Rate and Review: 'Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky

[Datoupee]

Rate and Review Tonight's Episode...'Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky. This thread will be opened after the episode has ended on the east coast.

[Mr. Plow]

I thought tonight's episode was pretty good. A lot of great gags and jokes. Lisa episodes are usually good episodes. I wasn't so sure about Bart, who felt kind of out of character when Nelson made him cry. The ending was hilarious with Milhouse. 4/5.

[Necromancer]

Not bad, not bad at all. 4/5

[Kefka]

It was alright I guess. Except that stupid thing with Bart looking at the skinner webpage, and then Willy catching the glass with his tongue.

[Stackhouse]

A Wondrous, Extra-Super-good episode. FOR SURE the best episode of the Season. Likeable Characters + Good Gags= 10/10

[Andy]

my notes i typed up while watching

--Eh, they recycled the JtS couch gag... still a funny one tho

ACT ONE

--Skinner in a Shredder = Bin Laden in a Blender. Still funny
--Way to introduce the new character that early.
--Is that Trong van Dinh? (from Mr. Lisa goes to Washington)
--"Remember... as far as he knows we still teach math!" :LOL:
--"The only way to be cooler than him is do exactly as he does!"
--Rigel 7? Isn't that Kang and Kodos' planet? No wait, that's Rigel 4

ACT TWO

--eh, homer, STOP IT
--HI-YO! eh, lame joke when lisa has to elaborate
--Another motel with HOURLY RATES and ADULT MOVIES? (first was Sleep-Eazy)
--Kearney has his Hyundai H!
--Anybody get what Quimby's saying?
--"And of course we blame it on the Irish..."
--Mobsters beating up birds? Meh...
--"I made a note on your card in my Rolodex... don't whack." :LOL:
--Moe likes ANIMALS now?! Ugh.

ACT THREE

--End an act with Moe, begin with Moe? Wow.
--FOX SATELLITE! HA
--The plots converged! Very cool.
--Another "Theme from the Natural" scene? eh.
--"I wish God were alive to see this." :LOL:

What a great ep. Well rounded plot-wise, and also pretty funny. Excellent!

[EvergreenTerrace]

Very good episode.

[Lord BloodMane]

1/5 I didn't laugh once, except for the Milhouse thing at the very end. Other than that, very unfunny and disapointing episode. But I had low expectations for this episode anyway.

[Datoupee]

Was it me or did that seem much longer than a normal episode... I loved it ! So many great bits 5/5 ! Viva Al Jean !

[Datoupee]

Originally posted by Lord BloodMane
1/5 I didn't laugh once, except for the Milhouse thing at the very end. Other than that, very unfunny and disapointing episode. But I had low expectations for this episode anyway.

There's one in every bunch folks...

[irv]

i thought it was a hilarious, intelligent, and sweet episode. good characterizations. best of the season, second 5/5 episode of the season.

[doyle]

i thought nothing would top special edna, but this may have done it. steady plot which was there from beginning to end and the main plot and subplot camne together, emotion, and best of all, no horrible sex jokes or jerkass homer.
there were some great gags too:
-springfield elementary documentary
-parody of the natural
-maybor quimby jokes
-return of luigi
-minor characters like the jimbo nelson etc. and grandpa appearing
-the spotlight joke in the museum was a cheap joke but i couldnt stop laughing
- classic mmmmmmmm line and a ha-ha line too
5/5
this season gets better as it goes

[Toxic Monkey]

4/5

i will never get sick of their fox gags. :LOL:

[Glavin]

Best episode of the season(though thats not saying a whole lot).

Nothing laugh out load hilarious, but nothing extremly stupid. Thing with frink and alien at the end was stupid.

[Gabbo]

4/5, a pretty good episode with a good plot with some good gags.

Good
Opening random door
Dinnerables
Reset/You, you, you
Ed McMahon
Pacifier
Ha-Ha
Gazing at the stars
FOX satellite
Alien
Milhouse at the end

Bad
Mayor/Miss Springfield
Skinner in Shredder
Ralph again
beating up birds
Moe likes animals
Ironing phone book
Krustys porno remark

[lance]

4/5 Pretty solid episode. Milhouse at the end was the only part that had me laughing out loud. Hilarious. Eric Idle was a pretty good guest appearance. All in all, very enjoyable.

[mmforbiddendoughnut]

i thoght the skinner in shredder was not to bad, but i think u have the best view of the episode.

[Moose of Doom!]

Wonderful episode. Barely any bad jokes, great sub-plots, great guest voice.

EDIT: Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me about Ms. Springfield, all she needs a few more appearences and she'll be one of this season's one-note characters.

[Bartman3010]

This episode deserved a 4/5. The only real lame jokes were the Skinner web sites and Willie catching shards of glass in his mouth for no reason.

But the plot was definatley one of the best. The sub plot was alright, but nothing to root for. The film maker was a total ass, but he was there for a reason I guess.

In a way, it was a very entertaining Lisa episode. Oh, and bonus points for the small segment at the end. I wish it were longer, but thats life I guess. They should try to do more 'quickies' at the end of some more of the episodes.

[Simpson Purist]

9/10

One of the best episodes of the season so far. Just about everything worked in this episode. The only lame jokes were the alien asteroid and (despite a good use of the joke) another Carl and Lenny is gay reference. Otherwise it was a fine episode with a coherent plot that got started right from the first minute.

BTW, tonight's Futurama was great too.

EDIT: Score lowered down a notch, mostly because I was too excited from seeing a new Futurama and Simpsons on the same day. It's still a great episode, but not quite as polished as Special Edna or as funny as Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington.

[doyle]

Originally posted by Lord BloodMane
1/5 I didn't laugh once, except for the Milhouse thing at the very end. Other than that, very unfunny and disapointing episode. But I had low expectations for this episode anyway. did we watch the same episode?

[MaxPlow]

I didn't laugh out loud as much as some episodes recently, but it was great. 4/5

[perfectlycromulent]

5/5 i really liked it
i liked eric idle as a guest star, kind of reminded me of the rutles.

i first was disappointed when lenny looked at the stars and saw carl, but they made up for it when carl saw himself.

[Mafia]

i gave it a 5/5.

I liked a lot of it. I was thinking to myself "Another natural parody..." it woulda been better had willy not caught the glass on his tongue. Eric Idle played a pretty good role. He wasn't really funny but interesting. Excellent satisfying ending. It could had some more jokes. Lisa made some crappy lines, though. I wonder if the writers will continue the Lisa/astronomy plot.

[Mr. Plow]

I though Eric Idle's character could of been used in smaller doses. I was kinda annoyed when he tried to start something with Lisa. I did however like the documentaries he was in, but that was about it. I thought it was strange how the guest star came into the episode within the first minute.

[irv]

this season is great

[Bubble Crum]

Both Futurama and this were 5/5.

"My sash says ultra man!"

