R & R: Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk

[Charmy]

Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk

Remember this old gal? I'll give you folks a quick refresher; Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk was a Season 3 episode in which Burns decides to sell the Nuclear Power Plant to German investors, which results in Homer loosing his job.

To put it simply, I love this one. The story is wonderful, characterization is just lovely, and the gags just keep coming. There's plenty of hilarious German jokes without ever once being mean-spirited, and 'The Land of Chocolate' remains one of the greatest Simpsons sequences ever done. And Bart singing 'The Teddy Bear Picnic' alway cracks me up.

The story always remains interesting, with Burns' side of the plot being done in such a way that it's funny, believable, and overall just wonderful. The Burns/Smithers relationship has lots of dynamic, and we get to see lots of it here. It's paticularly nice to see what Burns thinks of Smithers, as we see the opposite so often. The 'Homer Loses His Job' plot is equally engaging, and comes together with the Burns plot in such a way in the end that the episode can end and things go back to normal without feeling cheap. There's no deus ex machina about it, just good writing.

Overall, this is a wonderful episode that I feel gets lost in the hustle and bustle of Season 3, and deserves more recognition then it gets.

5/5

[squishee lady]

C-. Boo-urns.

[Channel Surfer]

Grade: A

Among the funniest of season 3. The concept itself is a little absurd, particularly for the time period, but it's still very funny. There's so many little things I love about this episode, Homer's stockbroker, OFF's reaction when he says he spent his money on beer ("surprise surprise"), Homer being the only employee laid off ("Simpson, Homer". That is all), almost everything Burns does after selling the plant, and the friendly German caricatures to name a few. And the episode never falters in characterization or plotting, and it moves seamlessly from gag to gag with rarely a misstep. Yes, it's pretty obvious that Burns is going to get the plant back, but it's not an issue to me. What makes it great is how Burns gets the Power Plant back, and his ridicule of the Germans afterwards is classic. And did I mention this episode also hosts the "Land of Chocolate" sequence too? Fantastic episode, even if overshadowed by even greater season 3 episodes.

[Generic]

Several great moments, including the classic "Land of Chocolate" sequence. 10/10

[Moose of Doom!]

Two of my all-time favorite moments: Land of Chocolate and "The Germans are going to get me!".

5/5

[MacGyver 666]

Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk is an excellent episode, with plenty of unforgettable moments, as mentioned earlier in this thread; I don’t have much more to say other than this is one just one of the great episodes that the terrific season three had to offer; A

[pat]

Some good moments in this episode, mainly The Land of Chocolate, but Season 3 had better episodes IMO, 4/5.

[Tibor]

Great episode, deserving of an A mark for the laughs alone. It's just one of the funniest episodes ever- you can have Cape Feare and Deep Space Homer. The plotting moves naturally with the jokes, never bumping into each other. Likewise with characterization, never clashing with the laughs, but rather enhancing every gag. As with most classic era eps dealing with Homer and his job, there is a passive commentary of the worker/workplace, great relatable stuff that only makes it funnier. Naturally Burns will get the plant back, but the reason he does is a hilarious comment on his character.

"This is a place of business, not a peewee flophouse!"

[George Cauldron]

Despite the poorly worded title (I don't think it's a correct German translation), it's a good episode. Not hilarious laugh-out-loud funny, but there are plenty of good lines. A little bit predictable at the end because it was obvious that from the moment that we knew Burns would sell the nuclear plant, he would somehow end up owning the damn thing come the episode's end. The Land Of Chocolate sequence is great, with some beautiful animation, and I can't help but laugh at the way the Germans were depicted.

[SideshowTim]

9/10 Gets better with repeated viewings.

[Krazy]

An okay episode 4/5.

[The Collector]

2/5 for me............sorry:(

[Dr Zaius]

I agree with twinkletoes.
Boo-urns.

[Wezzo]

3/5.Mmeh-si-meh.

[Firewalker]

Ist guten. 4/5

[doyle]

An underappreciated Season 3 classic. There is no reason why this shouldn't make anyone's top 50 or 75 list. It has a great satirical view of German stereotypes, whose characters and voices make it seem as if Groening had several people improted from Germany to provide lines. They really make this episode. Along with them, the main characters here include Homer along with the duo of Burns and Smithers. Not really much involvement of the rest of the family, but it isn't a problem and hard to even realize. As is the case with Homer-centered episodes, everything lies on his characterization. Luckily, it was perfect here. His simply pathetic selling of his stock to make $25 portrays the man with good intentions but little sense that makes Homer's character so dynamic. Another good moment is at the end, where Homer is excited to get his job back immediately following the revealing of Burns's plan for vengeance. As for Burns, he was also well done, as you can see the issue many of the eldery workers are faced with, which is whether or not to retire; and, as many others do, he could not handle the sweeping changes of his life and he goes back to his old self. As always, Smithers is the perfect "sober yin to his raging yang" as he spends time with Burns throughout and contributes much. As for humor, you really forget just how funny this episode is. I saw it just the other day and couldn't stop laughing at the Land of Chocolate scene, or the one involving Bart in Moe's Tavern, or also the one where the Germans are trying to ask Homer to have a discussion with them, and he refuses, causing them to believe that their English is poor. All in all, this one is a real gem, aside from that facelift that Lenny got. A

[Rnymd]

An underrated episode it seems by reading the reviews above. An excellent episode - A

[Butters]

5/5, Like all of Season 3 it's brilliant.

