it really is a critique on the episode..so anyhow...

The way they dealt with Religion in this episode was absoluty perfect in satire, whether they meant to or not...

Someone considering converting to Buddhism due to a spark in this episode would not surprise me, as they summerized and gave a good representation of the faith(through my own research and study, at least). Gere, who I have an odd feeling suggested alot of the subject matter on Buddhism, had a good represention as an informer, but not really someone who is trying to pressue anyone into their own faith( Some of you may remember him being booed at the Concert at new york for expressing his views, never the less he continued with his speach).

Now, on the other side of things, the way the simpsons represented Christianity was, all though I hate to admit, pretty accurate in it's own respects.

The role of Bart seemed to be nearly every one of my peers(high school). I've heard quite often the lines of "Try Judaism, when you turn thirteen..cha ching!". Also, the line "I heard your sister gave up on Christianity" "Who Cares?" seems represenitve not someone who has never feeled to have a spiritural side of life.

Homer, Reverend Lovejoy, and others play the sterotypical Christian, and either though it was on some accord an un-fair grouping of the faith, it is accurate on many examples I have seen...thinking that any faith other than theirs is satanic, evil, and should be opresed.

Marge plays a better role, someone Not sure what to think. Raised to think like the others, but truely loves her daughter and wants to help her/accept her beliefs...Most of the time she was played like the others, but I noticed a few times where she wanted to know more than the others, and accept more.

My only objection to the whole topic of Religion in this episode is that there wasn't really a 'good' representation of Chrisianity. I, my self am Christian, and am so through my own beliefs. I am friends with people who are quasi-buddhists(don't really follow it, but know the lessons well and often use them in their life), Atheists, Jews, Hindu, Wiccans, and followers of other beiliefs. yet, when Told their certain faith, I ask to know about it, and educate myself more on it. Many lessons through other faiths(actually, mainly Buddhism) Can be brought into my life and my beiliefs. My point being that, there are many Christians like me, who feel that other religions have the right to be a practiced faith, and even some of their ideas can be brought into Christian life. Also, for peole to know were all not all 'be like us or you are not good' types. It is, in the end, still a small objection, because it's a cartoon, and was made mainly to make me laught...which it did ;)

oh well, those are my thoughts. Really good episode, and the next should be great, can't wait to have Lovitz

-Roarke

[BangBangBart]

I do not have a cereal named after me.

[Lance_Murdock]

I rate it 4/5. The religious storyline was disturbing though... In religious satire, someone, somewhere is going to get offended. So best to leave it out altogether.

Glad to see the return of the nerds and some good dialog for once.
I agree that they could have done more with the Christmas theme.

:bart:

[klingerx]

Wow Lance_Murdock! That was one of the lamest things ever posted. Suggesting The Simpsons not do religious satire cause somebody may get offended goes against everything that makes this show funny. Someone will always be offended. They make fun of everything they can, including themselves. Maybe you should watch a tamer show like Friends.

[Rowdy]

Looks like I'll be bowing down to two saviors this month. Well, I don't know if I'll be going to an Al Jean church soon, but I'm sure Jonah is already building one.

That episode rocked. The plot was one of the best in years. The humor was almost always on target. Unfortunately, this recent upslide (he he, new word) in the series just wasn't expected. I don't know if I'll be able to handle any more really good episodes this year. Then again, I was able to get past the first ten seasons without dying from a laughter related illness. :)

Al Jean, you rock!

Episode Six of Season Twelve (The Computer Wore Menace Shoes): 2/5
She Of Little Faith: 5/5

Season Twelve (Episodes 1-6): 19/30
Season Thirteen (Episodes 1-6): 20/30

Note: I won't go waiving a Season 13 banner yet because that one point lead it has isn't all that large.

[Rowdy]

Originally posted by Ryan Irvine

The first act was hysterical. The rest was meant to be serious, but was still rich with cultural references that provided me with many a chuckle.

Talk about cultural references! This episode mentioned (CBG to be exact) a religion in Restaurant at the end of the Universe, which is the sequel to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I doubt too many people got the joke, but it had me in stitches.

[Richiewhiteboy]

I'm dissapointed. There was definitely NOT an immediate improvement over the Scully episodes and I don't think there will be. If anything, there was a decline. Very few laughs with a poor story and a lot of groaners and inconsistencies. The few things I laughed at were Bart knowing Homer's credit card number, Lisa being more appaled at the idea of being a Methodist than a heart-eating religon, and Homer making Bart butter his bacon and bacon his sausage. A lot of bad stuff though. The whole rocket thing was horrible. I can't believe they used the whole first act on that. The hampster thing? what the hell kind of luaghs are they going for? Who doesn't crack up every time they see an animal thinking that it's people. The final line of the first act could have been funny if it wasn't so reminiscant of "It's just until we pay off daddy's desecration of a priceless artifact. I thought I'd never have to say that again." Oh and since when does Homer wear contacts? I thought he had Laser eye surgery? Burns was ok in the second act. At least he was evil this time. The money changing thing was great, but they tried to put to many jokes into the church scene when Lisa dumped christianity and none of them worked. The third act was bad and Richard Gere and the whole Bhudda thing didn't work for me. Lenny is apparently a Bhuddist too, even though he was constantly seen at church. Over all it was just another in a long line of bad episodes and it is apparent that Al Jean is not the savior. At best I give it a D. And someone earlier said that this episode was as good as 'Trilogy of Error' I agree. They were both terrible.

[Jake]

Well, this wasn't the best episode ever, but it IS the best of Season 13, so far. It also has the first, gut-busting line I've heard in years:

NED: My Satan-sense is tinging!

I was actually felt like I was going to laugh up a lung after hearing that. (Hell, I'm just laughing thinking about it!) The whole 'profit-church' satire was great and it seemed like the show actually had a plot rather than just a bunch of gags strung together.

In short: This ep had something that the past few years have been missing: Depth of character.

Absoultely nothing offensive in terms of bad-comedy, but the only thing that seemed weird was Marge's support of the changes to the church.

Grade: A (9/10)


Jake

BTW, did anyone notice that David Silverman was ALSO back in the credits?