[Urts]

Great 1st and 2nd acts, so-so 3rd. I had pretty high hopes for this episode, and was not disappointed. I thought Idle would be the best part of the episode, but his guest appearance took a back seat to the plot. This is hardly a bad thing, but he wasn't quite as funny as he could have been. There were some odd moments, especially in the third act, but the good jokes outweighed the bad.

Very enjoyable episode. They took some chances with this one, and most of them payed off.

Rating: 4/5

[Handsome Pete]

Well, not all bad...I really didn't like some of the jokes and situations in this episode, including, but not limited to:

-The way Homer acted much of the time (particularly the Krusty Burger/Mad Cow thing)
-Moe and Selma making out (gorrila? ugh, just too disgusting)
-Moe's wall of dead drivers (that was way too disturbing for my tastes)
-Willie "catching" shards of broken glass (another stupid gag)
-The alien jumping out of the fallen meteor and running away (no fantasy stuff in normal episodes, please)

However, there were some things I enjoyed seeing.

-Eric Idle's usage in this episode
-Homer's last line ("I wish God were alive to see this")
-The very ending with the documentary (Milhouse's part was very hilarious...hitting the ball then tripping on the tee :LOL:)
-"As far as he knows we still teach math!"
-The way the plots converged like that in the last third of the episode.
-Fat Tony's appearance (it didn't seem too forced or anything)

When the episode gave us the last sight of the meteor shower, I was prepared to give it a 2.5/5. I just thought it was way too out there much of the time, and I didn't really like how some of the characters acted (mostly Homer). However, the finished documentary at the end brought the episode up a half a point, so I'm giving it a 3/5. I thought it squandered some of the potential it could have had, but it was still a pretty good effort overall.

[Tibor]

Great episode, with good use of Eric Idle. I didn't roll laughing, but it was very well rounded.

Funny gags, good plot, substance... It adds up to be one of the season's best.

And this episode's plot flowed, and the focus was on, something that C.E.D'oh had problems with. I'd say that this episode is the best this season, as far as the plot flowing and not being rushed. The subplot tie-in was good too.

[nowhere]

Solid, but not spectacular. Nothing memorable, and the horrible alien and Willie catching glass gags.

3/5

[Datoupee]

Originally posted by jesus plays his hits
this season is great
I concur with the honorable delegate of Jerusalem.

[Mayor Quimby]

5/5 spectacular, absolutly the best episode of the season. Two weeks in a row with 5/5 and before that 2 with 4/5, it was absolutly great.

[HomertheGreat]

wow this episode was great! I'd call it a classic. The plot flowed great, great animation, great jokes there were only 2 or 3 that were lame. Just a great episode A-/A

[Toxic Monkey]

Originally posted by Simpson Purist

BTW, tonight's Futurama was great too.

amen to that! twas the first ep of futurama ive seen in a while, twas indeed awesome!

[JonMDavis]

It's stinks! Wait, no it didn't. It was actually quite good. Eric Idle's role was pretty good for him, and he was very funny. I enjoyed Lisa's role, and Homer's role wasn't too bad this time. I still hated to see his reaction to the mad cow burgers, as it was basically the same from his reaction to the sandwich episode earlier this season. I liked the star bits, and I even liked the ending! Milhouse's baseball montage was great, as was the technical college bit (except for maybe the soccer mom part).

As for the negatives, I hated the Skinner shredder bit. And why did they use the same girl for Quimby? I HATE that voice.

But anyways, it was certainly in the top two for this season. Very funny. Keep it up (and how about some more Python guests?)!

[Stina]

It was good..I liked the part with the "who will push my reset button?...will it be you...?" lol. And of course, Milhouse getting knocked out while trying to play baseball.

4/5

[Hans Barber]

very good episode. hard to top special edna, no offense to everyone but what is so great about special edna??!!??! anyway, i liked the episode a lot, and i like professor frink. especially when he through the microscope. "I thought you said he was out of microscopes!" the whol epsiode semed to flow very well. reminded me of a season 8 or 9 episode, not compare. all round very good liked it a lot. to say that this season is not an improvement from the last few is insane. one of the best episodes of this season, and of the last 4-5. i gave it a 4\5.

[JonMDavis]

Never mind.

Can't delete.

[Wavy Gravy]

So far this season has had 16 episodes (counting this one), and all but two have been either good, great, or sensational. This was a "great"! The episode got rolling fast. Eric Idle was great as Declan Desmond, and seeing the various school kids was funny. I like how they subtly set up the subplot. Seeing Lisa's reaction to Desmond's accustaions was good, and the planetarium scene was classic. Frink's scenes in this episode rocked. The scene featuring everyone's personal constellations was also great (including Flanders and Carl). Seeing Bart trying to get Fat Tony's hood ornament was excellent too. Sleep-deprived family was funny, as well as the shutting off of the power. And the ending was great - viewing the meteor shower, followed by the finished documentary. There were lots of classic lines too ("I thought you said he was out of microscopes!" "Somewhere there's a horse drinkin' coffee." "Haw-haw...no wait, that's not right...Ha-ha!"). Overall, another excellent Season 14 episode. At this point I don't see how anyone can hate this season. (BTW, tonight's "Futurama" was also an excellent episode.)

[Tibor]

There hasn't been a chalkboard gag since Barting Over, has there? Unless there was one in A Star Is Born Again, which I missed.

The sash joke with Quimby was funny, but it kind of killed it when the woman said her line. And Moe's drink a gallon of gin contest was one of the laugh-out-loud moments of tonight's show.

[bmac]

I give it a 3/5. It did have some funny parts and was better than the usual episode these days but in the long run it was an average Simpsons episode. I did enjoy the little documentary thing at the end though, very funny.

[Maddog53]

I gave it a 3/5, but I rate it a 3.5/5. I just didn't laugh a lot, which is not necessarilly a problem if I find the plot engaging. I found myself not caring a lot of the time. It was really good, it could have been great. Read my review here!! (http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/EpisodeReviewPage/showid-146/epid-193390/blockid-97961/)

Maddog.

[Kalbelgarion]

Yep, I liked it.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable episode. The plot and subplot worked, and I’m glad that they converged in a coherent manner. Most of the jokes seemed to work, and there were only a few really bad ones (namely, the burrowing bird, and Willy’s baseball scene).

The one thing I did happen to notice was the pacing. This episode seemed very relaxed, and flowed slowly, as most good Simpsons episodes do. The slower pace made the episode more enjoyable, and it really helped that the entire episode stuck to one simple A-Plot (unlike the mess that was “C.E.D’oh). Also, one thing I really enjoyed about this episode was that they allowed some small scenes to go by without cramming in a joke. I felt relieved when, during the shower, they went to the Flanders, and there wasn’t a cheap joke thrown in, and at the end, when it did a pan towards the heavens, and another poor attempt at a funny ending wasn’t done. I’m also glad that they took time out of the episode to have Homer drool, and to have a relaxing dinner scene.

This episode got so much right, and so very little went wrong, I’m going to give it a 5/5. Bravo, Mr. Jean!

