Episode 18: A Star Is Torn
Pretty sweet episode. There's very solid characterizations. Homer is a little jerkass, but not too much, just the right amount to not really ruin the bonding between him and Lisa. It could've done with more quality jokes, but as it is it's fun enough. Lisa's singing has been better on the series, but still it was nice to hear those songs. In the end all the emotion worked and it wrapped out as a solid episode. 6/10 for rating, it's not quite a classic, but very close.
Episode 19: Thank God It's Doomsday
Top-notch episode. For some reason these God-themed episodes just seem to work. It had the usual amount of humor and interesting premise which they executed pretty well. There was lot of nice small touches, like at the ending God saying "Deus Ex Machina" and the last supper scene at Moe's. That's about it, it was pretty much a flawless outing, but could've also been a bit better. 7/10 for rating, good stuff.
Episode 20: Home Away From Homer
Another solid episode with an interesting premise. It's fun (even if a bit predictable) that Homer reverses practically to Flanders in his relations with Coach, even calling the guy "neigborino". Flanders' mustache-feud is mostly hilarious stuff and everyone is pretty much in-character. Conclusion is a little bit easy, but what can you do? It still works well enough. It's good, somewhere along the median of Simpsons episodes, I'm going to bring out the often seen 6/10 for this one as well.
Episode 21: The Father, The Son and The Holy Quest Star
Another religiously themed episode for the season finale. This one has pretty solid humor throughout and a good theme. Christiany gets swiped at few times but not even Buddhism is spared from the mockery. It has a good quest spot also and well-made plot. Marge was a bit annoying, but it didn't take too central stage luckily. Homer's rant about masturbating eight billion times or something with no plan to quit was hilarious. I rate this 7/10 and that's solid start for a day.
Season Sixteen was a downgrade from Season Fifteen, as it only averaged 4,90. Still, it's better than Season Fourteen and Season Nine, meaning it's not far from the worst of classic era. In terms of top class episodes it's on the lower end with only five great episodes, but 24 % isn't that bad of a percentage.
Averages:
Season Three 6.21
Season Four 6.18
Season Six 6.12
Season Seven 5.88
Season Fifteen 5.82
Season Five 5.73
Season Two 5.59
Season Eight 5.40
Season Thirteen 5.36
Season Sixteen 4.90
Season Nine 4.88
Season One 4.69
Season Fourteen 4.55
Season Twelve 4.29
Season Eleven 4.14
Season Ten 4.00
Great episodes:
Season Seven 13 (52 %)
Season Six 12 (48 %)
Season Three 11 (46 %)
Season Four 10 (45 %)
Season Fifteen 9 (41 %)
Season Eight 9 (36 %)
Season Five 8 (36 %)
Season Two 7 (32 %)
Season Thirteen 6 (27 %)
Season Nine 6 (24 %)
Season Sixteen 5 (24 %)
Season One 3 (23 %)
Season Twelve 2 (10 %)
Season Fourteen 2 (9 %)
Season Eleven 2 (9 %)
Season Ten 1 (4 %)
sunnuntai 26. syyskuuta 2010
lauantai 25. syyskuuta 2010
Season Sixteen - Episodes 1-17
Episode 1: Treehouse of Horror XV
It just gets worse - I mean, I saw this like a week ago. The episode itself isn't bad, but it's probably among the worse THOH's. I liked all of the segments enough, but they would be just average segments in other THOH's. Third one is probably the best for me, obviously because of Marge's suit. That said they're all quite even and have their own charm. Intro was pretty damn good as well, but not good enough to elevate it higher than 6/10. Solid, but still mediocre for a THOH. Homer inside Burns = Brutal.
Episode 2: All's Fair in Oven War
Pretty good if a little average episode. There was some good jokes but not as much perhaps as we've used to. Both plots were pretty solid, though you might forget that 2½ years passed in frame of one episode if you don't concentrate on it. I know it's played for laughs, but still, wow. Apu running away is a nice background joke and characterizations are mostly okay in this. Some might have gripes with Marge cheating, but it was justified in the episode. Homer was also at times a little jerkass but only a little. 5/10 for this solid outing.
Episode 3: Sleeping with the Enemy
Another pretty solid episode. Main plot was perhaps a little far fetched, but at least it let us explore deeper into Nelson's character while finding resolution to where his father went missing. Lisa's sideplot is down to earth and simple while still holding some laughs, though it ends kind of openended as lampshaded in the episode. Lisa going insane was one of the highlights of the episode. The resolution for Nelson's father's dissapearance was kind of stupid, but whatever, this is still good enough episode to get 7/10.
Episode 4: She Used to Be My Girl
Pretty poor episode for a change. Marge - Chloe conflict was kind of forced right from the beginning, besides we've already had these Marge not feeling appreciated themed episodes. It escalated way too quickly and I would go as far as to say that there is Jerkass-Marge in this episode. That said it's not all poor, there is some decent jokes that save it from being terrible. Third act with the volcano was quite bad. Overall it's watchable, so 3/10 rating.
Episode 5: Fat Man and Little Boy
An excellent episode. Premise is good and it's executed very well. Pacing was kind of quick but it still avoided being all over the place. Characterizations were top notch and of course, most importantly it was filled with good humor. Overall it's about Bart figuring out that he is no longer a child, but it manages to delve into the Homer-Lisa dynamic in between. Though I kind of would've liked to see where that plot ended, we never got resolution whether Lisa or Martin won. That's pretty much only complaint I have for this episode, 7/10 for this one.
Episode 6: Midnight Rx
Another very good episode. Lots of interesting dynamics get explored here: Homer-Grampa, Ned-Apu and even Burns-Homer. There was a lot of humor to be extracted from these interactions alone, but throw in Canadian Flanders and you're in for a riot! There wasn't much wrong, perhaps Lisa on Xanax stirred something up in me but even that was played for laughs and it was just a background quip, so let's not blow it out of proportion. Very solid episode, 6/10.
Episode 7: Mommie Beerest
Decent but nothing special. I kind of dislike Moe was characterized so unsympathetically, but then again it's Moe. Though it was kind of predictable for the episode to take this direction and it would've been refreshing to see something else develop from Marge-Moe interactions - which we don't by the way even see much, it's mostly just Homer bemoaning his situation. That said, be it obvious or not, it's not bad, but it doesn't stand out as anything special either. There was good humor to elevate this episode like the Cards movie preview which was absolutely hilarious. If for nothing else, this episode should be remembered for it. 5/10.
Episode 8: Homer and Ned's Hail Mary Pass
Groan. I'm sleepdeprived and probably have lost about 95 % of my brain capacity and still found this extremely stupid episode. It's just a half-assed reason to have bunch of quest stars in it. Most of the time Homer just does something idiotic and I, the viewer, am going on "what the fuck am I watching"? Ned's subplot was plainly obvious but nothing happened with that conflict. Marge just says that she doesn't like it and all the sudden that halts all the production of Ned's old testament movies. Who wrote this piece of shit? I guess they threw CBG's name in just so that fans would be confused that this episode actually is worthwhile. There were good gags like the Mario gag who really could've done with being in the middle of a better episode. 1/10.
Episode 9: Pranksta Rap
Something in Bart being a rap fan just doesn't fit with me. I guess it's the way it's presented more than anything that bugs the shit out of me. It makes it seem very out-of-character. The plot wasn't that great either, though it gained momentum midway with some nice conflicts forming, but in the end they failed to use them very well. Finally there's the cop-out ending that isn't funny so it's not really acceptable. I didn't like this pretty much at all, 2/10.
Episode 10: There's Something About Marrying
Not the greatest of episodes but not bad either. Homer and Patty has some top-notch interactions on this one and it obviously had the big "revelation" that Patty is a lesbian. There was the hint that she is lesbian in one of the earlier episodes where her voice can be heard inside a closet in some gay parade, which episode that is, I don't remember. Anyway the main plot kicked off very late and therefore felt rushed. There was lot of clever jokes though in it. Homer making out with himself is both disturbing and hilarious at the same time. It's solid enough episode to get 5/10.
Episode 11: On a Clear Day I Can't See My Sister
With a little better characterization this episode could've been a something of a classic. The whole conflict at the start is however based on Bart being out of character - some pranking towards Lisa is okay for me, but Bart goes way over the top there. It's hard to have sympathy towards him when he publicly humiliates his sister. I at least wished Lisa would revenge with venom. Though even that is a bit out-of-character, at least that it goes on for so long. But that's kind of boring conflict because it kind off solves itself. Bart doesn't even try to make amends, he just lives like a dog for a while. Ending was good and there was plenty of good gags, but I can't ignore the characterization. A mere 4/10.
Episode 12: Goo Goo Gai Pan
This episode had it's charms but overall it's just another mess of a travel episode. At least there's good reason for them to travel this time and Selma getting a baby is the glue that keeps the plot together a lot better than it usually sticks in these travelling episodes. I actually had some sort of love-hate relationship towards those dragons at the end, but now they just seemed annoying and pointless. Bart drawing instructions with the credits was nice though. A bit of a mixed back, but it was very watchable certainly, so I'll go on and give it as high as 4/10. With the premise they had they could've done so much more, though.
Episode 13: Mobile Homer
A little silly episode. These marriage on the rocks plots tend not to work in newer seasons, we've seen it all and it seems like only way to go is to make their fight seem more serious - and that doesn't work, trust me. There was enough amusing lines and stuff to keep it entertaining, but overall I didn't care for it much. The ending was incredibly stupid as well. Evil Jesus with Flanders' saves it also a bit. 3/10.
Episode 14: The Seven-Beer Snitch
Just mediocre stuff here. Some lazy writing and mostly dull jokes. Both plots had semi-decent premises but they should've been used to the maximum to even have good episode. As things stands it hardly is worth a watch. I'll give this 2/10. Just the shortness of this review is a testament of how dull and forgettable this episode is.
Episode 15: Future-Drama
Afte couple of off-episodes they hit back into the form with this future-episode. The beginning is among the top beginnings in the show's era. Lisa & Bart telling each other how everyone is other's boyfriend is simple yet genious - it's just the stuff real kids say to each other and it's funny! Especially "Nobody's gay for Moleman". After that we get into the future which is better made than in "Bart to the Future", but never quite gets up to the benchmark of Lisa's Wedding. Not that it is even reasonable to expect. There was lot of fun details (Bender) and characters weren't just future-versions of their kid-selves, there were creative changes made, like Milhouse as wimpy bodybuilder and Nelson ending up repeating his dad's actions. Both plots are well-written and solid. The episode ends with nice atmosphere before we get so see Cletus the Vice-President during the credits. This is definitely a late classic. 8/10 for the rating. Only minor gripe is Bart's girlfriend character, I really didn't care for her.
Episode 16: Don't Fear the Roofer
Well this had it's share of fun stuff, but plot was pretty ridiculous with it's gravitational lens' etc. Homer and Ray talking over the credits was hilarious. I felt Marge was characterized too mean as were his friends in the bar. Such harsh treatment didn't exactly set you up on proper mood. Especially when it seemed to just get worse for Homer until he met Ray and even that was more of a curse in disguise. It's decent despite the ridiculous plot, but nothing else. 4/10.
