Friday, August 28, 2009

EPL Fantasy Draft Review






OK, time for a little fantasy football draft analysis. The fantasy football here would be English football in the English Premier League. It's tough to find a quality EPL fantasy league as all of them are salary cap based, so my friends and I created a league with a traditional American football format. We have 11 teams in the league which is a very good amount. You get points for goals, shutouts, assists, team of the week and negative for goals against and red cards. Each team has 16 players - 11 starters, 5 reserves - so by the end you are dipping into some little known players, but at the same time you don't need Burnley backup defenders or anything like that.
Last year I won the league with a drafted team of ....
Cesc Fabregas
Yakubu
Deco
Bosingwa
Theo Walcott
Andy Johnson
Aaron Lennon
Gary Neville
Ryan Nelson
Scott Carson
Robinho
Tom Huddlestone
Leighton Baines
Ben Haim
Steven Pienaar
El -Hadji Douif

And an ending team of
Fabregas
Bosingwa
Walcott
Johnson
Lennon
Robinho
Pienaar
Baines
James Beattie
Tim Howard
Rafael
Curtis Davies
K. Richardson
Sol Campbell
Jonny Evans
Mikel Silvestre

Yeah, so half of my team at the end of the season were players I originally drafted, and I would say other tops teams would have around the same % of original players. Thus, picking up quality players and I'm pretty sure most of my pickups were drafted this year, some in high rounds, is just as important as the draft.
But anyways, we will look at this years draft and criticise some people.

Here is how the draft went

Round 1
1. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) - New edition Carlo stole Stevie G from Worth. Smart pick as Gerrard was the Fantasy LeaguePlayer of the Season last year
2. Fernando Torres (Liverpool)- Best forward in the league?
3. Frank Lampard (Chelsea) - Obvious pick, could've went #1, will have triple digit points again this fantasy season
4. Wayne Rooney (Man U) - This would've been my top pick, especially because I don't pick Liverpool players, but I feel Rooney is due for his huge year.
5. Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea) - Last year's leading goal scorer. Will be solid, but maybe not as dynamic as Rooney, Torres, or Robinho
6. Robin Van Persie (Arsenal) - This manager does not take Chelsea, Man U, Tottenham or Liverpool players, so Arsenal's best player is an obvious choice, probably glad he didn't get a higher pick.
7. Adrei Arshavin (Arsenal) - Took the league by storm last season even though it was only for half the year. Great midfielder pick
8. Emmauel Adebayor (Man City) - Great striker, but a bit of a risk because City has a load of quality stikers.
9. Didier Droga (Chelsea) - slipped this far due to injury problems and possible move to Inter Milan, but could end up the leading goal scorer.
10. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) - Injuries and possible move to Barca make him slid this far, but everything Arsenal does goes through him.
11. Robinho (Man City) The steal of the draft last year in the 11th round (cuz he was on Real Madrid). Good pick at the end of the first round. Will start every game, albeit as more of a winger than an out-and-out striker.

Round 2
12. Rio Ferdinand (MAN U)- Surprised to see him go so high. I would've thought Terry or Vidic would be the first defender taken.
13. Berbatov (MAN U) - Huge disappointment last year, but I see him settling in at Man U, especially in the absense of Tevez
14. John Terry (Chelsea) - Strong pick at 14, one of a handful of marque defenders in the league.
15. Ashley Young (Aston Villa) - I love Ashley Young, think he will have an even better year than last, a steal at midfielder.

16. Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa) - Not a big fan of this pick. I see Agbonlahor getting similar points to Young, but Young is much more valuable due to his midfielder status.
17. Theo Walcott (Arsenal) - One of my favorites, but might be taken a round or so early.
18.Vidic (Man U) - Strong pick, good steal for last season's top scoring defender
19. Peter Cech (Chelsea) - First goalie taken, will get lots of shut-outs, probably more valuable than Van der Sar to to the latter's injury.
20.Patrice Evra (Man U) One of the Big Four defender you can pencil in to start every game. Wouldn't have been my choice, but I can't hate on it.
21. Dirk Kuyt (LIV) - Scored a lot of points last year, and this year his midfield eligibilty makes him even stronger. Watch out.
22. Pepe Reina (LIV) - Perphaps a little high, not sure if Liverpool is as strong desensively as in past years.

There you go, I won't bore you with every round. I'll just look at my team and some high and low light picks. Interesting note, only 6 teams were represented in the first 22 picks. and the next 3 rounds would only bring in two more teams (Everton and Fulham). Definitely a top-heavy league.

