FAKE RONJAN!!Off Topic Tuesday Countdown: Favorite Simpsons Episodes
Since Chris has condemned the Mets to a worse finish than the Yankees after his bold proclamation, we've got to change the subject.
Hmm ... what's in the news? Well, we learned yesterday that every episode ever will be available on-demand in the Simpsons World app. And we also learned that The Simpsons may be killing off Krusty the Clown!
Previously in this space, I counted down my favorite 20 sports references in Simpsons history, and I calculated how much Apu overcharges at the Kwik-E-Mart. So why not go for the brass ring and count down my favorite episodes, right?
Well, the good news is that I already put together my top 25 four years ago, and since every episode on that list is at least 15 years old at this point, I don't think I need to change anything, including the commentary!
So here we go! (Here's a good reference if you need a reminder as to which episode is which.)
25. Separate Vocations
I'm a big Lisa fan, as I'm sure you'll realize as we get further down the list. I'm also a sucker for Bart-Lisa moments, and loved how he sacrificed his new image to save hers.
24. Marge vs. the Monorail
This might seem low for such a revered and classic episode. Frankly, if I hadn't seen it so many times, it would be higher on the list (as counterintuitive as that might be).
23. Homer the Great
Ah, the Stonecutters. "Now let's all get drunk and play ping pong!" I also love the message: don't help others if you want to lead an organization.
22. Fear of Flying
This episode's 2nd half isn't quite as strong as its 1st, when Homer gets banned from Moe's bar and meets Guy Incognito.
21. A Streetcar Named Marge
I love the musical numbers on the show, and this episode might have had the most.
20. Lisa the Iconoclast
Embiggens. Cromulent. Another great Lisa episode.
19. The Old Man and the Lisa
Burns and Lisa, together at last. "Nothing evil. That's exactly the kind of radical thinking I need!" This is the first of many Mr. Burns episodes on this list.
18. Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk
How can we leave out the episode that gave us The Land of Chocolate?! I also love Mr. Burns's negotiations to buy the plant back for half of what he sold it for.
17. Blood Feud
"We'll get the Simpsons a present. An extravagant present. A mad, unthinkable, utterly impossible present! A frabulous, grabulous, zip-zoop-zabulous present!"
16. Lisa's Sax
I particularly like the end of this episode, with the montage of Lisa playing the sax throughout all of the episodes. How can the family not afford an air conditioner, though?!
15. A Star Is Burns
So many great entries into the film festival, but Man Getting Hit By Football tops them all. It was robbed!
14. The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson
So many great moments, but I particularly like Homer's flashback to his first NYC trip with The Entertainer playing in the background.
13. $pringfield
We're starting to get into "pure classic" zone here. This episode is fantastic from start ("Springfield: City On the Grow") to finish ("Well *you* have a gambling problem!").
12. Treehouse of Horror V
Easily the best Treehouse of Horror in the series. I particularly love that Groundskeeper Willie gets an ax to the back in all three segments.
11. Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment
"To alcohol! The cause of and solution to all of life's problems."
10. The Springfield Files
This could have been a cheap promotional crossover, but I thought they did a fantastic job incorporating an X-Files storyline into The Simpsons and making it feel natural.
9. Who Shot Mr. Burns? (Part One)
Burns at his best? It's in the argument, for sure. Part Two is great, too, but the setup of the mystery is particularly brilliant.
8. A Fish Called Selma
Who would have thought an episode focusing on Selma and Troy would turn out so well?! Not to mention, the classic Planet of the Apes musical ("I hate every ape I see, from chimpan 'A' to chimpan 'Z'").
7. Homer at the Bat
I love how Burns tempts fate: "Three misfortunes, that's possible. Seven misfortunates, there's an outside chance. But nine misfortunes? I'd like to see that!" Great song for the credits, too ("Talkin' Softball").
6. Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?
I love that Homer can destroy an entire car company by himself. At least Bart liked The Homer!
5. Cape Feare
Getting to the cream of the crop now. This is easily the best Sideshow Bob episode. I particularly like Homer's fantasy when he wants to be John Elway in the witness protection program.
4. Last Exit to Springfield
It's pretty amazing that an episode about collective bargaining for a new labor agreement was so hilarious.
3. Lisa's Substitute
This is probably the biggest surprise on the list. Again, I'm a big Lisa fan, and this episode did more to flesh out her relationship with Homer than any other. Just a classic.
2. Rosebud
My favorite Burns-centric episode of them all. Homer as the gatekeeper to Burns's happiness? Fantastic. Also: "Moldy? Old? I'm gonna get something to eat!"
1. You Only Move Twice
This has been my favorite episode ever since the first time I saw it. Hank Scorpio may be the best character who has ever been on the show. Ever.
-rj