Episode 17: The Heartbroke Kid
Decentish episode. I think they could've done a lot more with the premise, but it was fine episode nonetheless. There was a few decent jokes, especially the "Three weeks later" caught everyone's imaginations. Plot was decent and characterizations okay, even if I think that Bart shouldn't be stupid enough to get that fat. Though he is a little fat by default, so.. I guess I have no real reason to complain. Decent quest spot too. It's not great though so I really can't go higher than 5/10.
Solid 17 episode day today. It's way too little considering the time I have left, but I still have realistic chance of finishing in time. Four full days of time and no real time constraints for me on those, I can pull all-nighters! 107 episodes left, that's 27 episodes a day. I'm still undecided whether I should do the movie as well. Maybe if I go over 30 episodes tomorrow as I'm planning. It's place would be of course in between 18th and 19th season, just when it premiered. I've actually not seen it so it will be refreshing to see some new material as well. I'll write a little longer review on it, but I have to make sure tomorrow that I have some breathing space, otherwise I can't do it.
It just gets worse - I mean, I saw this like a week ago. The episode itself isn't bad, but it's probably among the worse THOH's. I liked all of the segments enough, but they would be just average segments in other THOH's. Third one is probably the best for me, obviously because of Marge's suit. That said they're all quite even and have their own charm. Intro was pretty damn good as well, but not good enough to elevate it higher than 6/10. Solid, but still mediocre for a THOH. Homer inside Burns = Brutal.
Episode 2: All's Fair in Oven War
Pretty good if a little average episode. There was some good jokes but not as much perhaps as we've used to. Both plots were pretty solid, though you might forget that 2½ years passed in frame of one episode if you don't concentrate on it. I know it's played for laughs, but still, wow. Apu running away is a nice background joke and characterizations are mostly okay in this. Some might have gripes with Marge cheating, but it was justified in the episode. Homer was also at times a little jerkass but only a little. 5/10 for this solid outing.
Episode 3: Sleeping with the Enemy
Another pretty solid episode. Main plot was perhaps a little far fetched, but at least it let us explore deeper into Nelson's character while finding resolution to where his father went missing. Lisa's sideplot is down to earth and simple while still holding some laughs, though it ends kind of openended as lampshaded in the episode. Lisa going insane was one of the highlights of the episode. The resolution for Nelson's father's dissapearance was kind of stupid, but whatever, this is still good enough episode to get 7/10.
Episode 4: She Used to Be My Girl
Pretty poor episode for a change. Marge - Chloe conflict was kind of forced right from the beginning, besides we've already had these Marge not feeling appreciated themed episodes. It escalated way too quickly and I would go as far as to say that there is Jerkass-Marge in this episode. That said it's not all poor, there is some decent jokes that save it from being terrible. Third act with the volcano was quite bad. Overall it's watchable, so 3/10 rating.
Episode 5: Fat Man and Little Boy
An excellent episode. Premise is good and it's executed very well. Pacing was kind of quick but it still avoided being all over the place. Characterizations were top notch and of course, most importantly it was filled with good humor. Overall it's about Bart figuring out that he is no longer a child, but it manages to delve into the Homer-Lisa dynamic in between. Though I kind of would've liked to see where that plot ended, we never got resolution whether Lisa or Martin won. That's pretty much only complaint I have for this episode, 7/10 for this one.
Episode 6: Midnight Rx
Another very good episode. Lots of interesting dynamics get explored here: Homer-Grampa, Ned-Apu and even Burns-Homer. There was a lot of humor to be extracted from these interactions alone, but throw in Canadian Flanders and you're in for a riot! There wasn't much wrong, perhaps Lisa on Xanax stirred something up in me but even that was played for laughs and it was just a background quip, so let's not blow it out of proportion. Very solid episode, 6/10.
Episode 7: Mommie Beerest
Decent but nothing special. I kind of dislike Moe was characterized so unsympathetically, but then again it's Moe. Though it was kind of predictable for the episode to take this direction and it would've been refreshing to see something else develop from Marge-Moe interactions - which we don't by the way even see much, it's mostly just Homer bemoaning his situation. That said, be it obvious or not, it's not bad, but it doesn't stand out as anything special either. There was good humor to elevate this episode like the Cards movie preview which was absolutely hilarious. If for nothing else, this episode should be remembered for it. 5/10.
Episode 8: Homer and Ned's Hail Mary Pass
Groan. I'm sleepdeprived and probably have lost about 95 % of my brain capacity and still found this extremely stupid episode. It's just a half-assed reason to have bunch of quest stars in it. Most of the time Homer just does something idiotic and I, the viewer, am going on "what the fuck am I watching"? Ned's subplot was plainly obvious but nothing happened with that conflict. Marge just says that she doesn't like it and all the sudden that halts all the production of Ned's old testament movies. Who wrote this piece of shit? I guess they threw CBG's name in just so that fans would be confused that this episode actually is worthwhile. There were good gags like the Mario gag who really could've done with being in the middle of a better episode. 1/10.
Episode 9: Pranksta Rap
Something in Bart being a rap fan just doesn't fit with me. I guess it's the way it's presented more than anything that bugs the shit out of me. It makes it seem very out-of-character. The plot wasn't that great either, though it gained momentum midway with some nice conflicts forming, but in the end they failed to use them very well. Finally there's the cop-out ending that isn't funny so it's not really acceptable. I didn't like this pretty much at all, 2/10.
Episode 10: There's Something About Marrying
Not the greatest of episodes but not bad either. Homer and Patty has some top-notch interactions on this one and it obviously had the big "revelation" that Patty is a lesbian. There was the hint that she is lesbian in one of the earlier episodes where her voice can be heard inside a closet in some gay parade, which episode that is, I don't remember. Anyway the main plot kicked off very late and therefore felt rushed. There was lot of clever jokes though in it. Homer making out with himself is both disturbing and hilarious at the same time. It's solid enough episode to get 5/10.
Episode 11: On a Clear Day I Can't See My Sister
With a little better characterization this episode could've been a something of a classic. The whole conflict at the start is however based on Bart being out of character - some pranking towards Lisa is okay for me, but Bart goes way over the top there. It's hard to have sympathy towards him when he publicly humiliates his sister. I at least wished Lisa would revenge with venom. Though even that is a bit out-of-character, at least that it goes on for so long. But that's kind of boring conflict because it kind off solves itself. Bart doesn't even try to make amends, he just lives like a dog for a while. Ending was good and there was plenty of good gags, but I can't ignore the characterization. A mere 4/10.
Episode 12: Goo Goo Gai Pan
This episode had it's charms but overall it's just another mess of a travel episode. At least there's good reason for them to travel this time and Selma getting a baby is the glue that keeps the plot together a lot better than it usually sticks in these travelling episodes. I actually had some sort of love-hate relationship towards those dragons at the end, but now they just seemed annoying and pointless. Bart drawing instructions with the credits was nice though. A bit of a mixed back, but it was very watchable certainly, so I'll go on and give it as high as 4/10. With the premise they had they could've done so much more, though.
Episode 13: Mobile Homer
A little silly episode. These marriage on the rocks plots tend not to work in newer seasons, we've seen it all and it seems like only way to go is to make their fight seem more serious - and that doesn't work, trust me. There was enough amusing lines and stuff to keep it entertaining, but overall I didn't care for it much. The ending was incredibly stupid as well. Evil Jesus with Flanders' saves it also a bit. 3/10.
Episode 14: The Seven-Beer Snitch
Just mediocre stuff here. Some lazy writing and mostly dull jokes. Both plots had semi-decent premises but they should've been used to the maximum to even have good episode. As things stands it hardly is worth a watch. I'll give this 2/10. Just the shortness of this review is a testament of how dull and forgettable this episode is.
Episode 15: Future-Drama
Afte couple of off-episodes they hit back into the form with this future-episode. The beginning is among the top beginnings in the show's era. Lisa & Bart telling each other how everyone is other's boyfriend is simple yet genious - it's just the stuff real kids say to each other and it's funny! Especially "Nobody's gay for Moleman". After that we get into the future which is better made than in "Bart to the Future", but never quite gets up to the benchmark of Lisa's Wedding. Not that it is even reasonable to expect. There was lot of fun details (Bender) and characters weren't just future-versions of their kid-selves, there were creative changes made, like Milhouse as wimpy bodybuilder and Nelson ending up repeating his dad's actions. Both plots are well-written and solid. The episode ends with nice atmosphere before we get so see Cletus the Vice-President during the credits. This is definitely a late classic. 8/10 for the rating. Only minor gripe is Bart's girlfriend character, I really didn't care for her.
Episode 16: Don't Fear the Roofer
Well this had it's share of fun stuff, but plot was pretty ridiculous with it's gravitational lens' etc. Homer and Ray talking over the credits was hilarious. I felt Marge was characterized too mean as were his friends in the bar. Such harsh treatment didn't exactly set you up on proper mood. Especially when it seemed to just get worse for Homer until he met Ray and even that was more of a curse in disguise. It's decent despite the ridiculous plot, but nothing else. 4/10.
Episode 17: The Heartbroke Kid
Decentish episode. I think they could've done a lot more with the premise, but it was fine episode nonetheless. There was a few decent jokes, especially the "Three weeks later" caught everyone's imaginations. Plot was decent and characterizations okay, even if I think that Bart shouldn't be stupid enough to get that fat. Though he is a little fat by default, so.. I guess I have no real reason to complain. Decent quest spot too. It's not great though so I really can't go higher than 5/10.
Solid 17 episode day today. It's way too little considering the time I have left, but I still have realistic chance of finishing in time. Four full days of time and no real time constraints for me on those, I can pull all-nighters! 107 episodes left, that's 27 episodes a day. I'm still undecided whether I should do the movie as well. Maybe if I go over 30 episodes tomorrow as I'm planning. It's place would be of course in between 18th and 19th season, just when it premiered. I've actually not seen it so it will be refreshing to see some new material as well. I'll write a little longer review on it, but I have to make sure tomorrow that I have some breathing space, otherwise I can't do it.
perjantai 24. syyskuuta 2010
Season Fifteen - Episodes 13-22
Episode 13: Smart and Smarter
Another episode I just saw recently on tv. It's a pretty good episode and shows again a bit of spiteful side of Lisa, which is hard to characterize so that it doesn't feel wrong. This episode manages to do it fairly well. There's some good scenes, my favorite in the episode was the atmospheric night scene from the museum. Lisa looking for her identity was interesting enough and especially her as a goth. Wow. Makes you kind of hope they would've gone longer with it, but then again it might've annoyed people more, including it might've started to bother me. But again it's hard for me to really rate this any other score than 6/10. It's not quite great, but it also doesn't have enough flaws to drop under that.
