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

[Wezzo]

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

[prince jafar allah]

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

[prince jafar allah]

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.).

[prince jafar allah]

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 LXIX]

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.

[prince jafar allah]

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.

[prince jafar allah]

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.

[CousinMerl]

"Homer Vs. Lisa" is one of my favorites from the 2nd season, it is just a great early episode and one of the second season's best outings. It's got a solid plot, nice characterizations and some quite humorous moments.

5/5

[Tamaki Suoh]

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]

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-

[Tamaki Suoh]

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

[Roger Wilco]

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

2/5 or C+ or 46/100

[sung]

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+

[joe miller]

5/5. The first time I saw this, the first act had the word Hell so many times, i honestly thought they were trying to break a record to see how many times they could say Hell in one episode. The episode was really good, though, including the grape scene {"You heard me, two stinking grapes!"}, and many other quotes, but the ending is a little dum,b I have always thought

[hughes]

Personally I find it to be overrated

There were a lot of funny jokes, but I just can't get around the heavy-handed preachiness of the episode, which is a problem several early episodes had. However, this is better than episodes like "Homer's Night Out" because here at least the humor somewhat makes up for it. For some reason, though, the episode makes me feel slightly uncomfortable and guilty (for illegally downloading music) and I just can't give it higher than an 11/15

EDIT: I also found the way Homer talked to Lisa during the party scenes to be highly disconcerting (can't remember any specific lines right now)

[Nauru-1]

I like it. I don't think it works quite as well as Lisa's Substitute but this one would have to be just as funny. Probably a notch below a classic but a solid 4/5 nonetheless.

[J Dog]

When I was younger, I hated seeing Lisa's morality (I felt that she prefered misery over happiness), although now I consider it to be one of the better episodes to present it, considering that I hate "All's Fair in Oven War".

My favorite part has to be that Homer spent days and weeks watching various cable channels (as indicated by the plant next to the couch), especially when he got to a CSpan-like channel. Also, the whole setup for "The Bout To Knock The Other Guy Out: Watson vs. Tatum II" was great.

I'd give it a 4/5.

[Inamon]

Outstanding episode, and pretty much the funniest season 2 ep. Only the ending lets it down. A

[TheForbiddenDonut]

For some reason, though, the episode makes me feel slightly uncomfortable and guilty (for illegally downloading music)
Then the episode did it's job haha.

Also I only think it's overdone in the scenes at the party when it turns out that Homer has been stealing mugs from Moe and junk from the Power Plant. Kind of hammered it in a bit too much. But the deal is that this is an issue that is sort of inarguable. I mean, stealing is wrong and the fact that it's so pervasive in society is damaging to a girl who has been learning the sacredness of morality. Reminds me of 'Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington' but a little better.

[Ben Chan]

Then the episode did it's job haha.

Also I only think it's overdone in the scenes at the party when it turns out that Homer has been stealing mugs from Moe and junk from the Power Plant. Kind of hammered it in a bit too much. But the deal is that this is an issue that is sort of inarguable. I mean, stealing is wrong and the fact that it's so pervasive in society is damaging to a girl who has been learning the sacredness of morality. Reminds me of 'Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington' but a little better.

my memory of simpsons episodes is at this time lacking. but do you think that it's about time that lisa moves away from the sacredness of morality and comes to the conclusion that she surely must come to: that all morality is a load of baloney? i think that would be a spectacular idea for an episode.

[Haoie]

Sure is interesting to compare Buddhist Lisa with Christian Lisa, no?

[Ben Chan]

i think the buddhist one is more believable, even if not as well written

[D'ohmer]

This episode is pretty funny for a season 2 episode and I like the idea of Homer getting free cable, but the episode is a little preachy (IMO). 3.5/5

[Le Jake]

my memory of simpsons episodes is at this time lacking. but do you think that it's about time that lisa moves away from the sacredness of morality and comes to the conclusion that she surely must come to: that all morality is a load of baloney? i think that would be a spectacular idea for an episode.

