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The Simpsons: The Way We Was (1991)
Flashback Time!
The Way Was
Now, as Simpsons episodes go, this episode has dated somewhat being set in 1974 (in fact, presently given Homer's age as 39 and Marge's as 34, Homer would've only been a small child and Marge may not even have been born.) but in other respects, the episode as well as the series strangely lasts the course of time.
The episode seems to capture a real air of the early-seventies with Homer's character being particularly endearing with both a young sense of mischief and his familiar older personality moulded together. Jon Lovitz also makes his first guest appearance on the series as Artie Ziff. Probably not Lovitz' best performance on the show, but it's not too bad either.
Overall, it represents the Simpsons at it's best. A good, whole-some storyline with a healthy and eclectic sense of humour.
The Simpsons: Dancin' Homer (1990)
Keep On Dancin'
Dancin' Homer.
My opening confession. I don't much care for sports and have little knowledge of most of them. That includes baseball. So some of the jokes did fly waaaaaaaaaaaaay over my head, but for the most part I did find the episode very amusing and entertaining, particularly for taking The Simpsons view of taking typical TV plots (shows have had characters getting involved with a sports team.) it refrains from the major teams and to the more realistic, obscure small town teams. (Except for Capitol City which comes later in the episode)
The show at the time in it's infancy (hard at times to believe that the show was once fairly new.) and it suffers from a major character being moved into the background. Specifically the only time the Capitol City Goofball has had a vocal appearance (guest star Tom Poston) but I think Homer's capering as Dancin' Homer is very heart-warming as well as funny.
The episode ends on quite a sombre note (despite the reassurance that he told a great story, Homer spends much of his time in Moe's quite down-beat) but it's a fun feel-good ride for the most part.
The Simpsons: Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes on Every Fish (1990)
Simpsons Satire
Two Cars In Every Car and Three Eyes On Every Fish
Two Cars is probably the most political episode The Simpsons had done at this point as well as being one of the biggest parodies of a single piece of work (Orson Welles' Citizen Kane) that was done to this point as well. The basic premise being Homer helping Burns to become governor, much to the chagrin of Marge, a supporter of long-standing governor Mary Bailey.
I don't usually like the use of politics in popular culture. It often seems to be too heavy a subject to deal with in a sit-com. But I salute the show for trying, and largely succeeding in making the episode a good one. Probably not the finest episode in season 2 but it stands up.
Mary Bailey hasn't appeared much in later episodes (to my knowledge, she's only appeared one other time, literally years away at this point.) Though I suppose they had the political character in Mayor Quimby. Ultimately though it's could be addressed as political, and maybe even somewhat biased to one political viewpoint (the show has been known to have quite a liberal slant, though major writer John Swartzwelder is conservative.) but it's not too heavy and above the heads of the non-political Simpsons viewer.
The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror (1990)
First And Best Treehouse Of Horror
Treehouse Of Horror
I'm going to make a change to my usual review style and write a separate review for all of the segments individually.
Bad Dream House: Now, this is probably gonna sound really wimpy, but this is probably the only segment in the history of the Halloween episodes to kind of freak me out. Now it's not so much that it terrifies me, but it gives me the creeps. The strange dream-like quality to it (particularly the house itself) disturbs me slightly. But there's also some genuinely funny bits as well and to me that mixture of typical Simpsons humour mixed with a somewhat genuinely scary element is to me, what should have featured in other future segments.
Hungry Are The Damned: A good segment. Probably not as good as Bad Dream House but in probably any other special, it would really stand out. Of course it features the debut of Kang and Kodos. Not really horror, more sci-fi except for the cannibalism (even if, it wasn't really cannibalism.) Kang and Kodos aren't as wacky as they would be later, but even though they lack their usual humour they're still good characters...shame there wasn't more Serak The Preparer in further years.
The Raven: Probably the most literate stance the show has taken, it's brilliantly performed with James Earl Jones as the narrator (a great actor in himself, of course.) a little too light-hearted with it's Loony Toons style than I would've wanted, but it still gives the piece great character.
Overall, three beautiful segments make one beautiful episode and of my all-time favourites.
The Simpsons: Simpson and Delilah (1990)
Another Strong Episode
Simpson And Delilah One of the best early Homer episodes, Simpson And Delilah demonstrates a quite often used plot device in the show. Homer does something, becomes successful at work, becomes friendly with Mr. Burns and then loses his popularity. But as tried as it is, it's displayed better here than it is perhaps anywhere else in the series.