[Richiewhiteboy]

Originally posted by DotheBartman
One thing I'd like to know ( I missed the first half of the opening credits). WHat was the chalkboard?

I do not have a cereal named after me.

[morbot]

Originally posted by ShineMcShiney


You know, Christianity isn't the end all, be all religion...except for it's followers. Why don't we try being a bit more tolerant? Sorry, but as a gay dude, the thought of Christians makes my triggger finger itchy.

Oh come on! Muslims don't think thier religion is the end all? Jews don't think it? You certainly can't tell me Mormons are only so-so about their beliefs? Why don't YOU try being a bit more tolerant? It is so stupid how people bash Christianity, then turn around and tell other people to respect their culture, and their believes. Why don't you take a page from the book you're preaching?

I can't speak for the entire country, but in Seattle, we actively invite the gay community to attend Catholic Services. We've had gays speak to our congregation. We don't close our doors to anyone, for any reason. I don't care what your sexual orientation is. I'm a straight Catholic. I lived with a gay guy for an entire school year, and I still hang out with him... I was hanging out with him last night. So don't pretend to think Christians hate you... unless you live in like Alabama in which case... Why do you live in Alabama?!

ANYWAY... the episode was pretty good. I'm tired of seeing guest stars be themselves, but at least he didn't have a lot of screen time and lines. Lenny and Carl were great as always. Marge was her typical bland self, unable to deal with any outside ideas/information. The addition of Ralph was a nice suprise. For once, the first time in awhile, the first act actually influenced the episode, rather than being a completely crazy side plot. The short appearance by the nerds was a good use of background characters. There were a few spots where I actually laughed out loud, and not every episode does that anymore. Overall, a nice episode.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by Richiewhiteboy
I'm dissapointed. There was definitely NOT an immediate improvement over the Scully episodes and I don't think there will be. If anything, there was a decline. Very few laughs with a poor story and a lot of groaners and inconsistencies. The few things I laughed at were Bart knowing Homer's credit card number, Lisa being more appaled at the idea of being a Methodist than a heart-eating religon, and Homer making Bart butter his bacon and bacon his sausage. A lot of bad stuff though. The whole rocket thing was horrible. I can't believe they used the whole first act on that. The hampster thing? what the hell kind of luaghs are they going for? Who doesn't crack up every time they see an animal thinking that it's people. The final line of the first act could have been funny if it wasn't so reminiscant of "It's just until we pay off daddy's desecration of a priceless artifact. I thought I'd never have to say that again." Oh and since when does Homer wear contacts? I thought he had Laser eye surgery? Burns was ok in the second act. At least he was evil this time. The money changing thing was great, but they tried to put to many jokes into the church scene when Lisa dumped christianity and none of them worked. The third act was bad and Richard Gere and the whole Bhudda thing didn't work for me. Lenny is apparently a Bhuddist too, even though he was constantly seen at church. Over all it was just another in a long line of bad episodes and it is apparent that Al Jean is not the savior. At best I give it a D. And someone earlier said that this episode was as good as 'Trilogy of Error' I agree. They were both terrible.

I agree with you totally. By the time Homer had started making the first rocket, I was getting worried. The rocket blowing up was quite funny, I must admit, but then the episode plummeted. I didn't hear any sharp, witty dialogue, no well timed jokes, but at least, it wasn't a Homercentric episode, even though the real story started with blowing up the Church. So, exactly how is the Church going to look next time? They never got back to justifying that commercialization bit. At least, Burns was back in character. I was disappointed that Al Jean came up with this. Well, better luck to him next time.

[irv]

Anybody who said there was nothing funny after the first act is retarded. Maybe you just don't get jokes.

The scene where Homer was actually talking to Bart at the dinner table when were meant to think that he was really talking to Lisa was an all time classic Simpsons gag. Just brilliant.

Lenny and Carl meditating was fantastic, and the ongoing gag where Lenny just really doesn't "get" Buddhism. "Who likes short shorts?" -- "He's way off."

Burns showing up as the devil in the second act was a well timed gag.

The Flanders scene was hilarious. Flander's kids going "yay" after something like that will never EVER get old.

Also, the gag where they have a character walking with the signs behind them is just hilarious. This may be the third time they've done it, but it's hilarious every time. Heh "Church of Latter Day Druids."

I just don't see how you can say that it wasn't funny, given the first act and the gags that came afterwards.

Only thing we don't know is whether Al Jean should get credit for this, or whether it was just a new writer who did great work. We'll know in a few weeks.

[:bang:]

Best episode all year. It just flowed better than the others, Homer wasn't as stupid, plus the return of the nerds! Lenny and Carl were priceless as Buddist as well. Thanks Al!
B+

[Datoupee]

Well, like I always do. I watched the episode a couple times before typing a review and this episode was FANTASTIC. It had a ton of laughs from a ton of great simpsons characters. This will most likely end up being a classic episode for fans.

This season has been very well done unlike what many people say. I just watched all the episodes over again and this season ranks up there with the best of them.

[Dishman]

Average to above average but pretty good overall.

[Beepela]

I thought the episode was great! The hampster/rocket part had me laughing out loud, and it was nice to see people acting in character again. My one problem? Christmas. And not because it wasn't "Christmasy enough" either. Has anyone ever seen any winter/Christmas episodes before? Of course we have. Isn't in generally cold and/or snowing for Christmas? Yes it is, and yet Homer and Bart were out in T-Shirts building the rocket, no one was wearing coats when Burns showed up as the devil and everyone was outside. It seemed sunny and warm. And then when they decided it was almost Christmnas, sudden;y Lisa is wearing a coat, and it gets immediately cold. It's like they couldn't decide if it was Christmas or not. The Christmas part was almost thrown in as an afterthought. And whole thing with Lisa being "missing" went by so fast that it lost it's impact. I didn't really care that Lisa was missing, nor did I really feel like the family did, because as soon as we saw them looking for her, they found her. Just seemed a bit rushed to me. but definitely an improvement. Loved the episode!