Episode 14: The Ziff Who Came to Dinner
Pretty solid episode. Lots of funny stuff and an interesting premise. Artie Ziff is one of those side characters that never got as much screentime as they've maybe deserved. Still this one has some minor flaws. The main conflict, or what I consider it, is presented pretty damn late in the episode. Also another late element is Selma & Artie coupling. Overall it's still very good episode, but it doesn't really manage to break from that damn 6/10 pattern.
Episode 15: Co-Dependent's Day
This wasn't that bad either, in fact my initial thoughts are to give this 6/10! I mean c'mon, can't I put any difference on these episodes? Cosmic Wars plot had some funny jokes in it, but it's pretty much resolved without anything special happening and before halfway of the episode. Marge and Homer boozing is fun stuff as well. The main conflict happens very late in the episode but on the other hand I'm kind of glad that they didn't drag that on any longer as we've seen Marge angry at Homer more than enough. There was some time wasting as well with Homer delaying on the phone forever... I guess that's enough of a flaw to drop it to 5/10. This season is very consistent if nothing else, or something has broken my brain and I'm now unable to draw any distinctions between the episodes.
Episode 16: The Wandering Juvie
I've seen like everyone of these during the past few weeks. This was another solid episode. Yeah you guessed the rating already. But what can I do? There's solid writing, every episode has it's share of laughs, characterizations are good for the most part. This one had two good quest spots to add to that. I especially loved the ending. Homer getting a job as a guard was a waste of time, though. Still this is another one of those 6/10 episodes. Not quite good enough to be considered a classic, but still above-average and solid near-flawless stuff.
Episode 17: My Big Fat Geek Wedding
I'm sorry. Skinner as Catwoman.. That's just too much. It's a fun episode with lots of character-driven stuff. I think this actually manages to be so good that I could call it great and rate it a little higher than the episodes that preceded it. Some people have poked the plot hole that is the fact that now all the sudden Edna doesn't want to marry at all despite their relationship having been "under construction" for so long. But I think it's in-character and works for me. Most of this episode works for me. However the episode didn't really need to have Marge and Homer fighting as well. It felt really tacked on and had to be rushed to have any kind of conclusion. I'll still give it 7/10, just not to give every episode the same rating - at least this has a major event for the series.
Episode 18: Catch 'Em If You Can
To be honest they just haven't been able to fail recently or I've softened up. One of the best Simpsons on holiday plots if you can call it that, because they certainly didn't play the usual formula straight and good for them. This episode is interesting from start to finish and filled with pretty good jokes. It's also very memorable because of the surreal Catch Me If You Can parody in the middle. Grampa's gay subplot wasn't that needed, but it provided us with that Miami Vice -parody, so it's okay. Let's give this another 7/10 even though it's really close. Man I must really be softening up. Only flaw: Where the hell is Maggie?
Episode 19: Simple Simpson
Another great episode, they really are on a great run. Good premise, there's bunch of great parodies in the first act like the country song and Promiscuos Idiots Island, and plot is interesting enough. The way Homer got caught by Burns kind of frustrates me but other than that there isn't much of flaws. Dalai Lama flying was a bit silly too. Great episode, good enough to get 7/10.
Episode 20: The Way We Weren't
This is something that can be considered a late classic. It not only tells us story about Homer & Marge's first kiss, it also tells about Milhouse's (though only according to Milhouse, everyone who has actually watched the series remembers his girlfriend - but we'll allow this for the sake of the joke)! Sometimes genious and madness certainly intertwine... Not only there is hilarious stuff like aforementioned Milhouse's kiss, there's same feel here as classic era episodes created by similar pacing and story structure. Characterizations are ok and characters are well used. However I didn't care for the ending too much. I love certain level of sappiness and that was sappy, but for some reason it didn't work for me. Perhaps it was the cliché feel of it or the fact that I didn't feel that the conflict wasn't that strong to begin with. Still, that's only a minor hitch and episode is well worthy of 8/10.
Episode 21: Bart-Mangled Banner
This episode is loathed by many and deservedly so, it has very non-sensical plot which spuns way way out of control. That said it has some fun jokes like people's expressions after Marge's rant and I kinda liked Homer talking to himself in the bar. There was really no sense on what was going on overall and the ending was especially stupid. I guess I'm going with crowd and rating this towards the bottom of the barrel. 1/10.
Episode 22: Fraudcast News
Solid finale for the fifteenth season. Lisa is on good form, pretty well characterized as is Homer, especially his speech about how he wants to be like Lisa when he grows up... Except a dude. It had good jokes and some excellent satire and it conveyed a good message without being biased. Solid stuff, deserving of 7/10 ending an excellent season.
So overall it was supersolid season, very consistent, only couple of worse episodes and they managed to improve their great episode ratio as well - It was 9 excellent episodes in 22. Season Fifteen averaged whopping 5,82 which makes it huge, huge improvement over the last season and lifts it among the top seasons of classic era. Great stuff this late on the series and next season has it's share of excellent episodes.
Averages:
Season Three 6.21
Season Four 6.18
Season Six 6.12
Season Seven 5.88
Season Fifteen 5.82
Season Five 5.73
Season Two 5.59
Season Eight 5.40
Season Thirteen 5.36
Season Nine 4.88
Season One 4.69
Season Fourteen 4.55
Season Twelve 4.29
Season Eleven 4.14
Season Ten 4.00
Great episodes:
Season Seven 13 (52 %)
Season Six 12 (48 %)
Season Three 11 (46 %)
Season Four 10 (45 %)
Season Fifteen 9 (41 %)
Season Eight 9 (36 %)
Season Five 8 (36 %)
Season Two 7 (32 %)
Season Thirteen 6 (27 %)
Season Nine 6 (24 %)
Season One 3 (23 %)
Season Twelve 2 (10 %)
Season Fourteen 2 (9 %)
Season Eleven 2 (9 %)
Season Ten 1 (4 %)
Only 11 games today, unfortunately I have no time for more, which means that next week will be intense.
Another episode I just saw recently on tv. It's a pretty good episode and shows again a bit of spiteful side of Lisa, which is hard to characterize so that it doesn't feel wrong. This episode manages to do it fairly well. There's some good scenes, my favorite in the episode was the atmospheric night scene from the museum. Lisa looking for her identity was interesting enough and especially her as a goth. Wow. Makes you kind of hope they would've gone longer with it, but then again it might've annoyed people more, including it might've started to bother me. But again it's hard for me to really rate this any other score than 6/10. It's not quite great, but it also doesn't have enough flaws to drop under that.
Episode 14: The Ziff Who Came to Dinner
Pretty solid episode. Lots of funny stuff and an interesting premise. Artie Ziff is one of those side characters that never got as much screentime as they've maybe deserved. Still this one has some minor flaws. The main conflict, or what I consider it, is presented pretty damn late in the episode. Also another late element is Selma & Artie coupling. Overall it's still very good episode, but it doesn't really manage to break from that damn 6/10 pattern.
Episode 15: Co-Dependent's Day
This wasn't that bad either, in fact my initial thoughts are to give this 6/10! I mean c'mon, can't I put any difference on these episodes? Cosmic Wars plot had some funny jokes in it, but it's pretty much resolved without anything special happening and before halfway of the episode. Marge and Homer boozing is fun stuff as well. The main conflict happens very late in the episode but on the other hand I'm kind of glad that they didn't drag that on any longer as we've seen Marge angry at Homer more than enough. There was some time wasting as well with Homer delaying on the phone forever... I guess that's enough of a flaw to drop it to 5/10. This season is very consistent if nothing else, or something has broken my brain and I'm now unable to draw any distinctions between the episodes.
Episode 16: The Wandering Juvie
I've seen like everyone of these during the past few weeks. This was another solid episode. Yeah you guessed the rating already. But what can I do? There's solid writing, every episode has it's share of laughs, characterizations are good for the most part. This one had two good quest spots to add to that. I especially loved the ending. Homer getting a job as a guard was a waste of time, though. Still this is another one of those 6/10 episodes. Not quite good enough to be considered a classic, but still above-average and solid near-flawless stuff.
Episode 17: My Big Fat Geek Wedding
I'm sorry. Skinner as Catwoman.. That's just too much. It's a fun episode with lots of character-driven stuff. I think this actually manages to be so good that I could call it great and rate it a little higher than the episodes that preceded it. Some people have poked the plot hole that is the fact that now all the sudden Edna doesn't want to marry at all despite their relationship having been "under construction" for so long. But I think it's in-character and works for me. Most of this episode works for me. However the episode didn't really need to have Marge and Homer fighting as well. It felt really tacked on and had to be rushed to have any kind of conclusion. I'll still give it 7/10, just not to give every episode the same rating - at least this has a major event for the series.
Episode 18: Catch 'Em If You Can
To be honest they just haven't been able to fail recently or I've softened up. One of the best Simpsons on holiday plots if you can call it that, because they certainly didn't play the usual formula straight and good for them. This episode is interesting from start to finish and filled with pretty good jokes. It's also very memorable because of the surreal Catch Me If You Can parody in the middle. Grampa's gay subplot wasn't that needed, but it provided us with that Miami Vice -parody, so it's okay. Let's give this another 7/10 even though it's really close. Man I must really be softening up. Only flaw: Where the hell is Maggie?
Episode 19: Simple Simpson
Another great episode, they really are on a great run. Good premise, there's bunch of great parodies in the first act like the country song and Promiscuos Idiots Island, and plot is interesting enough. The way Homer got caught by Burns kind of frustrates me but other than that there isn't much of flaws. Dalai Lama flying was a bit silly too. Great episode, good enough to get 7/10.
Episode 20: The Way We Weren't
This is something that can be considered a late classic. It not only tells us story about Homer & Marge's first kiss, it also tells about Milhouse's (though only according to Milhouse, everyone who has actually watched the series remembers his girlfriend - but we'll allow this for the sake of the joke)! Sometimes genious and madness certainly intertwine... Not only there is hilarious stuff like aforementioned Milhouse's kiss, there's same feel here as classic era episodes created by similar pacing and story structure. Characterizations are ok and characters are well used. However I didn't care for the ending too much. I love certain level of sappiness and that was sappy, but for some reason it didn't work for me. Perhaps it was the cliché feel of it or the fact that I didn't feel that the conflict wasn't that strong to begin with. Still, that's only a minor hitch and episode is well worthy of 8/10.
Episode 21: Bart-Mangled Banner
This episode is loathed by many and deservedly so, it has very non-sensical plot which spuns way way out of control. That said it has some fun jokes like people's expressions after Marge's rant and I kinda liked Homer talking to himself in the bar. There was really no sense on what was going on overall and the ending was especially stupid. I guess I'm going with crowd and rating this towards the bottom of the barrel. 1/10.
Episode 22: Fraudcast News
Solid finale for the fifteenth season. Lisa is on good form, pretty well characterized as is Homer, especially his speech about how he wants to be like Lisa when he grows up... Except a dude. It had good jokes and some excellent satire and it conveyed a good message without being biased. Solid stuff, deserving of 7/10 ending an excellent season.
