I felt like going through the episodes chronologically, so I watched season 1;
Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire B+
It was the first time in years I'd seen this episode episode, and it was really impressive (It's nice seeing an episode you don't know of by heart). A lot of people say that season 1 feels like it's still finding it's feet, some episodes feel that way but this episode feels like it could slot right into season 2, a simple plot but it works well, a true classic.
Bart the Genius B
This is another episode that could probably fit into season 2, it's a decent episode but what stands out for me is the Bart-Homer dynamic, it works really well in this episode and it sets up a good platform for who Bart would become.
Homer's Odyssey C-
This episode isn't anything special. Probably the weakest of season 1, and I think a "C-" is generous. It's not even Homer attempting suicide that annoys me the most, it's probably him breaking into Bart's piggy bank before, even after only 2 episodes that's out of character.
There's No Disgrace Like Home C
Nothing much to say on this episode, It's just dull.
Bart the General B+
It's the funniest episode of season 1, and the second best overall. It's impressive seeing all the long running characters they introduce in the first season, Skinner is hilarious in this episode as well as Grandpa. Also, I know it would've been ridiculously easy to maintain continuity in the first season, but I love the callbacks to earlier episodes in the season (Like Herman talking about his arm).
Moaning Lisa B
I'm a big fan of classic era Lisa episodes because she's usually the most emotionally provoking character, this is one of the few times Lisa truly feels like an 8 year old girl ("Lisa is too sad to play dodgeball"). Marge is also really good in this episode, she actually feels like a real character whereas a lot of the time she just seems like she's there to oppose whatever Bart and Homer want to do.
Call of The Simpsons C
A little wacky for season 1, but it has it's moments (I love the scene at the beginning where Homer buys the RV truck, the salesman is hilarious).
The Telltale Head B
Life on the Fast Lane B+
This episode is really good for season 1, it's emotional and funny for the most part, but it's still shaky like a lot of season 1.
Homer's Night OutC+
It wasn't too bad I guess, but it's preachy and it feels like a sitcom with a bad cheesy ending.
The Crepes of Wrath B-
Krusty Gets Busted A
Easily the strongest episode of the first season, the plot's smart, complex and funny, the animation is beautiful at times and the jokes are good too.
The humour is subtle, the animation is artistic and it's seriously impressive for the first season. This is when The Simpsons truly found its feet.
Some Enchanted Evening B-
This episode has it's moments, but it was the first episode produced and you can feel how shaky it is.
Season 1 is actually surprisingly better than I remember it, how they introduce and develop so many characters over only 13 episodes is really impressive. The humour is brilliantly subtle at times which is why I like season 2 so much. There's 3 or 4 episodes that aren't anything special, but the rest fit right in place with the rest of classic era Simpsons.



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