Episode 21: Girly Edition
An entertaining episode. There's good Bart & Lisa conflict going on and I think both of them are characterized well enough. Lisa has a jealous side in her that is the main cataclyst for action today. It might have used a little more deveploment though, but the b-plot was there to completely waste time. It could've been a bit funnier too, but it was fair in that department anyway. Premise was interesting and the plot well-built, but needless b-plot and average humor bring it down. 6/10 though.
Episode 22: Trash of the Titans
This episode was a mess and not just metaphorically. The plot is completely unsatisfying, you're not rooting for Homer at any point as he is more of an antagonist and in his most jerkass behaviour. Astounishinly some people actually like this episode. There wasn't enough fun shit to save it. There's something metaphorical about old Springfield under the trash - the Springfield of classic era. Makes you sad, even if I don't view show as terrible even as of current. The fact that compounds it's badness is that it was chosen to air as 200th episode. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? 1/10.
Episode 23: King of the Hill
An okay episode, but I feel that the potential of Homer getting in shape -plot wasn't used fully. Humor was pretty average overall and those sleazy Powersauce people weren't very memorable sidecharacters. It wasn't exactly a memorable episode, but it's not bad. I still feel I have to give this 4/10, but only for good premise executed averagely.
Episode 24: Lost Our Lisa
I don't there's really nothing wrong with this one. Premise isn't anything too ambitious, but it's still good and interesting. We see good characterizations and Lisa and Homer bond beautifully once again. Add to that decent amount of good gags and especially the painful Homer between the bridges part and we've got a very solid episode. I would say that this goes to excellent range, just because it's so well executed. Besides Homer's advice is pretty good. 7/10.
Episode 25: Natural Born Kissers
First episode written by Matt Selman who is probably the best of current Simpsons writers. And this one was great one - great premise, good plot and a truckload of fun gags. There was plenty of visual joy in this one and great subversions of normal Simpsons traditions, like Moe going "Think of the children!" There was nudity and sex-oriented stuff, but it managed to stay tasteful (not that I really care though). The subplot was fairly useless, but it didn't take up much space anyway and it did give Bart & Lisa something to do. But yeah, it's a great episode, definite 8/10 for me.
That concludes Season Nine. No matter what happens, whether or not I make it to the end, I'm happy with the pace I'm watching these. 2 days a season so far, that's pretty good. Anyway, the Season continued the downhill that started in Season Eight. The number of great episodes kept dropping and they managed to hit new lows in worse episodes. Still, it was better than Season One with average of 4.88 - but nobody ever claimed that this was the low point - this was start of the downturn that peaked during Scully era before Jean steadied the ship again. The number of quality episodes was six, significantly lower than earlier seasons. In fact it too beats only Season One.
So let's take a look on the lists again.
Averages:
Season Three 6.21
Season Four 6.18
Season Six 6.12
Season Seven 5.88
Season Five 5.73
Season Two 5.59
Season Eight 5.40
Season Nine 4.88
Season One 4.69
Great episodes:
Season Seven 13 (52 %)
Season Six 12 (48 %)
Season Three 11 (46 %)
Season Four 10 (45 %)
Season Eight 9 (36 %)
Season Five 8 (36 %)
Season Two 7 (32 %)
Season Nine 6 (24 %)
Season One 3 (23 %)
Season Ten next as we go towards the darkest era of Simpsons history - but it won't be devoid of great episodes.
Näytetään tekstit, joissa on tunniste season nine. Näytä kaikki tekstit
Näytetään tekstit, joissa on tunniste season nine. Näytä kaikki tekstit
lauantai 18. syyskuuta 2010
perjantai 17. syyskuuta 2010
Season Nine - Episodes 17-20
Episode 17: Lisa the Simpson
I like this episode. Lisa's sorrow at losing her intelligence make for some moody and emotional scenes. There's decent amount of jokes as well, especially the Simpsons gathering in the end is entertaining. However that's not to say that there isn't any problems. There's somewhat of a hole in the plot, at least an unresolved issue, of why Lisa's wits falter in the first place? That's never resolved, instead we find out that nothing was happening after all. I don't even begin to talk about continuity compared to other episodes. That's complete mismatch compared to other episodes, but it doesn't matter, discontinuity is not an issue. So this is not flawless, but it's very good anyway, 6/10.
Episode 18: This Little Wiggy
Decent episodes continue. Plenty of funny stuff in this. Ralph gets a closer look but now we can see how much dumber he has gotten since "I Love Lisa". I love Ralph one-liners just as much as anyone, but when he is the central character you'd hope he has at least some functionality. That said, it doesn't ruin the episode. Ending was a little silly, but overall plot was okay. It's another 5/10.
