How would you rate Sweets and Sour Marge [Archive]

cyben5150

01-20-2002, 05:38 PM

I would say this is by far the best episode so far this season. The plot stayed together rather well. I felt like i was watching one episode as opposed to three. I also liked how it focused less on the family itself...there were scenes in the bar, at school...it even had disco stu! :) I also think homer was more himself than he has been in recent seasons. Early on he a mix, both stupid yet smart...an example would be in maggie makes three, he ripped his hair out in one scene, but he also made a shrine to maggie in his office. That added a more realistic human side to his outrageousness. The last few seasons that was missing. This episode seemed to strike a better balance. In one scene he was licking blood and vapor rub off the floor...pretty damn stupid. Yet he also made some nice erin brockavich puns, something the recent 'stupid homer' would not have even understood. At the end he even chose the right thing, he dumped the sugar, which again illustrates a more classic homer.

All in all it wasnt the best episode ever, or even close. There were some parts i didnt like, the human ball for one, but it was good overall. I would rate it 4/5.

n3688ap

01-20-2002, 05:41 PM

Also, did anyone else notice the "We're gonna smuggle it from south of the border." "You mean Tennessee?!?" Just more fuel to the where is Springfield? fire.

Cole

01-20-2002, 05:41 PM

I agree, the human ball was incedibly stupid, but it didn't have a major impact, so it was still a great episode.

mr. broom

01-20-2002, 05:43 PM

Ben Stiller was underused. He wasn't even necessary for the voice, since they gave him at most twelve lines, and short ones. They just had him on to say that they had Ben Stiller on. Guest star management is still as mediocre as it's been in the past couple of seasons.
The jokes were decent in places, but I thought some were really over the top, especially the references to sugary foods. How many ludicrous sugar products did they mention? Too damn many. That sort of joke is to be used sparingly, but they just kept going. The resolution was weak, too. Just like "The Parent Rap", Judge Snyder declares everything resolved for stupid reasons; the writing staff just can't come up with a funny resolution.
I laughed quite a bit, but there was a lot I didn't like. Disappointed, but not surprised.

n3688ap

01-20-2002, 05:49 PM

Sorry to keep posting like this, but did anyone else notice that the human ball looked kinda computer animated? maybe I just have an eye for it, or maybe I'm way off.

InanimateCarbonRod

01-20-2002, 05:49 PM

Al Jean really hasn't done sh!t for the show, and this episode is all the proof you should need.
I KNOW all of you would have hated this episode if it was exactly the same but with Mike Scully's name on it.

Evan Conover

01-20-2002, 05:51 PM

I thought tonight's episode was very well written for a change, but the plot was stupid! I agree that its jokes were funny in the right places, but why would the writers choose sugar for Marge to get banned? To stay alive and full of energy, everyone's blood needs that sweet sweet sugar....mmmmmmm.....sugar (drools)....uh, anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, stay away from my wife!

laika

01-20-2002, 05:56 PM

Well Sweets and Sour Marge was a pretty fine episode. Loved every scene except where Curney dies.. (whatever)
The rest was Great, and like was mentioned earlier it felt like one episode not three. Yeah the Simpsons are back, expect good things from them for the next season or two *knock on wood*.

Keeping it short..
4.5 out of 5

Mr. Plow

01-20-2002, 05:59 PM

great episode once again by al

if it had more humor definitely a 5/5, but for now 4/5

Handsome Pete

01-20-2002, 06:01 PM

Pretty good. I guess it gets a B+. One thing I really liked was the "Springfield: Birthplace of the Beatles" sign. This episode was really weird to me, what with the Oompa Loompa and Count Fugula, but both were used in great gags.

rossjman1

01-20-2002, 06:01 PM

The plot sucked. It was a little funny. The funniest episode of the season but it also may be one of the stupidest.

2.8/5

Kalbelgarion

01-20-2002, 06:05 PM

This episode was mediocre at best. Overall it was fairly dull and unfunny. Methinks I laughed no more than 5 times (Though I did like the Sugar Baron's contract. :)). I've loved Al Jean's stuff up to this point...but...

Sure, there were no homicidal Jockey Trolls, but the Vampire Count came awfully close...

2.5/5

wonderboy905

01-20-2002, 06:05 PM

Ugh, am I the only one who thought this episode bit the big one? It was nice to see the Simpsons actually get back into a court room, something we haven't really seen since Phil Hartman's passing and the use of old Gil as a lawyer was good, but most of this episode was rubbish, contrived and not even remotely funny. Talk about your stupid plots... worst episode of the season hands down.

thecapecoddah

01-20-2002, 06:09 PM

Not bad at all.. above average, anyway. Stiller did an excellent job in his guest role and made me laugh a few times. The Sugar Baron reading the contract and not getting paid is definitely the LOL moment which I'll remember from this episode. Some jokes didn't click for me and I also didn't love the Human Ball scene, but the plot was solid and there were so many appearances by minor characters that the good outweighs the bad here.

James

01-20-2002, 06:12 PM

I seem like one of the few who really didn't like the episode. It was weak, sparse, and overplotted. The jokes and storyline just flew buy without any impact and the whole plot was too complex for a half-hour episode, especially with so few funny parts. The rolling ball DID look digital, by the way. It had a few funny parts, far and in between (the Ralph scenes, the Erin Brokovich part was mildly funny and so were the hobo lawyers and court trial), but overall, it was just weak and with little impact or humor to my taste.

BigJimW

01-20-2002, 06:23 PM

Needs more dog.

Other than that, a fair episode. Act one was... meh.. The last two acts were fairly good.

I'll have it online to view on the Sea tomorrow sometime.

(Candy Man? :LOL:)

thecapecoddah

01-20-2002, 06:26 PM

God bless that generous candy man.

Tomacco

01-20-2002, 06:27 PM

Yeah yeah, Tennesse is south of Kentucky's border, isn't it? Who cares, I've given up with the "where's springfield" thing.