This season, thus far:

Mr Spritz Goes to Washington-5/5
'Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky-5/5
Pray Anything -4.5/5
Special Edna -4.5/5
A Star is Born Again –4.5/5
The Dad Who Knew Too Little -4.5/5
The Great Louse Detective -4/5
I'm Spelling as Fast as I Can -3.5/5
Strong Arms of the Ma –3.5/5
Bart vs. Lisa vs. 3rd Grade -3.5/5
Barting Over -3/5
Large Marge -3/5
Treehouse of Horror XIII -3/5
How I Spent My Strummer Vacation -2.5/5
“C. E. D’oh” –2/5
Helter Shelter -1/5

Not bad, I must say. Certainly better than season 13, and this season may top season 9 in quality.

[irv]

nothing will top lisa's sax, though

[Mayor Quimby]

I can't wait for Channel Surfer's review!

[Hans Barber]

i dunno bout the chalk board, but not enough couch gags. are they that lazy? its really not hard to write a good couch gag.

[Blue Phoenix]

4/5

A solid flowing plot that wasn't all over the palce and characters that were for the most part in character.

A few silly jokes take it down a nothc but all in all a very good episode.

What is it about Lisa episodes.......I think it may be her character is the most rounded and emotionally deepest so it's much harder to mess her stories up.

[eddie]

Good solid episode. Lots of great jokes and gags, and two nice plots evenly mixed together. Not the best of Season Fourteen, but I did enjoy it thoroughly. 4/5.

[East Rd]

One of the better ones of season 14. Along the lines of Mr. Spitz and The Dad Who Knew too little. Very watchable and some good jokes. :D

[mmforbiddendoughnut]

Lisa episodes are odd at times but yes, you cant really mess them up.

[HomertheGreat]

Originally posted by Blue Phoenix


What is it about Lisa episodes.......I think it may be her character is the most rounded and emotionally deepest so it's much harder to mess her stories up.

I agree, Lisa is the most emotional charactor on the Simpsons and her episodes always seem to bring out the best writing abilities of the writers. It's much harder to write am emotional, funny episode than writing one that involves Homer hurting himself

[Pukahontas]

I thought the FOX gag was Hilarious, same as the Milhouse bit at the end, both had me ROTF. This episode had alot in it, but they got it flowing quickly. I had very high expectations for the sub-plot, (b/c Fat Tony is the best) and it kinda disapointed me, but the main plot was great. I didnt like the alien joke and the Lenny seeing Carl in the stars, but still a funny episode with a smooth running plot. I give the episode 8.5/10

[or_smth]

Wow, I was pretty impressed here. There wasn't even any "Wow, It's Monty Python member Eric Idle". I wasn't expecting anything and it came through as something :D

It had it's share of problems: Off voice acting all around, a few misplaced gags (not as bad as previous episodes, YAY!) and strange out-of-characterness/forced conversation but I found I could actually look over the problems with this episode.

4/5, best of the season so far (though that isn't saying much, heh).

[Incognito, Guy]

I wish I hadn't watched this one!

Because my nose is broken and it hurt to laugh :)
Best episode of the season.

[Lord BloodMane]

I hate Lisa episodes, as I hate all shows that revolve around a genious-type person...coughMALCOM IN THE MIDDLEcough. Not to change the subject but that show sucks.

[Stackhouse]

Originally posted by Lord BloodMane
I hate Lisa episodes

Guy... most of the best episodes of the show have come from Lisa episodes. Oh well. You just can't please some people :p.

I'd go as far to say that this episode would be the best from Seasons 10,11,12, and 14, and would fit in well with 9 and the best of 13.

[Moose of Doom!]

Just thought, is Idle's character a semi-parody of Michael Moore?

[Tomacco]

This episode worked as a whole, and was chock full of laughs. The only thing that held it back a little was a couple of lame jokes, which have been mentioned already in this thread (Moe kissing Selma, alien, and Willie catching shards). It was dead obvious we were in for an at least decent quality episode right away, since the guest role was introduced in the first minute and things got rolling fast, like in older episodes. The show seems to be losing that disjointed first act problem that plagued the show from season 10-13. For the record, the Skinner shredder joke didn't bother me at all (come on it was nothing to say "ugh" at).

I enjoyed both storylines equally, and they merged nicely, although Bart's plotline would have felt more complete if we saw the aftermath of his stealing Tony's ornament. I figured it would show up at least in the documentary at the end. Although if it was canned to include extra Milhouse footage, then I'm cool with it. The baseball stuff was gold.

Homer was a little too childish and dumb in this one than I like, and I found the "Mmmm..bad egg" line to just be a forced "mmm" line. But it didn't bother me much. This episode's main strength was in the one-liners.

Overall, this was a solid 4 or 4.5. Havn't decided yet.

Note: This shitty Pitts show has the 300+ characters Simpsons poster, and the Thelma and Louise "Marge on the Lam" promo poster. Why does Mike Scully have to drag OFF into his god-awful show?

[Lord BloodMane]

ya, the pitts is god awful, Im halfway through it and I cant stand it. Im turning it off...now.

[huh?]

Alright episode, loved Eric Idle in it as he was very snobbish. Good jokes throughout, although some were a bit stupid. Also, it seemed as if some of Lisa's lines were a little bit too know-it-ally. But the plot was excellent and I'll give it a 3.5/5

[Bob Underdunk T]

5/5
The guest appearance was handled very nicely, much like in the old days.
The funniest parts were the FOX satelite and the Milhouse ending.

[Mafia]

Pitts is making Oliver Beane look like gold.... probably cause i liked Beane tonight.

About Lisa episodes, they are usually at least good. Since Lisa's Sax, the only ones I've loved would probably be Little Girl In the Big Ten, She of Little Faith, and maybe I'm Spelling As Fast As I Can. Good episodes like Lisa Gets An A and Lisa the Simpson. Okay episodes like Lost Our Lisa and possibly They Saved Lisa's Brain. Bad episodes like Little Big Mom and Make Room For Lisa. I didn't think Scully did justice to Lisa... as there were 1 or 2 a season. I have enjoyed all of Al Jean's Lisa episodes since he took over in Season 13 (i loved most of his pre-scully lisa episodes too)

[Moleman...Hans]

Good episode. 4/5 for me. Eric Idle was a great guest star and Bart and Lisa were quite funny.

[Mike Scully]

This was an OK episode, but nothing really spectacular at all.

The horrible jokes continue: Moe liking animals, an alien appearing for no reason, Willy trying to catch glass with his mouth.

The beginning of the episode was well-set up. I liked the character of Declan; I believe he was somewhat ressemblant of Michael Moore (the way he confronted Krusty). The scene where Lisa is told that she needs more focus was actually very character-defining, and very realistic for smart kids who have various interests but lack direction. Most of the bright spots, in fact, were in the first act.

I didn't really find the story very coherent, especially the way it ended. Lisa might have wanted to see the stars, but why would she breakk the law to do it? Didn't she, even for a second, consider the very relevant point that dimming the lights would increase crime? It was nice that she made the reference to Gandhi, but still, I don't know if it really worked. The townspeople getting to see the meteor shower did give me a warm feeling, however, much like the whole episode, it didn't have much of a satirical message or anything.