[Jake]

Originally posted by Beepela
Has anyone ever seen any winter/Christmas episodes before? Of course we have. Isn't in generally cold and/or snowing for Christmas? Yes it is, and yet Homer and Bart were out in T-Shirts building the rocket, no one was wearing coats when Burns showed up as the devil and everyone was outside. It seemed sunny and warm. And then when they decided it was almost Christmnas, sudden;y Lisa is wearing a coat, and it gets immediately cold. It's like they couldn't decide if it was Christmas or not.

Maybe it was a warm December. Where I live, it's been almost warm enough to wear a short sleeved shirt, there's no snow on the ground and no ice on any lakes I know of...and I live in Minnesota!

Jake
(Who'd like to see a warm, green Christmas in the upper Midwest)

[Carl=Black]

I don't see what was so good about this episode. It just wasn't funny to me. And some of it didn't really make sense. Why didn't Lisa just go to another church?! It doesn't seem like she would just give up her faith that easily. It wasn't as embarassingly stupid as other episodes (well the begining was) but it still wasn't funny, and the ending was terrible.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by Beepela
I thought the episode was great! The hampster/rocket part had me laughing out loud, and it was nice to see people acting in character again. My one problem? Christmas. And not because it wasn't "Christmasy enough" either. Has anyone ever seen any winter/Christmas episodes before? Of course we have. Isn't in generally cold and/or snowing for Christmas? Yes it is, and yet Homer and Bart were out in T-Shirts building the rocket, no one was wearing coats when Burns showed up as the devil and everyone was outside. It seemed sunny and warm. And then when they decided it was almost Christmnas, sudden;y Lisa is wearing a coat, and it gets immediately cold. It's like they couldn't decide if it was Christmas or not. The Christmas part was almost thrown in as an afterthought. And whole thing with Lisa being "missing" went by so fast that it lost it's impact. I didn't really care that Lisa was missing, nor did I really feel like the family did, because as soon as we saw them looking for her, they found her. Just seemed a bit rushed to me. but definitely an improvement. Loved the episode!

You're right. I didn't even notice the fact that it got cold really quick. I thought the episode was probably better than previous s13 episodes, but I expected much more from Al Jean. Well, I hope he's just taking his time and making steadily increasing improvements. Finally, the characters were almost themselves again (they still lack depth though). I wasn't too thrilled about Lenny's switching of religions either. It'd have been better if he had been more helpful in the episode. Plus, the celebrity guest star who plays himself. Now, that's not so bad, unless...you know...THEY'RE PLAYING THEMSELVES. At least, with Leonard Nimoy, Adam West and James Woods, the characters were not being themselves...they were poking fun at themselves (Does anyone see the difference?). That way, jokes run better. It seems Lisa's grown up now...mentally. I guess when you've gone so far with a character, all that's left is to make her a buddhist.

Not a bad episode, even though Al Jean could have done better...much much better.

[Homer-Clese]

How can anyone hate an episode of the Simpsons?!?! Shame on you all who voted that it was a terrible episode!!!

[Jake]

Originally posted by Homer-Clese
How can anyone hate an episode of the Simpsons?!?! Shame on you all who voted that it was a terrible episode!!!

Heh, heh, heh...

[Cole]

I don't have enough time for a detailed review, I will watch it again and then give my lengthy review later tonight. But I will say this episode was a HUGE improvement over last weeks. Still, Hunka Hunka Burns In Love was my favorite of the season -- Mr. Burns sure is being used alot this season. But I don't mind at all since he has always been my favorite charactor. But, back to the point: this episode was a great way to start off a new era! 4/5

[BangBangBart]

I thought it was a pretty great episode, i rated it 5/5. It had many funny moments. Even though i don't like richard gere, i thought he fit well in this episode. He wasn't really put in there for no particular reason. I loved his comment, "It's a good thing buddha teaches freedom from desire, cause i've got the desire to kick your ass."

I liked the drunk hobo scene.
Hobo: That's it, i'm off the hooch!
Man: Hey! Wine! *lays down in puddle on street and drinks*

Homer:
When you have a ribeye steak
You must floss it!
Oh that meatloaf tasted great
You must floss it!
Floss it, floss it good!

Homer: We are about to break the surly bounds of gravity and punch the face of god.

And that faith based emporium teeming with impulse buy items.. thought that was pretty funny.

An all around great simpsons episode!
I can go on and on..

[barneybeergumble]

I'm having an obsessive urge to make fun of shinemcshiney for being gay but I am restraining slowly.....

[bartimus prime]

Originally posted by barneybeergumble
I'm having an obsessive urge to make fun of shinemcshiney for being gay but I am restraining slowly.....

It was just a matter of time...

[Greg Durand]

My review: It was really a good plot. Whatwith Lisa and religion once again, nice classic laughs and more. Surely a season 13 favourite, in my opinion.
Rating: A+.

[J.Re*]

I enjoyed it very much and it is a GREAT change of pace over recent episodes (:cough:season 10:cough:). My favorite jokes were...

Any Lenny and Carl moment, they were hilarious

Gere: My birthdays on August 23(date?)
Lisa: I'll e-mail you a greeting card
Gere: Sweeeeet

The Gerbil launch (was that a parody of The Right Stuff or another space movie)

Lisa : Why does Jesus have a lasso?
Homer : Cause he's all man.

[morbot]

Originally posted by barneybeergumble
I'm having an obsessive urge to make fun of shinemcshiney for being gay but I am restraining slowly.....

I have an obsessive urge to beat the living shit out of you for being unbelievably ignorant, but I am restraining slowly....

I say go for it, it'll finally give Number One an excuse to show you the door for good.

Also, back to the episode. I also agree for that an episode that was supposed to be a Christmas episode, it didn't have a Christmassy feel to it until the end there. It woulda been nice to see a bit more snow, stores with decorations, etc. Not that its a requirement to have a Christmas episode or anything... but still, it woulda been nice.

[Richiewhiteboy]

Originally posted by stride_83


I didn't hear any sharp, witty dialogue, no well timed jokes,

EXACTLY. When are people going to realize that is the only thing that matters. That's what the Simpsons DID best. Who cares if they use guest stars. Who cares if they didn't use your favorite minor character enough. When you get down to the nitty-gritty only two things matter when judging the Simpsons. Which jokes made you laugh and which ones made you cringe.