I can't seem to upload my review, as uzipp is screwed up or somethin, so I'll pu it here if you don't mind:

Best episode of the season so far! Much better than I thought it would be, and featured a lot of things that we've always loved about the show - good plot, great humor, and an incredible use of minor characters (best in years). The only thing that keeps the episode from a 5 was a little too much Homer stupidity, and just a little too much unrealism, but that doesn't ruin the episode at all. In fact, this episode really just got better as it went along, and it actually felt like a long half-hour, which is very rare in recent episodes, when the first act has little to do with the rest of the episode. Carolyn Omine's best work by far (previous episodes: "Little Big Mom", "The Great Money Caper", "Night of the Dolphins" in "THOH XI" and "Wiz Kids" in "THOH XII".

The first act was a little short (so far all Jean's episodes have one very short act), but had major laughs. Dr. Nick was the highlight for me with his research in the medical books - "This is what the inside of a person looks like? It's gross! ..Oh, look! This woman swallowed a baby!". Homer was funny in the library as well, with his line about what the point of buying books is when he won't even take them out for free. The Leonard Nimoy books, shot at Marlon Brando, action sequence with Homer climbing the pyramid (not to mention all the freeze frame characters you can see in there), and the guy jumping from his appartment balcony were all nice touches. Only parts I didn't like were Homer acting like a complete idiot at the Duff Records office, and the unrealism of the human ball.

The second act was the best, moving the plot along well, and using all the minor character appearances. Chief Wiggum, Cletus, Quimby, Disco Stu, Ralph, Frink, Judge Snyder, and especially Gil were used well, plus they introduced Garth Motherloving, who I wish they had used more in the episode. He was like a younger Mr. Burns, which was great, with his "Why don't I just change my name back to Hitler" and his threats to everyone, including the judge, in the courtroom. One thing I can really see them developing is the family using Gil as their lawyer instead of Lionel Hutz from now on. It's great, because we don't see enough Gil as it is, and now that Hutz is gone, they need a good lousy lawyer replacement. One other note, we finally see Cletus' last name (I forget what it was), and it's not Delroy, contrary to what I've heard people saying. I don't really know where they got that from.

The third act was the most action-packed, and had a little more of the weirder stuff in the episode. But it was very funny anyways. The shot at Butterfinger, and Kent naming all the now forbidden candies was good. More minor characters come into play in this act too, like Kent, Count Fudgula, Eddie, Lou, Willie, Skinner, and more of the characters seen in the previous acts. The Erin Brockovich names Homer and the kids were giving Marge was great, and it was good at they used one last one at the end. I loved when they also continued the joke about the Umpalumpa from the second act. For some reason, I thought Homer's "He's freaky" line hilarious. The whole smuggling scheme was funny, even though it was sort of like the Beer Baron stuff from "Homer vs. the 18th Ammendment". Overall, the act had a lot of visual gags, like the whole chase scene with Wiggum and Homer. As for the ending, I swear, if this episode aired in season 12, Homer would have obeyed the bad guy, because every episode last year had a crappy ending. However, this season, every ending has been just fine. Actually, the ending where everyone was playing in the sugar water, while Marge and Homer stood together was like the ending from "El Viaje Mysterioso de Nuestro Jomer", which is fine. The only minor problem I had with the act was Snyder's kind of abrupt decision to end the sugar ban.

Overall, excellent episode all around, and this season is really just getting better from its iffy start. "Jaws Wired Shut" looks sort of bad, but we'll see. BUT, February sweeps looks excellent, so here's hoping for continuing hilarity!

Score: 4 /5

Mr. Plow

01-20-2002, 06:31 PM

another great review tomacco. From the previews, Jaws Wired Shut looks stupid. But i laughed my ass off when homer snorted that piece of steak :LOL:

barneybeergumble

01-20-2002, 06:32 PM

sadly I did not see it. I downloaded porn on Morpheus instead.

Mr. Plow

01-20-2002, 06:32 PM

Originally posted by barneybeergumble
sadly I did not see it. I downloaded porn on Morpheus instead.

either way, it's all good right barney?

BigJimW

01-20-2002, 06:33 PM

Originally posted by Number One
God bless that generous candy man.

The Candy Man Can! But, what the hell am I gonna do with this Umpa-Lumpa? He's smoking all my cigarettes and drinking all my booze!

J.Re*

01-20-2002, 06:34 PM

Great jokes , a whole bunch of parodies, and finally a story that could follow one plot (sorta)
5/5, if it were out of ten i would only give it a 9/10

Disco Stu doing lines of sugar, Classic! :LOL:

Anyone know who the writer & director were?

Tomacco

01-20-2002, 06:35 PM

I never get to see the "next week on simpsons" commercials at the end of episodes. Global never shows them.

barneybeergumble

01-20-2002, 06:35 PM

Originally posted by joshman

either way, it's all good right barney? yep

Kalbelgarion

01-20-2002, 06:37 PM

Sure this episode was funny, sure it had a moving plot...but...

The plot seemed so weird when compared to the previous two Al Jean outings. Instead of the realistic internal peace and family love, we get Vampires, boat chases, rolling human balls, people dying from a lack of sugar, and Umpalumpas. Sure, it was better than Jockey Trolls and personified animals, but...

I just really had mixed feelings about this episode. However, when ever that happens, a second viewing usally makes the episode more enjoyable.

Mr. Plow

01-20-2002, 06:37 PM

Originally posted by Tomacco
I never get to see the "next week on simpsons" commercials at the end of episodes. Global never shows them.

spoilers for you globabl watchers. hope i didnt spoil anything. anyways, homer has his jaws wired up & he's trying to eat dinner. He has a piece of steak so he decides to snort it up his nose. another part was maggie's end of her shirt getting caught on one of homer's wires. she's just swinging around it was great

thecapecoddah

01-20-2002, 06:38 PM

Originally posted by InanimateCarbonRod
Al Jean really hasn't done sh!t for the show, and this episode is all the proof you should need.
I KNOW all of you would have hated this episode if it was exactly the same but with Mike Scully's name on it.