My Picks
1 (10 overall) Cesc Fabregas
2 (13) Berbatov
3 (32) Gael Clicy - Possible a bit high, but I see him as Arsenal's best defender. I really wanted Ashley Cole here, but he was taken the pick before.
4 (35) Jolean Lescott - Everton at the time, now Man City. Will that matter?
5. (54) Gareth Barry - Not sure about this one.
6. (57) John O'Shea - Quality Man Defender, will get lots of starts
7. (76) Robbie Keane - Got some ridicule for this pick, but at the end of the season I will stand by it.
8. (79) Micah Richards - last starting Man City Defender and looking at the other picks in this round - Deco, Giovanni, Shorey, C. Cole, C. Davies, Yobo, Carrick, Dempsey, Crouch, Nasri - I think I won this round. (Is Micah Richards the English version of me?)
9. (98) Michael Ballack - Good pick up for round 9
10. (101) Stuart Downing - Injured, but will boast the team come December
11. (120) Phil Neville - another Everton defender, most people forget about him
12. (123) Andy Johnson - Only player I have had all three years, got him round 2, round 6, now round 12.
13. (142) - Abu Diaby
14. (145) - Lucas Neill
15. (164) Jussi Jaaskalinen
16. (167) David Silva - didn't catch my Robinho this year

I am not as confident in my team this year as last. The league seems to be much more even as people are more used to it. But, i'm sure it will be spread out eventually. I really like my picks 7-9, but am uncertain about 3-6. I'll again need to steal pickups.

Here are some steals I saw in the draft
Ricardo Carvalho - Taken in mid 5th round, when Alex, his backup, was taking with the 1st pick in the 4th round and the other three starting Chelsea defenders were taking in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
Yakubu - Another 5th round steal, when the last two years he was taken in the second round
Aaron Lennon - Taken mid 7th round. Don't be surprised if this guy is the 5th best midfielder in the league. I should've taken him over Barry.

John Pantsil and Aaron Hughes - Two Fulham defenders, the rest of the starters went in rounds 4, 6 , and 9.
Jonny Evans and Wes Brown - Two Man U defenders taken back to back in the 13th round, both could start regularly
Charles N'Zogbia - nice to get a reliable midfielder in the 15th round

Not So Clever Picks
Rosicky and Eduardo in the 5th round. About two rounds too early for each
Jo - 6th round - 3rd choice striker on a team that plays one striker
Daniel Agger - 7th round - not sure if he will play at all
Danny Murphy - 7th round - a reliable midfielder, but probably could've got him much later
Zhirkov - 7th round - will he play at Chelsea or be another Alexi Smertin/Tiago?
Titus Bramble - 13th round - Hmm, team of the week in the first week, -4 the second week, more like I expected
Daniel Sturridge 14th round - Might as well have picked Tab Ramos



From the looks for peoples teams I see Jesse and Carlo struggling.
I like Dustin's team, but I think his tandem up top of Kevin Davies and Eduardo is too weak.
Despite the high number of Croatians, I really like Nik's team.
Worth should do well again, if only because he puts in much effort. Might be to relient on Liverpool, just like BJ is too relient on Arsenal.
Raubert has a marked improvement on last years team and could challenge if he gets rid of some of his dead weight.
Junkie has a strong squad, but that Alex pick may hurt. Too early to call out the teams to beat. It'll be another fun year!

Friday, August 14, 2009

2009/2010 English Premier League Preview




Exciting time! The English Premier League starts tomorrow, so before I get into my fantasy league review, I thought I would give you a nice little preview of this year's English Premier League. It's always a bit premature to make any predictions before the end of the transfer window at the end of the month, but all give it a try anyways.

A few of the big stories are the massive amounts of money coming in from the UEA to Manchester City, Christiano Ronaldo leaving to Real Madrid, the Rafa/Fergie feud, and the relative weakness of the bottom half of the league.

Here are my picks. Enjoy.

1. Chelsea – This pick may be a bit of a surprise, but I like Chelsea. They have only added a few role players, but that is what they need. You shouldn’t take too much stock in the preseason, but Chelsea has looked pretty good. Drogba seems ready and committed, Anelka looks like a video game player, and Lampard and Terry are always more than solid. I look for Chelsea to continue their Hiddink form under Ancelotti. They will get back Ricardo Carvalho and Joe Cole, both who missed much of last season due to injury.

Player to watch: Ivanovic – This young kid looks pretty solid. He can play in the central or on the wing and may soon take the place of Bosingwa

2. Manchester United – Champions for the past 3 years will now have questions with the loss of Ronaldo and Tevez. Still an amazing team capable of winning the league and the Champion’s League. Look for Rooney to step up and for Berbatov to have a much better season than last. Defense and ‘keeper (once Van der Sar is back) are the best in the league. What also sets Man U apart is its array of young talent. You have Jonny Evans, Rafael, his brother, and a few young strikers who are ready to step in and perform at a high level on any given day. Carrick is a stud in midfield who makes things happen and watching Michael Owen will certainly be interesting.


Player to watch: Vidic – An amazing defender, in the Premier League Top XI if you ask me. This guy defends and scores on set pieces, definitely has over taken Rio Ferdinand as the heart of the Man U defense

3. Liverpool – Lots of hype for Liverpool in the last few years. They were very close last season, but their away woes, especially against lower level teams have really prevented them from taking the top spot. One could argue that they have the best striker (Torres), best midfielder (Gerrard), and best keeper (Reina), but I still do not think they have enough depth to take the title. Their defense, always impressive, is very much based on a strong team aspect, rather than individual brilliance you see from other top teams, but the constant changing of the starting XI, similar to Ranieri a while ago at Chelsea, could cause inconsistency.