[y2dave2004]

4/5. I enjoyed the land of Chocolate

[Starbucks Exec]

I just saw this episode tonight, and I loved it. Good, flowing plot, everyone in character, great jokes, some well-done German stereotypes and a sensible conclusion, showing Burns at his demonic best. A+

[shhbly]

I really like this one...


"My English is not perfect,
but I have to tell you, your
beer is like swill to us.
Do I have that right?
I am saying only a swine
would drink this beer."

[Paul]

Underrated fantastic episode. 5/5.

[bovine_university]

A pretty good episode from a pretty good season, so I gave it a 4/5. The land of chocolate was great and so was Moe not being able to realize that Bart was the prank caller, and the story was well-executed. However, I felt this episode just seemed to lack true greatness, so it settles for an almost perfect score.

[Reservoir Dog]

I liked all the WWII jokes. They got old later. I also thought that Phil Hartmans German was uncanny.

[Bobo]

Brilliant. One of my favorite Burns episodes. 5/5.

[Blue Phoenix]

Fantastic. The comedy was A+ and didn't hit you over the head to be funny. Everything from the German take over, to Burns (who was fantasticaly in character), to Homer's trip to the Land of Chocolate was perfectly paced.

5/5

[Sniper Squirrel]

By god, this was great, loved Burns, the sword of damicles, and obviously, "the land of chocolate", 5/5

[Tamaki Suoh]

A faultless episode, in my opinion. The Burns/Smithers explorations were brilliant as were every other aspect of this episode. Wonderful writing, characterization, pacing...Overall, just wonderful. 5/5

[Starman]

The only reason a lot of people like this episode is because of the overrated "Land of Chocholate" sequence.

The rest of the episode is a non-stop borefest.

2/5 - possibly the worst episode of Season 3.

[TheForbiddenDonut]

The only reason a lot of people like this episode is because it's hilarious and well-plotted, with 'The Land of Chocolate' being an added bonus. Read Channel Surfer's post to understand that there's more to the episode that people like.

Solid A for me. Almost perfect, but its being nothing more than a really funny episode keeps it from A+ quality.

[CHU-LIP]

Who can say no to the land of chocolate? :LOL:
5/5.

[Tamaki Suoh]

Solid A for me. Almost perfect, but its being nothing more than a really funny episode keeps it from A+ quality.

The Land of Chocolate sequence didn't really do anything for me. It was funny, but it didn't really stand out. I love this episode for many more reasons than that, as I'm sure you do. But it is more than a really funny episode, in my opinion. It shows an often-seen side of Burns and Smithers' dynamic that is usually not as explored as it is in this one. Like the first poster said, it showed how Burns felt for Smithers more in depth than how Smithers felt for Burns.

[TheForbiddenDonut]

I never saw it as Burns feeling for Smithers, so much as it was Burns realizing that he and his power plant cannot be separated. I absolutely adore the line 'What good is money if you can't inspire terror in your fellow man?', because that is one of Burns' most definitive lines in the series. However, I still don't think the episode delved as deep as it could have, and maybe it shouldn't have, but as it stands I just don't find that it has the edge that grants it an A+.

[-Bart-]

meh i didn't like this episode's plot at all. and apart from the land of chocolate scene it was pretty borring. 2/5

[Anthony DiFrancesco]

5/5

made me feel like I was in the land of chocolate

[Tamaki Suoh]

I never saw it as Burns feeling for Smithers, so much as it was Burns realizing that he and his power plant cannot be separated.

Well, I didn't mean that it was Burns' feelings for Smithers that impelled him to get the plant back. I meant that this episode just had a lot of great moments of their friendship.

[TheForbiddenDonut]

^Yeah, what really struck me as surprising though oh so obvious was that Burns has the means to go where he pleases, whereas Smithers is still bound to the Power Plant. Until this episode I was never able to conceive of the idea that the two could ever be separate from one another. That Smithers still has some little moments of friendship that exist after Burns' departure. It is a great episode, but it simply doesn't fit into my criteria for what makes something truly worthy of perfection.