Grade: C+

So, how bout those Pitts promos?

[Kalbelgarion]

Originally posted by Moose of Doom!
Just thought, is Idle's character a semi-parody of Michael Moore? I don't think so. That guy has very little in common with Mr. Moore. He didn't have the smart and witty quips, nor did he have the over-the-top satire that are signatures of Moore.

I'd say that he was a simple parody of all bitter, hard-line documentary producers who are looking for a new scam or big scoop. ;)

[HomertheGreat]

Mike I some what agree with you. But I think Lisa got so caught up in getting her career set she didn't think about she's only 8 you know. And I didn't mind Lisa breaking the law, she wasn't even the one who pulled the switch, Bart did.

[Big]

Lenny seing Carl was pretty awkard not funny one bit I feel. The alien was not that good but it was pretty funny when he told Frink to shut up. The ending by far one of the best endings this season. The plot was pretty cool..

What had me laughing that nobody has mentioned I believe..

Ralph - "My sash says Ultra man!" (left punch, right punch, kick, kick, taunt)

That was funny...overall the episode was one of the top 3 in my book for this season. Rating? I'd also say 5/5

EDIT:: I found everything in this episode funny...one funnier then the other if you think about it. Moe saying I thought you were a gorilla...was pretty good not that funny but meh. Cracked a small laugh. Seriously to me the only gay and non funny thing was Lenny seeing Carl in the stars. I was expecting the other way around since Carl is supposedly gay. Well I guess Lenny is ;) That Krusty porno thing was pretty good...everything all around was great

[Number Two]

5/5 Loved the FOX satellite gag. :LOL:

[irv]

i thought the frink/alien gag was fucking hilarious

[Mafia]

i liked Brockman commenting on the terror alert and its pointlessness.

[NoOneFamous]

Lisa episodes rarely ever dissapoint, and this episode was definately not an exception! I really enjoyed this episode. Good characterization, emotion, good event pacing, no wacky stuff, no annoying Homer... and the astronomy stuff was almost inspiring... in a way.

My only complaint, besides a few lame/crude jokes (Moe thinking he was making out with an ape or something), is that the plot did seem a little absurd - A random guy decides to document Springfield Elementary, which inspires Lisa to become an astrologer, which leads to crime because of dim lighthing, followed by street lights so bright that it makes it daytime 24/7 and everyone turns crazy for some reason, which leads to a mob, but ends in a happy, warm ending. See? Pretty absurd plot.. it seems more like it would be for a Simpsons comic. But it was still a well executed episode.

4/5, or a B

[joe]

the fox satelite joke was awesome...

[Tomacco]

DotheBartman! Where are you!? Waiting for your review.. :p

[irv]

every simpsons plot ever is absurd, if you think about it too hard

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by Mayor Quimby
I can't wait for Channel Surfer's review!

I can't wait for it too! :D But it's not as favorable as many of the reviews here.

This episode had a good chunk of individual LOL moments. The orange alert comment by Kent Brockman, the documentary at the beginning (and end) of the episode, the FOX satellite, as well as a few other individual one-liners and such. Sure, there were some clunkers, but as a whole, I liked the episode in that respect.

As for the plotlines though, that's another issue. The biggest problem was simply that Lisa's characterization was of a shallow incarnation of herself. The justification for her narrowing of her career field was simply due to Declon Desmond telling her she was a "gourmet intellectual". It was an interesting look at Lisa's personality I admit, but the way the writers forgot about her typical career desire of becoming a Jazz Musician was just lazy. More then that though, Lisa's attitude towards the others was patronizing and, as huh? put it, know-it-ally, most notably when she, exploiting Homer's drowsy state, snuck into the Nuclear Power Plant and overloaded the power system just to further her cause (surprised nobody, save for Mike Scully, suggested it might be out of character for her to behave in such a way). To be honest, Lisa's characterization was similar to the one in "They Saved Lisa's Brain" where Lisa had a holier then thou attitude towards the rest of Springfield because they didn't meet her ideals (in this case, spur of the moment ideals). This incarnation of Lisa isn't very entertaining (or likeable) to me, and I prefer her plights in other activist Lisa episodes like "Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy", "Lisa the Vegetarian", "Lisa the Iconoclast", or even "Lisa the Treehugger".

Still, it had its moments, and it's not a bad episode. Just a forgettable one for me, which had far more potential then it delivered.

Grade: C

My rankings

"Special Edna" B+
"C.E.D'oh" B+
"Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington" B
"I'm Spelling as Fast as I Can" B
"Treehouse of Horror XIII" B
"How I Spent My Strummer Vacation" B-
"The Dad Who Knew Too Little" B-
"A Star is Born Again" B-
"Strong Arms of the Ma" C+
"The Great Louse Detectives" C+
"Barting Over" C
"Large Marge" C
"'Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky" C
"Pray Anything" C-
"Bart vs. Lisa vs. the 3rd Grade" D+
"Helter Shelter" D

[Mike Scully]

Originally posted by Tomacco
DotheBartman! Where are you!? Waiting for your review.. :p

Heh, I was thinking the same. :)

Will this be one of the season 14 episodes he actually likes?

[Tomacco]

No, I doubt DTBM will like this one.

[ILikeTheSimpsons]

I really liked this one, I gave it a 4/5. The best parts were the FOX sattelite, Milhouses thing at the end, and "Hoods stealing hoods from 'hoods." That was great, there were however a couple lame jokes to keep it from a 5 (Willy...come on now!).

[Mayor Quimby]

Originally posted by Channel Surfer
I can't wait for it too! :D But it's not as favorable as many of the reviews here.

This episode had a good chunk of individual LOL moments. The orange alert comment by Kent Brockman, the documentary at the beginning (and end) of the episode, the FOX satellite, as well as a few other individual one-liners and such. Sure, there were some clunkers, but as a whole, I liked the episode in that respect.

As for the plotlines though, that's another issue. The biggest problem was simply that Lisa's characterization was of a shallow incarnation of herself. The justification for her narrowing of her career field was simply due to Declon Desmond telling her she was a "gourmet intellectual". It was an interesting look at Lisa's personality I admit, but the way the writers forgot about her typical career desire of becoming a Jazz Musician was just lazy. More then that though, Lisa's attitude towards the others was patronizing and, as huh? put it, know-it-ally, most notably when she, exploiting Homer's drowsy state, snuck into the Nuclear Power Plant and overloaded the power system just to further her cause (surprised nobody, save for Mike Scully, suggested it might be out of character for her to behave in such a way). To be honest, Lisa's characterization was similar to the one in "They Saved Lisa's Brain" where Lisa had a holier then thou attitude towards the rest of Springfield because they didn't meet her ideals (in this case, spur of the moment ideals). This incarnation of Lisa isn't very entertaining (or likeable) to me, and I prefer her plights in other activist Lisa episodes like "Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy", "Lisa the Vegetarian", "Lisa the Iconoclast", or even "Lisa the Treehugger".