So Tomacco really meant this instead of his lengthy review of the episode? >>> "I liked this episode because Mike Scully's name wasn't at the end of it!"

Hahah, barneybeer, you should've been doing that hours ago.... you were then too? Oh.. never mind.

Tomacco

01-20-2002, 06:41 PM

Oh god. "Jaws Wired Shut" sounds like such a Scully episode. Total stupid physical Homer humor it seems like. Hope I'm wrong.

Mr. Plow

01-20-2002, 06:44 PM

Originally posted by Tomacco
Oh god. "Jaws Wired Shut" sounds like such a Scully episode. Total stupid physical Homer humor it seems like. Hope I'm wrong.

from the looks of it yea pretty much. But it was actually funny to me and i really hated like 80-90% of his episodes. But when i see it again next sunday it will probably be another scully routine

InanimateCarbonRod

01-20-2002, 06:44 PM

Originally posted by Number One

So Tomacco really meant this instead of his lengthy review of the episode? >>> "I liked this episode because Mike Scully's name wasn't at the end of it!"
No, what I'm saying is, because Al Jean made this, you guys are self-conciously thinking "remember, these are good episodes now because Mike Scully is gone!" But if you'd really sit down and look at it, you'd realize that this episode was just as bad if not worse than Mike Scully's last episodes.

skittlebrau

01-20-2002, 06:45 PM

Everybody's already posted what they thought on the episode, so i'll just substitute and keep it sweet and low. (Horribly unfunny pun intended.) :D This episode was the best i've seen in a while. Al Jean is only making this season better and better. It was great.

In your face Milwaukee!

Carl=Black

01-20-2002, 06:49 PM

I thought that was really bad. Even for "todays" Simpsons. Uh! They really are trying to destroy the Simpsons good name.

Cole

01-20-2002, 06:50 PM

Mr. Plow

01-20-2002, 06:51 PM

Originally posted by InanimateCarbonRod

No, what I'm saying is, because Al Jean made this, you guys are self-conciously thinking "remember, these are good episodes now because Mike Scully is gone!" But if you'd really sit down and look at it, you'd realize that this episode was just as bad if not worse than Mike Scully's last episodes.

Eversince i've been watching new al jean episodes, this though all ways comes to mind. "It has to be good cause Al made it" I like al's episodes, and most of them are 4-5/5 on everyone of em (Season 2&3 i believe). These new ones to me are some of his bad apple episodes, but there still in that range were i can consider them that 3-4/5 range. Al will never make another episode like Lisa's Sub again but i don't give a fuck. I mean who gives a fuck the simpsons are still on tv and they've lost that edge. I'm glad it's still on and when i get a chance i get to sit on my ass for 30 min at 8:00 and watch my all time favorite show. This isn't al jeans best. And it's not his worst. But it's still a simpsons episode

radiationdude7

01-20-2002, 06:58 PM

Booyah. This episode was one of the best of the season. I have to give this episode a 4.5/5.(B+) So i just voted on the 4/5 space. Anyway I think that the plot was a little stupid but the writing was great.

Lance_Murdock

01-20-2002, 07:03 PM

Terrible episode... I found myself struggling to laugh at the half-assed jokes. I feel they were trying too hard to make this plot work. Ben Stiller did nothing for this episode and it looked like they're pushing Gil into Lionel Hutz's lawyer role.

Besides, they already did a "sugar episode."

:bored:

thecapecoddah

01-20-2002, 07:07 PM

Oh, man, I forgot about the Butterfinger burning scene. That was hilarious.

Robbie

01-20-2002, 07:08 PM

In America, first you get the sugar, then you get the power, then you get the women...

:LOL: I liked the episode, even the weird human-ball thing.

J.Re*

01-20-2002, 07:09 PM

Originally posted by Number One
Oh, man, I forgot about the Butterfinger burning scene. That was hilarious.
:LOL: me too, thank goodness you reminded me, "Even the fire doesn't want them"

sweetmercifulcrap

01-20-2002, 07:17 PM

4/5, all in all a great episode. Defenitly the best of the season, but no where near as good as an episode say, season 5/6. Oh well, what can you do?...

did anyone else notice the dedication at the end?

DotheBartman

01-20-2002, 07:23 PM

Well, after watching this one, I'd have to say that I enjoyed it. I really did. I was hoping for more, but what I got was a good episode.

Sweets and Sour Marge started off with a fairly funny first act. The trip to the library had some nice moments, as did Homer's first attempts to achieve a new record. The human ball thing was sort of dumb, but Homer actually climbing the pyramid was funny, and the way we found out about Springfield being the fattest town was strange but funny as well.

the second act was better, and seemed to feature more of that good old Simpsons humor. Bart's "prostitute with a heart of gold" line was great, as was Maggie looking like she was going kill Bart and Lisa (its great that she's been used so much lately). The Erin Brokovich parody was also a nice touch, but could have been better, while Gil as the lawyer was really funny. It would have been nice to see Lionel Hutz in that role, but since that isn't really possible, I suppose Gil was a good alternative. Marge's first meeting with Motherloving was also good, and while he didn't have many lines, I think Ben Stiller did a good job in that role.

The third act was also good, though it should have followed up with a little more Marge, rather than diverting over to Homer. However, what we got from Homer was great, with his licking the floor in the Kwik-E-Mart, and diving off the side of the boat, only to land on a whale. Yet another appearance by Burns (how many episodes has he been in this season?), and Chief Wiggum had some great moments, including the attempt to burn the butterfingers (even the flames don't want em'). The "names" for Marge got a little excessive, but wasn't annoying, and the final dumping of the sugar at the end made for some good humor, especially Lenny's smile. The episode was also wrapped up nicely, and I think it had a good ending.