What? And be more like Bart and Homer? I can see where this bullshit is headed. 'shudder'

[WBadger]

my memory of simpsons episodes is at this time lacking. but do you think that it's about time that lisa moves away from the sacredness of morality and comes to the conclusion that she surely must come to: that all morality is a load of baloney? i think that would be a spectacular idea for an episode. Scully?

[TheForbiddenDonut]

I don't think that Lisa can adopt a morally irresponsible persona, or even that of a moral relativist. She's too opinionated and principled.

[Le Jake]

Scully?

To the 'new fans', the first two seasons are ultimately becoming the bastard children to the Simpson family.

[TheForbiddenDonut]

Jake for a while I've always taken your commentary on the current state of Simpsons fandom with a grain of salt, but as of late I am becoming increasingly worried. If I see another season ranking that places 9 ahead of 2 I think I'm going to kill someone.

[Ben Chan]

What? And be more like Bart and Homer? I can see where this bullshit is headed. 'shudder'

mmhmm, because both Bart and Homer have shown principled rejection of morality. That's what I'm heading for, rather than a big fat "duuhhh" that Bart and Homer show. I find it unrealistic that Lisa would hold religious principles like objective morality close to her heart - everything about her points her into the direction of the most glorious Nietszche!!! She's opinionated and principled but that doesn't bar her from joining that side of the morality camp.

[hughes]

To the 'new fans', the first two seasons are ultimately becoming the bastard children to the Simpson family.

I'm not a huge fan of 1, but I consider 2 to be a classic. 9 and 2 are about equal, the very best of 9 is better than the best of 2 but the average episodes are around the same, IMO. Season 9 goes slightly ahead for me because it doesn't have any bad episodes (although it does have several mediocre ones), while Season 2 has Dancin' Homer. These two seasons bookend the classic era and are, IMO the worst two in the era, while still obviously classic.

I apologize to whoever is sitting next to TFD at the moment :D

[TheForbiddenDonut]

Well I personally think Bart Carny and The Trouble With Trillions are among the worst of the series; Dancin' Homer is far better.

Also the best of season 9 is Lisa's Sax, The Cartridge Family, and Lisa the Simpson.

Season 2: Two Cars.., Lisa's Substitute, Itchy and Scratchy and Marge, Three Men and a Comic Book, The Way We Was, and it goes on like that.

2 >>> 9

[Le Jake]

I'm not a huge fan of 1, but I consider 2 to be a classic. 9 and 2 are about equal, the very best of 9 is better than the best of 2 but the average episodes are around the same, IMO. Season 9 goes slightly ahead for me because it doesn't have any bad episodes (although it does have several mediocre ones), while Season 2 has Dancin' Homer. These two seasons bookend the classic era and are, IMO the worst two in the era, while still obviously classic.

I apologize to whoever is sitting next to TFD at the moment :D

Season 2 walks all over Season 9, even when Homer is angrier in Season 2, it's because he's acting like a real, angry person, rather than a caricature of an angry person.

And as for S9 "not having any bad episodes"...uh.... :eek:

[Semaj]

He's doing better than that other kid who favors a Season 20 episode over a Season 3 episode. :sick:

[hughes]

Season 2 walks all over Season 9, even when Homer is angrier in Season 2, it's because he's acting like a real, angry person, rather than a caricature of an angry person.

And as for S9 "not having any bad episodes"...uh.... :eek:

Go check out the Number 9 spot on my Top 25 list! :D

[qwertyuio]

Season 2: Two Cars.., Lisa's Substitute, Itchy and Scratchy and Marge, Three Men and a Comic Book, The Way We Was, and it goes on like that.

2 >>> 9

Season 9: The City Of New York Vs Homer Simpson, The Cartridge Family, Lisa's Sax, The Joy Of Sect, The Simpson Tide, and it goes on like that.


Heck, still 2 > 9.


