My man.
Simpsons episodes from the classic era that you're not a fan of? (Mmm, sacrilicious!)
- Thread starter Richie
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My man.
Bart Gets Hit By A Car always rubbed me the wrong way, Burns gets away with everything and gets no comeuppance just because Homer and Bart got greedy? Feels a little too real for how those kinds of lawsuits too often end up, with the little guy getting nothing for their trouble but a pile of lawyer fees.
"Homer the Heretic" is also annoying from the perspective of an atheist.
I also skipped the Stonecutters episode when it came on last weekend, but that's just because that song will *never* get out of my head once it's in there. Is a good episode otherwise.
"Homer the Heretic" is also annoying from the perspective of an atheist.
I also skipped the Stonecutters episode when it came on last weekend, but that's just because that song will *never* get out of my head once it's in there. Is a good episode otherwise.
My Sister, My Sitter is a low point for me in Classic Simpsons.
Bart is just such an irredeemable little shit in that episode, and to top it off, he basically gets away with it. Ruins the episode for me.
Though it has its moments.
Yea, I remember not liking this episode either.
It's funny that even when you're a kid, you can recognize tonal changes in shows.
Rhomega Beta
Member
Separate Vocations is forgettable for me. Also not a fan of Principal Charming, with the only real standout moments being the "Homer Sexual" joke and the bell tower that's never seen again.
Who couldn't relate to that
Separate Vocations is a good pick. It feels like a late S1/early S2 episode because some stuff just really doesn't feel like it clicks, but it's actually late S3 and nestled nicely in the early part of the golden era.
This is kind of difficult because they're all probably solid 3/5ish episodes with a lot of great moments in them... They just don't do that much for me compared to the rest of the first 8 seasons.
Bart's Dog Gets an F (meh)
Marge in Chains (pretty aimless Marge appreciation romp, Apu characterization bugs me)
Homer the Vigilante (probably a controversial pick, but it's just too all-over-the-place as a package for me)
Secrets of a Successful Marriage (standard marriage crisis ep with a lame resolution)
Sideshow Bob's Last Gleaming (forgettable Bob crusade against TV for whatever reason)
Bart the Fink (uninteresting and underdeveloped mystery, the plane's name is "I'm-on-a-rolla-Gay")
The Secret War of Lisa Simpson (somewhat boring and predictable Lisa sympathy ploy)
The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson (the rampant negativity makes it a slog for me to watch)
The Simpsons classic era is so good that finding "bad" episodes are just going through a list of personal nitpicks and stuff.
Bart's Dog Gets an F (meh)
Marge in Chains (pretty aimless Marge appreciation romp, Apu characterization bugs me)
Homer the Vigilante (probably a controversial pick, but it's just too all-over-the-place as a package for me)
Secrets of a Successful Marriage (standard marriage crisis ep with a lame resolution)
Sideshow Bob's Last Gleaming (forgettable Bob crusade against TV for whatever reason)
Bart the Fink (uninteresting and underdeveloped mystery, the plane's name is "I'm-on-a-rolla-Gay")
The Secret War of Lisa Simpson (somewhat boring and predictable Lisa sympathy ploy)
The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson (the rampant negativity makes it a slog for me to watch)
The Simpsons classic era is so good that finding "bad" episodes are just going through a list of personal nitpicks and stuff.
I like that episode a lot, though mostly the first half. I just love the cozy atmosphere of the chilly winter weather outside as Homer spends his time in the warmth inside; watching football, making terrible waffles, dancing in his underwear. This sounds super weird, but I could have the whole episode be all that kind of stuff, lol. Then it gets a bit too sugary sweet and on-the-nose with its morals, but in another way I can appreciate the unabashedly Christian values on display here. I don't adhere to those kinds of things at all as I'm non-religious, but it does give the show a lot of heart, and I do miss that now. So the problem for me isn't really all the religious sentiments, it's just that the execution is kinda dull and obvious, especially compared to the super-charming first half.
Carnby
Member
Isn't this the episode where the Flanders follow Homer singing a Christan song? That was hilarious.
MrCunningham
Member
Exactly.
Poindexter
Member
Anything with Bleeding Gums Murphy
Gentleman Jack
Member
Oh man if it's the first 9 seasons we have to pick from as 'classic' then season 9 alone has some baaaad eps
Principal and the Pauper
Lisa the Skeptic
Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
Girly Edition
Generally speaking though the back half of seasons 1-9 is much lower quality than the gold from seasons 1-5. The weakest season 1-5 show is probably the Clip Show, and even that had original animated segments that elevates it above the dreck that started to show up around season 7 or so.
Principal and the Pauper
Lisa the Skeptic
Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
Girly Edition
Generally speaking though the back half of seasons 1-9 is much lower quality than the gold from seasons 1-5. The weakest season 1-5 show is probably the Clip Show, and even that had original animated segments that elevates it above the dreck that started to show up around season 7 or so.