Overall, not the best, but definetely a solid episode, and a memorable one at that.

Grade: B+

Seasons Grades so far: B, B, D-, B+, B, A, B+, B+

Tomacco

01-20-2002, 07:29 PM

So far the biggest complaint seems to be the human ball (my biggest beef as well).

But really, there's NO way there was one person who found absolutely nothing in this episode funny. The episode had such a mix of humor, it was impossible to never laugh! It had biting satire, jabs at people and products, slapstick, character-driven humor, past reference humor, EVERYTHING!
That's what made this episode memorable for me.

cired

01-20-2002, 07:31 PM

Perty decent episode overall. But no one has mentioned my favorite part: Dr.Hibbert yelling out DAMMIT!!! in the Kwik-E-Mart. I mean hearing him laugh for all those seasons and then this! GREAT!

Richiewhiteboy

01-20-2002, 07:33 PM

A craptacular episode. I haven't notice much of a change since Al Jean took the helm. It seems to be the same. They're just trying to cram as many jokes as they can into 20 minutes. The thing is that only about 3 jokes an episode are actually funny enough to make you laugh. Don't writers know how to develop jokes anymore? Instead they just put in these pathetic one liners that can't stand on their own. I mean how long did it take to come up with Erin Choco-snitch. The only jokes that made me laugh out loud was when Homer ran to Moe's after Lisa said tavern even though Marge didn't agree to it. And the police narrowly averting the glass and woman with a baby. That one reminded me of something they might have put in the season
3-8 glory days. Otherwise this wasn't anything different from the crap that has been on in the last two seasons. When are these guys going to get their act together. D+

Simpsonian

01-20-2002, 07:34 PM

Actually, Kearney didn't die. That very next scene when they showed all of them laying on the scale, you can see Kearney in the middle of the screen rubbing his head.

This episode was excellent, I just loved everything about it, easily the best of the season.

Lenny

01-20-2002, 07:37 PM

one thing i didnt like, was at the end, when they showed that dedication to Ron Taylor, it was on for like a micro-second.

J.Re*

01-20-2002, 07:37 PM

Originally posted by Lenny
one thing i didnt like, was at the end, when they showed that dedication to Ron Taylor, it was on for like a micro-second.
Yeah I barely saw it

The Sweetling

01-20-2002, 07:40 PM

Okay, not all that great. I've been reading these posts for a while now and I find that my opinions differ greatly with the majority of people here, so it's probably me.

It started off pretty funny. I liked it when everybody's bellies started jamming together and knocked Milhouse's glasses off (makes me feel better about my own fat belly, I couldn't do that). But then it just seemed kinda tame after that. Count Fudgula was funny and should be one of the characters that recurs in a strange way, such as Disco Stu has. Butterfingers joke was funny. Giving the ratio for lawyers to citizens in America was pretty funny as well, as I'm sure you know people thinking about going to law school or have been.

Otherwise, I didn't really laugh. Where were the jokes about drinking seawater, even seawater with sugar in it? And besides, who cares about "plot flow" if nothing is funny about it?

J.Re*

01-20-2002, 07:42 PM

Welcome to the boards Sweetling

Also, (again) does anyone know where i can find the writer and director

DancinJebus

01-20-2002, 07:47 PM

Not such a bad episode...I give it a 3/5. All in all...any episode where Marge has the lead role is not that good...but I did enjoy Lenny's smile at the end...not to mention some other stints like when Kerny was dead...if that was Kerny I can't remember.

DotheBartman

01-20-2002, 07:47 PM

Originally posted by Crazy Jre
Welcome to the boards Sweetling

Also, (again) does anyone know where i can find the writer and director

Well, acording to Tomacco's review, Carolyn Omine wrote this one.

Tomacco

01-20-2002, 07:49 PM

Plot is almost as important as humor for me with The Simpsons. I don't think I'm alone on that one.

lisa_the_greek

01-20-2002, 07:50 PM

Er... how is Barney posting?! I thought his bigotry and drunken ramblings had caused his head to be severed and his username to be banned...

As for the episode, very good. The best this season(She of Little Faith is a close second!!!)

Datoupee

01-20-2002, 07:50 PM

This episode was AWESOME ! I loved it. This season is going great in my opinion. I have enjoyed every episode. I'm not going to nit pic every little thing. I judge by good or bad. And every episode this season was good !

DotheBartman

01-20-2002, 07:53 PM

Originally posted by Tomacco
Plot is almost as important as humor for me with The Simpsons. I don't think I'm alone on that one.

I'm with Tomacco on this one. Not only does a good plot make an episode interesting, but it also sets up much of the humor. Plot driven episodes like Lisa's Substitute often end up being the best.

Mr. Plow

01-20-2002, 08:00 PM

Originally posted by Tomacco
Plot is almost as important as humor for me with The Simpsons. I don't think I'm alone on that one.

very true

thecapecoddah

01-20-2002, 08:03 PM

Originally posted by lisa_the_greek
Er... how is Barney posting?! I thought his bigotry and drunken ramblings had caused his head to be severed and his username to be banned...

For amusement purposes, Barney's here in Gen. Discussion for one night only. :D Maybe we'll give him 4 hours every Sunday night if he's lucky. He can post in some other areas of the board... his one month total banning has ended.

