Rate and Review: Homer vs. Lisa and the 18th Commandment

[Wezzo]

A just-above average ep, IMO. 3.5/5. Nice plot, executed fairly.

[mohammed jafar]

your opinions are very disheartening and disturbing, Wezzo

A+++

From the rate/review every day thread -

"Homer vs Lisa & the 8th Commandment is as equally good if not better than both of the episodes that came before it (The Way We Was, Blowfish). Yes, it's a episode with a moral, which puts a lot of bizarre people off for some bizarre reason. But as Cauldron said, it's never preachy in the slightest. This is a deftly written, multi-layered, astonishingly astute masterpiece, in which the social commentary and exploration of its main issues is intertwined perfectly with the characters of the Simpson family. The way in which stealing is displayed as an intrinsic part of everyday life - with Homer hiding the stuff from Moes and the plant, Homer's comments to Apu, the scene at the supermarket, the cops - is wonderfully done and never looks forced or contrived. There are many more complex themes and motifs in this episode which are too numerous to go into here, so I'll just leave it with how i left the other two ep reviews - this ep has a perfect blend of humor, emotion and meaning, is truly timeless, and easily makes my top 20 list. Oh yes, and its parodies of cable TV are a million times smarter and funnier than the parodies of cable TV from a certain recent episode....."

I believe it was in my top 10 in the list i sent Cosmo Kramer.

[Wezzo]

"astonashingly astute masterpiece"?! That scares ME.

[El Zilcho]

This episode gets a 4/5 for me. It's not one of my absoloute favourites, but it was still pretty good.

[snrub]

Neither here nor there

3/5

[mohammed jafar]

Originally posted by Wezzo
"astonashingly astute masterpiece"?! That scares ME.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaagggggghhh!!

Not that I'm expecting a substantial answer from you or anything, but could you perhaps go into why this episode was only "just-above-average" and "fair"?

[Magnum]

He's just a kid man.

[Wezzo]

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaagggggghhh!!

*scared*

An typical *****AVERAGE***** ep from an *****AVERAGE***** season. Too much character, not funny enough, pretty good plot.

[Simpson Purist]

9/10

Great episode that marked the beginning of Lisa's many moral crusades. Unlike the later seasons however, Lisa expresses her feelings without ever being intrusive on others (sitting outside of the Simpson house in silent protest was a great example). Like Jafar said, some of the show's best use of surrealism is put into play here (Homer thinking about his sins, Lisa in Hell, etc.).

[mohammed jafar]

Originally posted by Wezzo
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaagggggghhh!!

*scared*

An typical *****AVERAGE***** ep from an *****AVERAGE***** season. Too much character, not funny enough, pretty good plot.

"pretty good" plot? "pretty good"? I suppose Homer somehow becoming obsessed with Thomas Edison for some reason then going to smash a chair for some reason is like something sent from the heavens? "Too much character, not funny enough" = too much intelligence, not enough random craziness. Kill yourself Wezzo! Aww, go on. ;)

season 2 is the king and I am its guardian who stands at the foot of its throne poking all its puny critics with sharp objects

[Wezzo]

Originally posted by Mohammed Jafar
1."pretty good" plot? "pretty good"? I suppose Homer somehow becoming obsessed with Thomas Edison for some reason then going to smash a chair for some reason is like something sent from the heavens? 2."Too much character, not funny enough" = too much intelligence, not enough random craziness. 3.Kill yourself Wezzo! Aww, go on. ;)

4.season 2 is the king and I am its guardian who stands at the foot of its throne poking all its puny critics with sharp objects

1. yes. yes it is.
2. yes.
3. only if you pay for my funeral.
4. don't talk crap.

[MacGyver 666]

one of my favorites of the 2nd season 5/5; Probably in my top 30.

[George Cauldron]

If it makes Mohammed Jafar feel better, I really like this episode for its spot on social commentary and humor that makes you think, and doesn't preach or teach any morals. It leaves the viewer to decide for themselves whether stealing is wrong or not. But if you don't know if it's wrong or not, then you probably need a big seeing-to. The only thing I can see that is not faultless about this episode is that the animation isn't perfect, but this is Season Two, and I don't watch The Simpsons for its animation.

[Max Power]

After seeing "The Untouchables", I have a newfound appreciation for this episode. 10/10

[Miguel Sanchez]

Aren't you thinking of the similarly titled episode "Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment"?

Anyway, this episode gets a 5/5 from me. (so does 4F15)

[Sloppy Jimbo IV]

Originally posted by George Cauldron
The only thing I can see that is not faultless about this episode is that the animation isn't perfect, but this is Season Two, and I don't watch The Simpsons for its animation.

It's funny you should say that. I was watching this episode the other day and found the animation to be very good for it's time. By season two standards the it's probably as close to perfection as perfection came. The numerous fantasy and dream sequences still hold their own today. Very ambitious but pulled off superbly.

As for the actual content of the episode, I think Jafar pretty much said it all. Not the best of the season but pretty darn close. Definetely deserving of the Emmy it won.