Player to watch: Beneyoun – This guy always seems to pop up in the right place at the right time. Constant motor, big game player

4. Manchester City –

I think it is time, for the first time since 2005, for a new team to enter the top 4. No more “big four”. I was skeptical of Man City last year. The sprayed a lot of money all over the place, but not that wisely. This summer was a different story. They obtained proven Premier League players – Tevez, Adebayor, Toure, Barry, Santa Cruz. I think Barry will be the key, holding things down in the middle, distributing to all the strikers and goal scorers. Too many stars? Could be a problem. And I see the defense preventing them from seriously challenging for the title.

Player to Watch: Tevez – let’s see if he can return to his West Ham dominance.

5. Arsenal – I can’t remember years when multiple top teams – Man U, Arsenal, Villa – seemingly got worse, losing players and not really buying any top notch replacements. Arsenal have lost two of their top players – Toure and Adebayor – and should again be marked by the inconsistency that plagued them last season and saw them barely manage 4th place. They still have loads of young talented, fun to watch players – Fabregas, Arshavin, Van Persie, Walcott – but I believe they do not have the toughness to maintain their champions league spot.

Player to watch: Arshavin – Eduardo – Croatian Sensation. Only played a few games last year, but if healthy, watch for him to score loads of goals as he does for Croatia.

6. Tottenham – It seems like every year Tottenham spend lots of money and have aspirations to challenge the top four and end up being utterly disappointing. I hate to say it but I think Harry Redknapp is finally shifting the Spurs in the correct directions. 4 solid strikers with the addition of Peter Crouch. A strong midfield with Modric and Lennon playing well. And the defensive woes that plagued them during the first half of last season seemed to be righted as well. Again I am looking at the form of the end of last season, so I see the Spurs taking 6th

Player to watch: Aaron Lennon – this kid is sick. So much speed down the wing

7. Everton – I hate to say this, as most of my readers know Everton are my team, but Everton have added little this summer except for a bit more audaciousness to their hair. Save maybe Hibbert, the first choice starting 11 is as solid as any. Everton are definitely a TEAM, all playing equally well and equally hard with a tremendous work ethic instilled by manager David Moyes. But lack of depth and injuries from last campaign will see Everton start very slowly, much like last year. Starting without Arteta and Jagielka will hurt. I hope to see a hungry Yak as usually, but missing 10 months is a long time. Lescott will not leave. Baines is stepping it up and hopefully Yak, Jo, and Saha can put some goals in the net.

Player to Watch: Pienaar – Stephen Pienaar was on fire at the end of last year, providing the allusive playmaker the Toffees needed. He continued this great play in the Confederations Cup, so look for another exciting season for Pienaar

Americans: 1

8. Aston Villa – They challenged for the top four for much of last year, but the loss of Barry and Laursen will hurt a lot. Great attacking options – Heskey, Carew, Young, Agbonlahor, Milner – but not a great goal scoring team, seem to falter in the big games. You got to love two American goalies, but defense is a big question mark. I don’t see the same success as last year.

Player to watch: Ashley Young – another great young attacking winger. Will he keep newboy Downing out of the lineup?

Americans: 2

9. Fulham - Fulham definitely over-achieved last year and should enjoy their European football while it lasts. Defense keeps them in most games and often times they only need one goal to take the three points. Solid mid-table team

Player to watch – Mark Schwarzer – one of the best ‘keepers in the world

Americans: 1

10. Sunderland- Look for Steve Bruce to turn Sunderland into a dependable mid-table side. Two nice new additions with Darren Bent, who seems to score everywhere he goes no matter how much playing time or if the coach likes him or not, and U-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole. Nothing special really, flying the flag for the Northwest now, and shouldn’t need to sweat it out on the final day of the season.

Player to watch: Kenwyne Jones – This Trinidadin has strength, pace, and quality in the air and solid dreds.

11. West Ham – I’m not buying all the Zola hype. I see average defense, and average midfield, and an average at best strikeforce. There is a lot of excitement at Upton Park, but I’m not really sure why.

Player to watch: hmm, it will be fun to see how many matches Dean Ashton plays

Americans: 1

12. Bolton - The mediocrity continues. Bolton are solid. They play route 1 football with Kevin Davies up top and have an adequate back line with the addition of Zat Knight, but are really lacking in the midfield. Nothing too exciting, but with the second half of the league so poor, should really not be in the relegation fight.

Player to watch – Matthew Taylor – this guy scores lots of quality goals.

13. Stoke – Defied many by staying up rather easy last season and finishing 12th. Similar to Everton before Moyes sans Big Dunc – hard work, route 1 football, strong workmen in the midfield and solid D. Beattie and Fuller are quality strikers.

Player to watch – Rory Delap – he makes throw-ins exciting!

14. Birmingham – This team has a enough Premiership rejects – Lee Carsley, Lee Bowyer, Marcus Bent, Kevin Phillips, James McFadden, Stephen Carr, Stuart Parnaby, Franck Queudrue, Liam Ridgewell – to field an entire side. That should be enough to stay up.