So overall it was supersolid season, very consistent, only couple of worse episodes and they managed to improve their great episode ratio as well - It was 9 excellent episodes in 22. Season Fifteen averaged whopping 5,82 which makes it huge, huge improvement over the last season and lifts it among the top seasons of classic era. Great stuff this late on the series and next season has it's share of excellent episodes.
Averages:
Season Three 6.21
Season Four 6.18
Season Six 6.12
Season Seven 5.88
Season Fifteen 5.82
Season Five 5.73
Season Two 5.59
Season Eight 5.40
Season Thirteen 5.36
Season Nine 4.88
Season One 4.69
Season Fourteen 4.55
Season Twelve 4.29
Season Eleven 4.14
Season Ten 4.00
Great episodes:
Season Seven 13 (52 %)
Season Six 12 (48 %)
Season Three 11 (46 %)
Season Four 10 (45 %)
Season Fifteen 9 (41 %)
Season Eight 9 (36 %)
Season Five 8 (36 %)
Season Two 7 (32 %)
Season Thirteen 6 (27 %)
Season Nine 6 (24 %)
Season One 3 (23 %)
Season Twelve 2 (10 %)
Season Fourteen 2 (9 %)
Season Eleven 2 (9 %)
Season Ten 1 (4 %)
Only 11 games today, unfortunately I have no time for more, which means that next week will be intense.
Season Fifteen - Episodes 1-12
Episode 1: Treehouse of Horror XIV
Another very solid THOH. First segment was good, middle segment about average and the last one excellent. Intro was pretty good as well. The segments felt very short though, the fact that episodes are shorter than what they used to be really shows in these three segment episodes. Best joke of the episode probably was Agnes berating Skinner after Skinner lost his spine. You gotta love Bart's goatee. I still think that the premises of first and third segments had more potential than what got used - they could've been all-time greats with a bit more good stuff in them. 7/10 for this one.
Episode 2: My Mother the Carjacker
Strong episode again about Homer and his mom. Not only is it loaded with fun stuff, like 19th century wood etching of Mr. Burns, it's also very heartfelt and emotionally strong episode. Some gags run too long and they lacked class in couple of scenes, like the funeral scene. I mean Mona isn't dead actually, but the viewer doesn't know that when her coffin starts rolling down the hill, so the joke which wasn't that good to begin with doesn't work at all, it just comes off as tasteless. Overall it's a great episode even with it's flaws and gets 7/10.
Episode 3: The President Wore Pearls
I disliked this quite a lot after first viewing. I can appreciate this episode more on the second run, especially it songs, but it still has some problems. First off Lisa's singing sounds somewhat strained, I don't know if it's intentional but I don't like these songs anywhere as much as other of her songs in the series. My other big gripe is the ending, that was lousy! I also might say something about characterizations that I didn't quite like, but I guess everyone were in-character after all when you think about it. There were some good jokes, but I think those Milhouse-jokes were too mean for me. 4/10 for this one.
Episode 4: The Regina Monologues
These travel episodes are always more or less wacky and this episode is no exception. I don't like it too much to be honest. There's not much of a plot and it's just Homer goofying again and there's a ton of pointless quest appearance. That said it's not devoid of good jokes. Bart and Lisa high on candy was a fun little scene and there was a bunch of pretty memorable lines. It's watchable so it gets 3/10.
Episode 5: The Fat and the Furriest
A bit on the duller side, but decent episode nonetheless. It could've used more jokes and better plot, but it didn't make me cringe at any time so it isn't terrible. All in all it's just watchable, nothing memorable nor particularly great. I'm really struggling to say anything as there's little reserving extra praise but not much to complain. Perhaps the bear plot was a bit silly, but then again there was the bears collecting toys for Maggie in the first season... 3/10.
Episode 6: Today, I am a Clown
This was decentish, but nothing special once again. Krusty had a bunch of memorable lines and the subplot with Homer on tv was interesting, though it really didn't lead to much in the end. Krusty's bar mitzwa plot was quite empty on events, we saw a few images of him studying or something but that really doesn't make that interesting of a watch. It could've been force though. I rate this 4/10.
Episode 7: 'Tis the Fifteenh Season
People really loved this episode. I think it was pretty great too. I have to give it the credit it deserves - it was well-paced, there was a ton of good jokes and the plot was good while being based on traditional conventions. I especially liked the animation bits. You know, the non-drawn parts. Nothing really wrong with it, except perhaps a bit rushed ending. I didn't feel that much emotion during this episode, but Homer's visions of cool Buddha gave me some awesome visions.. I'm rambling and in a hurry, 8/10.
That was the 25th episode today and the fact is that I can watch only 4 more episodes today. Well, that's a new record.
Episode 8: Marge vs. Singles, Seniors, Childless Couples, and Teen and Gays
This is quite a good episode. Satire could've been better but I'm not really complaining. At least both sides of the matter got the stick. Ruffi-shit was good in an annoying way and Maggie was on top form. The concert had funny moments as well. Plot was decent enough and there was great scene with the fake-Marge on the tv. Funny stuff, clearly deserving 6/10.
Episode 9: I, D'oh-bot
Solid, fun little episode. Two good plots that both were interesting and had their share of laugh. Lisa's cat -plot's highlight for me was Coltrane - how did they come up with that? Robot-plot was just good solid Bart - Homer interaction with good conclusion. It wasn't constant laughter, but still entertaining stuff. Only real flaw was perhaps the reference to Principal and the Pauper, but even that didn't bother me as much as during the first run. 6/10 for another very solid episode.
Episode 10: Diatribe of a Mad Housewife
This was quite good of an episode. Premise is interesting and very in-character. Homer was a bit jerkass here but it was acceptable in terms of the plot. There was some good jokes in the episode as well. Solid episode overall in all-fronts, nothing too special but fairly flawless as well. Marvin Monroe's appearance was a bit mindless though. I rate this 6/10 as well.
Episode 11: Margical History Tour
This kind of ankward, I saw this just few weeks ago in tv. Still, it's pretty good. First segment was excellent, I especially loved seeing Otto among the beheaded people "I told you I was a dude!" Second segment was a little duller, but still okay. I didn't care too much for the third, but it wasn't that bad. Solid three-segment episode, it's another 6/10.
That's it, the record, and just before the midnight. It went close because I was lazy during the evening.
Let's start the next day and then I'll hit post and come back to business with another:
Episode 12: Milhouse Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Sweet, sweet episode. Whole premise was excellent and it was executed very well. It was perhaps predictable that it wouldn't last but it was ended beautifully and creatively. Top characterization. There was good jokes as well, b-plot provided at least some of those. Homer was on his top form as well - he is a natural bum and while not that much happened in the b-plot it did what was asked from it. Great episode, 8/10.
Another very solid THOH. First segment was good, middle segment about average and the last one excellent. Intro was pretty good as well. The segments felt very short though, the fact that episodes are shorter than what they used to be really shows in these three segment episodes. Best joke of the episode probably was Agnes berating Skinner after Skinner lost his spine. You gotta love Bart's goatee. I still think that the premises of first and third segments had more potential than what got used - they could've been all-time greats with a bit more good stuff in them. 7/10 for this one.
Episode 2: My Mother the Carjacker
Strong episode again about Homer and his mom. Not only is it loaded with fun stuff, like 19th century wood etching of Mr. Burns, it's also very heartfelt and emotionally strong episode. Some gags run too long and they lacked class in couple of scenes, like the funeral scene. I mean Mona isn't dead actually, but the viewer doesn't know that when her coffin starts rolling down the hill, so the joke which wasn't that good to begin with doesn't work at all, it just comes off as tasteless. Overall it's a great episode even with it's flaws and gets 7/10.
Episode 3: The President Wore Pearls
I disliked this quite a lot after first viewing. I can appreciate this episode more on the second run, especially it songs, but it still has some problems. First off Lisa's singing sounds somewhat strained, I don't know if it's intentional but I don't like these songs anywhere as much as other of her songs in the series. My other big gripe is the ending, that was lousy! I also might say something about characterizations that I didn't quite like, but I guess everyone were in-character after all when you think about it. There were some good jokes, but I think those Milhouse-jokes were too mean for me. 4/10 for this one.
Episode 4: The Regina Monologues
These travel episodes are always more or less wacky and this episode is no exception. I don't like it too much to be honest. There's not much of a plot and it's just Homer goofying again and there's a ton of pointless quest appearance. That said it's not devoid of good jokes. Bart and Lisa high on candy was a fun little scene and there was a bunch of pretty memorable lines. It's watchable so it gets 3/10.
Episode 5: The Fat and the Furriest
A bit on the duller side, but decent episode nonetheless. It could've used more jokes and better plot, but it didn't make me cringe at any time so it isn't terrible. All in all it's just watchable, nothing memorable nor particularly great. I'm really struggling to say anything as there's little reserving extra praise but not much to complain. Perhaps the bear plot was a bit silly, but then again there was the bears collecting toys for Maggie in the first season... 3/10.
Episode 6: Today, I am a Clown
This was decentish, but nothing special once again. Krusty had a bunch of memorable lines and the subplot with Homer on tv was interesting, though it really didn't lead to much in the end. Krusty's bar mitzwa plot was quite empty on events, we saw a few images of him studying or something but that really doesn't make that interesting of a watch. It could've been force though. I rate this 4/10.
Episode 7: 'Tis the Fifteenh Season
People really loved this episode. I think it was pretty great too. I have to give it the credit it deserves - it was well-paced, there was a ton of good jokes and the plot was good while being based on traditional conventions. I especially liked the animation bits. You know, the non-drawn parts. Nothing really wrong with it, except perhaps a bit rushed ending. I didn't feel that much emotion during this episode, but Homer's visions of cool Buddha gave me some awesome visions.. I'm rambling and in a hurry, 8/10.
That was the 25th episode today and the fact is that I can watch only 4 more episodes today. Well, that's a new record.
Episode 8: Marge vs. Singles, Seniors, Childless Couples, and Teen and Gays
This is quite a good episode. Satire could've been better but I'm not really complaining. At least both sides of the matter got the stick. Ruffi-shit was good in an annoying way and Maggie was on top form. The concert had funny moments as well. Plot was decent enough and there was great scene with the fake-Marge on the tv. Funny stuff, clearly deserving 6/10.
Episode 9: I, D'oh-bot
Solid, fun little episode. Two good plots that both were interesting and had their share of laugh. Lisa's cat -plot's highlight for me was Coltrane - how did they come up with that? Robot-plot was just good solid Bart - Homer interaction with good conclusion. It wasn't constant laughter, but still entertaining stuff. Only real flaw was perhaps the reference to Principal and the Pauper, but even that didn't bother me as much as during the first run. 6/10 for another very solid episode.