About this episode... it's good but I don't feel it as one of my favorites. Maybe I disliked the moral of the story, but I think that my main problems about it are some little forced moments. For example, I have never swallowed Burns going to the Simpsons' house, and also Homer leaving the room before the fight sounded pretty contrived.
Apart from those minor flaws, the episode was consistently good. Anyway, not one of the funniest and hardly memorable at all. 8.5/10

[Le Jake]

Season 9: The City Of New York Vs Homer Simpson, The Cartridge Family, Lisa's Sax, The Joy Of Sect, The Simpson Tide, and it goes on like that.


The only one of those that's a real Scully episode is The Cartridge Family and, IMO, had one of the dumbest moments the show's history: Homer shooting out the lights.

[Darkel]

Yeah that never gets mentioned when people talk about jerkass homer.

[qwertyuio]

The only one of those that's a real Scully episode is The Cartridge Family and, IMO, had one of the dumbest moments the show's history: Homer shooting out the lights.
I wanted to say Lisa The Skeptic and The Trouble With Trillions, but I guess it would have been a pretty in-your-face post :p. Anyway, The Cartridge Family features a great Homer... even though he reveals himself as a potentially dangerous jerk. It's not a "Homer goes mad" but a clear narration of his thoughtless attitude. I usually tend to associate his characterization here with the most uninhibited and impulsive attitude he could show by preserving his likability.

[Ben Chan]

Yeah that never gets mentioned when people talk about jerkass homer.

thats probably because shooting out the lights doesn't really fit the jerkass bill

[emanuellburnell]

Season 9 wasn't all that great anyways, while it did had some great episodes like The Simpson Tide and Trouble with Trillions the rest of the episodes were a hit and a miss for the rest of the season,and that is what made the first eight original seasons so damn godly,and that's because those seasons had a lot of heartwarming moments great jokes good stories realistic stuff that can happened in real life and emotion aswell, compare to the fake emotions that the Al Jean era use nowadays.

[Mt. Doom]

One of the best episodes in season 2 and a great Lisa story back when her character was interesting and good. I loved how Reverend Lovejoy was actually doing his job in this episode during his talk with Lisa instead of doing his half-ass lectures he tends to use. Overall a great episode with good humor and heart

5/5

[Financial Panther]

This episode does not age well, as very few people still have cable, so the more the years go by, the weirder the episode's going to seem. I think I would've given it a higher mark, but I failed to look past the outdated plot.

[Uosdwis R. Jewoh]

3/5 i hate episodes that have to do with religion

[Little Nellie Kelly]

Great, great episode. The second best of season two.

5/5.

[El Duderino]

3/5 - Not a bad lil' gem from S2 but not the first, nor second, nor perhaps even third episode I'd pick to watch from the season. However I do love the exchange between Dredrick Tatum and the other wrestler:

"I want to dedicate this fight to my manager, Vinnie, who got me here and then passed away two weeks ago."

"Any response to that?"

"Yes, I would also like to dedicate this fight to his deceased manager."

"You can't do that!"

"I can!"

"You dedicate the fight to your own damn manager!"

[Bella Drape 'er]

A fantastic episode as Lisa fought with her morals and Homer. The ending is especially gratifying.

4/5

[Comicshow MolemanBob]

Homer vs. Lisa & The 8th Commandment: B, 3.5/5, 7.5/10, Great

[Darren.Erg]

Another great gem of season 2 I just had to review. It's amazing a pretty flawless episode and really shows that season 2 was the most satirical of any season. Also that season 2's jokes really stand out as being hilarious yet in most cases deep.

Lisa's characterization in this episode is virtually flawless. She is the moralistic foil to the family/town and does it without being overbearing and annoying. She has a cause but doesn't bully people into thinking the way she does. She is the adult trapped in a child's body. But at the same time she is in ways still learning about moral issues (because of her age) at church, from Marge and Homers actions etc. She is the Lisa before everything went wrong and she became a pushy P.C Liberal. She is Lisa pre Lisa the Vegetarian and everything about her in this episode works.