J.Re*

01-20-2002, 08:10 PM

Originally posted by DotheBartman

Well, acording to Tomacco's review, Carolyn Omine wrote this one.
thanks, now all i need is director

Mr. Plow

01-20-2002, 08:28 PM

Originally posted by Number One

For amusement purposes, Barney's here in Gen. Discussion for one night only. :D Maybe we'll give him 4 hours every Sunday night if he's lucky. He can post in some other areas of the board... his one month total banning has ended.

i dont mind barney that much. though some people do. Barney is amusing though & i think this club needs someone like barney

J.Re*

01-20-2002, 08:30 PM

Originally posted by Number One

For amusement purposes, Barney's here in Gen. Discussion for one night only. :D Maybe we'll give him 4 hours every Sunday night if he's lucky. He can post in some other areas of the board... his one month total banning has ended.
Did you give him some kind of ultamadim(sp?), hes been acting kinda normal :shocked:

Tomacco

01-20-2002, 08:41 PM

I just watched the episode again, and it is truly great. I liked it just as much the second time! Some of the jokes were just dead on, especially because of the voice acting. When Ben Stiller says "I'll kill YOU in your sleep!" to Snyder, it's perfect and hilarious. Same when Homer says the Erin Brokevich name that he made up himself (the one after the group effort name). Back on Stiller, his voice acting made that character very funny, like the Hitler line, for example. This was one of those great and memorable "Springfield as a community" episodes that stick in your head, like "Homer vs the 18th Ammendment" and "A Star is Burns". I personally liked it better than "Homer vs the 18th Ammendment". Plus, watching it again, the human ball is really short and not a big deal at all. I think I may boost the review on my site to 4.5/5, because of how much it retained its value after a second viewing.

J.Re*

01-20-2002, 08:44 PM

Yeah, Tommaco, those are my thoughts on what the show should focus more on, the town and not individual characters, thats why it isn't as great as it used to be. The town used to be ignorant spread throughout now its just a certain character being really ignorant instead

Mr. Plow

01-20-2002, 08:45 PM

did the human ball looked a little cgi? someone told me it did. I recorded the ep but my vcr for some reason likes eating my tapes & messing them up. it really messed up my homer's odyssey episode. but i didnt mind much ;)

:bang:

01-20-2002, 08:46 PM

I didn't really dig it all that much. Some of the jokes were funny, but allot of them were pretty flat. The human ball and cobra banjo were just sad. I did enjoy the things to do: Evil Deeds. I'll be kind and give it a: C-

Cletus Del Roy

01-20-2002, 09:05 PM

Cletus Spuckler? Spuckler???!?

Smilin'JoeFission

01-20-2002, 09:05 PM

I too noticed that the human ball looked digital. If it wasn't done with computer, the animation would have looked really sloppy, so its not a bad thing that they did it. I liked the way they didn't take too long on developing the plot, but I didn't appreciate the way the characters keeped mentioning Erin Brachovich, as if we needed more reminders on what this episode is based on. The plot is actually pretty loose, when you look at it, but the laughs were so good, I nearly overlooked the absurdity of this episode(but as I always try to remind myself; it's a cartoon!). Count Fudgula kinda reminded me of that vampire in the beginning "Republican Party" scene on "Brawl in the Family".
We also found out in this episode via freeze-frame that Cletus' last name is Spuckler, a good trivia question in the future. I loved Homer's line; "You went to a sugar factory!!!Did you see any Oompa-Loompas?" Overall grade, A.

Zjraus

01-20-2002, 09:05 PM

It was...ok. Wasn't great, but still funny.

mathew

01-20-2002, 09:11 PM

we dont have that ep yet. if you live in america when was that ep on.
please type in australian date example 25/12/02

american example
12/25/02

here we are monday 21st jan

Splashmore

01-20-2002, 09:17 PM

How come no one mentioned the hillarious Frink scene.
I don't know how it goes word for word exactly, but...

Marge gets a call from frink...
FRINK: Marge you need to be informed about operation GARVIN GROVING!
MARGE: Frink is that you?
FRINK: Ahh, what gave it away? The GARVIN or the GROVING?

And Disco Stu snorting the sugar as if it was coke.

thecapecoddah

01-20-2002, 09:32 PM

If anyone could get screen captures from tonight for the "Jaws Wired Shut" preview and the Ron Taylor dedication I could make great use of them at NoHomers.net... thanks!

barneybeergumble

01-20-2002, 09:35 PM

next time on all these episode polls, there should be an option, saying: "I didn't see it"

Mr. Plow

01-20-2002, 09:42 PM

thats a great idea barney thanks

and if i make another poll like this again number one can you close the poll till 8:00 again? thank again

mathew

01-20-2002, 09:51 PM

TELL ME YOUR FUNNIEST MOMENT SEASON 3 -10 A NEW POLL IS COMING ONLY NEED 3 MORE SELECTIONS

Cole

01-20-2002, 10:45 PM

Originally posted by Mathew122
TELL ME YOUR FUNNIEST MOMENT SEASON 3 -10 A NEW POLL IS COMING ONLY NEED 3 MORE SELECTIONS

Way to keep on topic Matt, now lets get back to "Sweets and Sour Marge." The best part of the epsisode in my opinion was that it had a believable way to lead into the plot (the Duff book). Unlike "Brawl in the Family" with the paper towels and "She of Little Faith" with the hampsters.

Helper Monkey

01-20-2002, 10:57 PM

Originally posted by barneybeergumble
next time on all these episode polls, there should be an option, saying: "I didn't see it"

First, I'm glad that you are back bbg. Even though you really, really crossed a line with one of your rants, I think you generally have valid opinions about the show.

And now, the flame: WHY? What the hell are you doing posting on this thread if you haven't seen the episode? Just read it and shut up until you do see it. Are you just trying to be the first to reach 2000 in post count?

Moderators, if you add anything besides a ranking, you cheapen the point of this thread. If anyone wants to read what people have to say who MISSED THE EPISODE then maybe we could just start a separate thread each week called "STICKY: Missed this week." That way, we could collect all the intriguing, relevant thoughts of people who know nothing about the most current show.

Just to stay on topic: I liked this week. Especially funny was "take that Milwaukee!" (I live in Milwaukee), the mother and baby in the jet-ski, Cletus' signature, and the cobra playing the banjo.