[mrkatie]

I didn't think that episode was that great at all. Are you joking when you say you can see a big difference between that episode and the Scully episodes? It seemed no different to me. Started off with a go-nowhere story that went on too long, characters were used out of context, the whole episode seemed like it was written to be improved by Richard Gere to promote Buddhism, and it wasn't exactly hilarious after Lisa converted. Keep in mind that even during the Skully era, Lisa episodes were often the best written and this one is far and away the worst Lisa episode I've seen in sometime. I was really hoping there'd be a vast improvement in quality, but I really don't think there was. HHBIL was better, in my opinion. This is probably the third best of the season, but that doesn't at all prove that vast improvements have been made.

[mr. broom]

Things that were great about this ep (and never get old)
--Rod/Tod: "Yaaaaay!" Somehow that always makes me giggle a lot. I need that sound for my 'puter.
--Homer singing to pop tunes with new lyrics: "Floss It" was just great. I nearly peed my pants.
--Lisa walking down a black screen with signs floating past: It's a great silly montage sequence idea they've done with Bart and Krusty before.
--Homer getting angry over something stupid: His fury with Bart for not getting his fat intake up was funny. That gritted-teeth-and-narrowed-eyes look is good stuff.
I thought it got a little shaky toward the end, but I laughed more than usual. I'm still not seeing a big difference from the old stuff, maybe because the writing staff is still pretty much the same. Everyone wants to think that a new exec. producer will mean an entirely different show, which is a really stupid thing to think. I'm sorry, but it is. He's one guy. It takes dozens to put this show together, and they didn't all get replaced by their early-season counterparts.

[Wiggle Puppy]

Eh, it was alright

[kepano]

I dislike episodes all about Lisa...I kinda make me boring but it's important to know Lisa learning new and another important lessons in her life.

[Bluesman]

WOO HOO!!! That was a damn good episode! Homer is going back to being a smartass, the subplots were hilarious (the rockets, profit-church), I loved Milhouse in this ep, and there were some damn funny parts (my Satan-sense is tingling, the devil-horn cowlicks on Burns, Kearny, "I say this as a teenager and as the father of a teenager!").
Oh holy shit, things are looking up!

[Lance_Murdock]

Originally posted by klingerx
Wow Lance_Murdock! That was one of the lamest things ever posted. Suggesting The Simpsons not do religious satire cause somebody may get offended goes against everything that makes this show funny. Someone will always be offended. They make fun of everything they can, including themselves. Maybe you should watch a tamer show like Friends.

klingerx,
Why don't you take a walk and stop insulting people? It was my honest opinion and I'm entitled to it.

[Kalbelgarion]

*thrashes around like a Zio follower*
All hail Al Jean, the holy one!

Ahh, what luck. Now this was a totally refreshing episode. This could have aired in season 7 and no one would be the wiser.

Sight gags, characterization, funny moments, a sensical plot, and no Homer Screams(c)!

There was just one thing I didn't quite get...what was funny about Homer forcing Bart to eat butter, bacon, and sausage?

[InanimateCarbonRod]

After reviewing this episode more, I realized something. This episode was definately an improvement over the scully episodes, but not THAT much of one like so many of you make it out to be. Basically, it had Al Jean style humor covering up the same old Scully-style plot. Look through it again and you'll realize that it still very closely resembles a Scully episode:
wackyness - the hampster scene, which was also mainly to kill episode time.
1st act having NOTHING to do with main story
Hasty and forced ending, episode wrapped up in the last 2 minutes... ect

I think that if we hadn't known Al Jean replaced Mike Scully, you'd all still have complained about this episode and gave it low ratings. Don't get me wrong, I still laughed my ass off at it, and its still an above average episode (I give it a 3/5), but they've got a lot work to do.

[ShineMcShiney]

Originally posted by barneybeergumble
I'm having an obsessive urge to make fun of shinemcshiney for being gay but I am restraining slowly.....

That's expected. Because teenagers are stupid sheep who like to take out their insecurities on others. If you want to make fun of me, you can. And I hope you come up with some really good zingers though with your intelligence,I doubt it. Please note that I will not respond to any homophob slurs, however, as this is not the school playground and there are no other kids trying to instigate a fight by chantng "oooh....".

[ShineMcShiney]

Originally posted by Fat Morbo


Why do you live in Alabama?!



Actually Houston, Texas, which for all it's modren architecture and streets full of white kids tryng to act 'black' is still the south.

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by barneybeergumble
I'm having an obsessive urge to make fun of shinemcshiney for being gay but I am restraining slowly.....

I know how you feel. I have an obsessive urge right now to make fun of you for acting like such a jerk, but I am restraining slowly......

[Jake]

Originally posted by barneybeergumble
I'm having an obsessive urge to make fun of shinemcshiney for being gay but I am restraining slowly.....

I'd rather have someone call me 'gay' than be mistaken for you.

[Jake]

Originally posted by ShineMcShiney


That's expected. Because teenagers are stupid sheep who like to take out their insecurities on others. If you want to make fun of me, you can. And I hope you come up with some really good zingers though with your intelligence,I doubt it. Please note that I will not respond to any homophob slurs, however, as this is not the school playground and there are no other kids trying to instigate a fight by chantng "oooh....".

Err...don't take this the wrong way, but a persons sexuality should not have to brought up in a Simpsons discussion.

It would be absurd for me to say: "Hey, I'm a hetrosexual, look at me!" Right?

Jake

[thecapecoddah]

Keep this on topic, guys. We don't want to close this thread this soon..

[Doaho]

I don't have much thoughts on this episode. I simply just enjoyed it.

[Eat_Up_Martha]

oooh....

FIGHT! FIGHT!

Just kidding. Grow up, barneybeergumble.

[BurningLeprechaun]

Originally posted by Jake


Maybe it was a warm December. Where I live, it's been almost warm enough to wear a short sleeved shirt, there's no snow on the ground and no ice on any lakes I know of...and I live in Minnesota!