Homer's assistant, Karl (played by guest star Harvey Firestein) is a fairly interesting character who's somewhat subtle with his homosexuality when compared to later gay characters (despite of course when he kisses Homer.)Smithers, is perhaps more vindictive in this episode than in any of his other appearances (except for some of Homer The Smithers) and it's a fairly bad side to his character as h's often the more compassionate between him and Burns.
It's an episode that makes a certain amount of hints rather than spelling everything out, particularly the somewhat satirical view of good appearance = happiness. Ultimately, it's very heart-warming, often funny and very well done.
The Simpsons: Bart Gets an F (1990)
An Improvememnt On Season 1
Bart Gets An F
Season 2 is in several ways superior to season 1 in my view. Animation-wise it's far more detailed, the voices are stronger (though still not their distinctive selves in later seasons) and the writing is stronger. Bart Gets An F is also stronger than most of the 1st season episodes.
It's setup is similar to earlier episodes, focus on Bart is still strong and certain characters that were ignored much in later years are used strongly (for example, Martin.) The episode does seem quite formulaic in structure (though the snow day is slightly unexpected.) and Bart (whilst being a slacker and a cheat) is probably a stronger character morally than later seasons with his prayer and feeling of responsibility.
Some bugs definitely need to be worked out, and would be worked out eventually. But keeping that in mind, it's a very strong episode with some of the most in-depth character development for Bart.
The Simpsons: Some Enchanted Evening (1990)
Great From What It Started As
Some Enchanted Evening
The story of the production of this episode is well-known and that much, if not most of the animation is re-done. And as such, the original material left is still slightly noticeable particularly with the distinguishing gradients in some of the backgrounds (although this can also be seen Bart The Genius.) Of course, in comparison with what the episode started out as, it's a very well done episode. Whilst not being tremendously serious (except for the early Homer/Marge scene) the light-hearted nature, which does largely rely on robbery after-all, is entertaining.
So, as such the animation is clunky, but the performances (particularly Penny Marshall's Ms. Botz (Botzukowski) makes up for it and makes a satisfying end to the first season of The Simpsons.
The Simpsons: The Crepes of Wrath (1990)
C'est Bon!
The Crepes Of Wrath
One of the better Season 1 episodes, Crepes Of Wrath is the first in the show's long line of "Simpsons visit..." though the exception being only one Simpsons family member (Bart) going to France.
The episode doesn't rely entirely on culture shock and very little of the episode is in Paris, instead settling on the less used rural regions of the country which gives some relief. Of course, there is also the unexpected use of the country, Albania. Of course, with it being Albania in 1990 the episode was outdated soon after, but on entertainment value it is good for it's time.
Nancy Cartwright's performance with Bart is somewhat impressive, though the acting of the other cast members isn't exactly as strong. But above it all, it's an ambitious episode for a program which at that point was so young, and it pays off.
The Simpsons: Krusty Gets Busted (1990)
Best Of The First Season
Krusty Gets Busted
Ultimately, I feel that Krusty Gets Busted is, to me, on a higher level than any other Simpsons episode in the first season. The animation in particular is impressive. Whilst, generally the first season is not perfectly animated, Krusty Gets Busted to me has as much in common animation-wise as the superior season 2.
The direction of the episode is also a high water-mark and has a more cinematic style compared to the somewhat limited format in many episodes. The acting is great, particularly Nancy Cartwright and Kelsey Grammar in his first of many appearances as Sideshow Bob.
My sole criticism of the episode is the sound, which has a problem with occasionally inexplicably reverberating sound. But the episode is still very good and even shows how in celebrity court cases how people can be very quick to choose aside regardless of the number of facts.
The Simpsons: Homer's Night Out (1990)
A So-So Story With A Good Message
Homer's Night Out
Despite the title, the title only takes up a small amount of the episode, although the repercussions do make up a large part of the episode. It's the second consecutive Homer/Marge episode and is slightly less conventional in it's message than Life In The Fast Life, but the writing isn't really as strong.
The jokes aren't as strong, but have a couple of good moments and the lounge singer at the end (his name espcapes me) is a particularly strong character, just a shame he wasn't expanded upon in future episodes, though I believe he was voiced by a guest star (whose name also escapes me.)
The episode does progress nicely and the sequence that shows Bart's picture spread is somewhat well written and well-paced, and the episode somewhat regains it's stride near the end, but it's not overly strong just a kinda good episode.
The Simpsons: Life on the Fast Lane (1990)
A Near Strike
Life In The Fast Lane
This episode is one of the best episodes in season 1. It's wackier than many of the other episodes with many bizarre places (such as the shops in the mall and The Singing Sirloin.) But the episode does have a strong emotional centre and is probably one of the best episodes about a problem in Homer and Marge's marriage with both of them hurting in their own ways. The silence in the bedroom being particularly heart-rendering.