[Cerpin Taxt]

3/5, just because it doesn't stick out in my head in what I believe to be the quintessential "Simpsons" season and the most underrated of all time.

[Tamaki Suoh]

^Yeah, what really struck me as surprising though oh so obvious was that Burns has the means to go where he pleases, whereas Smithers is still bound to the Power Plant. Until this episode I was never able to conceive of the idea that the two could ever be separate from one another.

Yeah, I was confused about that too. It seemed odd...Smithers' job technically is the second-highest-level executive at the plant but his job is also as Burns' personal aide (inside and outside the plant). I suppose they hadn't developed just how far Burns' dependence on Smithers went until later. :-/

[TheForbiddenDonut]

I didn't mean to imply that it confused me, rather I was giving my compliments to the show that such a strong attachment had been developed between Burns and Smithers by that point that such a separation seemed inconceivable to me. I rather enjoy seeing Mr. Burns written as independent, and it's done in such a way that his overall character seems indistinguishable between his portrayal in 'Burns Verkaufen Der Kraftwerk' and that in, say, 'Homer the Smithers', which showed Burns as being unable to function without having Smithers gravitate around him every second of the day.

[Tamaki Suoh]

I didn't mean to imply that it confused me, rather I was giving my compliments to the show that such a strong attachment had been developed between Burns and Smithers by that point that such a separation seemed inconceivable to me. I rather enjoy seeing Mr. Burns written as independent, and it's done in such a way that his overall character seems indistinguishable between his portrayal in 'Burns Verkaufen Der Kraftwerk' and that in, say, 'Homer the Smithers', which showed Burns as being unable to function without having Smithers gravitate around him every second of the day.

How was it indistinguishable? I thought it seemed rather obvious that the continuity was lacking.

[Simpson Purist]

5/5

It's a classic allright.

[TheForbiddenDonut]

How was it indistinguishable? I thought it seemed rather obvious that the continuity was lacking.
Sure, Mr. Burns is portrayed differently in each, but I still get the same overall vibe of fragile yet evil corporate figurehead from each episode, and I can see the characterization in each episode applicable to the other. I don't see it so much as lacking continuity so much as trying a different take on an already established character.

[Tamaki Suoh]

Sure, Mr. Burns is portrayed differently in each, but I still get the same overall vibe of fragile yet evil corporate figurehead from each episode, and I can see the characterization in each episode applicable to the other. I don't see it so much as lacking continuity so much as trying a different take on an already established character.

I suppose, but I do see quite a different in season 3 Burns to season 7 Burns. I wish they would have kept him as season 2-3 Burns. In my opinion, that was when he was at his best.

[BatofZion]

Classic, total classic.

[now if only I could say that in German...]

[Elkwood]

A+

The Land of Chocolate would've been funnier if it was The Land of Beer.

[Chou]

Very good episode. It's has a strong plot and it manages to be hilarious as well. I really like Mr. Burns characterization in this episode, I felt it was very strong. The "What good is money if you can't inspire terror in your fellow man" is a definitive line for him, because in essence, Mr. Burns really is something of a tyrant. He's often self-centered and malicious, but I also like how the power plant is shown as something of an attachment to him, putting him in the vulnerable position.

I also like the joviality to Smithers and Burns's relationship in this episode. I didn't get the sense that they really NEED each other, per se. In someways, it does get tiring when Smithers is always portrayed as his caretaker. But what I did get out of this episode, is the nice, assistant-boss friendship that we don't see very often (since Burns's treatment of Smithers can vary).

5/5

[altoids30]

I love this episode. One of my favorite moments in the whole series is where Burns' "sword of Damocles" stab is quickly followed with Homer's "woo-hoo!" about getting his job back... terrific ending.

[Inamon]

I disagree about anybody saying it's boring. I always thought that, but every time I watch it, I refuse to change the episode I'm watching. It's got some good jokes, characterisations, scenes and moments to keep you entertained.

A.

[pizzaanddibs]

Awesome episode just saw it a couple days ago I gave it a B+.

[SpikyHairedHooligan]

one of my top five favorite episodes probably. maybe the best burns characterization in the entire series, and i love the friendship explored between burns and smithers. here they are at their best dynamic! A+

[Moe Nopoly]

It's really a great episode. It is one of my favorite ones.
One of my favorite scenes is when Burns negotiates with the Germans or
when Smithers tries to learn german or when Homer dreams to be in the Land of Chocolate.
So many great gags 5/5

[Starman]

It has it's moments, but I never really found it all that exciting, and I think the animation is pretty weak.

A-

[Fox Executive]

The only reason a lot of people like this episode is because it's hilarious and well-plotted, with 'The Land of Chocolate' being an added bonus. Read Channel Surfer's post to understand that there's more to the episode that people like.

