An Homage To The Greatest: 500 Episodes of The Simpsons

People who have had the chance (or misfortune maybe) to get to know me will definitely agree when I say that I am an intense couch potato, and an even bigger fan of cartoons. At 26 years old, my daily channel surfing still consists of Family Guy, American Dad and even Spongebob Squarepants. From my earliest days of watching Voltes V and Daimos on local TV to my current favorites mentioned above though, it is fair to say that all others are fighting for a distant second when it comes to being my absolute favorite cartoon of all-time. Without question, no cartoon, or TV show for that matter has been a bigger influence in my life than The Simpsons.

Without sounding blasphemous, The Simpsons was like religion in our house growing-up. When we had a betamax, we would record every single episode from RPN 9. When cable and a VHS came along, we would record episodes from Star Plus/World. It was family bonding time whenever The Simpsons was on, and it is no exaggeration when I say that we can probably tell you the whole plot of any episode from season 1-8 within it's first 10 seconds and even recite the whole episode's script as well. I put a disclaimer of only memorizing seasons 1-8 because the local and cable channels suddenly stopped airing new episodes or stopped airing it totally a few years back. It wasn't until recently thanks to Jack TV and Fox channel that we are able to watch The Simpsons on TV again, but by this time, people could easily get the entire series on DVD. So while I have watched some of the later seasons, it is the earlier ones that have really stuck with me.

The Simpsons is currently on it's 23rd season, and just recently aired it's 500th episode last February 19th. This makes it only the third primetime episodic TV show to reach that mark, the other two being Gunsmoke and Lassie. Despite the fledgling quality of current episodes, it is a testament to the greatness of The Simpsons that such a milestone was met, by a cartoon no less. So in homage of reaching such a feat and for basically being the greatest TV show EVER, I decided to come up with a list of my 10 favorite The Simpsons episodes ever. Choosing 10 among 500 was a challenge in itself, ranking them from 1-10 was downright impossible for me. So instead, I will show my 10 favorite episodes in chronological order of when they first aired, and you can see them after the jump.

So I raise my glass to the single greatest TV show out there. 23 seasons down, maybe another 23 to go.
Ti Saluto

1. Bart gets an F (Season 2, 1990)

This episode about Bart potentially repeating the 4th grade sticks with me because it shows the struggles everyone went through as students trying to simply do well in school. This is a good a time as any to chastise the current episodes for being too slapstick, crude and downright dumb compared to the earlier seasons which really tackled social issues and real life problems that everyone goes through.

2. Bart vs. Thanksgiving (Season 2, 1990)

When Bart suddenly ruins the thanksgiving centerpiece that Lisa made, he runs away. This episode more than any that I can remember shows the inherent brother-sister connection and love that Bart and Lisa have for each other

3. Brush With Greatness (Season 2, 1991)

After getting stuck in a water slide, Homer goes on a diet while Marge re-starts her painting hobby. Aside from the Mt. Splashmore segment which is one of my favorites, this is the first episode where one of The Beatles made an appearance in this case- Ringo Starr. Some references to Rocky and Gone With The Wind just make the episode even better. You can watch the episode here as I couldn't find any clip on YouTube

4. The War of The Simpsons (Season 2, 1991)

After Homer gets drunk and embarrasses Marge she decided to sign them up for a marriage counseling retreat which happens to be in one of the best fishing spots around. Conflicts between couples are inevitable and this episode shows that through thick and thin, the strongest of relationships can weather any storm

Full episode in two parts

5. Bart The Murderer (Season 3, 1991)

On his way home from school, Bart stumbles upon Springfield's local mafia who give him a job much to Marge's dismay. There is courtroom and enough comedy in this episode that it really is one of my favorite episodes. Bart's exploits in crime is even put into film with Neil Patrick Harris playing Bart as seen below.

6. Last Exit To Springfield (Season 4, 1993)

Homer becomes president of the worker's union at the nuclear plant in order for them not to lose their dental plan because Lisa needs braces. Voted as the single best episode by Entertainment Weekly and even the writers of The Simpsons, this episode has all the witty humor, real life situations, and cultural references that the more current episodes sorely lack. If homages to Batman, The Godfather, Citizen Kane, Moby Dick, The Beatles' Yellow Submarine and How The Grinch Stole Christmas weren't enough, this episode also has some of the most memorable scenes ever as seen below.

A reference to  "A Tale of Two Cities"

7. Duffless (Season 4, 1993)

After losing his license because he failed a breathalizer test, Homer is challenged by Marge to give up beer for a month. Homer's struggle to control his wants is all to familiar to all of us, not just when it comes to alcohol but anything that we may be "addicted" to. Of course, this episode is not lacking in any life lessons and meaningful messages that the earlier episodes are known for. The movie homages such as the one below scene referencing A Clockwork Orange just adds icing to the cake

Disregard the "My Little Pony" addition

8. Cape Feare (Season 5, 1993)

A spoof of the 1962 film and 1991 remake starring Nick Nolte and Robert de Niro. In this one, It's Sideshow Bob trying to kill Bart which forces the family to relocate. Being a direct spoof of the film, there are tons of direct references to Cape Fear as well as other films such as Psycho and Friday the 13th. This episode also contains 2 of my favorite scenes of all-time

Homer being given a new identity under witness protection:

Nonsensical repetition of gags is always hilarious

9. Lisa The Vegetarian (Season 7, 1995)

After visiting a petting zoo, Lisa decided to become a vegetarian at the same time Homer decided to throw a barbecue party to show up Flanders. With the conflict between Homer and Lisa, the episode explores the issue of differing beliefs among family members and how they deal with it, especially if one is a child of the other. Extremely hilarious and heart warming at the same time. Oh and Paul McCartney is there too

That's the real Paul McCartney's voice by the way

10. Homer vs. The 18th Amendment (Season 8, 1997)

 When prohibition is enforced in Springfield, Homer takes it upon himself to smuggle alcohol into the city and distribute it. At the same time, an officer of the U.S. Treasury is hot on his tails. The plot of this film is lifted directly from The Untouchables but with that added Simpson humor that we all love. It also tackles the issue of underage drinking as this was the main reason for Springfield to enact prohibition. But in the end, they just couldn't get enough of that wonderful Duff beer.

Cheers!!!