Al Brooks gives perhaps his best performance on the show as Jacques the bowling instructor giving the character a level of charm, but also making it hilarious. Julie Kavner also gives one of her funniest performances and Dan, whilst not giving Homer the same zaniness that Homer would have later gives Homer an emotional quality that has probably not been seen before or since.
As I've stated this is one of the better season 1 episodes and probably one of the better Marge/Homer episodes.
The Simpsons: The Call of the Simpsons (1990)
Part Beast Part Cartoon
Call Of The Simpsons
Overall, Call Of The Simpsons isn't exactly my favourite season 1 episode. But that's not to say it's a bad episode, in fact in some places it's a very good episode.
In terms of characters this is a bit hit-and-miss. Some of them seem a little bit off. Ned Flanders makes his second appearance in The Simpsons and is largely in his embryonic phase. The next two seasons would see him progress into the caring but annoying devout Christian of later seasons, but in his early phase he seems to be much more consumption based as the stereotypical neighbour that Homer envies rather than hates.
Maggie is given quite a bit of air-time in the episode, with her b-story of sorts about her and the bears that does slide slightly into sappiness though it does have it's moments.
Homer also seems to be slightly off character he seems much more responsible than in later seasons and even though much of what he thinks is wrong, there's a confidence to it that fades over the years.
So, in summary, not The Simpsons at their best. But, It's not a bad episode either.
The Simpsons: The Telltale Head (1990)
An Early Simpsons Morality Tale
The Telltale Head
This episode is in someways a strange episode for The Simpsons. Particularly in the layout where the "end" of the episode is placed in the beginning. The show seems to be getting comfortable with itself particularly the reference to the story length.
Much of the story is cleverly written with several good jokes. Homer has a lot of strong moments, particularly the football section in the beginning. The Sunday School scenes are also hilarious. Jimbo, Dolph and Kearney aren't as funny as future episodes and much more friendly, but are also good in their own way.
The main point of the story, the moral dilemma that Bart faces isn't exactly strong largely a parody that ends up flat, except for a few jokes. Overall, a lot of great aside gags but the main point isn't as strong.
The Simpsons: Moaning Lisa (1990)
Blue But Brilliant
Moaning Lisa Moaning Lisa remains one of my enduring Simpsons favourites because of the episode's humorous but sensitive side that lies at the heart of a lot of Lisa episodes. But this isn't just an episode reserved for Lisa's finer moments, other characters get a chance to shine too. Bart has some of his finest moments in this episode too (particularly his scenes with Homer who's whimpering towards the end of the episode is hilarious.) The music in the episode is also amongst the series best setting off the bluesy mood perfectly with some amazing saxophone playing. Some points of the show are a bi lacking, particularly in the portrayal of some of Lisa's adversaries. Mr. Largo has probably more time on-screen then in any other episode but his character is much more bland in comparison to later episodes. Ralph, the perennial fan favourite also appears for the first time but is similarly lifeless.
Irregrdless, it's the other character's that make this episode work, including the sadly underused Bleeding Gums Murphy.
R.I.P Ron Taylor
The Simpsons: Bart the General (1990)
A Tour de Fource Of Parody
Bart The General.
This episode is perhaps the most reference-heavy Simpsons episode of season 1. With it's homages to several war films (Full Metal Jacket, The Longest Day, Stripes and especially Patton.) but within that, the show doesn't completely rely on film references, as it's actually a fairly entertaining episode in it's own right.
Even though the closing scene where Bart talks to audience about the grim realities of war (albeit somewhat humorously) the episode itself has what I feel to be a grim undertone of war hanging through it particularly through Grampa and Herman the one-armed clerk at the military goods store. Either through Herman's obsessive (even to the point of manic) seriousness to what is in reality a run-in between school children as well as Grampa's wry look on war (in particular his speech where he reminisces about the horrors of war and then praises the children for helping him relive his experience.)
Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.
The interplay between the kids (especially Bart and Nelson, whom despite it being his first ever appearance is given quite a lot of air-time.) is inspired due to their dialogue towing the line between childish mocking and serious dislike which is as much a testament to the writers as it is to the voice over artists.
This in turn helps make Bart The General one of the all-over family-friendly episodes in The Simpsons (even if it is slightly grim) by it's use of both adult and child-friendly humour.
The Simpsons: There's No Disgrace Like Home (1990)
Not A Disgrace At All
No Disgrace Like Home
Of all the season 1 episodes, No Disgrace Like Home seems to me to have more in common with season 2 in terms of story than pretty much any other episode except for Krusty Gets Busted. The whole story point of self-improvement fits with the episodes Bart Gets An F and Bart's Dog Gets An F (both in season 2).