10/10

[Rowdy Roddy Peeper]

Great episode, just reaches the 5/5 mark. You have to laugh at the commentry at the end when Whats-His-Face said he animated the tv cut off animation at the end! LOL!

[SideshowTim]

Pretty nice episode, Plenty of laughs throughout and had a very nice ending, 4.5/5.

[Wezzo]

Originally posted by Miguel Sanchez
Aren't you thinking of the similarly titled episode "Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment"?

Anyway, this episode gets a 5/5 from me. (so does 4F15)

No, I put 18 being confused, but I DO mean Homer Vs Lisa and the 8th Commandment. Sorry.

[Hershel Krustofski]

One of my favorites and the best of season 2 by a long-shot. It's truely a masterpiece, and is definetly in my top 20. A+

[Eddie]

*sigh* Wezzo, Wezzo, Wezzo...what're we going to do with you? :(


"Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment" is a brilliant episode in so many ways. I love the way it deals with its message and how it comments on it. It's not loudly forced but it isn't so hazy that you can't understand what the writers are trying to say. I love the way Lisa involves herself in it, and her line, "Dad, we may have saved your soul" is just perfect. Also, the humor is spot-on in this episode. It's down-right hilarious. This is by far one of the best episodes ever (not sure if it was in my top ten though...I think it was...) which fully forms everything we love about the Simpsons: smart commentary, smart humor, and smart characterization. 5/5

[Wezzo]

Originally posted by ComixFan
*sigh* Wezzo, Wezzo, Wezzo...what're we going to do with you? :(


Let me have an opinion?

[Eddie]

Originally posted by Wezzo
Let me have an opinion?

Yeah, that works...if it's justified.

[doyle]

so there are 18 commandments now, eh?

great episode, stands out as one of the best of S2 among a competitive group. 5/5 for sure

[Wezzo]

As I said before, I was confused.

[mohammed jafar]

you sure are Wezzo. You sure are.

[Wezzo]

No, you're confused.

"I was confused"
"You sure are"

Does that make sense? No.

[Robertuybrush]

Oooooh, great!!

5/5 from me, without a doubt.

[mohammed jafar]

Originally posted by Wezzo
No, you're confused.

"I was confused"
"You sure are"

Does that make sense? No.

It was a joke. It doesn't have to. You understood what I meant.

[Wezzo]

Jokes generally make sense.

But i got ya.

And you were right :D

[Tibor]

This is The Simpsons.

It's obviously an A+.

Wezzo's just mad because this episode owns him and his ancestors for twelve generations back.

[Wezzo]

No need to go truth-telling Tibor

[S.W.C. Database]

Before its time? well a great episode nonetheless

[Wezzo]

Not really before its time, everyone here except me thinks season 2 is excellent, so, no.

[DotheBartman]

Regarding the animation, there's nothing "wrong" with it at all anyway (I actually like season 2 animation better then most seasons anyways), and the direction was FANTASTIC. As a small example, watch as Homer ascends up the pole at the end. Fantastic, cinematic direction, and it could be argued that its symbolic for Homer's ascent into heaven. What other television show, animated or not, would have that kind of depth in its direction?

This episode is simply fantastic, and a favorite of mine (its in the top 50 I sent Cosmo). Its hilarious to start with (you simply cannot argue with the cable scenes, the Moses scene, Bart's Hell song, etc), but more importantly it also has very deep meanings and great satire. It adresses the more greyish area topic of pirated cable in a very "Itchy and Scratchy and Marge"ish way, showing both sides and even relating it to other things (in this case more basic stealing and of course religion), though in this case the "moral" may be a little more clear. Still, said moral isn't shoved down our throats, but rather persuasively nudged into our conciousness. And all the Simpsons are used well in the story and play an important role. A+

[Fat Tony Williams]

5/5 One of the best episodes I've seen.

Nuff said.

[Grandpa]

I will always cherish this episode, not only because it's a classic, but because we watched it in Hebrew School. Best Hebrew School class ever.

[Garp]

4/5.

[SilverEagle]

A turning point for the series. Feels like a season 3 episode or something. Wonderful plotting AND very funny.

4.5/5

[altoids30]

Any episode that contains the immortal line "Bart, you're no longer in Sunday School. Don't swear." deserves a high rating.

[NumberZone]

Homer Vs. Lisa" is one of my favorites from the 2nd season, it is just a great early episode.

5/5

[Rococo Fox]

Simply a brilliant, flawless episode and one of my favorites. Another resplendent gem from season 2 with great characterization, examinations of morality, and a solid, well-written plot. 5/5

[tom cody]

5/5, one of the all time great episodes.

[Drumstick]

Lisa is one of if not the greatest characte(r)'s in The Simpsons and this is one of her strongest episodes and the way she and Homer act make this episode a classic it has a strong plot a nice ending and is overall a good episode.This episode also has some kind of morals perhaps you can learn something or improve yourself watching this episode it just shows why 2&3 are such great seasons.5/5

[Chou]

This episode is a gem. This episode used to play all the time in syndication, and it quickly became one of my favorites. It could be said that it's about the evils of pirating cable, but the satire is balanced, so you can see and sympathize with both sides. It's message leans to the moral side, but it's not forced upon us, it's more subtle and I like that.