Still, it had its moments, and it's not a bad episode. Just a forgettable one for me, which had far more potential then it delivered.

Grade: C

My rankings

"Special Edna" B+
"C.E.D'oh" B+
"Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington" B
"I'm Spelling as Fast as I Can" B
"Treehouse of Horror XIII" B
"How I Spent My Strummer Vacation" B-
"The Dad Who Knew Too Little" B-
"A Star is Born Again" B-
"Strong Arms of the Ma" C+
"The Great Louse Detectives" C+
"Barting Over" C
"Large Marge" C
"'Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky" C
"Pray Anything" C-
"Bart vs. Lisa vs. the 3rd Grade" D+
"Helter Shelter" D


You make valid points, its just that Lisa was in secure about someone making fun of here she made a rushed non Lisa descion.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by Mayor Quimby
You make valid points, its just that Lisa was in secure about someone making fun of here she made a rushed non Lisa descion.

Perhaps, though I still feel completely forgetting about Lisa's desire to become a Jazz Musician is fairly lazy, particularly in an episode revolving around her future career. Personally, I felt that this plot device was better done in "Separate Vocations", even if I felt "Separate Vocations" was a weaker season 3 episode.

[mintjellyonthelam]

Great. Look over Mathew Mondane-Springfield's got a new star:)

I'm really pleased with this season. The lowest grade I have had to give this year is a C-

THOH13-C-
Strummer-B+
Third Grade-C
Large Marge-B
Helter Shelter-C+
Louse-B+
Edna-A
Strong Arms-B
Dad who Knew Too Little-A-
Pray Anything-B-
Barting Over-B
Spelling-A-
A Star is.. - B
Spritz-A-
CE Doh- B
Tonight's-A-

I really like this season!

[HomertheGreat]

yeah the more I think about that it really annoys me. She didn't even mention it describing what she likes to do to Desmond did she? But I think the writers were trying to put a new spin on Lisa's career path, not the same old jazz stuff, though mention of it would have been nice.

[Mayor Quimby]

Originally posted by Channel Surfer
Perhaps, though I still feel completely forgetting about Lisa's desire to become a Jazz Musician is fairly lazy, particularly in an episode revolving around her future career. Personally, I felt that this plot device was better done in "Separate Vocations", even if I felt "Separate Vocations" was a weaker season 3 episode.

Now that you mention it, this does seem a tad bit of a ripoff of "Seperate Vocations". I still think tons of good well timed jokes, and a plot that ran fairly smoothly with great animation made this a good episode.

[Eat up Martha]

I thought it was a great episode and I liked how the story took up all three acts. I was extremely glad to not see Cletus in this episode. I think he'd been in nearly every episode this year. Unfortunately, we did have the stupid Frink and Willy jokes to make up for that.

[irv]

cletus was in the episode

during that absolutely hilarious moment when they look up at the stars. burns sees dollar signs, cletus sees cents, lenny sees carl, carl sees carl. so great.

i thought frink was awesome in this episode and so was willie

[Eat up Martha]

Dammit. I forgot about that. When will Cletus' reign of terror end?

[irv]

stop looking really hard for reasons to hate episodes

[Max Power]

Long story short, 4/5 and that's the end of that chapter.

[|RABiD|]

Hilarious and im my opinion the best of the season! The ending with Milhouse was gold. Superb plot also means bonus marks! 5/5

[ryan o]

For some very odd reason, this episode reminded me of Futurama...a lot. Don't ask...but, anyways, this episode was WONDERFUL. Great plot, great jokes (like the stars), and Eric Idle was pretty good. I really don't have time now, so I'll just say my rating: 5/5

[okayagain]

Eh, it had a couple of good jokes, but the real good ones were spaced out far. Everything in between was boring, with "minor chuckle" gags. I was surprised to see so many different characters appear in this episode, in was almost too much. Quimby appeared earlier in a non-important motel joke, and then later as a plot character. Proffesor Frink seemed to be involved in the story, but then disappears. Lenny, Homer, and Carl are suddenly in focus commenting on the situation, but don't last for long. And then there are the actual characters that play a role, like Fat Tony. It was getting to be too much. Anyway, I liked how the story was more "quirky" than wacky. And it wasn't bad, just average.
3/5.

[used]

Originally posted by Lord BloodMane
1/5 I didn't laugh once, except for the Milhouse thing at the very end. Other than that, very unfunny and disapointing episode. But I had low expectations for this episode anyway.

Do you ever stop being wrong?

[FlexMasterFunk]

Wow... just saw it... and what more can I say...

Great freakin' episode... I wanna watch again before I give an in depth review, but I loved it, especially loved the ending which fit in perfectly, the whole ep. fit nicely together...

wow...

[Old Time Bike]

this episode was muy bueno

[Cole]

Lisa episodes rarely dissapoint. This episode had it all .. great jokes, merging plots, and great characterization. Great use of Fat Tony and a great ending. 4/5. One of the best of the season.

[StrideR]

Meh. It's a quite... stable episode, but it falters where so many lesser shows have succeeded. I actually started nodding off towards the end, but I was wide awake for the B/W video at the end. That was actually OK.

As a 22 minute presentation of prime time animated humor: 5/10
As a 22 minute presentation of The Simpsons: 4/10

[doyle]

Originally posted by jesus plays his hits
cletus was in the episode

during that absolutely hilarious moment when they look up at the stars. burns sees dollar signs, cletus sees cents, lenny sees carl, carl sees carl. so great.

i thought frink was awesome in this episode and so was willie dont forget when flanders looks up and sees the star, causing him to rub his eyes in disbelief. he then looks up and sees the cross.

[HomertheMoe]

I didn't like Scuse Me While I Miss The Sky. It had a very idiotic story to it, but the Bart thing was a good part of the episode. That was funny. The part with the interviewer wasn't that great either. I say 2/5 for the episode.

[Peacefrog22]

Great ep. Lots of good stuff. 4/5

[MaxpowerAK79]

HELL YES!

This was a great ep. I'm going to have to throw out a 5/5 on this one. The story itself was a little bit (but not too far) out there, but it still made sense and was believeable. And the characters were mostly in character (Lisa seemed a little too quick to change her life on the whim of a stranger, but not bad). And it was downright funny as hell!

I really liked the Ed McMahon joke, I didn't see that coming at all.
Milhouse at the end was great
Live with Underground grandma!
Desmond Declan was hilariuos in an annoying way
Cletus sees the Cent sign
Lenny and Carl see Carl!
You said he was out of microscopes!

The only flaws were the willy gag/skinner in a shredder was kinda lifeless/but really great!

Very happy about this one!

[DotheBartman]

For all my adoring fans (heh), here I am just so you know I haven't abandoned, but I have NOT seen the episode yet. Long story short, I had to tape both shows last night (sadly, my tape screwed up on Futurama, and they won't rerun it til the summer at the earliest most likely :angry: Anyone know of a download?), but I DID tape Simpsons, and will get around to watching it sometime soon (if nothing else, I'll get around to it in the next couple weeks). To be perfectly honest, I'm not really thrilled about watching it though, as it just feels like a chore lately. But anyways, I'll get around to it.