Visually, like most of season 1 leaves something to be desired (although the shot of lights flickering in an aerial shot of Springfield looks amazing given the limitations.) and the opening act seems a little disjointed for a reason I can't quite put my finger on.
Overall, it's an interesting piece also because the different character's begin to act noticeably but deliberately out of fashion (Marge in particular with her heavy drinking, again in the opening act.) Perhaps a little too relaxed and daring for a first season episode, but it pays off in the end.
The Simpsons: Homer's Odyssey (1990)
Not exactly Iliad, but good in it's own way.
Homer's Odyssey I'm not too fond of the title, to start with. (Though I admit my cheesy reference to it isn't so brilliant either.) But despite the pun, and the, from what I see it's complete irrelevance to the plot, it's not too bad.
What I see forming here is the beginning of something that I've seen on The Simpsons (and on some other shows as well, every once in a while) but is hardly ever picked up on, which is the gradual transformation between two nearly totally different subjects. For example in this we go from Bart going on a trip to the Power Plant to Homer campaigning for safety in front of said Plant, via unemployment and attempted suicide.
It's better that that technique was used as no particular part of the story strikes me as being great, just too fairly well-written though imperfect stories strung together. Though the acting is on quite a high par (perhaps only surpassed in season 1 by Krusty Gets Busted in terms of skill.) and Homer doesn't seem like the inconsiderate oaf of later seasons, which while that side has it's moments I like Homer's more caring side.
The animation's still pretty poor noticeably the crowd which whilst chattering remains completely still, but overall it's a very fine episode just with a few little problems that would be fixed over time.
The Simpsons: Bart the Genius (1990)
Sign Of Genius? Possibly.
Bart The Genius Whilst not the first Simpsons episode, Bart he Genius more or less is the first typical episode. There's no gimmickry or theme it's just your typical Simpsons episode in set-up. It always seems to me that it's an episode that grows on you. There are certain elements I don't care for, largely the blotchy animation which can be forgiven. But over time I take a liking to this story of it's uniqueness.
For example, it'd be very hard for a live-action sit-com on a standard budget to do this episode due to the various different sets that show in this episode, the computer bays in Ms. Melon's class, the opera and so on. My point is with that, The Simpsons realises one of the biggest strengths in animation. The sheer lack of visual limitations when compared to live-action.
On a writing stand-point it's also highly intelligent and fresh. The concept is pretty unique, and particularly the problems faced. Instead of the ol' fail-safe that work was too hard, it was simply Bart's social isolation from his classmates that failed him (although the exploding science experiment may prove otherwise...which I also think is one of the best visual gags of the series.) The ending seems a little unoriginal, largely because the Bart running naked into his room to avoid Homer was already done in the shorts, but still funny for Marge and Lisa's short back-and-forth if for nothing else.
Ultimately it's a very good episode, with lots of interesting new point in the series, though not exactly perfect.
Oh, and the now iconic name Kwijybo was of course unleashed onto the world.
The Simpsons: Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire (1989)
A Major Beginning in U.S Pop Culture
Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire.
I think I'll get this little problem out of the way first. Aesthetically the first season of The Simpsons is not much to look at. Understandably, the inexperience of the animators particularly in that form of entertainment (prime-time cartoons I believe weren't made for some twenty to thirty years before The Simpsons in America. As you may of checked, I'm British so I'm not certain.)but also the budget was quite small as is to be expected with a new show on TV.
However, the writing is sharp and funny and I think has more of a family vibe in later seasons (I think that the Simpsons humour style has become more adult-based in following years.) but characters haven't been fleshed out yet. Bart's a typical trouble-maker, maybe a little extreme, but he's not much else. Homer's a lovable buffoon, Marge is the caring wife and Lisa's the bright idealist. Fairly one-dimensional, but there's charm and enough there to show possible growth in later episodes.
The episode has a very sweet air to it, but with a lot of attitude to it to avoid it becoming mawkish and the jokes seem fresh and original. Some of the voice acting's a little shaky but it's still good and like the rest of the show has plenty of potential.
Some may feel like the marking's a little high seeing as I have spent quite a lot of this review on it's flaws. But as the title mentions it's the beginning of a classic era not just in The Simpsons, but the number of similar good shows it doubtlessly influenced in later years (South Park, Family Guy etc.)and from the get go, most of the trademark signs of what makes The Simpsons great are there. They just need a little more work which would come naturally over subsequent episodes and seasons.