Player to watch: Barry Ferguson – watch for profane hand signs from the sideline

15. Blackburn – Wow, pretty unremarkable here. Decent in a few spots with Gamst Pedersen and McCarthy, but lacking flair and play making overall. Can’t even tell you who starts in the midfield. Look for the Rovers to remain in the relegation fight the entire season.

Player to watch: Christopher Samba – he is a massive man at the center of the D, but also gets the occasion start up top when changes are needed

16. Wigan – Each year I expect Wigan to be relegated, but they over perform and are usually not even in the discussion. I expect them to be in the discussion, but I see their defense and ‘keeper to allow them to stay in the Premier League for another season.

Player to Watch: Jason Scotland - 2nd leading scorer in the Championship last year oh, and Titus Bramble. Will he get more goals or own goals? Tough one.

17. Portsmouth – Many of the experts are picking Pompey to go down. I think they will be very close, selling top striker Peter Crouch and top defender and midfielder Glen Johnson. But that money is going to debts, not to bettering the squad. Goals will be very, very tough to come by. Look for the veteran, albeit slow and old back line of David James, Sol Campbell, and Sylvan Distan to keep them up.

Player to Watch: Piquionne – Goals need to come from somewhere and this could be the source

18. Burnley – I don’t know much about Burnley. They could be like last year’s Stoke or last year’s West Brom. I don’t think they have enough class to stay up

19. Wolves – Wolves start the year at the bottom of the table (last alphabetically). Will they end there? It’s a distinct possibility. They are hoping they will fair better than their previous and only time in the Premiership, 2003-2004, finishing dead last.

Player to watch: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake

20. Hull City –

Only once this decade has the team that finished 17th the previous year been relegated. Look for Hull to pull a West Brom and be the second. I just don’t see a strong enough side. In fact, the team was rather dreadful the final 5 months. Hopefully Jozy Altidore will get some much need playing time.

Player to Watch: Jozy

Americans: 1


Game on

Thursday, March 26, 2009

March Madness Thoughts

Wow, I am doing horrible in my pools. In fact I am in last place in 3 of 4. Damn, that is bad. So, don't really listen to anything I say.

Some people have been hating on this tournament because of its lack of upsets and buzzer beaters, but I think it has been pretty entertaining. Just look at Friday night and Saturday night. All the big teams save UCONN have been challenged. LSU made UNC look beatable same with Louisville against Siena and Pittsburgh twice. I think the case in a lot of instances was just the better team winning.

Also noticed that in almost all the close games, the team I was rooting for lost, but I guess that makes sense when you root for the underdog.
Friday was good as I was rooting for Wisconsin, Oklahoma St., Marquetee, and Siena, but Saturday blew - Duke, UNC, Purdue, and Gonzaga all winning close games. Man, then Sunday was more of the same.

I am glad I am a Wisconsin fan and not a Marquette fan. I am not a Marquette hater, but it's kinda funny. They waited 4 years for this? This was supposed to be their year, with the three senior guards, while it was a down year for UW. I was much more pleased this year with the Badgers as there was no expectations like in years past. I knew they were still gonna be good last year, winning the regular season and tournament and making it to the Sweet Sixteen, and I knew they would be OK this year, but sorry Badger fans, I think their NCAA tournament run ends next year. Is Travon Hughes really going to lead them? Jason Bohannan? Tim Jarmuz? I still, though consider Wisconsin a top 20 program. Maybe that is the homer in me, but 2nd Round, Sweet 16, 2nd Round, 1st Round, Elite 8, 2nd Round, Sweet 16 - that is a pretty good 7 year run.

As for teams still in the tournament, I hope it is not again all #1 seeds. That would be boring. I think the #2 seeds are vulnerable, so possible a 3 seed could sneak in the Final Four. Hopefully by the end of the day, I will no longer be last in my pools.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

What is the best season of The Simpsons?


SticSticking with the Simpsons posts here. There is so much great stuff there, one could definitely devote an entire blog to The Simpsons.

Today we are looking at the best Simpsons seasons. I was again going to do a countdown myself, but I think this time we will go for some audience participation. Simply vote for what you think is the best season over on the right hand side.
Below I will take a look at each season, posting it's resume ala-Selection Sunday.
Popular thought is that seasons 4-6 are the best, but I will expand things a bit to include 2-7. That is The Simpsons in its prime.