Did it seem to anyone like a LOT of this episode was derivative of other shows? Here are examples that I can think of:

Marge's crusade against something: she did it against porn, and cartoon violence. Homer smuggling: Beer Baron. Homer climbing: same jokes when he climbed the Murderhorn. Holding in a gut: All men did it in the horrible Superbowl episode. Everyone in the water: they did it for hot pants. "I'll kill all of you!": Freddy Quimby-- "especially you members of the jury!" Vampire in a meeting: done in "Sideshow Bob Roberts".

There are more, but why bother?

So you know, I voted 4/5. I laughed quite a bit, even at the big, stupid ball of people (it is a cartoon, after all).

The Sweetling

01-21-2002, 12:05 AM

Is true, don't have a didn't seen it option. That's dumb.

If you post here, and follow the threads, and were doing something else BESIDES watching the Simpsons, then you have no right to say anything, anywhere...ever.

Sign me,

The Sweetling

zaius86

01-21-2002, 05:15 AM

I liked this episode a lot. It had lots of really funny parts, especially all the secondary characters. Gil as Hutz 2002 is fine with me, and he's a great character to carry the torch as the bumbling lawyer. The Count Fudgula jokes were good too, and reminded me of my childhood. Professor Frink was great as usual, and I didn't even mind the human ball, I thought it was pretty funny. All in all, this was a great episode, but that's coming from a guy that likes every Simpsons episode except for Bart to the Future, Moaning Lisa, and the second and third acts of Kill the Alligator and Run.

thecapecoddah

01-21-2002, 08:06 AM

Originally posted by The Sweetling
Is true, don't have a didn't seen it option. That's dumb.

Uhh, did people actually think we'd listen to barneybeer?

Wiggle Puppy

01-21-2002, 08:08 AM

Good.

Frinkiac7

01-21-2002, 08:38 AM

Originally posted by TheAnswerMan
How come no one mentioned the hillarious Frink scene.
I don't know how it goes word for word exactly, but...

Marge gets a call from frink...
FRINK: Marge you need to be informed about operation GARVIN GROVING!
MARGE: Frink is that you?
FRINK: Ahh, what gave it away? The GARVIN or the GROVING?

And Disco Stu snorting the sugar as if it was coke.

I thought it was Moyven Hoyven.

J.Re*

01-21-2002, 08:42 AM

Originally posted by Frinkiac7

I thought it was Moyven Hoyven.
Operation Hoyven glavin

Kalbelgarion

01-21-2002, 08:52 AM

I'll just sit here quietly, thinking that it'll rise from it's "C+" grade on the second viewing...

Many of the jokes you guys found funny ("I'll kill YOU in your sleep", Disco Stu's part, Frink's call, Count Fudgula[which, IMO, was just stupid], et al) I just didn't find...that funny.

J.Re*

01-21-2002, 09:17 AM

Not to steal Jonah's thunder or anything, but I got bored and wanted to give it a shot
http://liquid2k.com/infamousjre/SWASM.png

Wavy Gravy

01-21-2002, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by Crazy Jre
Not to steal Jonah's thunder or anything, but I got bored and wanted to give it a shot
http://liquid2k.com/infamousjre/SWASM.png

Um...

Okay...

Doesn't really look like the books (I sugest putting in who said the lines, and you used the complete wrong fonts) but hey, your first try isn't bad.

J.Re*

01-21-2002, 10:00 AM

Yeah I forgot the little faces, oops

kepano

01-21-2002, 10:07 AM

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! That was really so funny. I cant believed that was the first time for me to laugh OUT LOUD. My parents saw it and they were laughing out loud about the humans ball, the man tried to killed himself and the ball ran over two old people (YAY!! Hans Moleman!)

Wavy Gravy

01-21-2002, 10:09 AM

I loved this episode, really. The library scene was hilarious (especially Dr. Nick, and even Cletus's "Bridget Jones's Diarhhea" line), but it really started to lift off when Homer tried for a world record. I loved the human pyramid scene - as soon as I get the chance, I'm watching my video again to see who's in it. The thing with the ball was weird (even though we see Hans Moleman again) but I loved Moe's line when they stopped. "Ohh...I am SO far from my car..." Springfield is dubbed "Fattest City", and Marge notices the sugar thing. Dr. Hibbert's outburst at the Kwik-E-Mart was hilarious, as well as the scene with Garth Motherloving. "I'm not familiar with the lingo today, do kids still say 'Get the hell outta my office'?" Then comes more minor characters - Wiggum, Ralph, Stu, Cletus, and the long-awaited return of Gil! Then the scene where Homer tries to get off the boat was too funny, especially his "I'm only doin' this one more time!" The toucan, the smugglers who didn't get paid, the police chase, the "Obey bad Guy" button, and the final scene with the sugar water all added up to the best episode so far this season - to me anyway.

FINAL GRADE: A+!

Cole

01-21-2002, 10:12 AM

Originally posted by zaius86
. . .
All in all, this was a great episode, but that's coming from a guy that likes every Simpsons episode except for Bart to the Future, Moaning Lisa, and the second and third acts of Kill the Alligator and Run.

How could you not like Moaning Lisa? It's a classic. Anyways, nice job on the review page Crazy Jre.

Mr. Plow

01-21-2002, 10:48 AM

that's pretty good jre

but i'd rather wait and see tomaccos

Robbie

01-21-2002, 10:50 AM

Originally posted by Crazy Jre
Not to steal Jonah's thunder or anything, but I got bored and wanted to give it a shot
http://liquid2k.com/infamousjre/SWASM.png

That's a lot better than I could do.