[Le Jake]

Well, I finally had a chance to watch the taped episode this morning. IMO, there was nothing really stupid, except for Willie's glassy tounge and the alien joke, but the rest was pretty good. The best moment, by far was the film at the end with Jimbo being called a 'soccer mom' and Milhouse's attempt at baseball. But there wasn't anything ROTFL funny, which made it a little dull, IMO.

OVERALL: C+

(IMO, if there was an MVP for teeball, Milhouse would loose to the tee.)

Jake

[NoOneFamous]

Yeah, WTF was up with Willie eating the glass?? LAME! But I did enjoy the parody of The Natural before that.

[mmforbiddendoughnut]

It was a good parody, I just think it was stupid Humor that everyone gets and its in every episode now.

[Capitol City Goof]

4/5. Best ep of the season. Milhouse at the end had me dyin'.

[Mike]

4/5

Is it me or when Lenny and Carl looked up in the sky, I saw Akbar or Jeff?

[irv]

i saw carl

[*Waylon Smithers*]

5/5!
A very good episode, and the Smither and Burns moment alone gives it a perfect score :)

[*Waylon Smithers*]

5/5
It was a fantastic episode and the Smithers and Burnsie moment alone gives a perfect score, just hilarious. It seemed like watching an old episode almost. :)
PS: I am very sorry for the double post, I began to post then realized I misspelled 'Smithers', then it said I could post two post in less than 30 seconds, and I refreshed the page, not seeing my post so I posted again and when that one was posted, it showed up. Sorry, that was my bad.

[Rowdy]

Funny, I was a bit tired though so I didn't remember all of the greatness like I usually do. 4/5.

[EVILDolphin']

5/5 I loved it! Well, actually I jut liked Fat Tony cos' He is the man! They need more episodes with him in it. Oh yeah and I liked the part were they got everyone's perspective at the "new" sky and that guy was in Fat Tony's trunk.

[SpongeBob No Pants]

really good episode, it felt extremely long, which was good

[perfectlycromulent]

nobody noticed that eric idles whole speil was kind of like the rutles?
anybody remember the rutles?

[Mike Scully]

Originally posted by HomertheGreat
Mike I some what agree with you. But I think Lisa got so caught up in getting her career set she didn't think about she's only 8 you know. And I didn't mind Lisa breaking the law, she wasn't even the one who pulled the switch, Bart did.

Looking back at the episode, actually, I'll concede, it seemed more acceptable and reasonable for Lisa to shut off the power by force. Considering that it wasn't just for her to see the stars, but also because eternal daylight was keeping her family from sleeping and ruining the natural cycle of things. Still, it was like the writers forgot the origninal problem, that shutting off the lights would increase crime; and Lisa could have at least acknowledged that?

[HomertheGreat]

true, they probably could have said something about her reconsidering but it didn't bother me too much

[number_22]

Hi there ! I`m new here, seems to be a nice place though ! :) Does anybody know the songs name that was runing at the end of the episode (During the metroid shower) ?

[Citizen Kang]

4/5 Pretty good!

[Robbie]

It was a great episode.

[irv]

does anyone whose opinion matters still have doubts about the quality of this season? depending on the quality of the remaining eps, it will be equal to season 9 in my opinion.

also, i agree with jonah about homer being dumb in this episode, but there is one thing. it didn't bother me. i think it was used in a sweet way when it was presented, whereas in recent seasons he would be an incredible jerkass and just get on my nerves. so i see how one can complain, but it wasn't really something i found objectionable.

[|RABiD|]

Originally posted by number_22
Hi there ! I`m new here, seems to be a nice place though ! :) Does anybody know the songs name that was runing at the end of the episode (During the metroid shower) ?

Metroid? I love that game!! ;)

[lance]

Originally posted by number_22
metroid shower :LOL:

[StrideR]

Originally posted by Comrade
does anyone whose opinion matters still have doubts about the quality of this season? depending on the quality of the remaining eps, it will be equal to season 9 in my opinion.

also, i agree with jonah about homer being dumb in this episode, but there is one thing. it didn't bother me. i think it was used in a sweet way when it was presented, whereas in recent seasons he would be an incredible jerkass and just get on my nerves. so i see how one can complain, but it wasn't really something i found objectionable.

I've known my opinion hasn't mattered since '88, but I think this season has settled into a sense of blandness... not even going for anything brilliant, except for obvious parodies. Season 9 was hit or miss. This one takes the lesser side of mediocrity all the way. I'm a fan of The Simpsons, but I don't care much for this show, even though it's somewhat stable in quality.

[necrulez]

Originally posted by number_22
Hi there ! I`m new here, seems to be a nice place though ! :) Does anybody know the songs name that was runing at the end of the episode (During the metroid shower) ?

Yo; welcome...
the song played during 'the metroid shower' was Vincent from Don Mclean...

About the episode itself; it could have easily fitted in i.e. season 7, useless to say that's a good thing...

[StrideR]

Originally posted by necrulez
Yo; welcome...
the song played during 'the metroid shower' was Vincent from Don Mclean...

About the episode itself; it could have easily fitted in i.e. season 7, useless to say that's a good thing...

No.

[Smilin'JoeFission]

There really wasn't much this episode had to offer. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't exceptional. It seemed to borrow a lot from older shows (hood ornament ripping, Homer's spasms, etc.) As an episode itself it was solid with a good plot, but many of the jokes seemed to be off.

C

[Tomacco]

I dunno if anyone remembers, but Bart's the one who pulled the lever. Lisa was preparing to, but then starting wondering if what she was doing was right, by thinking about Ghandi's philosophies and such. Bart interrupts and says "Ghandi also said less talk, more rock!" and pulls it.

[lance]

Way to be random, Jonah! But yes, I did know that. I watched the episode, after all.

[Tomacco]

Not being random, just responding to the talk earlier in the thread about it seeming out of character for Lisa to be breaking into the plant and pulling the switch.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by Tomacco
I dunno if anyone remembers, but Bart's the one who pulled the lever. Lisa was preparing to, but then starting wondering if what she was doing was right, by thinking about Ghandi's philosophies and such. Bart interrupts and says "Ghandi also said less talk, more rock!" and pulls it.

True, but she was the one manipulating Homer to get there in the first place.

Anyway, she wasn't out of character necessarily, but the episode's end was playing around with her character's elasticity. Not a bad thing of course (how can characters grow if their boundaries aren't tested), but I was surprised so few people even suggested such an ending might be out of character for her (considering people saying Bart was out of character for crying, after all).

Edit: It's nice to see so many people like an episode I personally thought was under-performing. While I rarely will be swayed with negative criticism with an episode I liked, episodes where the reverse is true may have some sort of appeal that I may have missed on first viewing, and I think this might be one of those cases. While I’m sticking by my original grade for now, I'll have to keep an open mind towards this episode when it shows up for its second airing.