Jake
(Who'd like to see a warm, green Christmas in the upper Midwest)


I live in Ohio and the last few weeks have been record-breakingly warm, like 60s and 70s. it's been nuts. but this week it's 30s and 40s. This is exactly what happened on the simpsons.
Plus, did they ever say that this episode happened over a matter of days? It probably took a while to get the church all fixed up, this episode coudl have easily taken place over a matter of weeks.

[StrideR]

Originally posted by kepano
I dislike episodes all about Lisa...I kinda make me boring but it's important to know Lisa learning new and another important lessons in her life.

Yeah, this one was a Lisa, Lisa, Lisa, all about Lisa episode. No sub-plot at all (Homer and the rocket was just another silly, but funny way of introducing the story).

[barneybeergumble]

Originally posted by ShineMcShiney


That's expected. Because teenagers are stupid sheep who like to take out their insecurities on others. If you want to make fun of me, you can. And I hope you come up with some really good zingers though with your intelligence,I doubt it. Please note that I will not respond to any homophob slurs, however, as this is not the school playground and there are no other kids trying to instigate a fight by chantng "oooh....". ooohhhh....I'm so afraid, some gayboy wants to fight me oohhhh....I'm scared. what are you gonna do? wave your arms in the air and slap me, like a little girl. talk with your gay talk. i can picture it now, he'll be like , "bring it on, girl lover", and move is hands like a faggot. LOL :LOL: I can see it now! If you lived anywhere near long island I know I would kick your wimpy ass. you don't got the balls to fight a straight guy like myself. you aint manly enough. go to my school, they'll beat you like an egg for being gay, you don't even have to be gay, if someone just says you are gay they will beat you up. your lucky you aren't in my school. but first he will announce his sexual preference, since it is so important to be gay. you gays want to be like straights then why don't you keep your gayness untold?


Ok, Fat morbo and everyone else start to yell at me for being so ignorant, it seems like you have nothing else to do. let the fag fend for himself

[Kalbelgarion]

What? BBG isn't banned yet? :rolleyes

[barneybeergumble]

no mod has the guts to ban me






























joking, please don't ban me!!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

[BangBangBart]

And that's the end of that chapter..

[thecapecoddah]

If anyone replies to gumble's most recent posts besides ShineMcShiney this thread will be closed. Thanks for your understanding.

[morbot]

Edited because Number One was a step ahead of me all along :)

[Tomacco]

Don't worry everyone. Just banned BarneyBeerGumble. That was the last straw.

[thecapecoddah]

Well Jeff, you can say what you want, because he was banned before I even read your post. Just had to talk it over with Tomacco before reaching an (easy) final decision. He was banned from certain areas of the board before, anyway. I don't and never have condoned his nonsense and immature opinions.

Please resume discussion of the episode now. Hope this off topic conversation didn't scare any reviewers away. :D

[Prof. Frink13]

is barney gone for good?

[thecapecoddah]

That will be decided at a later date.

[morbot]

Originally posted by kepano
I dislike episodes all about Lisa...I kinda make me boring but it's important to know Lisa learning new and another important lessons in her life.

I agree that Lisa themed episodes tend not to be as humorous, they can still be just as entertaining. They tend to be more of the stories that have heart, with a moral at the end and stuff like that. And while I do find Lisa's character to be a bit too dry, and sometimes annoying, I thought this was a very good episode for one being centered around her.

But the thing that is best about Lisa themed episodes, is they usually are about a topic, and they look into it. Not like crazy Homer based episodes which usually have no rhyme or reason to them, instead they just follow Homer around as he goes through zany antics like a Tom & Jerry cartoon. Lisa shows always involve real life elements (depression, self expression, religion) that people can relate to. And in my opinion, the Simpsons need to step off the edge of zany, and back into reality based episodes... it would be the first step in getting them back to the "good ole days"

[Mr. Plow]

& dont u guys forget. if yea missed which i think none of u guys did, theyll repeat it christmas day at 8:00 i think. if u missed it i suggest u should watch it. great ep

[InanimateCarbonRod]

Originally posted by Fat Morbo
But the thing that is best about Lisa themed episodes, is they usually are about a topic, and they look into it. Not like crazy Homer based episodes which usually have no rhyme or reason to them, instead they just follow Homer around as he goes through zany antics like a Tom & Jerry cartoon.
Well, the OLD Homer based episodes weren't like that at all. And if they were zany, there was still a big sense of real-izm.

[Prof. Frink13]

yeah those episodes were hilarious

[Cole]

That's good, now we can get back to discussing this excellent episode. This was a very good epsisode with actual character development. One thing that I do want to point out about the episode that I did not like, and something that I hoped that left with the Scully era, was the disconnected first act. Sure, it was humorous but it went on waaaaaaaaaayyy tool long and took away time that they could have used showing the viewers: how Mr. Burns ran the church or more importantly maybe showing Lisa searching through other religions or...well, you get my point. Anyways, I wish they could have made it an hour episode because it was such a good story that it was hard to cram it into 30 minutes. I give this episode a B+. Here is my review of the season thus far, for those who are interested:

Treehouse of Horror XII: C+
The Parent Rap: B-
Homer the Moe: B-
Hunka Hunka Burns In Love: A-
The Blunder Years: C+
She of Little Faith: B+

[James]

I was actually thinking too they should have made it into a 1-hour show! Here's my plot: Devote most of the first half to how Burns runs the church, and then show Lisa briefly exploring other religions, such as Judaism (great for a Rabbi Krustofski appearance, mikva and conversion jokes, and torah kissing), Catholicism (reciting 50 rosaries), Jainism (talking about Thinkantharas (scuzeme if thats spelled wrong)), and a Hinduism thing with Apu, before settling on Buddhism. I might try and rescript it into a one-hour episode sometime if I find the time.

[Cole]

That is a very good description of how the episode should have been FlandersEVIL. Apu explaining Hinduism would have been great. :LOL:

[milpool]

As for the episode, 2 thumbs up!!!