I also really like Lisa's characterization in the episode. She's turned into more and more of an "activist" over the years, and at times, it can be overbearing. But in this episode, she really stands up for herself but in a way I can't recall if we've ever seen again. Lisa doesn't really go to extremes to prove her point (except maybe at that supermarket scene, but not really), but she's quietly adamant in her opinion that having illegal cable is wrong, and decides to simply not watch it. And she tells her father this, hoping he understands, and eventually he comes around. It's really nice in how they demonstrate Lisa's relationship with Homer and Marge. Marge is supportive of her and Homer doesn't understand her motives but still decides to comply.

This episode along with Lisa's Subsitute portray Homer and Lisa's relationship perfectly; Homer doesn't always "get" Lisa, but he loves her. It's very sweet. I also like how they come together as a family in Lisa's efforts to stop the cable pirating. And the episode is perhaps one of the more humorous season 2 episodes, with many quotable lines. The "Hell" scene is among my favorites. It's a classic.

"Myth: Cable piracy is wrong.
Fact: Cable companies are big faceless corporations, which makes it okay."

5/5

[Inamon]

The 'two grapes' jokes is one of my favourite jokes of the season. The episode is hilarious and it has an amazing plotline.

A-.

[Fox Executive]

4/5

[Moe Nopoly]

a good episode with an interesting and close to reality plot i guess.
Provides also some really funny moments, the end is a little bit predictable,
but nevertheless, mostly entertaining.

B

[Van Houten]

There's something not quite right about the thread title.

I haven't seen this one in long time but I remember it to be a really entertaining one with Lisa showing what a strong character she is. I liked the way she got her opinion out and left it up to Homer to decide he'd disconnect the cable. The quotes from the pamphlet are really funny.
5/5

[erpistria]

People, why are you so strongly defending your opinions? Relax this is just a Simpsons episode... Well I don't like it at all.
Lisa in my head isn't someone who could be frightened by Sunday school about God's revenge on a sin.
She is the skeptic girl who didn't fall into the trap of the false angel.
Her opinions and mind aren't made by any teacher or dogma.

[jonnymack]

This episode made me into a rabid fan back in the day...

Possibly the most I've ever laughed.

[Starman]

I'm not a huge fan of alcohol, so I can't fully understand the episode's appeal, but it's a rather fun, interesting, and funny outing.

A-

[Rococo Fox]

I'm not a huge fan of alcohol, so I can't fully understand the episode's appeal, but it's a rather fun, interesting, and funny outing.

A-

I think you're thinking of "Homer vs. the 18th Amendment". ;)

[Starman]

I think you're thinking of "Homer vs. the 18th Amendment". ;)
LOL...I think I am. :LOL:

To review the proper episode, I think it's the second best episode of Season 2 and most certainly deserved the Emmy. A+

[sconer]

Very funny episode and real nice to see at the end Homer doing something for his daughter by not watching the fight and then getting rid of the cable. (and all the houses' lights)

5/5

[ThatAsianGuy]

someone probably mentioned this already but it should be "lisa & the 8th commandment, not to be confused with "homer vs. the 18th amendment.

a good episode and worthy of its emmy. 5/5

[Al Ooser Nolov]

ok, it won an emmy but it's Unnecessarily moralist. I feel irritated about Lisa's conduct.

2/5 or C+ or 46/100

[Dewey Finn]

Man, some of the earlier posts of S2 episode rating threads...

Anyways,this episode is more brilliant than bad for some reasons. First, the plot was simple yet very deep in meaning and there were some satire into it, I reckon. The characterization was great, I agree. I do not think characters would've behaved in their particular ways of the episode if the same premise of episode was presented nowadays. Simply put, in this episode, Homer was dumb, gullible yet had some conscience in his mind and had family in mind (albeit grudgingly) by listening to Lisa rather than disobeying her pleas. I did not mind Lisa's characterization here - I guess you could say it was better than how modern belief-fanatic Lisa is portrayed at times nowadays simply because she genuinely more of 8 year old girl who is not really trying to intimidate others with her bite; her tactics simply were more 'real' per say. I do not really hate activist Lisa characterization - although it kind of gets irritating at times - but this episode gets a big plus for a great characterization of her that I do not really see nowadays. Characterization is one aspect that I really like in this episode and the episode, imo, was driven by events at times but more with the character. If only the humor was really funny... well, there were some funny bits scattered around, and it did not bore me, but some moments felt... stale. And the animation did feel pretty off in some particular moment in 3rd act and for some reason, it kind of gave me another bland taste in my mouth.

Overall, great characterization (possibly a great model for demonstration), plot is good, but it kind of... lacked a knockout punch for me to get entertained, I'd say. I do not think it is really the best of S2, but I feel that it is worthy of: B+