Episode 10: Diatribe of a Mad Housewife
This was quite good of an episode. Premise is interesting and very in-character. Homer was a bit jerkass here but it was acceptable in terms of the plot. There was some good jokes in the episode as well. Solid episode overall in all-fronts, nothing too special but fairly flawless as well. Marvin Monroe's appearance was a bit mindless though. I rate this 6/10 as well.
Episode 11: Margical History Tour
This kind of ankward, I saw this just few weeks ago in tv. Still, it's pretty good. First segment was excellent, I especially loved seeing Otto among the beheaded people "I told you I was a dude!" Second segment was a little duller, but still okay. I didn't care too much for the third, but it wasn't that bad. Solid three-segment episode, it's another 6/10.
That's it, the record, and just before the midnight. It went close because I was lazy during the evening.
Let's start the next day and then I'll hit post and come back to business with another:
Episode 12: Milhouse Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Sweet, sweet episode. Whole premise was excellent and it was executed very well. It was perhaps predictable that it wouldn't last but it was ended beautifully and creatively. Top characterization. There was good jokes as well, b-plot provided at least some of those. Homer was on his top form as well - he is a natural bum and while not that much happened in the b-plot it did what was asked from it. Great episode, 8/10.
torstai 23. syyskuuta 2010
Season Fourteen - Episodes 5-22
Episode 5: Helter Shelter
Pretty terrible episode for a change. The plot was just bunch of stuff happening and the whole premise was totally uninspiring. You know there's a reason that there aren't that type of reality tv program in real life, nobody would find interesting to watch some people live in 1800's style life. But that's only tip of the iceberg why this episode doesn't work. Too much wackiness and it drags on at times. Drunk Maggie is only thing saving this episode, 2/10.
Episode 6: The Great Louse Detective
Decent episode. Fair enough plot, though some things are a little far-fetched. Some decent jokes, but the plot kills off couple of minutes early and then we're treated to too long song after shows resolution. That said that's not big fault, but fault nonetheless. It's a solid Sideshow-Bob episode overall and I rate it 6/10.
Episode 7: Special Edna
Fairly good episode centered on Skinner, Bart & Krabappel -relations. Solid characterizations practically write the episode itself. That said, I think Bart accepts Skinner's proposition of ruining Edna's winning chances a tad too easily. Meh, perhaps they were running low on time. On the joke frontier this one a bit above average. My favorite bit was that "Mmm.. That's good satire!" at the end of that Enron ride. It's solid story-driven episode that goes well among the other episodes and has enough humor to stand it's own ground, I give it 6/10. Just shows how important the premise is - They could've written this one badly and it would've still been at least decent.
Episode 8: The Dad Who Knew Too Little
Well these are consistently solid at the moment. This isn't anything special, Homer is a bit of a jerkass here, but it has sound plot overall and you're entertained throughout. It's definitely worse than most of episodes that explore Lisa-Homer dynamic, but those happen to be one of top episodes of the whole series so it's little wonder. This is inferior, but not bad, I'm going to rate this 5/10.
Episode 9: Strong Arms of the Ma
Up until about 14th minute, when Marge beats the shit out of her robber and says "You've been marginalized" in a crowning moment of awesome this episode was going toward at least 7/10 rating. Unfortunately it spins out of control after that. I mean that's it, it should've been conclusion, that fight. Episode was about Marge beating her fear of going outside, right? When that conflict is solved, surely anyone can tell that that is where it should end. The whole Marge going over the top with her training is so fucked up out of character that I just can't accept it. Besides there isn't anything funny after that point. It's worthless. They would've been better off just airing 14-minute episode than this clusterfuck of a third act. It ruins the episode. On the humor front, Homer's Tetris game deserves a mention. 4/10 for great two acts. This was the real 300th episode.
Episode 10: Pray Anything
You have to admit it, after Scully era it's been like you're on classic era again. They churned out at least decent episodes week in week out. This one had an interesting premise which was well utilized. There was compact plot, good jokes and some excellent Flanders in this episode. You gotta love Ned's version of the ark. This isn't amazing or anything but everything is well made and therefore it justifies 6/10 rating.
Episode 11: Barting Over
So this was the episode that got advertised as 300th episode in the end. I guess they wanted to use more celebrity voices or something for the special episode. It was really the 302nd as is referenced in the episode. It has bad, bad case of jerkass-Homer and to some extent Bart acts pretty annoyingly too. Plot is okay and the idea of Bart moving to live on his own is interesting, but I think that in the end the conclusion is too easy, making the whole episode feel a little cheap. All in all it has some decent gags, fair plot and so-so characterizations. It's a decent episode, but for a milestone you'd hope for a better one. 4/10.
Episode 12: I'm Spelling As Fast As I Can
Another fair outing, but this one wasn't without it's problems. The ending is pretty bad. It would've been better as outright downer ending as it seemed to be. It might've been somewhat unsatisfying, but so was the current ending and at least that ending would've been stronger. I also feel that whole Lisa's dream sequence was a little odd. Other than that there's not much wrong. Plot is good and the subplot is great on humor while complimenting the mainplot well. Overall the episode could've been funnier, but it's still okay. I rate this one 5/10.
Episode 13: Star is Born-Again
This was a little dull to be honest. Most of the jokes you could see that were fun in theory just didn't work for some reason. Plot was fairly dull and predictable and the spotlight was completely out of OFF, expect Homer giving some occasional advice but even that wasn't that funny. I don't think there's any other problems except the dullness, I could say that Ned and Sara's relationship end sort of easily but that's it. Some people like this though and it's not horrible by any means. Certainly there's enough good stuff to merit 3/10.
Episode 14: Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington
Another quite dull episode. It improved a little after Krusty was involved in the plot, but that said it never soared very high on excitement. There's uninteresting plot, jokes don't work and involving Krusty just happens, there's no real reason for picking him out. Uninspired stuff for the most part, I'm gonna have to go for 2/10. I really though about giving it a one, it's so mediocre, but the Fox-jokes bring it up a tad.
Episode 15: C.E.D'oh
This was certainly an improvement. Premise is good and the execution is a decent one. Jokes are mostly average bar few highlights, like Maggie dancing and the Burns' Mausoleum gag. Homer becomes the plant owner perhaps a tad too late as it's not really explored that much. Homer just quickly deduces that he can't do the job and soon enough we have "305th everything is back to normal" ending. Decent but nothing else, 5/10.
Episode 16: 'Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky
Decent run continues though you'd kind of hope for really good episodes once in a while. This is another decent episode, solid mix of jokes and plot but nothing special in any way. It has some stupid jokes like Willie collecting glass shards with his tongue. Overall though it kept you entertained enough to get 4/10.
Episode 17: Three Gays of the Condo
It started of with a bit forced Marge-Homer conflict, it actually made me groan. But it got better as the show went on and in the end the way it started didn't matter that much. Homer with those gays is a good (if not all new) concept that works well enough. The puzzle plot seemed a bit detached of the main plot and could've been a bit shorter. Plot was a bit of a mess but for some reason it kept entertaining me until the end. Humor worked well apparently. Still it's only middle of the road episode, 5/10.
Episode 18: Dude, Where's My Ranch?
I don't like the premise, but that's not the biggest problem. I loathe the way Lisa was characterized in this episode. I am all for her having a dark side but I don't think that was the way she is supposed to act when thinking that this Luke guy had a girlfriend. I think she would be sad and just dump Luke. The other characterization problem in this episode was super-jerkass Homer. Granted, he is supposed to be somewhat jerkass towards Ned, but this went too far. The song could've at least been funnier. Maggie dancing seems to be the ace up their sleeve for saving episodes and also I liked the Moe-song in the end, so I can give this 2/10. Besides, why do they piss on the continuity for nothing? You don't need to be hardcore fan to know Lisa has had crushes before this. Sometimes I'm just baffled.
Episode 19: Olde Yeller Belly
There was some decent jokes in this one, but mostly this is pointless. These Santa's Little Helper plots seem not to work and it's really hard when SLH is even bigger of a loser than usually is. Besides Homer doesn't learn again a damn thing and the plot is scetchy. I mean how can the old owner just show up after 14 seasons and claim the dog back just on the basis what Homer said in some interview? 1/10.
Episode 20: Brake My Wife, Please
Fast-paces episode that I'm still trying to figure out. I'm sleep-deprived and seen about 100 episodes during the last 7 days so obviusly I'm going to struggle a bit on what was last episode and what I've seen earlier. This had too much going on. It actually started at the aquarium which was only faint memory by the end of the episode. Then we're at the hospital and all the sudden Homer's buying a new cellphone. So was this what episode was all about? No, it was about Marge's and Homer's marital crisis. Next Homer drives to the sea and loses his licence. That could've alone been the plot. Next we turn into how awesome walking all the sudden is for Homer and the Marge goes insane. Enough reciting the mess that the plot is, you got the point already. For "Dude, meet me in Montana, XX00, Jesus (H. Christ)" and some other good jokes it gets 3/10.
Episode 21: Bart of War
Another acceptable episode. Ned being a Beatles-fan was a bit odd thing to find out, especially this late in the series, but whatever. Bart's Beatles-hallucinations were funny. After the "Pre-Teen Braves" subplot kicked in it got a bit worse and the ending was pretty much ridiculous. Canada's national anthem was a bit of random humor that just didn't work. Overall, it's not too bad, but it lacks the classic jokes to be any better than 4/10.
Episode 22: Moe Baby Blues
This is absolutely amazing episode. Moe is characterized perfectly. His fondness for Maggie could've easily turned offputtingly creepy but they manage to pull it off. After that the thing is just near perfection. It's heartfelt, but because of Moe's character it's also inevitably funny. This episode pretty much finds the perfect balance between emotion and humor. I'd go as far as to say that this is the greatest post-classic episode ever. Way to end a season, 9/10.
Alright, that season is done. First full season of Jean's current regime and it consisted of tons of average episodes, few bad ones and only couple of truly great ones. There was five sixes though and ton of fives to even this out. It managed an average of 4,55. This means that it drops substantially from Season Thirteen. What this season's problem is that it has not enough truly great episodes. Also if there was couple of too many stinkers during this season. So have seen the post-classic peak already? Next season looks pretty similar to this - solid but unspectacular. There's bunch of episodes with the potential to hit great ratings. We'll see.
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 Thirteen 5.36
Season Nine 4.88
Season One 4.69
Season Fourteen 4.55
Season Twelve 4.29
Season Eleven 4.14
Season Ten 4.00
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 Thirteen 6 (27 %)
Season Nine 6 (24 %)
Season One 3 (23 %)
Season Twelve 2 (10 %)
Season Fourteen 2 (9 %)
Season Eleven 2 (9 %)
Season Ten 1 (4 %)
I've already watched 18 episodes today and theres still 7½ hours of the day left. Record seems very doable, crushable even. ½ hour an episode would take me to 33 episodes, but I know I could do even faster. I'll keep a short break though.