As for BBG being banned...Strange...There were a lot of comments using the word "gay" inappropriately last wek, an when I complained it was ignored. BBG, despite the fact that your comments were stupid/assinine I do not think you should be banned since this was not addresed properly last week. We are not solving the problem correctly. IMHO.

[bartimus prime]

Good laughing scenes, good plot, great show. Thumbs up!

[morbot]

Originally posted by milpool

As for BBG being banned...Strange...There were a lot of comments using the word "gay" inappropriately last wek, an when I complained it was ignored. BBG, despite the fact that your comments were stupid/assinine I do not think you should be banned since this was not addresed properly last week. We are not solving the problem correctly. IMHO.

Firstly... way to drag this thread off topic. Secondly, he was warned plenty. Thirdly what he did went way beyond inappropriately using the word 'gay'... he showed the quality of character of someone working towards committing a hate crime IMO. If anyone else feels dumb enough to defend him, please send me a private message so I can rip you a new one there, and so that Number One won't close this thread.

As for FlandersEVIL, this could have definately been a two part episode, that would have been pretty cool. Bring back characters like Krusty's Dad, and they could even use the opportunity to have other guest stars (note: NOT have them play themselves though like they did with Gere). Having her hang out with Apu trying to learn about Hinduism would have been pretty cool to see. And they could have further developed Burns running the church like you said. That woman that he brought in, who's been around in a few other episodes, didn't get to do or say much because her role was so short. I don't think it should have been an hour long, but 2 half hour shows, with the first one to be continued until next week. At least then we wouldn't have to watch a rerun next week :)

[mrkatie]

I'm shocked that anyone would say the things BBG said. How old is he? I've heard people refer to him as a teenager, but by that do they mean 13? Because I'm 18, and no one my age or close to my age would EVER EVER say anything like that. Seriously, what is wrong with some people??

[ShineMcShiney]

Originally posted by barneybeergumble
ooohhhh....I'm so afraid, some gayboy wants to fight me oohhhh....I'm scared. what are you gonna do? wave your arms in the air and slap me, like a little girl. talk with your gay talk. i can picture it now, he'll be like , "bring it on, girl lover", and move is hands like a faggot. LOL :LOL: I can see it now! If you lived anywhere near long island I know I would kick your wimpy ass. you don't got the balls to fight a straight guy like myself. you aint manly enough. go to my school, they'll beat you like an egg for being gay, you don't even have to be gay, if someone just says you are gay they will beat you up. your lucky you aren't in my school. but first he will announce his sexual preference, since it is so important to be gay. you gays want to be like straights then why don't you keep your gayness untold?


Ok, Fat morbo and everyone else start to yell at me for being so ignorant, it seems like you have nothing else to do. let the fag fend for himself





Listen you fuckin you idiot, because I think I'm being really nice in actually dignifyng your posts with a response!
You completely misunderstood the msg of that post. When I wrote that it was to mock the stupid, jerry springer mentality of most teens. And the way they always add fuel to the fire...

I couldn't care less what you think of me. I couldn't care less what would happen to me if I went to your school. I couldn't care less about school, or the philistines that inhabit that corrupt institution at all! GET IT? THE OPINIONS OF MY PEERS DON'T MATTER TO ME BECAUSE THEY ARE MOSTLY SHALLOW, VAPID, SHEEP WHO ARE TOO FRIGHTENED AND INSECURE TO CHALLENGE POPULAR CONVENTIONS. And I am not. So the fuck you, teenybopper. And your homophobia. And please don't post a response because there is no kindness in my being left for you, and as such will completey ignore your useless, pathetc existence.

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by mrkatie
I'm shocked that anyone would say the things BBG said. How old is he? I've heard people refer to him as a teenager, but by that do they mean 13? Because I'm 18, and no one my age or close to my age would EVER EVER say anything like that. Seriously, what is wrong with some people??

Worse, I think he's 11.

[ShineMcShiney]

Originally posted by mrkatie
I'm shocked that anyone would say the things BBG said. How old is he? I've heard people refer to him as a teenager, but by that do they mean 13? Because I'm 18, and no one my age or close to my age would EVER EVER say anything like that. Seriously, what is wrong with some people??

He said he's from long island. Where they hound you unless you're a white, hetero, non-jew. At least that's what I've heard.

[Tomacco]

Back on topic, enjoy this!:

http://www.thespringfieldshopper.com/!SHEOFLITTLEFAITH.GIF

[DotheBartman]

Sweet! If only they would use your work in the next complete guide editions...*sigh*.....

[ShineMcShiney]

That was a-fuckin-mazing! Way to go!

[thecapecoddah]

Heh, no quoting huge pictures, DotheBartman. :D

[BangBangBart]

Awesome! I have enjoyed it!

[officermarge1525]

I love the gag when Lisa was reading the Zagat's Guide to World Religions! I'm still laughing about it. I have a budhist at home, so I enjoyed a lot.

[officermarge1525]

Wow. He really went all out this time. I was curious to see what he wrote sorry. I've had him on my ignore list since day one.
Anyway...
I still like the Lisa episodes for they bring some balance to all others. She's the straight man to counter Homer's buffoonery and Bart's senseless and hiliarious antics. Marge's neutral interventions.

[:bang:]

Lisa episodes do have more of a social satire bend to them. They seem to have a really cool intelligence in a sea of torrid insanity feel to them. I totally see her as a Buddist. Does this mean she's the first Buddist President?

What bbg said was terrible, but I wish he wasn't banned, because I was going to change my rank to barneybeergumble's gay lover, and everytime he said something stupid, I'd just post "that's not what you said last night!" I'd figure that would bum him out pretty bad. Too bad...

[StrideR]

You know, it took Tomacco's summary of the episode to remind me of some of the great parts about the ep. Reading it now and re-imagining those lines being said is actually great. Maybe what's missing is the great animation and voice direction that have taken flight(and run away) in recent years.

Yes. I know I bitch a lot about the episodes. Anyways, thanks Tomacco!!!