Episode 19: Simpson Tide
Great, funny episode. Plot got a bit out of hand, but it was filled with hilarity. It's very wacky, but in a good way, in a way that it actually works and almost all of the jokes are home runs. There's too much good gags to list, but on the top of my head the weird Homer on swimsuit picture that Barney puts on the wall and Homer as a communist picture from the news made me laugh. Also I've got to mention the random Deer Hunter-reference. That should've been grim but somehow it's funny. Top class episode, 8/10. It didn't work for everyone, but for me this is great. This is at least the third watch and I still laughed, and I very rarely laugh out loud.
Episode 20: The Trouble with Trillions
This was very.. mediocre. There was not much jokes, and nothing interesting really going on. Plot gained some momentum went Homer, Burns and Smithers went on the run, but that really should've been the whole point of the episode or at least introduced earlier to explore that plot more. Now the action kills off too quickly. It's just so forgetful episode. Not really that bad, but nothing good either. 2/10.
I like this episode. Lisa's sorrow at losing her intelligence make for some moody and emotional scenes. There's decent amount of jokes as well, especially the Simpsons gathering in the end is entertaining. However that's not to say that there isn't any problems. There's somewhat of a hole in the plot, at least an unresolved issue, of why Lisa's wits falter in the first place? That's never resolved, instead we find out that nothing was happening after all. I don't even begin to talk about continuity compared to other episodes. That's complete mismatch compared to other episodes, but it doesn't matter, discontinuity is not an issue. So this is not flawless, but it's very good anyway, 6/10.
Episode 18: This Little Wiggy
Decent episodes continue. Plenty of funny stuff in this. Ralph gets a closer look but now we can see how much dumber he has gotten since "I Love Lisa". I love Ralph one-liners just as much as anyone, but when he is the central character you'd hope he has at least some functionality. That said, it doesn't ruin the episode. Ending was a little silly, but overall plot was okay. It's another 5/10.
Episode 19: Simpson Tide
Great, funny episode. Plot got a bit out of hand, but it was filled with hilarity. It's very wacky, but in a good way, in a way that it actually works and almost all of the jokes are home runs. There's too much good gags to list, but on the top of my head the weird Homer on swimsuit picture that Barney puts on the wall and Homer as a communist picture from the news made me laugh. Also I've got to mention the random Deer Hunter-reference. That should've been grim but somehow it's funny. Top class episode, 8/10. It didn't work for everyone, but for me this is great. This is at least the third watch and I still laughed, and I very rarely laugh out loud.
Episode 20: The Trouble with Trillions
This was very.. mediocre. There was not much jokes, and nothing interesting really going on. Plot gained some momentum went Homer, Burns and Smithers went on the run, but that really should've been the whole point of the episode or at least introduced earlier to explore that plot more. Now the action kills off too quickly. It's just so forgetful episode. Not really that bad, but nothing good either. 2/10.
Season Nine - Episodes 9-16
Episode 9: Realty Bites
I've said it before that Marge-episodes tend to be on the boring side, but I think this was a fair outing. It could've been better on every area, but it wasn't really bad in any sense. A-plot with Marge is unspectacular while B-plot with Homer's and Snake is spectacular but also a bit silly. Plots literally collide nicely in the end. Jokes are decent and you keep entertained the whole time, but like I said it's nothing amazing. Just solid 4/10 for this one.
Episode 10: All Singing, All Dancing
I hated this the first time around, namely for not including Lisa's Jazzman, now I noticed that also the other Lisa song from the strike episode which title escapes me at the moment should've been included. It's a clipshow and some had said it's the worst of them. There's little own material and by the end your sick of all the songs. That said, I don't completely hate the concept and the little new material there was was pretty good, especially the painting the wagon bit. That's enough to lift it to 3/10.
Episode 11: Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
People didn't like this episode and it's very understandable. It is a very grim episode but it also feels very real. Who hasn't wrecked something as kid and then tried to desperately cover it up? I at least could relate to Bart very well. That said it really could've used more good jokes to lighten up the mood and Simpsons shouldn't have needed to sink so deep with Bart. Less misfortune and more jokes would've equalled a bit better episode, but the ending was still kind of sweet. Dark episode, but still decent, a 4/10 from me.