Wait, season 1 is also considered classic Simpsons?
I honestly hate that season. Those episodes are so rough and undeveloped, they felt like an awkward animated version of 7th Heaven. The show didn't hit its stride until season 2 at the earliest.
I honestly hate that season. Those episodes are so rough and undeveloped, they felt like an awkward animated version of 7th Heaven. The show didn't hit its stride until season 2 at the earliest.
going back through my season 5-8 DVDs i was surprised how many episodes didn't hold up too hot. no one episode in particular, it just wasn't quite the "goldmine" i expected
still essential tv though
in its defense there was nothing like it at the time.
but yeah season 1 to me is unwatchable today. even season 2 and 3 are still pretty rough in places but those seasons have their fans. to each's own
still essential tv though
in its defense there was nothing like it at the time.
but yeah season 1 to me is unwatchable today. even season 2 and 3 are still pretty rough in places but those seasons have their fans. to each's own
Gentleman Jack
Member
I might be guilty of cutting Season 1 some slack simply because it was the first season and the showrunners hadn't solidified what kind of family comedy they were aiming for until Season 2 hit. Episodes are still plenty funny but they are filled with a lot of off-character moments and occasionally janky animation. Even the producers admit 'There's No Disgrace like Home' basically gets everything about the family dynamic completely wrong, where Homer is the worrywart about his family's image, Lisa is extremely bratty and Marge of all people is the one ruining Burns's fancy party. But then the season has some of the all-time-great episodes like Krusty Gets Busted, and Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire still holds up IMO.
Dreadnought
Member
I don't love the monorail episode.
Sorry Gaf
Sorry Gaf
Switch Back 9
a lot of my threads involve me fucking up somehow. Perhaps I'm a moron?
Nope. Has the apple mill seasons pass scene where Homer's brain leaves his head, therefore worth it.
Here is a handful or two. I always felt like season six had some weaker ones where Season 7 and 8 showed the decay.
From S6
Lisa's Rival - The big thing is anything to do with Lisa in this episode just wasn't funny. It didn't involve anyone else and it begins the completely unrelated side tangent quests for Homer.
Fear of Flying - I love the start of this episode, but the entire premise of Marge's issue was terrible.
S7
Mother Simpson - The massive recton to the series, lack of imagination, and largely just a stitched together episode.
S8
A Millhouse Divided - Concept is fine, but the ending is a cluster fuck. Filed for divorce so you can remarry? It basically defeats the purpose of Homer and Marge. It's similar to an earlier episode, where it's not really about Homer learning a lesson, but looking for the quick fix.
My Sister, My Sitter - I love the comedy in the episode, but it's another one of those terrible episodes where Bart is hurting himself, Lisa is thinking selfishly, etc. The characters fail themselves for the plot.
Canine Mutiny - It's the same as above. Santa's little helper is the family's dog. Not Bart's. He gives him away and it's like no one gives a shit.
Homer's Enemy - This is the second episode where Homer is truly nonredeemable.
From an earlier season but the single worst episode from classic Simpsons
Secrets of a Successful Marriage - This was by far the worst episode and the first episode where Homer completely failed his character. The reason for Homer and Marge? He is dependent on her... It completely shits on his and her characters. It's got some great gags, but for by the end, Homer is a pathetic baby who needs Marge to take care of him and Marge takes pity on it.
From S6
Lisa's Rival - The big thing is anything to do with Lisa in this episode just wasn't funny. It didn't involve anyone else and it begins the completely unrelated side tangent quests for Homer.
Fear of Flying - I love the start of this episode, but the entire premise of Marge's issue was terrible.
S7
Mother Simpson - The massive recton to the series, lack of imagination, and largely just a stitched together episode.
S8
A Millhouse Divided - Concept is fine, but the ending is a cluster fuck. Filed for divorce so you can remarry? It basically defeats the purpose of Homer and Marge. It's similar to an earlier episode, where it's not really about Homer learning a lesson, but looking for the quick fix.
My Sister, My Sitter - I love the comedy in the episode, but it's another one of those terrible episodes where Bart is hurting himself, Lisa is thinking selfishly, etc. The characters fail themselves for the plot.
Canine Mutiny - It's the same as above. Santa's little helper is the family's dog. Not Bart's. He gives him away and it's like no one gives a shit.
Homer's Enemy - This is the second episode where Homer is truly nonredeemable.
From an earlier season but the single worst episode from classic Simpsons
Secrets of a Successful Marriage - This was by far the worst episode and the first episode where Homer completely failed his character. The reason for Homer and Marge? He is dependent on her... It completely shits on his and her characters. It's got some great gags, but for by the end, Homer is a pathetic baby who needs Marge to take care of him and Marge takes pity on it.