Season 2
Summary: Season two is where the Simpsons began to take shape. It was still very much a children's show with Bart as the central character, but see begin to see it maturing. Home takes a more central role and we see some episodes focusing on minor characters. First appearances of many favorites - Lionel Hutz, Troy McClure, Dr. Hibbert, Professor Fink, Ralph Wiggum, Comic Book Guy, and Groundskeeper Willie
Best Episode: Blood Feud
Great Episodes:
Good Episodes: Bart Gets an F, Bart Gets Hiy by a Car, One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish Blue Fish, Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment, Lisa's Substitute
Bad Episodes: Treehouse of Horror, War of the Simpsons

Season 3
Summary: This is the season where classic Simpsons begins. We have the blend ridiculous humor and character development and emotional driven episodes. It is still a bit inconsistent, though. Best episodes still Bart-centric.
Best Episode: Homer at the Bat
Great Episodes: Bart the Lover, Bart the Murderer
Good Episodes: The Otto Show, Radio Bart, Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk, Flaming Moes, Lisa the Greek, Saturdays of Thunder, Treehouse of Horror II, Stark Raving Dad,
When Flanders failed
Bad Episodes: Like Father, Like Clown, Colonel Homer, Brother Can You Spare Two Dimes?


Season 4

Summary: Here we have Simpsons at its best and brightest. There is absurd humor, gag-filled episodes, and continued emotion driven episodes. Here is where we often see the classical plotted episodes. We see more and more of minor characters in starring roles or at least well defined roles. Very consistent season. Greatly written and greatly creative.
Best Episode: Last Exit to Springfield
Great Episodes: Brother from the Same Planet, Marge vs. the Monorail, A Streetcar Named Marge, Marge in Chains, Mr. Plow
Good Episodes: Lisa's First Word, Selma's Choice, I Love Lisa, Duffless, Krusty Gets Canceled, New Kid on the Block, Whacking Day
Bad Episodes: Lisa the Beauty Queen, The Front, Homer the Heretic


Season 5:
Summary: Similar to season 4, very consistent, more use of minor characters. This is though, where stories begin to get a bit ridiculous and unbelievable and the show begins to parody itself a bit too much. Full, rich episodes. Loads of parodies and spoofs. This is where we see Homer obviously being the most used character.
Best Episode: $pringfield
Great Episodes: Rosebud, Cape Feare, Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baddasssss Song, The Last Temptation of Homer
Good Episodes: Bart's Inner Child, Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy, Deep Space Homer, Homer and Apu, Bart Gets Famous, Homer goes to College, Homer's Barbershop Quartet, Burn's Heir
Bad Episodes: Homer the Vigilante, Lady Bouvier's Lover


Season 6

Summary: Season 6 is very much a combo of seasons 4 and 5. It has full ridic episodes as well as some unbelievable ones. We see Homer ingraining himself as the star character. I feel this is where there begins to be some bad episodes that make the good ones seem even better. Lots of amazing eps, though.
Best Episode: Bart's Comet
Great Episodes: Lisa's Rival, Bart of Darkness, A Star is Burns, Treehouse of Horror V, Who Shot Mr. Burns Pt. 1
Good Episodes: And Maggie Makes Three, Homer the Great, Homer Badman, Two Dozen and One Greyhounds, Homie the Clown
Bad Episodes: Grandpa vs, Sexual Inadequacy, Fear of Flying, Lisa's Wedding, Round
Springfield, The Springfield Connection, Lemon of Troy

Season 7
Summary: Season 7 was a mixed bag. Some of it was very close to the best of seasons past, but much of it was straying from what made The Simpsons great. Some awesome stories, some too wild.
Best Episode: 22 short Films About Springfield
Great Episodes:
Good Episodes: King Sized Homer, Bart Sells His Soul, A Fish Called Selma
Bad Episodes: Mother Simpson, Marge Be Not Proud, Two Bad Neighbors, Scenes from the Class Struggle in Springfield, Bart the Fink, Abe Simpson and "The Flying Hellfish"

There you go folks. Vote for the Best!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Best Simpsons Episodes Ever!

Well, we have finally made it to the top tier of our Simpsons Best Episodes Countdown. These are the 13 top episodes ranging from seasons 3-8. The classics are here - Last Exit to Springfield, Monorail, Rosebud- the three predicted by Thorzul - Homer at the Bat, 22 Short Films, Hank Scorpio- and a few surprises.
At the end of last entry, we looked at the usual construction of a classic Simpsons Episode - something rather crazy starts the episode, which causes some sort of problem which the lead character, usually one of the Simpsons must solve, and in solving it, there is actual character development and sentimental situations, so usually the first part of the episode is more funny and the second more sincere. I think that is a pretty good Simpsons mold, and you will see, most episodes on this list fit that mold.

And here they are The Best Simpsons Episodes ever.....

13.) You Only Move Twice
Season 8
Writer: John Swartzwelder
What happens: Homer gets a new job in a new city. The rest of the family is against moving. Homer's new boss Hank Scorpio is an evil genius. In the end, Homer does what is best for his family and moves back to Springfield.
Why 13? You can't go wrong with a James Bond Parody. Also this is a rare episode where the entire Simpsons family each has a story line. This is also classic Homer here, clueless but not a goon or buffoon. Also, this was back when FOX first got the MLB playoffs, so you had to wait forever to get new Simpsons. This was the first non-Halloween ep of the season, so anticipation was high. A gem of an epsiode when things were starting to go downhill.
Funny Stuff: Aw, The Denver Broncos?!
Hank Scorpio is great. I loved the coat gag, well delivered, even if it was similar to Lionel Hutz's tie gag. And he just pulls sugar out of his pocket!
Mr. Bont!
The Hammock District
Mr. Scorpio says productivity is up two percent, and it's all because of
my motivational techniques. Like, donuts. And a possibility of more
donuts to come.