[laika]

Wow, that was one hell of an episode. Here's the way it went down imho... First frame, Rain delay. An apology for the homer/nailgun weak episodes previously... this was the first episode made After 9.11.01 (animation backlog etc..) and this sure was a kicker, not one joke was off topic, no not all were haha funny but niether were they supposed to be. This was a serious episode meant to change peoples lives. Instance, When the rocket is flying through the air and the wino in the gutter "gives up the hooch" because of seeing something so eye-opening, tossing the wine away where a business man can just as easily fall to the temptation of liquer in hard times.
Point after point was driven home without flaw. Parents feeding thier kids fat-foods, if a boy isn't interested in you then you should move on, Curney took a lickin' for dating someones mom because she came on to him first. So forth and so on...
There is no god. we should all know that now. Because of science we now know how pretty much everything works and has worked. Christianity was basicly a newer greek mythology to explain how things they didn't understand happen. People knew this and decided to profit from lies for years while the government watched. "Now that that agenda's done" you can't take away all people know without leaving them an alternative. Bhuddism is the way to be if you're tired of all this crap that has been pushed on people for years and years. She of little faith was unyielding in it's messages of truth, never faltering or backpeddling to say christmas is o.k. like other shows have been doing.
This episode made me in awe of the simpsons again. It was an outstanding job and will go down as the one show that was able to topple Huge issues in a real manner, Hell, I don't think I laughed once on my first time viewing it; my jaw was too busy dropped to the floor at the grand scale of the show. Simply Amazing. Thank you.

Please e-mail me/respond if you Know inside about the intro (laika) and the second Curny appearance (seemed out of place after he talked about re-building the school etc.)

Wondering how many lives have changed in direction after this episode..
Laika
The Real News

[Cole]

Originally posted by laika
. . .
There is no god. we should all know that now. Because of science we now know how pretty much everything works and has worked. Christianity was basicly a newer greek mythology to explain how things they didn't understand happen. People knew this and decided to profit from lies for years while the government watched. "Now that that agenda's done" you can't take away all people know without leaving them an alternative. Bhuddism is the way to be if you're tired of all this crap that has been pushed on people for years and years. She of little faith was unyielding in it's messages of truth, never faltering or backpeddling to say christmas is o.k. like other shows have been doing.
This episode made me in awe of the simpsons again. It was an outstanding job and will go down as the one show that was able to topple Huge issues in a real manner, Hell, I don't think I laughed once on my first time viewing it; my jaw was too busy dropped to the floor at the grand scale of the show. Simply Amazing. Thank you.

Please e-mail me/respond if you Know inside about the intro (laika) and the second Curny appearance (seemed out of place after he talked about re-building the school etc.)

Wondering how many lives have changed in direction after this episode..
Laika
The Real News


Umm. . . maybe you missed the point a little bit or maybe I misunderstood you. I am a strong believer in the Bible and I am a Christian. I believe there is a God and science has done nothing to prove that fact wrong in my opinion. I don't think the Simpsons episode was trying to skew people away from Christianity either. It did point out many of the positive ideas of Buddhism though and showed how some Churches have become commercialized and lost their soul. I don't think the Simpsons "endorse" a particular religion. Oh, and just so you know it is spelled "Buddhism" not "Bhuddism."

[tim_duncan2000]

I didn't think this episode was very good at all. The first act was really bad (a hamster in a rocket destroys the church? Is that the best they could do?). Marge talking when Lisa was praying was out of character and not funny. Richard Gere, fortunately, did not do much for the episode, but at least his role did not make the episode any worse either. Homer "finding" the dog seemed forced, the buttering the bacon and putting it on the sausage fell flat (it also was not funny that they made it seem like he was talking to Lisa, but that part, with a little work could have been funny), and Mr. Burns part in the episode was pointless. Also, the ads in the church and the new features did not make me laugh. I know it doesn't sound like it, but I gave this episode a chance, but I don't think it is that much better than the episodes of season 11. I'd give it about a 1 out of 5.

[Tomacco]

I don't see why people are saying Marge was out of character in the prayers scene. I thought it was pretty evident through all these years that Marge disapproves and doesn't really like when Lisa protests or questions everything too much. I thought this was a comedic way of her venting her frustration, which IS what it was.

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by Tomacco
I don't see why people are saying Marge was out of character in the prayers scene. I thought it was pretty evident through all these years that Marge disapproves and doesn't really like when Lisa protests or questions everything too much. I thought this was a comedic way of her venting her frustration, which IS what it was.

Yeah, I nearly bust a gut when I heard her imitating God.

[InanimateCarbonRod]

The Marge I knew would have overheard Lisa praying and then discussed it with her, not hide in her room and pretend to be God. :rolleyes

[Eat_Up_Martha]

I agree, carbon.

I'll show you inanimate!

[mrkatie]

Well, I'm not sure that it was out of character for Marge to pretend to be God but I do know that the "god's voice" gag was used before with much better results.

"Rod. Todd. This is God."

[:bang:]

Does that mean Marge is going to hell? That would be ironic, she goes to hell trying to save Lisa's soul.

[Tirefire]

I finally watched the ep the other day and have to say I thought the plot stayed on course more than ususal, but there was a bit of a decline in the slapstick humor that I really like. I gave it the benefit of the doubt and gave it a 4, but it was more like 3.5.

[BangBangBart]

Some people say marge was out of character when she said, "What a butthole" about the judge on the parent rap. How else is she going to act with a family like that anyways..

[StrideR]

Originally posted by DotheBartman


Yeah, I nearly bust a gut when I heard her imitating God.

I thought it was pretty lame. That, and Homer's whispering in Church.

[lisa_the_greek]

I think people are missing the point. Nobody said the episode was perfect, it still had flaws. But things are already noticeably improving. Not huge improvements, but this episode was better than 75% of the Scully-era stuff(Seasons 10-12, 9 wasn't that bad IMO). The jokes that you had to LOOK for, the past-episode references, the things that I love about The Simpsons are back. Now, they just have to improve the plots and MAYBE the humor and we'll be back to old-fashion Simpson-ness.

With the Scully era, there were very few standout "WOW" episodes. And when there were, I figured it was luck. But this episode gave me hope for a great season 13(and 14!!!)

[Smilin'JoeFission]

I saw it for the first time last nite.