Hey, it worked for "I am Furious (Yellow)".

[Tibor]

I also thought it was out of character for Lisa to do this- at first, but I considered a few things, including what was brought up in Tommacco's post.

Perhaps Lisa wasn't only doing this for her own personal ends- the rest of the family was obviously very troubled by the constant light. And the 'crime wave' seemed to be little more than teenagers stealing hood ornaments. If it was more serious, it would have been a reproachable move. And in the end, she was giving something to Springfield.

[DotheBartman]

I finally whipped out my tape and gave it a watch. I'm going to say C+/B- for now.

I gotta hand it to this episode, it actually had some good commentary. I haven't read the other reviews in detail here yet, so I don't know if anyone else saw it this way, but I saw much of the episode as another satire of sorts on mob mentality, and how large groups will often solve one problem by going to an equally bad extreme, and the consequences end up getting worse and worse in the process. The satire aspect still wasn't where I'd like it to be, but it was practically excellent by today's standards. Very interesting to watch in that sense.

The problem, then? It just wasn't very funny. Without the satire aspect it would have probably warranted a lower grade for the humor aspect. I only really laughed out loud at a few things (chiefly Ned's "correcting" his vision in the stars, and the fox sattelite...which is troubling at this point, since they seem to do fox jokes every week now, but the timing and execution was so great this time I had to laugh). Otherwise, it seemed like many of the jokes were either really dumb/too weird (Moe and Patty's scene, Moe adding to his list of dead drinkers, Willie eats shards, etc), or didn't really make sense to that point that I wasn't always even sure if they were supposed to be jokes ("Live from New York..."...there were a bunch of others, but either I'm a little tired, or its just really hard to even think of the jokes, which is sadly a trend lately). Again, there were moments, but most of it just didn't seem to work. I think the key problem actually may have been that most of the jokes themselves seemed to have little to do with what was actually going on...kind of outside jokes, ya know? They surrounded what was gong on, but didn't seem like they were, shall we say, "important" to what was going on. Of course, the other main problem was just that too many of the jokes seemed to be following the usual staple lately of being weird for the sake of weird. As well, there's the small nitpick that it seemed to "borrow" from past episodes a little in another attempt to make it feel classic (such as borrowing from Telltale Head, and any episode where Quimby is scene at a motel with another women).

So, maybe I'll watch it again and rejudge it a little, but for now its a rather weak episode with good ambitions and some good aspects that keep it watchable.

[Tomacco]

DotheBartman's C+/B- is something to be treasure everyone. They're as rare as solar eclipses.

[Simpson Purist]

Tru, but FarScapeR liking a new Simpsons episode is more rare.

[irv]

you people overanalyze everything

[Tomacco]

Originally posted by dr. cockandballs
you people overanalyze everything

:D That's just our way. It's to be expected at a Simpsons message board anyways.

[DotheBartman]

Yeah, I don't see how I get the reputation of being the most negative one here. There are at least several people here who seem much more negative here. The difference is, I actually explain the reasons for my negativity.

As well, the average season 14 episode is in the C and D range for me. So while that rating is rare, its not really all that amazing.

[Tomacco]

Originally posted by DotheBartman
Yeah, I don't see how I get the reputation of being the most negative one here. There are at least several people here who seem much more negative here. The difference is, I actually explain the reasons for my negativity.


That's why everyone remembers you as the negative one. Because people will always forget the posts that say "that sucked. this season is the worst yet. 1/5". It's a good thing though, that you can back up your statements. Keep up the good work! :)

[DotheBartman]

Heh, thanks.

As well, I'd like to point out that my negative reviews are usually pretty calm (bad episodes make me more sad then angry, anyway). The only time I think I've gone off the deep end this season was Pray Anything. Not that I don't stick by what I wrote, but the review was definetely on the angry/inflammatory side of things.

[The First Homer II]

And You was A GIRL Joe!

lol! :p :D

[Simpson Purist]

Originally posted by DotheBartman
Yeah, I don't see how I get the reputation of being the most negative one here. There are at least several people here who seem much more negative here. The difference is, I actually explain the reasons for my negativity.

*cough*FarscapeR*cough*

On a side note, I've noticed that one of the most critical Simpsons fans, Chris Pfieler, has enjoyed some of the new Simpsons episodes. He gave "Mr. Spritz", "Star is Born Again", and "C.E.D'oh" pretty good marks.

[HomertheGreat]

Originally posted by DotheBartman
Yeah, I don't see how I get the reputation of being the most negative one here. There are at least several people here who seem much more negative here. The difference is, I actually explain the reasons for my negativity.

As well, the average season 14 episode is in the C and D range for me. So while that rating is rare, its not really all that amazing.

Well you have seemed more negative this season. But I don't mind it, it's your opinion and stick to it if that's the way you feel. I in fact like reading yours and Mike Scully's negative reviews because it gives me more to think about than just getting 3 pages worth of 5/5's

[StrideR]

Originally posted by Simpson Purist
*cough*FarscapeR*cough*

On a side note, I've noticed that one of the most critical Simpsons fans, Chris Pfieler, has enjoyed some of the new Simpsons episodes. He gave "Mr. Spritz", "Star is Born Again", and "C.E.D'oh" pretty good marks.


Geez... sorry. My review would have been more detailed if I hadn't started falling asleep. On the whole, I was pretty disconnected from the whole thing.

[Simpson Purist]

Originally posted by FarScapeR
Geez... sorry. My review would have been more detailed if I hadn't started falling asleep. On the whole, I was pretty disconnected from the whole thing.

I didn't mean to bash you, in fact I enjoy your harsh criticism of OFF. I'm just trying to say that your're a more negative reviewer than Do the Bartman. Your points for why OFF is declining are insightful as well.

[StrideR]

If what you say about Chris Pfeiler is true, then I'm afraid, very afraid.

[Channel Surfer]

Originally posted by FarScapeR
If what you say about Chris Pfeiler is true, then I'm afraid, very afraid.

It's true.

http://groups.google.com/groups?q=Chris+Pfeiler+group:alt.tv.simpsons.*&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&scoring=d&selm=3E8059CF.5DAAEDAF%40t-online.de&rnum=2

I was actually surprised by him liking "C.E.D'oh", as it never seemed like his style of an episode (and since he more or less bashed "Barting Over" and "I'm Spelling as Fast as I Can").

He hasn't seen this episode yet to my knowledge.

[tim_duncan2000]

This was a pretty good episode, but there is no way I'm giving it a 5/5.

- The Wall of Dead Drivers was disturbing and not funny
- Moe liking animals now was even more disturbing
- Homer making faces after the "Mad Cow" comment was unnecessary. I wouldn't have minded the joke had he not done that.
- Mobsters punching birds? WTF?
- Willie catching the shards of glass? WTF?

There were some jokes that some did not like that I thought were not too bad like:
- The mayor and Miss Springfield
- Krusty's porno remark
- The alien coming out of the meteor

I especially liked the scenes at the end (Ralph, the bullies, Milhouse).