I would probably rank this episode in the top 15 for funniest episode in the shows history. There are so many gut busting funny moments the cable pamphlet, the Boxing pre fight, Smithers and Burns bringing the snacks, Homer in Kwik E Mart, The whole supermarket scene,Bart's hell song, Bart's Top hat theater, Lisa's whole conversation with Lovejoy and the North by Northwest reference. Pure gold! This episode is also chalk full of background gags. There is hardly one scene in the episode where someone isn't stealing something whether it's Jimbo in multiple places, Maggie at the super market or SLH stealing Homer's lemonade in the opening scene. There is also a great call back joke (probably the best the show has ever done) with Homer watching TV and Itchy and Scratchy's voices coming up a la Itchy and Scratchy and Marge. But the most famous joke of the episode might be the "it's funny because it's true line". Which is just a great joke on many levels because The Simpsons specialized in creating realistic every day humour

Now I'm not the most skilled animation expert but I do know when something works and when something doesn't and this episode is filled with some great animation/direction and puts those "the early seasons animation sucks" people to shame. First off with Lisa envisioning hell surrounding the family and the devil on the couch looks really great and the colours are nicely done everything is perfect. Homer's jail sequence is really nicely shaded with the pale blue and black colour scheme and lastly I really liked the scene with Marge and Homer lying in bed talking about the kids. Everything looks so realistic from them talking to Homer's litte chest hair and his foot coming down to end the scene was quite nice as well.

I never really could understand how anyone could call this episode dated. I mean if you just look at it from the point of "they're stealing cable so it is dumb because no one steals cable anymore" you're really missing out on a lot of the episode. This episode isn't about the theft of cable and more about how each character deals with the moral issue of stealing. The scene in the car on the way home form church is a funny while being a really great insight into each child. You can see it in that Lisa is feeling guilt over the theft of cable and breaking a commandment while Bart just wants to be able to use a profanity. Also Bart at Sunday school is interesting as well where we know he's curious about the after life as most kids are but his questions are more that he's looking forward to the after life etc. Martin also raises a great point about church in saying there's a downside to the after life most people forget about or aren't fully taught about how to avoid it. Also if you look at the way each character uses the cable it's a great look at the family's dynamic and each character's traits. First Bart uses the cable to gain extra money via his Top hat theater. Homer uses it to gain more friendship and feel more wealthy because the family can't actually afford cable. But the best moment and brings the point home about Homer's character is that he bars every window to keep out thieves yet doesn't see the direct hypocisy in his action. Marge is reluctant to really watch the TV she does during that women's show but that is it. Of course Lisa refuses to watch the TV because it is morally wrong. But the most defining moment is when the town all gets together to watch the fight on illegal cable. The cops/ Apu/plant workers/Mr. Burns all get together the scene in itself is a great testament of the towns corruption and and lack of morals and showcasing Lisa as the towns moral center(a trait the writers would take to far in some episodes) as she and Marge are the only ones not to watch the fight at the start. But in the end Homer does realize that his actions are not right with the jail scene and him having to hide nearly everything in the house because he'd stolen it from work/Moe's etc. That end is a great look at Homer as well in showing that eventually he will realize that his actions are wrong and will attempt to correct them. Whether it be making Bart stay outside with the family or later cutting the cable.

Overall it's my 10th favourite episode ever and my 2nd favourite of the 2nd season. It's a great showcase of the writers ability to balance every aspect of the show and gets better with every viewing

Grade: A+

[Mr.]

LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT!
I love how this epsiode explor Homer's "sin of stilling" and wish they would do more epsodes that would be devotet to one topic like this one. Every joke in the episode is conected to the plot or the subject matters (I love little toches like their in the shop and In many shots you can see Jimbo in the background stilling apples) It's great how intence it get's near the end.
This episode is somewhere among my top favorite episodes off all time and I wish writers today would try something like this today...