AlphaStriker
Member
The Day the Violence Died
Most of the episodes mentioned here already have at least a good scene that redeems it for me. "The Day the Violence Died" however, I don't think there's a single scene or joke that makes me laugh.
Most of the episodes mentioned here already have at least a good scene that redeems it for me. "The Day the Violence Died" however, I don't think there's a single scene or joke that makes me laugh.
World SkiFree
Member
Carnby
Member
lol. I love that scene.
I really don't like Homerpalooza. You could tell me it was from Season 13 and I would totally believe you.
I have never been to fond of Marge Be Not Proud. I hated the episode as a kid and watching it now, while it does have it's moments, I still don't enjoy it too much.
Season 7 definitely had some more questionable episodes.
I have never been to fond of Marge Be Not Proud. I hated the episode as a kid and watching it now, while it does have it's moments, I still don't enjoy it too much.
Season 7 definitely had some more questionable episodes.
this is probably the funniest, most quotable episode in the series. Homer's sugar rant, Bart with the hose, everything Ralph says, Jeremy's Iron, the ball, "Bartesque", le fake diorama, Milhouse the fugitive, etc.
Morrigan Stark
Arrogant Smirk
Why are people naming episodes outside of the S3-S6 era? This is the "classics" era, dammit. 
I do enjoy most of S7-S9, mind, but they were the seasons that weren't 100% awesome. I think Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala-(Annoyed grunt)cious was one of the first episodes that I really didn't like at all.
And S1-2 had some awful episodes too, it had some decent ones but it didn't hit its full stride til S3.
I do enjoy most of S7-S9, mind, but they were the seasons that weren't 100% awesome. I think Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala-(Annoyed grunt)cious was one of the first episodes that I really didn't like at all.
And S1-2 had some awful episodes too, it had some decent ones but it didn't hit its full stride til S3.
Terrible person spotted
I have to agree on the marriage trouble episodes. They're honestly rather hard to sit through and I never really buy Homer and Marge getting back together in the end. Both War of The Simpsons and Secrets of a Successful Marriage are guilty of this, despite having truly memorable moments.
I also agree on a lot of Season 8 episodes. Some of them try to be super serious but they don't execute things right, like The Canine Mutiny, Secret War of Lisa Simpson and I'll also add The Homer They Fall.
Another episode that never did much for me is The Springfield Connection. A lot of the jokes feel way too dumb (like the pizza scene), and there are several early shades of Jerkass Homer (the scenes where he uses Marge's Barricade Tape on the Flanders house or when he mocks Marge at the parking lot feel very much like things late-seasons Homer would do).
I also agree on a lot of Season 8 episodes. Some of them try to be super serious but they don't execute things right, like The Canine Mutiny, Secret War of Lisa Simpson and I'll also add The Homer They Fall.
Another episode that never did much for me is The Springfield Connection. A lot of the jokes feel way too dumb (like the pizza scene), and there are several early shades of Jerkass Homer (the scenes where he uses Marge's Barricade Tape on the Flanders house or when he mocks Marge at the parking lot feel very much like things late-seasons Homer would do).
Never understood the hatred The Principal and the Pauper gets.
I guess because it fucks with the established canon so much but otherwise it isn't really a "bad episode", if you ask me. Don't get me wrong it's not a zenith for the show by any means but there are some good gags in there and a nice emotional pay-off with Seymour and Agnes.
The writers even knew there was no way they could get away with making the change permanent.
I guess because it fucks with the established canon so much but otherwise it isn't really a "bad episode", if you ask me. Don't get me wrong it's not a zenith for the show by any means but there are some good gags in there and a nice emotional pay-off with Seymour and Agnes.
The writers even knew there was no way they could get away with making the change permanent.
GurgleBot20
Member
Homer's sugar rant is probably my favorite scene in the series.
https://youtu.be/S_DtkbHfTcM
Anyway, I feel conflicted about Homer Badman because I find it's story troubling (Homer was in the wrong regardless of his reasons), but man, every joke in that episode is delivered so perfectly that I have trouble not loving it.
Never understood the hatred The Principal and the Pauper gets.
I guess because it fucks with the established canon so much but otherwise it isn't really a "bad episode", if you ask me. Don't get me wrong it's not a zenith for the show by any means but there are some good gags in there and a nice emotional pay-off with Seymour and Agnes.
The writers even knew there was no way they could get away with making the change permanent.
As I always say, TPatP is probably the best worst episode in the series. The plot is stupid and nonsensical as fuck (as is the conclusion), but there's just so much good material.
GoutPatrol
Forgotten in his cell
Doesn't that have the Schoolhouse Rock parody?
The Real Abed
Perma-Junior
What the fudge? Marge Be Not Proud is literally the best Christmas episode.