Wang

01-21-2002, 11:05 AM

i liked this episode alot. 5/5 beotch

Homer The Yokel

01-21-2002, 12:01 PM

Near perfect. Everything went perfectly. Homer wasn't stupid and it was a great use of charcters 5/5.
Grade: A
Best Epside of Season 13

Jessica Lovejoy

01-21-2002, 12:10 PM

This episode was pretty good, not great or anything but still above average when compared to most of the newer episodes from the past 3 years. The whole Disco Stu part was hilarious - I couldn't stop laughing when Marge was dancing and making that weirded out face before leaving Stu's house - great stuff. Overall I give it a 4/5.

Bart Skateboarder

01-21-2002, 12:26 PM

I thought it was a great episode overall. Story wasnt "choppy" (in other words, it didn't skip around). The Simpsons are still light years ahead of EVERY other tv show around. Ben Stiller did great (as always, big stiller fan). Lots laughs every minute. One of the best of season 13. LONG LIVE THE SIMPSONS! LONG LIVE THE SIMPSONS! LONG LIVE THE SIMPSONS! LONG LIVE THE SIMPSONS! LONG LIVE THE SIMPSONS! LONG LIVE THE SIMPSONS! LONG LIVE THE SIMPSONS!

Grade: A or 4.3

Greg Durand

01-21-2002, 12:30 PM

My Review: Wasn't too good. It had some laughs, but it went so fast and it was pretty weak, overall. Not among the best of season 13.
My Rating: C+, 60%.

Voodoo Monkey

01-21-2002, 01:16 PM

The episode seemed like one from a few years ago, like I had seen it before. Especially the stroke bit. Homer climbing up the human pyramid? King of the Hill. I liked the Prof. Frink bit. The ironic twist. It was good.

Tomacco

01-21-2002, 02:19 PM

Yeah, J'Re let me take care of the guides. :p ;)

J.Re*

01-21-2002, 02:30 PM

Originally posted by Tomacco
Yeah, J'Re let me take care of the guides. :p ;)
heh, just wanted to give it a shot

Smilin'JoeFission

01-21-2002, 03:49 PM

Originally posted by Crazy Jre
Not to steal Jonah's thunder or anything, but I got bored and wanted to give it a shot
http://liquid2k.com/infamousjre/SWASM.png

Nice, J. Re, but you wrote "period" instead of "pyramid"

I thought most of the animation in this episode was nicely done, except some of the characters' weight seemed a little exagerated once the town won the fat record. I almost forgot to add in my last post here if anyone else noticed Homer's flag that said "Girth". The animators have doe a lot of that recently.

Rowdy

01-21-2002, 04:08 PM

Once again, another high quality episode from Al Jean. To sum things up, a very good plot along with mostly good jokes makes this episode a B or 4/5.

As for Jaw Wired Shut, I'm a little skeptical about whether or not Mr. Jean can pull it off. He certainly has worked miracles this season, but he's not Jesus or anything.

First Eight Season 12 Episodes: 25/40
First Eight Season 13 Episodes: 28/40

So far, it looks like Al Jean will not only stop Season 13 from becoming the worst season (12), but Season 13 could end up being better than 11. Of course, Al Jean's episodes have all been good this season, but it's so close to Season 12 in my grading scale because of the five Scully episodes that aired at the start of this season.

Tomacco

01-22-2002, 09:55 AM

Check this shit out!:
http://kiwi.uzipp.com/~admin31/!SWEETSANDSOUR.gif

Glad to see the hacker's crap is fixed up, by the way.
Also, you have no idea how annoying it was to write everyone in the pyramid and ball. Hehehe. Also, read the last Stuff you may have missed. It's a kick-ass screw-up.

laika

01-22-2002, 11:10 AM

--------------------------------------------
Actually, Kearney didn't die. That very next scene when they showed all of them laying on the scale, you can see Kearney in the middle of the screen rubbing his head.
--------------------------------------------

Didn't notice that part, thank you ^_^

Chewing thoroughly

BangBangBart

01-22-2002, 12:19 PM

I gave it a 3/5. It was a funny episode. I loved bart's prostitute with a heart of gold joke. The guy commiting suicide, "Goodbye cruel world. Hello ironic twist!" I have no idea why i thought that was so funny even though i thought the ball of citizens was stupid. Hershey highway men too heh..

Mr. Plow

01-22-2002, 01:38 PM

Originally posted by Tomacco
Check this shit out!:
http://kiwi.uzipp.com/~admin31/!SWEETSANDSOUR.gif

Glad to see the hacker's crap is fixed up, by the way.
Also, you have no idea how annoying it was to right everyone in the pyramid and ball. Hehehe.

much better than jres

sorry jre we still love you

Voodoo Monkey

01-22-2002, 01:51 PM

Will Gil be the next Lionel Hutz?

Smilin'JoeFission

01-22-2002, 03:27 PM

Maybe, we'll have to wait and see....

J.Re*

01-22-2002, 03:31 PM

Originally posted by Joshman
sorry jre we still love you
I feel a part of something for once in my life *sniff*

Rowdy

01-22-2002, 05:40 PM

Originally posted by Voodoo Monkey
Will Gil be the next Lionel Hutz?

Nobody can feel Lionel's shoes. Nobody.

Stitchface

01-22-2002, 06:09 PM

Originally posted by Rowdy

Nobody can feel Lionel's shoes. Nobody.

AMEN,BROTHAH,but it would still be cool to have a lawyer thats better then Mr. Mr. Burns Laywer
Yes There are TWO Mr.s,HA,Still one step ahead of the world..

Wavy Gravy

01-23-2002, 05:39 AM

Originally posted by Tomacco
http://kiwi.uzipp.com/~admin31/!SWEETSANDSOUR.gif

Glad to see the hacker's crap is fixed up, by the way.
Also, you have no idea how annoying it was to write everyone in the pyramid and ball. Hehehe.

Great Job, Jonah! I was wondering, how do you make these things?

StpdItchyChrchPnts

01-23-2002, 08:39 AM

Very good episode 4.2/5
The human ball was kinda stupid
And whats wrong with butterfingers , I like them. :)

StpdItchyChrchPnts

01-23-2002, 08:56 AM

Hey Tomacco , that Episode page (you made?) is really good, just like its out of the book
the Complete Guide to our Favorite Family

Very nicely done!!! :)

What program did you create it in?