Episode 12: Bart Carny
There was some amusing gags, but it's not an episode that makes you want to see it over and over again. There wasn't enough good jokes to make up for somewhat contrived plot. I guess it justifies the fact tha police doesn't help the Simpsons, but it still does feel a little silly. The ending was pretty bad too. Overall hard to enjoy, but not all bad either, 2/10.
Episode 13: Joy of the Sect
One of the better episodes of Season Nine. Plot is very interesting and there's plenty of good jokes. Lenny with Special K is so random that you can't help but to find it funny. Otherwise the Burns part was somewhat unnecessary. But the fact that that is the biggest problem of the episode tells that it's actually very strong episode. It's very solid effort overall and I give it 7/10.
Episode 14: Das Bus
There's something I don't quite like this episode. The plot, while interesting, isn't very original and they really could've done a lot more with it. Also I think that in a survival situation like that Lisa would eat meat with others, but I'm not sure about that. The subplot was somewhat ankward as well, but it did have couple of good jokes. The ending only works if you find it funny and frankly I didn't. It just seemed what it is - lazy writing. It is intentional, but that doesn't change what it is. That said, this isn't terrible episode and while it subverts very little from the original source material it's an entertaining watch. On a lighter note as a Finn I have no idea about that "finnish" dance Martin does at the UN thingy. The costume also look weird. Entertaining but mightily flawed and not using it's potential, 4/10.
Episode 15: The Last Temptation of Krusty
This is a solid episode, enough funny stuff, the Canyonero bit in the end, decent quest appearances and well-working plot. It's one of those episodes that you're really hard pressed to write any more because that's it. It's not bad, but it's not brilliant either. If I gotta mention something else that would be Bart's Marge-impression. Marge-impressions overall seem to always work for me throughout the series. 5/10, worth another rewatch.
Episode 16: Dumbbell Indemnity
It's another decent but not really great episode. There was enough laughs and interesting plot and as Moe is one of my favorite characters it was nice to see him on a closer look. Renee was good one-off character and it was solid quest appearance, even if we didn't get that deep look into her character. It's a middle of the road episode, 5/10.
That concludes this day. Fifteen episodes today, nowhere near record nor even fast enough to make it this month, but fair amount anyway. I have still enough time to make up for the deficit.
I've said it before that Marge-episodes tend to be on the boring side, but I think this was a fair outing. It could've been better on every area, but it wasn't really bad in any sense. A-plot with Marge is unspectacular while B-plot with Homer's and Snake is spectacular but also a bit silly. Plots literally collide nicely in the end. Jokes are decent and you keep entertained the whole time, but like I said it's nothing amazing. Just solid 4/10 for this one.
Episode 10: All Singing, All Dancing
I hated this the first time around, namely for not including Lisa's Jazzman, now I noticed that also the other Lisa song from the strike episode which title escapes me at the moment should've been included. It's a clipshow and some had said it's the worst of them. There's little own material and by the end your sick of all the songs. That said, I don't completely hate the concept and the little new material there was was pretty good, especially the painting the wagon bit. That's enough to lift it to 3/10.
Episode 11: Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
People didn't like this episode and it's very understandable. It is a very grim episode but it also feels very real. Who hasn't wrecked something as kid and then tried to desperately cover it up? I at least could relate to Bart very well. That said it really could've used more good jokes to lighten up the mood and Simpsons shouldn't have needed to sink so deep with Bart. Less misfortune and more jokes would've equalled a bit better episode, but the ending was still kind of sweet. Dark episode, but still decent, a 4/10 from me.
Episode 12: Bart Carny
There was some amusing gags, but it's not an episode that makes you want to see it over and over again. There wasn't enough good jokes to make up for somewhat contrived plot. I guess it justifies the fact tha police doesn't help the Simpsons, but it still does feel a little silly. The ending was pretty bad too. Overall hard to enjoy, but not all bad either, 2/10.
Episode 13: Joy of the Sect
One of the better episodes of Season Nine. Plot is very interesting and there's plenty of good jokes. Lenny with Special K is so random that you can't help but to find it funny. Otherwise the Burns part was somewhat unnecessary. But the fact that that is the biggest problem of the episode tells that it's actually very strong episode. It's very solid effort overall and I give it 7/10.
Episode 14: Das Bus
There's something I don't quite like this episode. The plot, while interesting, isn't very original and they really could've done a lot more with it. Also I think that in a survival situation like that Lisa would eat meat with others, but I'm not sure about that. The subplot was somewhat ankward as well, but it did have couple of good jokes. The ending only works if you find it funny and frankly I didn't. It just seemed what it is - lazy writing. It is intentional, but that doesn't change what it is. That said, this isn't terrible episode and while it subverts very little from the original source material it's an entertaining watch. On a lighter note as a Finn I have no idea about that "finnish" dance Martin does at the UN thingy. The costume also look weird. Entertaining but mightily flawed and not using it's potential, 4/10.