Pretty terrible episode for a change. The plot was just bunch of stuff happening and the whole premise was totally uninspiring. You know there's a reason that there aren't that type of reality tv program in real life, nobody would find interesting to watch some people live in 1800's style life. But that's only tip of the iceberg why this episode doesn't work. Too much wackiness and it drags on at times. Drunk Maggie is only thing saving this episode, 2/10.
Episode 6: The Great Louse Detective
Decent episode. Fair enough plot, though some things are a little far-fetched. Some decent jokes, but the plot kills off couple of minutes early and then we're treated to too long song after shows resolution. That said that's not big fault, but fault nonetheless. It's a solid Sideshow-Bob episode overall and I rate it 6/10.
Episode 7: Special Edna
Fairly good episode centered on Skinner, Bart & Krabappel -relations. Solid characterizations practically write the episode itself. That said, I think Bart accepts Skinner's proposition of ruining Edna's winning chances a tad too easily. Meh, perhaps they were running low on time. On the joke frontier this one a bit above average. My favorite bit was that "Mmm.. That's good satire!" at the end of that Enron ride. It's solid story-driven episode that goes well among the other episodes and has enough humor to stand it's own ground, I give it 6/10. Just shows how important the premise is - They could've written this one badly and it would've still been at least decent.
Episode 8: The Dad Who Knew Too Little
Well these are consistently solid at the moment. This isn't anything special, Homer is a bit of a jerkass here, but it has sound plot overall and you're entertained throughout. It's definitely worse than most of episodes that explore Lisa-Homer dynamic, but those happen to be one of top episodes of the whole series so it's little wonder. This is inferior, but not bad, I'm going to rate this 5/10.
Episode 9: Strong Arms of the Ma
Up until about 14th minute, when Marge beats the shit out of her robber and says "You've been marginalized" in a crowning moment of awesome this episode was going toward at least 7/10 rating. Unfortunately it spins out of control after that. I mean that's it, it should've been conclusion, that fight. Episode was about Marge beating her fear of going outside, right? When that conflict is solved, surely anyone can tell that that is where it should end. The whole Marge going over the top with her training is so fucked up out of character that I just can't accept it. Besides there isn't anything funny after that point. It's worthless. They would've been better off just airing 14-minute episode than this clusterfuck of a third act. It ruins the episode. On the humor front, Homer's Tetris game deserves a mention. 4/10 for great two acts. This was the real 300th episode.
Episode 10: Pray Anything
You have to admit it, after Scully era it's been like you're on classic era again. They churned out at least decent episodes week in week out. This one had an interesting premise which was well utilized. There was compact plot, good jokes and some excellent Flanders in this episode. You gotta love Ned's version of the ark. This isn't amazing or anything but everything is well made and therefore it justifies 6/10 rating.
Episode 11: Barting Over
So this was the episode that got advertised as 300th episode in the end. I guess they wanted to use more celebrity voices or something for the special episode. It was really the 302nd as is referenced in the episode. It has bad, bad case of jerkass-Homer and to some extent Bart acts pretty annoyingly too. Plot is okay and the idea of Bart moving to live on his own is interesting, but I think that in the end the conclusion is too easy, making the whole episode feel a little cheap. All in all it has some decent gags, fair plot and so-so characterizations. It's a decent episode, but for a milestone you'd hope for a better one. 4/10.
Episode 12: I'm Spelling As Fast As I Can
Another fair outing, but this one wasn't without it's problems. The ending is pretty bad. It would've been better as outright downer ending as it seemed to be. It might've been somewhat unsatisfying, but so was the current ending and at least that ending would've been stronger. I also feel that whole Lisa's dream sequence was a little odd. Other than that there's not much wrong. Plot is good and the subplot is great on humor while complimenting the mainplot well. Overall the episode could've been funnier, but it's still okay. I rate this one 5/10.
Episode 13: Star is Born-Again
This was a little dull to be honest. Most of the jokes you could see that were fun in theory just didn't work for some reason. Plot was fairly dull and predictable and the spotlight was completely out of OFF, expect Homer giving some occasional advice but even that wasn't that funny. I don't think there's any other problems except the dullness, I could say that Ned and Sara's relationship end sort of easily but that's it. Some people like this though and it's not horrible by any means. Certainly there's enough good stuff to merit 3/10.
Episode 14: Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington
Another quite dull episode. It improved a little after Krusty was involved in the plot, but that said it never soared very high on excitement. There's uninteresting plot, jokes don't work and involving Krusty just happens, there's no real reason for picking him out. Uninspired stuff for the most part, I'm gonna have to go for 2/10. I really though about giving it a one, it's so mediocre, but the Fox-jokes bring it up a tad.
Episode 15: C.E.D'oh
This was certainly an improvement. Premise is good and the execution is a decent one. Jokes are mostly average bar few highlights, like Maggie dancing and the Burns' Mausoleum gag. Homer becomes the plant owner perhaps a tad too late as it's not really explored that much. Homer just quickly deduces that he can't do the job and soon enough we have "305th everything is back to normal" ending. Decent but nothing else, 5/10.
Episode 16: 'Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky
Decent run continues though you'd kind of hope for really good episodes once in a while. This is another decent episode, solid mix of jokes and plot but nothing special in any way. It has some stupid jokes like Willie collecting glass shards with his tongue. Overall though it kept you entertained enough to get 4/10.
Episode 17: Three Gays of the Condo
It started of with a bit forced Marge-Homer conflict, it actually made me groan. But it got better as the show went on and in the end the way it started didn't matter that much. Homer with those gays is a good (if not all new) concept that works well enough. The puzzle plot seemed a bit detached of the main plot and could've been a bit shorter. Plot was a bit of a mess but for some reason it kept entertaining me until the end. Humor worked well apparently. Still it's only middle of the road episode, 5/10.
Episode 18: Dude, Where's My Ranch?
I don't like the premise, but that's not the biggest problem. I loathe the way Lisa was characterized in this episode. I am all for her having a dark side but I don't think that was the way she is supposed to act when thinking that this Luke guy had a girlfriend. I think she would be sad and just dump Luke. The other characterization problem in this episode was super-jerkass Homer. Granted, he is supposed to be somewhat jerkass towards Ned, but this went too far. The song could've at least been funnier. Maggie dancing seems to be the ace up their sleeve for saving episodes and also I liked the Moe-song in the end, so I can give this 2/10. Besides, why do they piss on the continuity for nothing? You don't need to be hardcore fan to know Lisa has had crushes before this. Sometimes I'm just baffled.
Episode 19: Olde Yeller Belly
There was some decent jokes in this one, but mostly this is pointless. These Santa's Little Helper plots seem not to work and it's really hard when SLH is even bigger of a loser than usually is. Besides Homer doesn't learn again a damn thing and the plot is scetchy. I mean how can the old owner just show up after 14 seasons and claim the dog back just on the basis what Homer said in some interview? 1/10.
Episode 20: Brake My Wife, Please
Fast-paces episode that I'm still trying to figure out. I'm sleep-deprived and seen about 100 episodes during the last 7 days so obviusly I'm going to struggle a bit on what was last episode and what I've seen earlier. This had too much going on. It actually started at the aquarium which was only faint memory by the end of the episode. Then we're at the hospital and all the sudden Homer's buying a new cellphone. So was this what episode was all about? No, it was about Marge's and Homer's marital crisis. Next Homer drives to the sea and loses his licence. That could've alone been the plot. Next we turn into how awesome walking all the sudden is for Homer and the Marge goes insane. Enough reciting the mess that the plot is, you got the point already. For "Dude, meet me in Montana, XX00, Jesus (H. Christ)" and some other good jokes it gets 3/10.
Episode 21: Bart of War
Another acceptable episode. Ned being a Beatles-fan was a bit odd thing to find out, especially this late in the series, but whatever. Bart's Beatles-hallucinations were funny. After the "Pre-Teen Braves" subplot kicked in it got a bit worse and the ending was pretty much ridiculous. Canada's national anthem was a bit of random humor that just didn't work. Overall, it's not too bad, but it lacks the classic jokes to be any better than 4/10.
Episode 22: Moe Baby Blues
This is absolutely amazing episode. Moe is characterized perfectly. His fondness for Maggie could've easily turned offputtingly creepy but they manage to pull it off. After that the thing is just near perfection. It's heartfelt, but because of Moe's character it's also inevitably funny. This episode pretty much finds the perfect balance between emotion and humor. I'd go as far as to say that this is the greatest post-classic episode ever. Way to end a season, 9/10.
Alright, that season is done. First full season of Jean's current regime and it consisted of tons of average episodes, few bad ones and only couple of truly great ones. There was five sixes though and ton of fives to even this out. It managed an average of 4,55. This means that it drops substantially from Season Thirteen. What this season's problem is that it has not enough truly great episodes. Also if there was couple of too many stinkers during this season. So have seen the post-classic peak already? Next season looks pretty similar to this - solid but unspectacular. There's bunch of episodes with the potential to hit great ratings. We'll see.
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 Thirteen 5.36
Season Nine 4.88
Season One 4.69
Season Fourteen 4.55
Season Twelve 4.29
Season Eleven 4.14
Season Ten 4.00
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 Thirteen 6 (27 %)
Season Nine 6 (24 %)
Season One 3 (23 %)
Season Twelve 2 (10 %)
Season Fourteen 2 (9 %)
Season Eleven 2 (9 %)
Season Ten 1 (4 %)
I've already watched 18 episodes today and theres still 7½ hours of the day left. Record seems very doable, crushable even. ½ hour an episode would take me to 33 episodes, but I know I could do even faster. I'll keep a short break though.
Season Fourteen - Episodes 1-4
Few episodes to finish off the day.
Episode 1: Treehouse of Horror XIII
Pretty solid THOH. All the segments were memorable, first one was the best but they were all pretty even. There could've been more funny stuff and some stuff were a bit too creepy, but it's solid effort and on par with requirements. My favorites were Homer-clone-horde and the shot of whole Springfield animalized - great sight gags. As for rating I'll give it 7/10.
Episode 2: How I Spent My Strummer Vacation
Another good episode. Quest stars were the whole point here and it's a memorable occassion with solid plot and lots of good laughs. I also thought it was cool to see clips during the credits from the recording of the voices. The ending was bit of a mess and the family crisis frame of it all felt a bit tacked on, but those were minor flaws in a decent episode. I'll go as high as 6/10 for this.
Episode 3: Bart vs. Lisa vs. The Third Grade
A decent episode, even if I don't particularly care for Lisa and Bart fighting -dynamic. I think that to get that deep into fighting they have to be a bit mischaracterized and although there was an effort to justify it, it was a bit too much still. They made up in the end, but that scene could've been better too. There's fair amount of jokes again, but nothing too special here. It's middle of the road, 5/10 episode.
Episode 4: Large Marge
Some people hate the premise of this episode, but I see nothing wrong with it. It's interesting and we get a whole lot of good visuals, if you know what I mean. Besides, it's a solid episode. Plot is relatively simple and well-constructed and there's enough good jokes to go around. If there ever is Simpsons fanservice, this episode is it. Solid 6/10 for this one.