12.) A Star is Burns

Season 6
Writer: Ken Keeler
What happens?: The town decides to have a film festival after it is named the least cultural city in the U.S. The Critic comes to Judge the festival. Mr. Burns tries to buy the award for best film.
Why 12? This is one of the most iconic episodes of The Simpsons, but it is rather inconsistent. This is a rare episode where the second half is funnier than the first. The stuff with Jay Sherman isn't funny.
In fact, Matt Groening was very much against this episode as he saw it as just a big promo for The Critic, and wanted to pull the ep off the air. He did not to commentary on the DVD or put his name on the credits.
But when it is on, it is great! I think Boo-urns is the most used Simpsons quote. I use it like 5 times a day.
Funny Stuff:
Audience: Boo!  Boo!

Burns: Smithers...are they booing me?
Smithers: Uh, no, they're saying "Boo-urns! Boo-urns!"

Burns: Are you saying "boo" or "Boo-urns"?
Audience: Boo! Boo!
Hans: I was saying "Boo-urns"...


Homer: Marge, are we Jewish?
Marge: No, Homer.
Homer: Woo hoo!

Senor Spielbergo
Listen, Spielbergo, Schindler and I are like peas in a pod:
we're both factory owners, we both made shells for the
Nazis, but mine worked, dammit! Now go out there and win me
that festival!
Football in the groin with Hans Moleman or George C. Scott
But...the ball!  His groin!  Ah ha!  It works on so many levels!


11.) A Streetcar Named Marge
Season 4
Writer: Jeff Martin
What Happened? Streetcar Named Desire as a musical starring Marge as Blanche. The show makes her realized Homer doesn't always treat her right.
What #11? I don't want you thinking I like musical numbers and Jon Lovitz, but this was a great ep, a great character study of Homer and Marge. The B story of Maggie at the day care was cute, anything to The Great Escape music is awesome.
Funny Stuff:
All these obvious character from the Simpsons playing other characters was great.
Another amazing Hutz line: Lionel Hutz, attorney-at-law. I'm filing a class-action suit against the director on behalf of everyone who was cut from the play. I also play Mitch!

   If you ask me, they're all winners!

We'll be cutting our first 40 contestants right after this.


-- Troy McClure





Marge: I thought it would be a good chance to


meet some other adults.
Homer: [eyes fixed on the television set] Sounds interesting.

Marge: You know, I spend all day home with Maggie. Sometimes it's
like I don't even exist.
Homer: [eyes fixed on the television set] Sounds interesting.

Homer: I can't fake an interest in this, and I'm an expert at faking an
interest in your kooky projects.



10.) Bart of Darkness
Season 6
Writer: Dan McGrath
What happens? It is a hot, hot summer and Lisa and Bart convince Homer to get a pool. The whole school comes to swim. Bart falls because his epidermis is showing and Lisa becomes cool. Then comes the Rear Window parody with Bart who thinks Flanders killed his wife.
Why 10? This is the first episode of season 6 and one of the first times FOX had the playoffs, so we had to wait a long time for this. FOX had already learned to start out the season with a Bart-centered episode and this one did not disappoint. Good story, well paced, Lisa and Bart switching places was a good idea. Simple story and fun. Good use of Homer as a minor character, where he is often at his best and multiple funny lines by Martin.
Funny stuff:
The ep starts off with Homer and Bart cooling themselves down by rubbing frozen veggies all over themselves. "I got the idea when I noticed the refrigerator was cold"
"ICE CREAM, ICE CREAM, I'm all outta ice cream."
Let us celebrate our new arrangement with the adding of chocolate to milk.




Great scene with Chief Wiggum in the helicopter
 Do not be alarmed,
continue swimming naked. [eats popcorn] Aw, c'mon, continue!
Come on! Oh...
And Cherri and Terri becoming friends with Lisa
Isn't it amazing the same day you got a pool is the
same day we realized we liked you?


The Chlorine scene was funny and Millhouse signing Bart's cast Millpool and the weird Jimmy Stewert Character.
Martin: Ah, my plan has come to fruition.  Soon _I'll_ be queen of

summertime. Er, king. King!

Bart: Listen, Ned Flanders murdered his wife!
Homer: But why? She's such a fox.

[Marge scowls at him]
I mean, what's on Fox tonight?


Great end to the episode as well, Frank Sinatra in the background
Martin: Oh. The gentle caress of the summer breeze.

9.) Lisa's Rival
Season 6
Writer: Mike Scully
What Happened? Another smarter younger student threatens Lisa's place at school and a strange B story with Homer and Sugar.
Why 9? Lisa is not my favorite character, but she works well here interacting with Allison and when asking Bart for help. Simple story again. This is episode 2 of season 6, immediately after Bart of Darkness, just like this list. B story was funny, but weird.
Funny Stuff:
Obvious highlight was the Star Wars action figures and Skinner's reaction
Pre-packaged "Star Wars" characters, still in their display
box? Are those the limited-edition action figures?