Episode 15: The Last Temptation of Krusty
This is a solid episode, enough funny stuff, the Canyonero bit in the end, decent quest appearances and well-working plot. It's one of those episodes that you're really hard pressed to write any more because that's it. It's not bad, but it's not brilliant either. If I gotta mention something else that would be Bart's Marge-impression. Marge-impressions overall seem to always work for me throughout the series. 5/10, worth another rewatch.
Episode 16: Dumbbell Indemnity
It's another decent but not really great episode. There was enough laughs and interesting plot and as Moe is one of my favorite characters it was nice to see him on a closer look. Renee was good one-off character and it was solid quest appearance, even if we didn't get that deep look into her character. It's a middle of the road episode, 5/10.
That concludes this day. Fifteen episodes today, nowhere near record nor even fast enough to make it this month, but fair amount anyway. I have still enough time to make up for the deficit.
torstai 16. syyskuuta 2010
Season Nine: Episodes 1-8
Episode 1: The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson
I actually didn't care for this in the first run, it felt somehow too different, but now after a rewatch, it's okay. Characterizations are ok, there's plenty of funny gags and the story is interesting enough if tad predictable and simple. Nothing wrong really after all, it's just a different kind of episode. When it comes to Simpsons' travel episodes, this is one of the better. That said it's not amazing or anything, it's merely good. 5/10.
Episode 2: The Principal and the Pauper
I'm just baffled how this episode got aired. They knew they fucked up in the end. If you can look past retarded Arman-stuff, it's fair episode, but nothing special. Characterizations are ok and plot is interesting. I kept thinking during the first watch that how the hell are they going to write their way out of this to maintain status quo. And I guess it wasn't possible to write a satisfying ending. If they're not going to change anything after all, then why have this episode? It's useless. They've had bad episodes before, but this was truly an omen of worse things to come. 2/10.
It's midnight and day just changed. So I got 9 episodes today. Way too slow pace still. Let's hope this day is better. Actually I have to go for record if I'm going to do one today.
Episode 3: Lisa's Sax
Another flashback episode and one of the later classics of the show (that said, there usually is even nowadays episode or two that are great). There's great characterizations, interesting and heartwarming story and enough good jokes. My favorites were Apu randomly appearing throughout the episode and Bart's drawing. The ending was pretty sweet and I especially liked the saxophone-clip part of it. Also Marge & Homer singing "Those Were the Days" is worth a mention. Only minor flaw is that they cut back to present a tad too much. But even with that it's still 8/10.
Episode 4: Treehouse of Horror VIII
They keep the solid THOH's coming. Three good segments, no standouts, but not really bad ones either. It's not the best THOH but not the worst either, kind of middle of the pack outing. There's the good Fox censor bit at the start 'n' all.. Well anyway, Homega Man left me wondering how did the A-bomb kill everyone but left most of Springfields infrastructure intact? Other than that I really have no gripes with this one. Good balance of gross, creepy and fun stuff. 7/10.
Episode 5: The Cartridge Family
I guess this was okay. The soccer parody at the start was so over the top you can't help but to find it a funny. As a soccer fan I was a little offended by it the first time around, but I can take it with good spirit now. There was plenty of other decent jokes as well. The plot was okay. There wasn't really anything wrong with characterizations either. So it was an okay episode with good humor, nothing else, nothing less, it's 6/10 from me. You gotta love Homer's vision of what live would be if he robbed Apu.
Episode 6: Bart Star
Well we've got somewhat justified Jerkass-Homer here and gross mischaracterization of Lisa just for one joke's sake. I don't really like that but I try look past that. It had some decent gags like King of the Hill-cameo, Marge's C-U-P and Homer's cuts during the credits. Homer's behaviour made it a little hard to stand watching this, but at least plot is okay. It's good episode that has some problems, it's 4/10 rating.
Episode 7: The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons
This was funny as hell. Apu posing as Marge's husband provides us with some great laughs and Homer's schemes are as crazy as ever. I also loved it when people at Moe's toasted for Marge and the conversation prior that. And that's just the icing on the cake. Plot was okay, even a bit cliché maybe, but it didn't really bother me. Besides it introduced us properly with a new character and changed a bit the series dynamics, so it's a prominent episode. Some people will say this forgettable and while there's some slower moments, I don't really get that. I was at least grinning pretty much the whole time. It's a very good episode, but for some slower moments and Homer being a goofball in the last act it gets only 6/10.