That's the end of that day. I did 23 episodes today, about the daily quota. We're nearing the 300th episode. Seven full days to go and nearly 170 episodes to go. Basicly I can't have any off days anymore. Doing 30 episodes a day = record every day would leave me only little over a day to spare. Let's go for that first record tomorrow.
Episode 1: Treehouse of Horror XIII
Pretty solid THOH. All the segments were memorable, first one was the best but they were all pretty even. There could've been more funny stuff and some stuff were a bit too creepy, but it's solid effort and on par with requirements. My favorites were Homer-clone-horde and the shot of whole Springfield animalized - great sight gags. As for rating I'll give it 7/10.
Episode 2: How I Spent My Strummer Vacation
Another good episode. Quest stars were the whole point here and it's a memorable occassion with solid plot and lots of good laughs. I also thought it was cool to see clips during the credits from the recording of the voices. The ending was bit of a mess and the family crisis frame of it all felt a bit tacked on, but those were minor flaws in a decent episode. I'll go as high as 6/10 for this.
Episode 3: Bart vs. Lisa vs. The Third Grade
A decent episode, even if I don't particularly care for Lisa and Bart fighting -dynamic. I think that to get that deep into fighting they have to be a bit mischaracterized and although there was an effort to justify it, it was a bit too much still. They made up in the end, but that scene could've been better too. There's fair amount of jokes again, but nothing too special here. It's middle of the road, 5/10 episode.
Episode 4: Large Marge
Some people hate the premise of this episode, but I see nothing wrong with it. It's interesting and we get a whole lot of good visuals, if you know what I mean. Besides, it's a solid episode. Plot is relatively simple and well-constructed and there's enough good jokes to go around. If there ever is Simpsons fanservice, this episode is it. Solid 6/10 for this one.
That's the end of that day. I did 23 episodes today, about the daily quota. We're nearing the 300th episode. Seven full days to go and nearly 170 episodes to go. Basicly I can't have any off days anymore. Doing 30 episodes a day = record every day would leave me only little over a day to spare. Let's go for that first record tomorrow.
keskiviikko 22. syyskuuta 2010
Season Thirteen - Episodes 4-22
Episode 4: A Hunka Hunka Burns in Love
This is pretty good episode. Mr. Burns might be a little mischaracterized, but the plot is good stuff and humor is top notch. It's been a while since I last time chuckled so much along the episode. My favorite joke was when Marge wonders if the kids heard and then we see kids faces... Showing Flanders next is the crowning moment of that scene. Good plot combined with good humor, you can't go wrong with that. Still, it's not good enough to get better than 6/10.
Episode 5: The Blunder Years
The start of the episode was very uneven, overall at that point it just seemed silly. The episode turned around though once they started investigating that murder. The flashback scenes from Homer's youth were nice addition and had some good jokes. Plot was overall well built and every little detail was made use of. It was one of Scully era's best episodes, while still not being anything outrageously good. It marked the end of that era. 6/10. Next episode will be the first one with Jean as showrunner.
Episode 6: She of Little Faith
First really serious episode in a while. This tackles religion and while there could've been more satire and funny stuff, it works well for what it is; a character-driven story of Lisa's search for spiritual truth. I think she is well characterized here, maybe a bit heavy-handed in the church scene but other than that she is okay. The plot itself was fine and you gotta love Lenny & Carl in the buddhist temple. Richard Gere's quest appearance was okay, it could've been mediocre but it was handled well and he landed couple of funny lines. Marge and Homer were well characterized, though Marge was at times too stupid. That said, it's sort of realistic as I can remember many times when my parents misunderstood something as badly. Overall it's a strong outing and Jean gets a good start, 6/10.
Episode 7: Brawl in the Family
This episode had a weird atmosphere. And a weird structure, it basicly was - or should've been - two different episodes. Come to think of it, there was a little weird in everything. I'm not saying it's bad, but it did drag on at times and like I said, there should've been either two different episodes or they should've scratched the first half alltogether, because honestly it was pretty useless part. Episode got a bit interesting when the Vegas-wife plot came back into play, but it still managed to drag a bit on. Very mixed bag, but overall it leaves positive enough impression to get 4/10.
Episode 8: Sweets and Sour Marge
Really struggled to stay awake on this one. Partly because it's dull, partly because of my intense sleep-deprivation. Whichever it is, this simply didn't have that strong of a promise and it had Marge in a too big role. Marge really needs strong plot not to be dull, she can't elevate a mediocre plot similarly like for example Lisa can. It's not bad, it's merely an average episode. There was some decent attempts at humor and fairly well-constructed plot, enough to get it up to 3/10. Bit of Scullyesque episode, but that's what to be expected so close after his time.
Episode 9: Jaws Wired Shut
Very interesting episode. I considered this always a part of classic era, it's got that right feel in it, but it just shows how well my memory works. First half of the show was pretty well paced and Homer's transition is well made. Marge acts little oddly in the last act, but the Popeye-parody is so awesome that you don't even care. Overall this was a strong story that kind of naturally was also very funny episode. Top notch stuff and like I said, very classic era feeling episode. 7/10.
Episode 10: Half-Decent Proposal
It's amazing how steep the differences in both sides of the Scully era were in the end. We're only few episodes in Jean era and it has been more of consistent quality stuff they've put in. This one's expands on Artie Ziff's character and in other ways too the setting established in "The Way We Were". As such it's a solid showing. Characterizations are what they should be and everything just feels right, unlike in Scully era when even in good episodes you always felt that something was wrong. Humor was good in this one good especially I loved the line "If Marge marries Artie, I'll never be born." Pretty much flawless outing, and triumphant return to 8/10 ratings.
Episode 11: The Bart Wants What It Wants
I kept blacking out during this episode as well, so it's probably not the best review. It had plenty of fun stuff, even if I was too tired to really notice (now that didn't make any sense, did it?) Plot could've been "tighter" but as it is it works well enough. It's not bad episode by any means, but it falls short from excellent quality. I'm kinda split between 5 and 6, I'm going to go for 5/10 for now.
Episode 12: The Lastest Gun in the West
This episode was a mess. We start with uninteresting plot with the white dog and then proceed to even more uninteresting plot with that western guy. He is a complete stereotype and paperthin character and therefore I really don't give a damn what happens to him. There's some stupid metahumor as well. I like meta-jokes like anyone else, but when they're just tacked on they're not worth breaking the suspension of disbelief. They need to work, goddamit! There's couple of good jokes in the mix, which save this from the bottom rating, but overall it was pretty bad. 2/10.
To be honest.. I'm kind of sick of this. 10 episodes Simpsons a day is okay, but continuosly watching near 20 episodes a day.. Man that's crazy. I'm not giving up at this point, it's too late to turn back.
Episode 13: The Old Man and the Key
Again I had hard time staying awake, but it adds nice little challenge to this challenge. Premise wasn't particularly interesting and the end product isn't much better. I don't know, I didn't particularly care for this episode. Good gags were few and far between. It's okay, not bad, but not particularly good either. 3/10 for this episode also.
Episode 14: Tales from the Public Domain
It's another solid episode. These three-segment episodes are always memorable because they are so different from the usual. Here we have three quite strong stories that only needed an okay execution to work. The first segment was probably the best and they got gradually worse every segment, but they were all ok at least. There was plenty of good jokes in every segment. It's very solid episode, 7/10. Who doesn't love that Ghostbusters ending?
Episode 15: Blame it on Lisa
I can't help it but I got sort Simpson Safari vibe out of this episode. It has silly plot, the kind that seems staple for some reason for these travel episodes, some funny stuff and the usual Homer getting on trouble bit. Ronaldo's whereabout got solved a little easily, I guess the plot could've been better constructed. Some people actually like this quite a lot, and I can admit, it's nothing too bad, just nothing inspired either. Like so many episodes at this point. 4/10 is my rating for this.
Episode 16: Weekend at Burnsies
Fun episode if nothing else. It shows and makes fun of both sides of the matter, just like Simpsons did on their best days. Drugs are easy material for humor so this was obviously a fun episode to watch. That said, it's not perfect. It could've delved a lot deeper into it's theme as there was certainly enough material there, but instead we see extended periods of Homer getting stoned. The crow part in the beginning felt a little stupid too. It gave us a couple of jokes, but still, episode could've done without that and we've had more on the other plots like Homer getting a promotion. Still, it's solid episode, 6/10.
Episode 17: Gump Roast
I actually kind of liked this clipshow. Maggie's two first memories made me vomit through my eyes as well. The plot was just an excuse to show clips, but whatever. At least there was some new material, like the song, which was catchy and provided an ample montage of 13 years the Simpsons had seen by that point. They've truly had stories for years. I'm still waiting for that Marge becomes a robot -episode, though. 3/10 for this one, which is decent for a clipshow. I guess it's more down to the fact that I like the clips they picked.
Episode 18: I Am Furious Yellow
Another very good episode. Hilarious jokes, well-built and intersting plot, good usage of quest stars and decent characterization. Angry Dad cartoon's are great, as is Stan Lee's quest appearance. His interactions with Comic Book Guy are gold! The end with Homer turning Hulk could've been too silly, but it all worked perfectly and now it's just another very funny scene. I guess I'll go for 7/10 for this one. It lacked that little something to make it 8/10 episode.
Episode 19: The Sweetest Apu
Slowly but steadily we're coming closer to the end of the season. This episode was a little heavier on it's theme than recent episodes, but it still never fails to be funny. Great gag with Homer backpedaling combined with the music cue and some good Apu-lines are the most prominent jokes in this one. Marge was acting a little uncharacteristically and the plot started again far away from where it ended, but those are minor flaws. 5/10.
Episode 20: Little Girl in the Big Ten
A great episode - even when this has the disadvantage of being seen very recently by me. I've seen it before this blog, during the first run obviously, between the runs it aired on tv and now I watched it again. It had to endure lot more rewatching than other episodes therefore. Yet I liked it everytime. Some jokes, like Raplh's "Lisa's winning us back!" don't cause the out-loud laughing reaction anymore, but it's all good. The plot is set-up unrealistically though - There's no way that 8-year-old girl would pass up as college girl. But it's a cartoon so I'll allow it, besides it's a great concept, too good to pass up for such triviality as realism. Only problem with characterizations for me was Milhouse's hostility towards Lisa. I might be generous especially since it isn't surrounded by good to great episodes like classic era gems were, but I'm going to rate it 8/10 anyway.
Episode 21: The Frying Game
Hard episode to rate... It had some beautiful moments like Homer taking the blame of the murder and some funny moments as well. However, plot was overall too crazy and the Screamapillar was annoying and the most ridiculous plot device we've seen for a while. I'd say that it was weird premise executed very well. Green Mile parody was good as well. In the end good outweigh the bad and it's average 5/10 episode.