Why it's Luke, and Obi-Wan, and my favorite, Chewie! They're


all here! [to Miss Hoover] What do you think?

Hoover: [bored] I think it's lunch time.
Skinner: We have a winner!


And the anagram game
Taylor: Oh, don't be modest. I'm glad we have someone who can join us
in our anagram game.
Alison: We take proper names and rearrange the letters to form a
description of that person.
Taylor: Like, er...oh, I don't know, uh...Alec Guinness.
Alison: [thinks] Genuine class.
Taylor: Ho ho, very good. All right, Lisa, um...Jeremy Irons.
Lisa: [looks with consternation] Jeremy's...iron.
Taylor: Mm hmm, well that's...very good...for a first try. You know
what? I have a ball. [pulls one from his pocket] Perhaps you'd
like to bounce it?


Also multiple funny Ralph lines
"My cats name is mittens"
"What's a diorama?"
"My cat's breath smells like cat food."
I bent my Wookie."

Also very funny was the scene with the Beekeepers. Epitome of The Simpsons and how something seemingly normal is made laugh out loud funny. Transcribing this does not do it justice, just watch it and the walking clock bit from Sweet Seymour Skinner
Beekeeper 1: Well, sure is quiet in here today.


Beekeeper 2: Yes, a little too quiet, if you know what I mean.

Beekeeper 1: Hmm...I'm afraid I don't.
Beekeeper 2: You see, bees usually make a lot of noise. No noise --
suggests no bees!
Beekeeper 1: Oh, I understand now. Oh look, there goes one now.

Beekeeper 2: To the Beemobile!
Beekeeper 1: You mean your Chevy?
Beekeeper 2: Yes.



The beekeepers track their bees down to Homer's sugar pile.

Beekeeper 1: Well, very clever, Simpson, luring our bees to your sugar
pile and selling them back to us at an inflated price.
Homer: Bees are on the what now?
Beekeeper 2: Simpson, you diabolical...we're willing to pay you $2000
for the swarm. [starts counting money]
Homer: Deal!

Love in a Time of Scurvy
Classic Homer :
Marge: While you were out "earning" that dollar, you lost forty dollars
by not going to work. The plant called and said if you don't
come in tomorrow, don't bother coming in Monday.
Homer: Woo hoo! A four-day weekend.

Lisa: You're younger than me too?
[look worried, starts breathing into her paper lunch bag]
Alison: Are you hyperventilating?
Lisa: No...I just like to smell my lunch.



Diorama-rama
Uter and the chocolate factory
And for some reason, Bart's plan to spray Allison with the hose was great.


8.) 22 Short Films About Springfield
Season 7
Writers: Jeff Appel, David S. Cohen, Jonathan Collier, Jennifer Crittenden, Greg Daniels, Brent Forrester, Rachel Pulido, Steve Tompkins, Josh Weinstein, Bill Oakley, Matt Groening
What Happened? Many things
Why 8? This was the one with many small stories, a Pulp Fiction parody. It had some great parts, but some not so great parts. Not higher because it lacked the sentimentality and emotion of other great episodes.
Funny Stuff:
Very Tall Man
Krusty Burger vs. McDonalds
Maggie in the Newspaper Stand
But I will give you what you want, or at least what I want....Steamed Hams!

If written many times that something was one of my favorite skits or gags or lines or scenes, but here is my alltime favorite Simpsons scene.
Elsewhere in Springfield, Superintendent Chalmers walks up to the

door of a neatly-kept house. Principal Skinner greets him there.
Chalmers just grunts as the two men go inside. Skinner heads for
the kitchen, where he notices smoke billowing out from the stove
.

The worst has happened -- the roast he has prepared is burnt.

Skinner, however,
has an ace up his sleeve. He plans to purchase
fast food from the Krusty Burger across the street and pass it as his
own cooking. Skinner starts to climb out the window when Chalmers

suddenly comes into the kitchen.

Chalmers: Seymour!

Skinner: Superintendent; I was just, uh, just stretching my calves on
the windowsill. Isometric exercise. Care to join me?
Chalmers: Why is there smoke coming out of your oven, Seymour?
Skinner: Uh, oh, that isn't smoke, it's steam. Steam from the steamed
clams we're having. [rubs stomach] Mmm -- steamed clams.

Either Chalmers is satisfied with this explanation, or decides not
to pursue the matter further. In any case, he goes back to the

dining room. Skinner jumps out the window and runs over to the
Krusty Burger after Chalmers leaves.

A few minutes later, Skinner makes an entrance the dining room
carrying a big platter of Krusty Burgers.

Skinner: Superintendent, I hope you're ready for mouth-watering
hamburgers.
Chalmers: I thought we were having steamed clams.
Skinner: Oh, no, I said, "steamed hams." That's what I call
hamburgers.
Chalmers: You call hamburgers steamed hams.
Skinner: Yes, it's a regional dialect.
Chalmers: Uh-huh. What region?
Skinner: Uh, upstate New York.
Chalmers: Really. Well, I'm from Utica and I never heard anyone use
the phrase, "steamed hams."
Skinner: Oh, not in Utica, no; it's an Albany expression.
Chalmers: I see.