It was not a too bad episode in my opinion. Best Christmas episode since the one about Bart shoplifting a videogame on Christmas. I was kind of upset at the end when Lisa decided to remain Buddhist, she seemed like one of the most Christian members of the Simpson family, but I did appreciate her decinding to worship with her family too. Also I sincerely hope they bring the Springfield Church back to the way it used to be...

I enjoyed the portrayal of Homer in this episode, he seemed a tiny bit more intelligent, than say.. "Blunder Years?" But I appreciated the use of Marge and Lisa as the main focus. I loved Bart's blackboard gag- "I do not have a cereal named after me", but do hamsters really eat their young? I liked Lenny and Carl's appearances, finally we know a lot more about their private lives. Ralph Wiggum, as always-hilarious.

Grade- B+

[Cole]

Originally posted by Smilin'JoeFission

I enjoyed the portrayal of Homer in this episode, he seemed a tiny bit more intelligent, than say.. "Blunder Years?" But I appreciated the use of Marge and Lisa as the main focus. I loved Bart's blackboard gag- "I do not have a cereal named after me", but do hamsters really eat their young? I liked Lenny and Carl's appearances, finally we know a lot more about their private lives. Ralph Wiggum, as always-hilarious.

Grade- B+

Hampsters actually do eat their young. I had a female hampster growing up, apparently she got freaky with another hampster while she was at the vet while we were on vacation. She had 8 babies and she ate three of them because she smelled different scents on them. Just for your info, don't ever touch a baby hampster because it changes its scent and the mother WILL eat it.

Anyways. . .

[RandomCanadian]

Who has she of little faith on tape and is willing to copy it for me for money?
lemme know :p
firstju@hotmail.com

Thanks.

I thought it was a sweet episode, not the best, but good, its just so damn funny when homer is flossing! and the whole contacts thing, lol
ohh and the hampster, lmao, classic stuff right there. Good watchin'

[Mr. Plow]

|

[barneybeergumble]

hey, why'd you bump this?, it makes me look bad.

[Jens. E]

2/5 - D
A very bad episode, wasn't even funny. No winter feeling at all, But Lenny and Carl was pretty good,

[Xt'Tapalatakettle]

I have to agree that the humor was so stale and dull in this episode. The funniest parts were with the hamster at the beginning, even though it did rehash some characters from Homer Goes to College. Only other thing I liked was the premise of commercializing the church. I actually thought that Lisa's Buddhism was hardly given any attention. I guess I was expecting it to be Lisa the Vegetarian Part II (never been crazy about LtV anyway). But the plot developed way too late for me to care.

Probably around 1.5.

[grissom]

I actually really like this episode. Lots of good humor and a pretty solid plot, even if it does take a while to get to the real point.

By the way, 5 year bumps are generally not a great idea new guy.

[Nebuchanezzar]

I PM'd Mike Scully a while back asking if we can bump any old R&R thread to submit a review, and he said it's fine.

Here's some interesting reading for those that don't like the episode.

Now, why was season 13 such a notable achievement? the most basic facet of watching a Simpsons episode, whether I enjoy it or not, is whether or not I stay glued to the screen. When I watched the one and a half or so seasons before I quit after Alone Again Natura Diddly I found it very hard to stay interested - all I got was boredom and a kind of numb, passive, tired annoyance. Watching these episodes was a chore, and it still is. The season 13 CABF holdovers are no different - I don't enjoy watching these episodes, with their flat characterisations, their half-assed plotlines, their contrived unbelievable character decisions, their horribly lame and juvenile humor, and their general overwhelming emptiness. most S13 episodes I thoroughly enjoy not only to watch first time, but to REwatch. not only are they watchable, they are greatly enjoyable - a big step up from Scully. First aired Jean episode She Of Little Faith is one I do enjoy. As early in the first act, the style break is extremely evident. Whereas in the CABF holdovers, Homer was either a goofy bad-wisecracking clown, seemingly detached from reality ("has the ship sailed on my foot rub suggestion?"), or merely a tool for Scully's zaniness (getting his head caught in a animal trap), in She Of Little Faith we see him as far closer to his season 2-4 characterisation - he's a lovable dufus. Not a crazed lunatic, not deranged, just a dufus. Character humor was almost non-existent in the CABF holdovers and in the three seasons previous (unless you count Captain Wacky wisecracks) yet in the first act we get a ton of it (the "pie pants" exchange, "is dad's credit card number..?", astro lemonade, "you've said that so often it's lost all meaning"). And, the parody Planet From Outer Space is more dead-on and clever than anything in the Scully era, it actually mocks the genre/style it's in, rather than just taking that style and wackifying it a bit for some absurd humor, as most post season 9 parodies (of which there were few anyway) did. The plot is sensible, believable and logical - dad tries to help his son with a project and just messes it up. Nothing like Homer somehow becoming a fortune cookie note author, or Homer somehow running Moe's, or Homer being tethered to Bart for the purposes of slapstick and standard hackenyed joined-at-the-hip humor. In the second act, we get some impeccable satire and commentary. The church's transformation into a commercialised "faith emporium" (or whatever it was) is brilliantly done, and remarkably relevant. The best example of social commentary/satire in season 12 was New Kids On The Blecch - anyone like that episode? Didn't think so. More fine character humor too - Rev. Lovejoy's "barring some kind of miracle.." comment is gold. The conflict between Lisa and Marge in the second and third acts is very well-done also - how many parent/child conflicts were there in seasons 11 and 12? Children Of A Lesser Clod, where it just seemed to be a case of flat Homer being nasty to flat Bart and flat Lisa who were nasty back, causing an eventual farce? Last Tap Dance In Springfield, where the conflict was limited to one short scene? Nowhere in (most of) seasons 10 through (all of) 11 & 12 was there a inter-family conflict done anywhere near as well as this. We can relate to Marge's problem, we can relate to Lisa's problem, we can understand their dilemmas and remain interested in the show as we want to find out how they solve them. That kind of effect can only be done with dynamic, deep characterisations and logical writing - things which were virtually unheard of past season 9. It brilliantly sends up the fearful attitude many conservative Christians have towards anyt