Episode 22: Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge
Fairly good episode, a little low on laughs compared to episodes that preceded it. There was good Sopranos-parody in it though that makes this episode memorable and the main plot was pretty solid. Homer is well characterized and you just gotta love Maggie. It doesn't have any real flaws, but it should be funnier and have more unique plot to make it to really high scores. 6/10 for this one.
That's the end of first season under current Jean tenure. Episode quality took a huge leap already. I'd say that there's some sort of postclassic era seasons 13-??, but we'll soon see how it is exactly. This averaged 5.36, beating Season Nine and barely losing to last classic season. Great season overall, but the great episode frequency recovered only partly - 6 episodes with 7 or better rating. The consistency made up for that. Looking at the Season Fourteen's episode list it seems that it's going to be another fair season. Let's see the lists.
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 Thirteen 5.36
Season Nine 4.88
Season One 4.69
Season Twelve 4.29
Season Eleven 4.14
Season Ten 4.00
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 Thirteen 6 (27 %)
Season Nine 6 (24 %)
Season One 3 (23 %)
Season Twelve 2 (10 %)
Season Eleven 2 (9 %)
Season Ten 1 (4 %)
Nineteen episodes already today and still time for few more. Record seems to be beyond reach though. I'll go for new record tomorrow.
This is pretty good episode. Mr. Burns might be a little mischaracterized, but the plot is good stuff and humor is top notch. It's been a while since I last time chuckled so much along the episode. My favorite joke was when Marge wonders if the kids heard and then we see kids faces... Showing Flanders next is the crowning moment of that scene. Good plot combined with good humor, you can't go wrong with that. Still, it's not good enough to get better than 6/10.
Episode 5: The Blunder Years
The start of the episode was very uneven, overall at that point it just seemed silly. The episode turned around though once they started investigating that murder. The flashback scenes from Homer's youth were nice addition and had some good jokes. Plot was overall well built and every little detail was made use of. It was one of Scully era's best episodes, while still not being anything outrageously good. It marked the end of that era. 6/10. Next episode will be the first one with Jean as showrunner.
Episode 6: She of Little Faith
First really serious episode in a while. This tackles religion and while there could've been more satire and funny stuff, it works well for what it is; a character-driven story of Lisa's search for spiritual truth. I think she is well characterized here, maybe a bit heavy-handed in the church scene but other than that she is okay. The plot itself was fine and you gotta love Lenny & Carl in the buddhist temple. Richard Gere's quest appearance was okay, it could've been mediocre but it was handled well and he landed couple of funny lines. Marge and Homer were well characterized, though Marge was at times too stupid. That said, it's sort of realistic as I can remember many times when my parents misunderstood something as badly. Overall it's a strong outing and Jean gets a good start, 6/10.
Episode 7: Brawl in the Family
This episode had a weird atmosphere. And a weird structure, it basicly was - or should've been - two different episodes. Come to think of it, there was a little weird in everything. I'm not saying it's bad, but it did drag on at times and like I said, there should've been either two different episodes or they should've scratched the first half alltogether, because honestly it was pretty useless part. Episode got a bit interesting when the Vegas-wife plot came back into play, but it still managed to drag a bit on. Very mixed bag, but overall it leaves positive enough impression to get 4/10.
Episode 8: Sweets and Sour Marge
Really struggled to stay awake on this one. Partly because it's dull, partly because of my intense sleep-deprivation. Whichever it is, this simply didn't have that strong of a promise and it had Marge in a too big role. Marge really needs strong plot not to be dull, she can't elevate a mediocre plot similarly like for example Lisa can. It's not bad, it's merely an average episode. There was some decent attempts at humor and fairly well-constructed plot, enough to get it up to 3/10. Bit of Scullyesque episode, but that's what to be expected so close after his time.
Episode 9: Jaws Wired Shut
Very interesting episode. I considered this always a part of classic era, it's got that right feel in it, but it just shows how well my memory works. First half of the show was pretty well paced and Homer's transition is well made. Marge acts little oddly in the last act, but the Popeye-parody is so awesome that you don't even care. Overall this was a strong story that kind of naturally was also very funny episode. Top notch stuff and like I said, very classic era feeling episode. 7/10.
Episode 10: Half-Decent Proposal
It's amazing how steep the differences in both sides of the Scully era were in the end. We're only few episodes in Jean era and it has been more of consistent quality stuff they've put in. This one's expands on Artie Ziff's character and in other ways too the setting established in "The Way We Were". As such it's a solid showing. Characterizations are what they should be and everything just feels right, unlike in Scully era when even in good episodes you always felt that something was wrong. Humor was good in this one good especially I loved the line "If Marge marries Artie, I'll never be born." Pretty much flawless outing, and triumphant return to 8/10 ratings.
Episode 11: The Bart Wants What It Wants
I kept blacking out during this episode as well, so it's probably not the best review. It had plenty of fun stuff, even if I was too tired to really notice (now that didn't make any sense, did it?) Plot could've been "tighter" but as it is it works well enough. It's not bad episode by any means, but it falls short from excellent quality. I'm kinda split between 5 and 6, I'm going to go for 5/10 for now.
Episode 12: The Lastest Gun in the West
This episode was a mess. We start with uninteresting plot with the white dog and then proceed to even more uninteresting plot with that western guy. He is a complete stereotype and paperthin character and therefore I really don't give a damn what happens to him. There's some stupid metahumor as well. I like meta-jokes like anyone else, but when they're just tacked on they're not worth breaking the suspension of disbelief. They need to work, goddamit! There's couple of good jokes in the mix, which save this from the bottom rating, but overall it was pretty bad. 2/10.
To be honest.. I'm kind of sick of this. 10 episodes Simpsons a day is okay, but continuosly watching near 20 episodes a day.. Man that's crazy. I'm not giving up at this point, it's too late to turn back.
Episode 13: The Old Man and the Key
Again I had hard time staying awake, but it adds nice little challenge to this challenge. Premise wasn't particularly interesting and the end product isn't much better. I don't know, I didn't particularly care for this episode. Good gags were few and far between. It's okay, not bad, but not particularly good either. 3/10 for this episode also.
Episode 14: Tales from the Public Domain
It's another solid episode. These three-segment episodes are always memorable because they are so different from the usual. Here we have three quite strong stories that only needed an okay execution to work. The first segment was probably the best and they got gradually worse every segment, but they were all ok at least. There was plenty of good jokes in every segment. It's very solid episode, 7/10. Who doesn't love that Ghostbusters ending?
Episode 15: Blame it on Lisa
I can't help it but I got sort Simpson Safari vibe out of this episode. It has silly plot, the kind that seems staple for some reason for these travel episodes, some funny stuff and the usual Homer getting on trouble bit. Ronaldo's whereabout got solved a little easily, I guess the plot could've been better constructed. Some people actually like this quite a lot, and I can admit, it's nothing too bad, just nothing inspired either. Like so many episodes at this point. 4/10 is my rating for this.
Episode 16: Weekend at Burnsies
Fun episode if nothing else. It shows and makes fun of both sides of the matter, just like Simpsons did on their best days. Drugs are easy material for humor so this was obviously a fun episode to watch. That said, it's not perfect. It could've delved a lot deeper into it's theme as there was certainly enough material there, but instead we see extended periods of Homer getting stoned. The crow part in the beginning felt a little stupid too. It gave us a couple of jokes, but still, episode could've done without that and we've had more on the other plots like Homer getting a promotion. Still, it's solid episode, 6/10.
Episode 17: Gump Roast
I actually kind of liked this clipshow. Maggie's two first memories made me vomit through my eyes as well. The plot was just an excuse to show clips, but whatever. At least there was some new material, like the song, which was catchy and provided an ample montage of 13 years the Simpsons had seen by that point. They've truly had stories for years. I'm still waiting for that Marge becomes a robot -episode, though. 3/10 for this one, which is decent for a clipshow. I guess it's more down to the fact that I like the clips they picked.
Episode 18: I Am Furious Yellow
Another very good episode. Hilarious jokes, well-built and intersting plot, good usage of quest stars and decent characterization. Angry Dad cartoon's are great, as is Stan Lee's quest appearance. His interactions with Comic Book Guy are gold! The end with Homer turning Hulk could've been too silly, but it all worked perfectly and now it's just another very funny scene. I guess I'll go for 7/10 for this one. It lacked that little something to make it 8/10 episode.
Episode 19: The Sweetest Apu
Slowly but steadily we're coming closer to the end of the season. This episode was a little heavier on it's theme than recent episodes, but it still never fails to be funny. Great gag with Homer backpedaling combined with the music cue and some good Apu-lines are the most prominent jokes in this one. Marge was acting a little uncharacteristically and the plot started again far away from where it ended, but those are minor flaws. 5/10.
Episode 20: Little Girl in the Big Ten
A great episode - even when this has the disadvantage of being seen very recently by me. I've seen it before this blog, during the first run obviously, between the runs it aired on tv and now I watched it again. It had to endure lot more rewatching than other episodes therefore. Yet I liked it everytime. Some jokes, like Raplh's "Lisa's winning us back!" don't cause the out-loud laughing reaction anymore, but it's all good. The plot is set-up unrealistically though - There's no way that 8-year-old girl would pass up as college girl. But it's a cartoon so I'll allow it, besides it's a great concept, too good to pass up for such triviality as realism. Only problem with characterizations for me was Milhouse's hostility towards Lisa. I might be generous especially since it isn't surrounded by good to great episodes like classic era gems were, but I'm going to rate it 8/10 anyway.
Episode 21: The Frying Game
Hard episode to rate... It had some beautiful moments like Homer taking the blame of the murder and some funny moments as well. However, plot was overall too crazy and the Screamapillar was annoying and the most ridiculous plot device we've seen for a while. I'd say that it was weird premise executed very well. Green Mile parody was good as well. In the end good outweigh the bad and it's average 5/10 episode.
Episode 22: Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge
Fairly good episode, a little low on laughs compared to episodes that preceded it. There was good Sopranos-parody in it though that makes this episode memorable and the main plot was pretty solid. Homer is well characterized and you just gotta love Maggie. It doesn't have any real flaws, but it should be funnier and have more unique plot to make it to really high scores. 6/10 for this one.
That's the end of first season under current Jean tenure. Episode quality took a huge leap already. I'd say that there's some sort of postclassic era seasons 13-??, but we'll soon see how it is exactly. This averaged 5.36, beating Season Nine and barely losing to last classic season. Great season overall, but the great episode frequency recovered only partly - 6 episodes with 7 or better rating. The consistency made up for that. Looking at the Season Fourteen's episode list it seems that it's going to be another fair season. Let's see the lists.
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 Thirteen 5.36
Season Nine 4.88
Season One 4.69
Season Twelve 4.29
Season Eleven 4.14
Season Ten 4.00
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 Thirteen 6 (27 %)
Season Nine 6 (24 %)
Season One 3 (23 %)
Season Twelve 2 (10 %)
Season Eleven 2 (9 %)
Season Ten 1 (4 %)
Nineteen episodes already today and still time for few more. Record seems to be beyond reach though. I'll go for new record tomorrow.
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