And that hot chocolate marshmallow always looks so fucking delicious.
And that hot chocolate marshmallow always looks so fucking delicious.
autumnleaf
Member
I can't watch anything post season 10 but whatever they put out The Cartridge Family will always be bottom for me.
I think a lot of the episodes still had their comedy moments down.
But the entire episode is many of the same problems that burden the series. Another Lisa center episode involving the two most overdone issues by then, Her intelligence and her selfish streak.
While Homer is on a completely nonsensical tangent complete with bits like the Millhouse, where half the episode has nothing to do at all with the center storyline, but is played only for gags.
It's basically an episode foretelling what is happening to the show.
abracadaver
Member
I never liked the chili festival episode.
Souldriver
Member
My sister, my sitter
It's a well written episode with great gags (it's from the classic era after all), but I just hate this script formula:
A person trying to do good, gets shat on every step of the way.
Bart is a total asshole throughout. Lisa is kinda like Tom (from Tom and Jerry), or Doland Duck, or Daffy Duck. She doesn't get a any break. But while a Donald Duck cartoon is just light comedy fun, I actually care about the characters in the Simpsons, so it is just not enjoyable to watch Lisa suffer and Bart be such a douchebag.
It's a well written episode with great gags (it's from the classic era after all), but I just hate this script formula:
A person trying to do good, gets shat on every step of the way.
Bart is a total asshole throughout. Lisa is kinda like Tom (from Tom and Jerry), or Doland Duck, or Daffy Duck. She doesn't get a any break. But while a Donald Duck cartoon is just light comedy fun, I actually care about the characters in the Simpsons, so it is just not enjoyable to watch Lisa suffer and Bart be such a douchebag.
aygomyownroad
Member
Nah its a classic episode, and solidified Lisa as a whiny know it all who always thinks she is right.
Langdon Alger
Banned
The episode where Bleeding Gums Murphy dies is really bad.
I can understand why people don't like Marge Be Not Proud but it's got some really great gags. "Marge, is Lisa at Camp Granada?"
I don't really think the Principal and the Pauper is part of the classic era.
One of the greats.
I don't really think the Principal and the Pauper is part of the classic era.
One of the greats.
UberTag
Member
Most of the usual suspects have already been mentioned so I'll rhyme off three that haven't that I don't much care for on rewatch...
- Homer's Odyssey (this was back before they had really established the characters of Homer and Burns; hell, Burns isn't even voiced by Harry Shearer; just gets a little too dark with that forced suicide angle and the street sign watchdog angle does very little for me)
- The Front (this episode suffers from two weak storylines getting stretched out to pad an episode - the Simpson kids writing Itchy & Scratchy cartoons under Abe's name and Homer retaking Remedial Science 1A so he could officially graduate from high school. Neither ended satisfactorily and it's dubious to think Homer would have been able to land a job as a nuclear technician without a diploma. And they still had to chuck in that Everyone Loves Ned Flanders short at the end)
- Two Bad Neighbors (this is just one Dennis the Menace bit stretched out to ridiculous proportions; plus it notoriously featured Homer's hypocritical stance on punishing Bart when he strangles him with regularity; the random person hits Bart and gets in trouble plot device gets recycled two more times in later episodes to cost both Otto and Mrs. Krabappel their jobs)
- Homer's Odyssey (this was back before they had really established the characters of Homer and Burns; hell, Burns isn't even voiced by Harry Shearer; just gets a little too dark with that forced suicide angle and the street sign watchdog angle does very little for me)
- The Front (this episode suffers from two weak storylines getting stretched out to pad an episode - the Simpson kids writing Itchy & Scratchy cartoons under Abe's name and Homer retaking Remedial Science 1A so he could officially graduate from high school. Neither ended satisfactorily and it's dubious to think Homer would have been able to land a job as a nuclear technician without a diploma. And they still had to chuck in that Everyone Loves Ned Flanders short at the end)
- Two Bad Neighbors (this is just one Dennis the Menace bit stretched out to ridiculous proportions; plus it notoriously featured Homer's hypocritical stance on punishing Bart when he strangles him with regularity; the random person hits Bart and gets in trouble plot device gets recycled two more times in later episodes to cost both Otto and Mrs. Krabappel their jobs)
I consider The Principal and the Pauper to be part of the Classic era despite being part of Season 9 due to it being a holdover episode not showrun by Mike Scully. I also think it's a lot better than most people give it credit for who simply think back to the episode and remember the terrible premise while overlooking the excellent character usage for Agnes Skinner, Edna Krabappel and Marge and some pretty damn solid voice acting.
I'm not a big fan of it either, mainly because of the opening with Bart swallowing the jagged metal Krusty-O, which looks far too disturbing and painful. I could buy it if it was something more round on the edges, but that thing looks like a freaking buzzsaw.
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