Solid A for me. Almost perfect, but its being nothing more than a really funny episode keeps it from A+ quality.

Anti-German stuff is always crowd-pleasant, but TFD is right, it was funny and solid.

[sconer]

The Land of Chocolate. Gotta love this episode. Kinda a bit zany but still good. 4/5

[The Sovereign]

One of my favorite episodes in the whole series, never fails to get a laugh out of me

5/5

[Capt Hammer]

5/5 easily

[ThatAsianGuy]

another great vitti episode. 5/5

[joe miller]

5/5, those Germans were funny

[smileybunny94]

Hahahah I love the Land of Chocolate.

Season 3 is the best!

[Nauru-1]

The Land of Chocolate is memorable, and the rest is mostly decent season 3 material. 4/5

[Granto]

Best episode of Season 3 and an episode filled with wonderful gags, a solid storyline and obvious memorable scenes like the Land of Chocolate. Homer is in fine form as well.

A

#24 on my all time list

[bartyboy]

Spectacular Episode. 5/5

[Goon]

The Land of Chocolate is one of the best moments in the show. I think the plot contains a few elements from other episodes, mainly Homer losing his job, but still manages to retain its brilliance. The entire tavern scene is pure gold, from Bart's song to Burns getting kicked out. The characterisations are of course exellent, especially Mr. Burns'. I think that the best thing about this episode is that the germans are seen as the "villans" while in fact the only thing they were trying to do was help everyone by perfecting the plan, and in the end they lose their money and are ridiculed. All in all this is one of the best episodes in season 3 and in the show.
5/5

[Duffless]

5/5

[Thrillho]

Not my favorite of S3 by any means, but a great one nonetheless. Phil Hartman as Horst, along with the Land of Chocolate montage stood out. A

[poopmannyman]

classic 5/5

[Bella Drape 'er]

Quite a ludicrous but very enjoyable episode. 4/5

[JimBob]

This episode has a great plot and the writting is perfect and it also has a bunch of timeless jokes,one of my favourite scenes of the episode is when Homer daydreams that he's in the land of chocalate.This is a 10/10 type of episode,in my opinion this is one of the top ten best Simpsons episodes ever.



We Germans Aren't All Smiles and Sunshine.

[The Wiggs]

For sure a 5/5. I can never get tired of this episode. Its a great, hilarious, classic episode. If only the show was still this good...

[Sonic]

My least favorite of season 3...

C+

[alex_on_ice]

A fantastic episode! There is one of my favorite scenes in this episode of the entire series (Homer and his dream about the land of chocolate. I remember the first time I watched this episode, I was on the ground in tears when I saw that scene :LOL:. I mean, I had probably only watched the show for a year at the time and nothing could really top such a scene).

I also really like the beginning of the episode (wonderful stuff!). Homer getting a phone call from someone who's saying that if he sells his nuclear powerplant shares he owns, he'll be able to receive an incredible 25$. He does this, only to discover later on that he could've had 5200$ had he waited a little longer. I find that the beginning of this episode shows an aspect of Homer's personality very well (an impatient man and sort of greedy too, without having any second thoughts on what might happen afterwards).

I also really love the germans reaction when Homer's sitting in front of their desk day dreaming. 4.75/5

[HMS pinafore]

It's a easy 5/5

Highlights:
Homer spending his stocks on beer
Everything With Mr burns in it
The scene at moes with homer taunting burns
And one of the best moments in the history of the showhttp://www.popsci.com/files/imagecache/article_image_large/articles/image_10.jpg

[LittleMissLisaSimpson]

This episode's okay but it's not one of my favourites from Season 3. The part I liked was the Land of Chocolate :) 3/5

[Bleedin' Gums Murphy]

Absolutely wonderful episode, a personal favourite of mine. The storyline of Mr Burns selling the nuclear powerplant to a German consortium was brilliant, the characterisation of Mr Burns, Homer and the other characters was spot on. Personal highlights included:

*Smithers believing Homer is sad because of Mr Burns' inevitable departure, rather than not being able to get a candy bar in the vending machine.
*Homer's phone call with his stockbroker.
*Lenny: This is the worst day of my life.
*Mr Burns: You'll see the statue of liberty wearing liederhosen before you see Germans running my plant.
*Mr Burns' impression of Elvis Pressley.
*Homer's 'Land of chocolate' dream.
*Homer's speech to Mr Burns about how nobody loves him.
*After being humiliated by Homer and Bart, Mr Burns defiantly utters: What good is money when you can't inspire terror in your fellow man? I've got to get my plant back.
*Mr Burns: Desperate eh? Advantage Burns.
*Mr Burns mocking the Germans.

Absolutely hilarious and legendary episode, 5/5, 10/10 & A +