Episode 8: Lisa the Sceptic
I don't know. It was a little low on laughs and Lisa's characterization was pushed too far. She got annoying and that is coming from someone who likes her. At least when she's properly characterized, that is. That said her behaviour is not completely out-of-character, just streched as far as it goes without any gain. At least the plot was pretty good and interesting. The episode was also very memorable due to it's peculiarity. There was some moments though that just didn't feel right. I can give this 3/10, but nothing higher, I just see too many problems.
I actually didn't care for this in the first run, it felt somehow too different, but now after a rewatch, it's okay. Characterizations are ok, there's plenty of funny gags and the story is interesting enough if tad predictable and simple. Nothing wrong really after all, it's just a different kind of episode. When it comes to Simpsons' travel episodes, this is one of the better. That said it's not amazing or anything, it's merely good. 5/10.
Episode 2: The Principal and the Pauper
I'm just baffled how this episode got aired. They knew they fucked up in the end. If you can look past retarded Arman-stuff, it's fair episode, but nothing special. Characterizations are ok and plot is interesting. I kept thinking during the first watch that how the hell are they going to write their way out of this to maintain status quo. And I guess it wasn't possible to write a satisfying ending. If they're not going to change anything after all, then why have this episode? It's useless. They've had bad episodes before, but this was truly an omen of worse things to come. 2/10.
It's midnight and day just changed. So I got 9 episodes today. Way too slow pace still. Let's hope this day is better. Actually I have to go for record if I'm going to do one today.
Episode 3: Lisa's Sax
Another flashback episode and one of the later classics of the show (that said, there usually is even nowadays episode or two that are great). There's great characterizations, interesting and heartwarming story and enough good jokes. My favorites were Apu randomly appearing throughout the episode and Bart's drawing. The ending was pretty sweet and I especially liked the saxophone-clip part of it. Also Marge & Homer singing "Those Were the Days" is worth a mention. Only minor flaw is that they cut back to present a tad too much. But even with that it's still 8/10.
Episode 4: Treehouse of Horror VIII
They keep the solid THOH's coming. Three good segments, no standouts, but not really bad ones either. It's not the best THOH but not the worst either, kind of middle of the pack outing. There's the good Fox censor bit at the start 'n' all.. Well anyway, Homega Man left me wondering how did the A-bomb kill everyone but left most of Springfields infrastructure intact? Other than that I really have no gripes with this one. Good balance of gross, creepy and fun stuff. 7/10.
Episode 5: The Cartridge Family
I guess this was okay. The soccer parody at the start was so over the top you can't help but to find it a funny. As a soccer fan I was a little offended by it the first time around, but I can take it with good spirit now. There was plenty of other decent jokes as well. The plot was okay. There wasn't really anything wrong with characterizations either. So it was an okay episode with good humor, nothing else, nothing less, it's 6/10 from me. You gotta love Homer's vision of what live would be if he robbed Apu.
Episode 6: Bart Star
Well we've got somewhat justified Jerkass-Homer here and gross mischaracterization of Lisa just for one joke's sake. I don't really like that but I try look past that. It had some decent gags like King of the Hill-cameo, Marge's C-U-P and Homer's cuts during the credits. Homer's behaviour made it a little hard to stand watching this, but at least plot is okay. It's good episode that has some problems, it's 4/10 rating.
Episode 7: The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons
This was funny as hell. Apu posing as Marge's husband provides us with some great laughs and Homer's schemes are as crazy as ever. I also loved it when people at Moe's toasted for Marge and the conversation prior that. And that's just the icing on the cake. Plot was okay, even a bit cliché maybe, but it didn't really bother me. Besides it introduced us properly with a new character and changed a bit the series dynamics, so it's a prominent episode. Some people will say this forgettable and while there's some slower moments, I don't really get that. I was at least grinning pretty much the whole time. It's a very good episode, but for some slower moments and Homer being a goofball in the last act it gets only 6/10.
Episode 8: Lisa the Sceptic
I don't know. It was a little low on laughs and Lisa's characterization was pushed too far. She got annoying and that is coming from someone who likes her. At least when she's properly characterized, that is. That said her behaviour is not completely out-of-character, just streched as far as it goes without any gain. At least the plot was pretty good and interesting. The episode was also very memorable due to it's peculiarity. There was some moments though that just didn't feel right. I can give this 3/10, but nothing higher, I just see too many problems.
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