[potatojoe]

4/5

I love opening in this episode. Great pamphlet, "So you've decided to steal cable"
I also really enjoy the ending in this one with Homer cutting the cable and the screen going to static

[Ben Chan]

I never really could understand how anyone could call this episode dated.

i agree; i dont think its really dated. i think dated might be the wrong word these people are using though.

if by dated they mean a little irrelevant, then i can sympathise. as an eight year old i never grappled with moral decisions in the way lisa does here, and so if these critics are criticising the episode because they cannot identify with this situation then i'd sympathise. it's not an uncommon criticism, and its actually a criticism you'll hear from the simpsons writers, albeit concerning bart. al jean stated in one commentary - i forget which - that he had difficult writing for bart, and that he disliked bart, because he cannot identify with him. some probably have trouble identifying with lisa and the way she's portrayed in this episode, and i think it's a valid criticism.

having said as much, i've never held lisa's characterisation against her. it's there, it'd odd, but once you accept that she's unlike many other eight year old's you get over it and work with it.

i think by 'dated' though, they might also be referring to the whole issue of sin and religion and whatever else. im not american and i was not brought up religious. for me, the issue is a little laboured because it's so unlike anything you see where i live. i'm thinking right now, and for the life of me, i cannot think of anyone that actually attended sunday school, or who goes to church weekly. the closest i can think of was a samoan girl i used to work with, whose family was mormon :silly:

for me, organised religion, sunday school etc is a dated issue. it's something that used to happen, but doesn't anymore, and the episode's setting is a little foreign.

i pre-empt those who will read this post as a damning criticism of the episode, and i state that i personally rate it an A+. i was originally thinking an A, but i upgraded it. aside from the foreign setting, there's no reason to regarded the episode poorly. and even this criticism, i think, is not all that problematic. yes the sunday school/religion elements might seem a little foreign, but i'm still aware of them, and i think most people do too. further, any problems with 'datedness' can be rationalised in the same way. those dated things might not be important anymore, but they're still pretty accessible.

(in contrast to like father like clown, which has elements that are inaccessible)


She is the Lisa before everything went wrong and she became a pushy P.C Liberal.

i never really minded that transformation too much. go to a university, find some lefties or some commies, and pleasantly put forth an argument for free market economics and watch the way they react. this particular characterisation hits close to home, for me. i guess the trick with lisa is to make sure this pushiness is limited solely to her politics and that when it interferes elsewhere, as it did in lisa the vegetarian, that she realises her folly. actually, i think lisa the vegetarian is one of the better lisa episodes because it mixes that pc element with the calmer elements of her character. the pc thing becomes problematic when it's overbearing.

also, was it this episode where lisa's rationale for her form of protest was non-violent resistance? well that could well be regarded as pushy, just in a non-pushy way :P


But the most defining moment is when the town all gets together to watch the fight on illegal cable. The cops/ Apu/plant workers/Mr. Burns all get together the scene in itself is a great testament of the towns corruption and and lack of morals and showcasing Lisa as the towns moral center(a trait the writers would take to far in some episodes) as she and Marge are the only ones not to watch the fight at the start. But in the end Homer does realize that his actions are not right with the jail scene and him having to hide nearly everything in the house because he'd stolen it from work/Moe's etc. That end is a great look at Homer as well in showing that eventually he will realize that his actions are wrong and will attempt to correct them. Whether it be making Bart stay outside with the family or later cutting the cable.

if the town is removed from lisa's morality then, by definition, the town's 'moral centre' would be nowhere near her. second, and more personally, i don't think watching stolen cable qualifies as 'corruption'. on that point, i'm not convinced that the episode's purpose was to damn the town's supposed lack of morals at all. the end shows burns and apu - the immigrant and the megalomanical tycoon - chatting like old friends while they, and the rest of the town, head out for squishees. even though the 'sin' of theft was present, the episode ends on a pretty uplifting note by showing the town's community and the rest of that schmaltzy crap, lol.

and from memory, homer doesn't return those stolen items because he realises he's done wrong - he's afraid of getting caught. similarly, i really don't think he cut off the cable because his morals suddenly lined up with lisa's. instead, i think the pressure just got to him, he wanted to shut her up, and he wanted to please his daughter. after all, he doesn't exactly have a smile on his face when he's cutting off the cable, does he?

earlier in this thread chou said, "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."

i think that's quite true, and i think it's a mis-read of the episode to suggest its an affirmation of conventional morality.