4/5

[red]

Just watched this. Brilliant. Lisa episodes always seem to work.

There was no wacky plot, and Homer didn't feature prominently, which was a nice change. My favourite of the season.

I didn't laught out loud much, but I was focusing on the fact that this episode had a real classic feel, so I didn't care.

[George Cauldron]

It wasn't all that funny, but it was very well done, and intelligently written. Bart's subplot was good, and tied in nicely to the main plot. Everybody behaved reasonably well in character, and there was some good use of computerized effects, especially the scenes where the crowd gazes into the sky, at the stars and the meteor shower. Eric Idle did a great job as Declan Desmond, and the episode ended in a nice and above all, sane and comprehensible manner.

[Charlie]

This was, and still is, one of my favourite post-classic episodes. The only thing I didn't like was that a year or so after this premiered, Ian Boothby basically stole the entire premise of this show and re-wrote it as a crappy Simpsons Comic. Anyway, I really enjoyed the episode...there were some great jokes (my favourite being Marge in her crazed state, ironing the phone book, putting into the frying pan, and walking off with the "Live! From New York! It's Satuuurrday Night!"). The animation was also brilliant, and the entire setup with the introduction of Declan Desmond (another character Boothby has almost ruined as a character during the comics) was marvellous. Oh, and I also loved the sub plot, everyone was nicely in character.

5/5

[I Love Lisa]

This episode is one of the best I've seen in a long time. With jokes like Homer playing pattycake with the palm recognition panel, "My baby's first words." This was great. Made even better by Eric Idle appearing, yay Monty python!
5/5

[Gatorgod]

5/5 Eric Idle's character wasn't impressed with Lisa's brains, Proving that she's probably just a big fish (mentally) in the small Springfield bowl. Bart trying to keep up with latest bad boy status symbol trends was cool also. I like the mention of the very real problem of "Light pollution" also.

[Turambar]

Damnit mean to put 5/5 but put 3/5 instead, good episode and great cameo by Eric Idle.

[McMeatLoaf]

Probably one of the better episodes of season 14.
80%

[Tamaki Suoh]

Excellent episode with hilarious, unexpected gags and some real gems of moments. The British filmmaker character was a bit tiresome to watch, but was still a good satire, and Lisa's characterization seemed to be that of being slightly arrogant in the first act, but the other two acts more than made up for the rather dull first act. Also, it was nice to see the episode touch on the problem of light pollution. 4.5/5

[Kyoya Otori]

3/5

[Tamaki Suoh]

Also, did anyone else agree that this one seemed redolent of Springfield town classics like Whacking Day and Bart's Comet?

[Kyoya Otori]

Delete.

[violent jase]

Yeah, it's a pretty good episode. I see where Harleen is coming from though, it's the same kinda story but obviously not as good. I haven't seen this episode in quite a long time but I know that I enjoyed it. 3.5/5...I'll round it up to 4, I'm generous ;)

[Moe Nopoly]

It's a good episode from season 14. The story is funny in general but the gags not always so good imo. 3/5

[SilverEagle]

So much of seasons 13-14 sucked, but dang, I really like this episode. It feels so natural, so relaxed. A ton of solid jokes too. 4/5

[D'ohmer]

I just saw it. It had enjoyable gags, but overall I didn't think it was that interesting. 3/5

[qwertyuio]

Not as good as the forum says (I found I Spell As Fast As I Can better, to compare with another Lisa episode in the season), but anyway great, funny and with a well-depicted Lisa. A post-classic classic (:p), 8.5/10.

[D'ohmer]

I might as well add that something weird happened while I first turned in to this episode. I turned about halfway, about the part where Lisa was talking with Professor Frink. I watched until the part when Lisa was talking to Bart about how she wanted to make Springfieldhe dark. Then this happened:

Lisa: With my intelligence and your... assistance (power goes off)

Weird coincidence. Lisa is talking about making Springfield dark and the power goes off.

[zitro]

.

[zitro]

2.3/5

Dull, Jean-era mediocrity. Gags were hit&miss and for some reason (as a stargazer myself), I got a tad annoyed how stuff didn't follow common-sense:

_planets are unaffected by light pollution
_meteors during a meteor shower radiate away from a point in the sky (radiant point)

Note: meteor showers aren't like the one shown, but the Nov. 2001/2002 meteor storms were spectacular and one of a kind (I hope you didn't miss them). They may have been inspired by them.

[Roger Wilco]

I think it's the best Lisa episode from the post-Scully era. (B+/A-)

[bartyboy]

3/5. Not bad.

[Uosdwis R. Jewoh]

4/5 i thought it was good. liked the plot, i love astronomy, and got a bunch of laughs

[D'ohmer]

Even though I didn't really like this episode, it's still better than the astronomy unit in earth science.

[Green Man]

I love this one! This is just so funny, and for once Lisa was perfect! She wasn't either out of character nor annoying. A deseverd 5/5 for this one

[Nauru-1]

One of the other season 14 episodes I've only seen little pieces of. Reviews from other people sound mildly promising.

[Bella Drape 'er]

B+ (4/5)

Very natural episode, great animation, fantastic ending, a few good jokes.

[Fox Executive]

Yeah, this one was pretty good, a 4/5 imo.

[alex_on_ice]

4.25/5

I've always really enjoyed this episode. There is something truely special about it. It's the first time we see Declan Desmond (we see him again in Springfield Up S18) and I really find he has a great personality. I especially like the ending where he's filming Milhouse trying to bat the baseball and then knocking himself out. The Story with Lisa wanting to extinguish the lights in Springfield so that she can see the beautiful stars with her telescope is pretty good and I like how all the people in springfield realize what they've been missing out on at the end of this episode.

The scene with Professor Frink and that small alien made me laugh and the B story with Bart and Milhouse trying to get Fat Tony's hood ornament is entertaining.

[Oh, that's raspberry!]

Season 14 continues with Lisa and Bart seeking total darkness! When Lisa is challenged to seek out a path for her life by Documentary Filmmaker Declan Desmond she takes an interest in the stars. Unfortunately she can't actually see them due to light pollution. Being Lisa she protests to get the lights turned off, but that only gets the town to loot so the lights are turned up which makes sleeping a near impossibility. In the end the family enjoys the star gazing while Bart steals a hood ornament from Fat Tony's car.

This one always reminds me of the one Hey Arnold! episode that had almost the exact same plot. Otherwise the story is interesting and flows nicely and I like all the scenes at night with the stars, but laughs are unfortunately hard to come by. The scene of all the characters seeing things in the stars may be the best in the episode, but even that isn't great. My biggest laugh actually came from the zombified Homer staggering into the plant at night, but that was basically because I really enjoyed the design. Eric Idle as Desmond is entertaining, but I'll always remember him more for his appearance in the sequel episode which I felt was superior. An enjoyable watch from time to time but nothing that great. 3.5/5 rounded up to a 4 for the poll.