I'd really want to create images like that of my own, but dont have any graphics programs to do it with.

Drew

01-23-2002, 10:12 AM

Worste episode of the season. It was unrealistic with that stupid ball, shameless promotion of butterfinger, and an overall unfunny episode. I am not one to complain about season 13, but this one sucked.

DotheBartman

01-23-2002, 03:06 PM

Originally posted by drew karaniuk
Worste episode of the season. It was unrealistic with that stupid ball, shameless promotion of butterfinger, and an overall unfunny episode. I am not one to complain about season 13, but this one sucked.

I think the Butterfinger joke was meant to make fun of it, as well as the show's own promotion of it in real life. Notice Wiggum's line: "Even the flames don't want them"

Tomacco

01-23-2002, 04:12 PM

I make the Guide pages in good ol' Paint. Except for the pictures of characters, which I make in Photoshop.

DotheBartman

01-23-2002, 04:16 PM

Tomacco, did you include Princess Kashmir, Dr. J. Loren Pryor (I think I saw him from a distance), and the Leader in the list of characters in the pyramid?

Mr. Plow

01-23-2002, 04:31 PM

in one scene i think it was the choclate burning scene, krusty's nose is white. i think there are more people you forgot tooo in the pyramid

lisa_the_greek

01-23-2002, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by Tomacco
I make the Guide pages in good ol' Paint. Except for the pictures of characters, which I make in Photoshop.

PAINT?! Now THAT's talent!!!

Tomacco, where'd your website go?

shady_lisa

01-23-2002, 04:50 PM

:bart: :marge: :maggie: :lisa: kool heh heh heh

:( im new so gimme a chance here lol

i thought the eppy was pretty funny, a lil off track of marge but well done....how i like my simpsons lol

thecapecoddah

01-23-2002, 04:52 PM

Welcome, shady_lisa! Heh, nice signature.

lisa the greek: There's news about Tomacco's website in the "Simpsons on the Web" forum. It's currently down due to its host preparing to move it in for good.

PinHead_Larry

01-23-2002, 05:02 PM

Love it that they finally have a strait story line, but I want to see more guest stars playing themselves.

shady_lisa

01-23-2002, 05:09 PM

;) i hafta agree, its great when guest speakers play themself hehehe

:marge: :bart: :lisa: :maggie:

side note: :shocked: im missing a blue crayon......

DotheBartman

01-23-2002, 05:20 PM

I also noticed, Homer breaks Bumble Bee Man's "stinger", but while he's rolling in the ball, as well as when everyone has collapsed on the scale, his stinger is intact again.

Splashmore

01-23-2002, 06:14 PM

Ahh. There really wasn't too much of a reason for the Garth Motherloving character. Stiller himself is so good to begin with, they should have somehow incorporated his true character into the storyline.

Tomacco

01-23-2002, 07:07 PM

You can see my site here for now: http://kiwi.uzipp.com/~admin31/

It'll be moved back to my usual domain soon enough.

StpdItchyChrchPnts

01-24-2002, 08:06 AM

I make the Guide pages in good ol' Paint. Except for the pictures of characters, which I make in Photoshop

Wow Tomacco,you did that in paint, very impressive :)

tim_duncan2000

01-24-2002, 12:38 PM

I thought this episode was unfunny from begnining to end. This is just a partial list of stuff that was not funny.

Homer landing on the lower deck an then on a whale

Homer licking the floor, then finding out what it is, and then licking it again!!!!!

The human pyramid/ball

Lisa mentioning tavern and then Homer going to Moe's

Some of the stupid things in Homer's book

Moe eating a shark at the end

The "Obey the bad guy" button on the boat

The sugar smuggling in general

Homer grabbing a cobra and playing a banjo, as well as when Homer asked what's the longest anyone has done this (and then he made stupid noises and danced around).

I also expected Homer's Brockovich references to be more funny and clever, but those jokes did not work for me for some reason.

There were a few funny parts, but there were just not enough for me to review the episode favorably. I know it must seem like I hate every season 11-13 episode, but this is just not my kind of humor. I just don't find it funny for many reasons, and I guess I only like the older episodes and I don't think what I like will change. 2/5

Tirefire

01-25-2002, 12:32 PM

I don't know what it was, but this episode had what it took to make me laugh throughout. Homer licking the floor only to find out what it was had me in stitches. An outstanding episode. I think there was one point in the episode that may be a major turning point in Homer's character becoming a bit more competent as Jean said he was planning on doing. I don't think it's too hard to find, I'll lt you see if you can find where it was it.

volcom

01-25-2002, 02:06 PM

I saw the episode today. It wasnt that great of an episode. There were a few funny moments but they werent very good ones

Mike Scully

01-25-2002, 09:51 PM

Fantastic episode!

stuff I liked
-the Leonard Nimoy books
-Marge not agreeing to the tavern rule
-Homer settling the "bar argument"
-Homer's climb up the pyramid (lots of good sight gags and parody)
-Homer *finally* stops sucking it in
-Maggie wiping the fudge off her face
-Hibbert bursting out
-Gil as the lawyer
-Marge's first meeting with Motherloving
-the Disco Stu scene (Marge's expression is hilarious)
-Judge Snyder refuses the tasteimony (it shows that the townspeople have at least some level of integrity)
-the Miami Vice parody
-Homer does the right thing and reconciles with Marge
-Lenny's mistaking his teeth for pearls, then smiling

stuff that wasn't funny
-the human ball
-Kearney acting like he's dead
-Homer whines like a baby about the food in the oven

overall grade: B+ (If you see my grades on the thread for the seasons 10-12 quicklist, you'll notice that I rarely gave Scully episodes that high a grade.)