[Darren.Erg]

I'm still unsure whether you could really call this episode dated. The fact is religion although it's not a part of many peoples lives they still know the basics of it and the episode is more than just the religious topic of sin. It's a look at what stealing is and sure it talks of its religious consequences but it's more about how it effects people on a moral level. It's also a great look at how much stealing is really stealing. Also in terms of Lisa's character i do find her relatable because everyone when they're young has a some form of innocence and that what I think she represents in this episode. I mean was I able to deal/be as insightful as Lisa at her age? Of course not but that's what makes Lisa's character so complex is that she can be relatable and insightful at the same time.


I'm not convinced that the episode's purpose was to damn the town's supposed lack of morals at all. the end shows burns and apu - the immigrant and the megalomanical tycoon - chatting like old friends while they, and the rest of the town, head out for squishees. even though the 'sin' of theft was present, the episode ends on a pretty uplifting note by showing the town's community and the rest of that schmaltzy crap, lol.
and from memory, homer doesn't return those stolen items because he realises he's done wrong - he's afraid of getting caught. similarly, i really don't think he cut off the cable because his morals suddenly lined up with lisa's. instead, i think the pressure just got to him, he wanted to shut her up, and he wanted to please his daughter. after all, he doesn't exactly have a smile on his face when he's cutting off the cable, does he?
But the fact that Burns and Apu are able to bond over something they know is stolen is a great testament to the towns morality. But maybe lack of morals was a mis-word on my part maybe a sense of I dunno apathy? towards the moral issue of stealing. The fact that no one really knows about the commandments(or cares about them) even Marge couldn't remember them etc.

Again I think I worded my review oddly in saying Homer hid the stuff from Moe's/work out of knowing he was wrong because that was definitely out of fear and with the cable cutting I think it's a little bit of fear mixed with his relationship with Lisa and I do think he somewhat knew that it was wrong. I mean you still never really get a completely firm resolution that all stealing is bad or anything and I think that's what makes the ending of this episode so special. Of course there is the implication that Homer's soul was saved in Lisa's dialogue and through Homer's going up the pole representing him ascending to heaven. Maybe that's just me though. Fuck this episode is a real work of genius though I also bumped my grade up to an A+.

[Ben Chan]

lol yes i do like your interpretation of the end with homer ascending to heaven. it's like the end to bart sells his soul which (i think) josh weinstein or bill oakley said coud be interpreted as bart having died during his sleep.

[WarioDude]

Just love watching the episode! 5/5.

[Bleedin' Gums Murphy]

Enjoyable. Set a great example about stealing and morals. Had its funny parts i.e Homer/Flanders interaction with the cable guy but not one of Season 2 best episodes. Fine ending and always entertaining. 4/5 and 8/10

[SpeedwaySquad]

I love this episode and I'm surprised others here don't seem to. Not only is it one of the funniest of season 2, but it's also very well written and directed. I mean, I don't understand how anyone can say season 2 is poorly animated/whatever when you look at these scenes:
http://www.simpsonspark.com/framegrabs/7f13/frame002.jpg
http://www.simpsonspark.com/framegrabs/7f13/frame012.jpg
http://www.simpsonspark.com/framegrabs/7f13/frame072.jpg
http://www.simpsonspark.com/framegrabs/7f13/frame111.jpg
There were also some great scene transitions which I can't capture with still images.

I will admit I find this episode slightly... "preachy" at points, but only very slightly. It is definitely an interesting look in to Springfield as a town, no doubt, but, even though I believe stealing to be in most cases wrong, this episode did at rare points become a tad one sided. I recognise the episode isn't a satire like I&S&M and looking at both sides isn't necessarily the point of the episode (it's more to explore the character's reactions to the cable), but I still feel the episode was, at rare intermittent points, very moralistic. Lisa sounded unusually smug for season 2 saying "sorry I'd rather go to heaven".

But I must stress that I do love this episode a lot and it's definitely in my top 15. I just don't think it's perfect. A