Chalmers suspends his disbelief long enough to enjoy some of
Skinner's steamed hams.

Chalmers: You know, these hamburgers are quite similar to the ones the
have at Krusty Burger.
Skinner: [laughs] Oh, no, patented Skinner Burgers. Old family
recipe.
Chalmers: For steamed hams.
Skinner: Yes.
Chalmers: Yes, and you call them steamed hams despite the fact that
they are obviously grilled. [shows Skinner the grill marks]
Skinner: Uh ... you know ... one thing I sh-- ... 'scuse me for one
second.
Chalmers: Of course.


Skinner retires to the kitchen for a second. When he walks back
into the dining room, we can see that the entire kitchen is in
flames.


Skinner: [faking a yawn] Well, that was wonderful. Good time was had
by all. I'm pooped.
Chalmers: Yes, I guess I should be --
[notes entire kitchen is on fire]
Good Lord, what is happening in there?
Skinner: Aurora Borealis?
Chalmers: Aurora Borealis? At this time of year? A this time of day?
In this part of the country? Localized entirely within your
kitchen?
Skinner: Yes.
Chalmers: May I see it?
Skinner: Oh, erm... No.

Awesome

7.) Marge vs. the Monorail
Season 4
Writer: Conan O'Brien
What Happens? You know this one. Mono= One Rail = Rail
Town gets money from Burns for nuclear waste dumping. Gets swindled by Lyle Langley (Phil Hartman into building a monorail. He skims tons off the top and the monorail doesn't work, but Homer and Leonard Nimoy? save the day
Why 7? Classic episode, lots of great lines. Large town scene, again with ideas of what to do with a large amount of money. A couple of slow scenes in the second half though prevent it from being higher and lots of great one liners, but not extended gags.
Funny Stuff: lots
"I call the big one Bitey."
"Batman was a scientist"
Do you want to change your name to Homer, Junior?


The kids can call you Ho-Ju!

Marge: We're too late!
Cobb: I have stopped for that haircut. Sorry.

`Solar power. When will people learn?

You call that an anchor?

No fat chicks
Homer trying to seduce Marge was hilarious. Another one that can't be transcribed. Check it out.


6.) Homer at the Bat
Season 3
Writer: John Swartzwelder
What happened? Mr. Burns had a million dollar bet on te plant softball team, so he hired ringers to play. Ever player save one had a strange incident or accident that left them unable to play. The only one able to play was Daryl Strawberry, who played Homer's position. In the end, with the game tied, Mr. Burn's played the percentages and took Strawberry out in favor of Homer, who was hit by a pitch and brought in the winning run.
Why 6? I think this is the first episode of the Simpsons that everyon remembered. It was also the first one to beat The Cosby Show in the Thursday timeslot. So many baseball players. I love it.
What happened to the players:
Ozzie Smith: Wonder Spot
Jose Canseco: Retriving every possible thing for the woman from the burning house
Mike Scioscia: radiation sickness, LOVED working in the plant
Steve Sax: pulled over and jailed by Chief Wiggumand charged with every unsolved crime in NYC
Roger Clemens: hypnotized into thinking he was a chicken
Ken Griffey Jr.: Too much growth tonic
Wade Boggs: knocked out by Barney in a bar fight over who was the best Prime Minister of England
Don Mattingly: My favorite - kicked off by Burns for not shaving his nonexistent sideburns

Ralph picking his team against Bart was also funny
Daryl Daryl!


5.) Bart's Comet
Season 6
Writer: John Swartzwelder
What happened? Bart gets detention for a prank on Skinner and has to star gaze with him. Bar t finds a comet heading for earth, specifically Springfield. Everyone goes in Flanders' bomb shelter and eventually kick him out. Homer feels bad and leaves too and everyone follows him. The comet ends up burning up in the atmosphere and everyone is fine, just as Homer predicted. Dun-dun
Why #5? Great episode from beginning to end. It incorporates most of the town and shows Homer's good side, which is seen too infrequently.
Funny Stuff:
The following people are gay thing was funny
Another one of my alltime favorite scenes here:
Moe: Hey, uh, I got an idea: we can play a game to pass the time.
Er, I'll make the sound of a barnyard animal, and, er, you



all try to guess what it is.
Ahem: [makes some

unidentifiable noise]Wiggum: It's a pig!

Bart: It's a cow, man.
Lisa: It's a pony.
Krusty: No, it's a goat. You know, one of them lady goats.
Selma: There are no lady goats: a lady goat is a sheep.
Hibbert: I believe she's right.
Otto: You're crazy.

McAllister: Arr, what's it to you?
Otto: What's it to _me_?
[everyone starts arguing]
Marge: Stop it! Stop it! Can't you see this barnyard noise
guessing game is tearing us apart?
[Ned still sings "Que Sera, Sera" outside]

Say, Moe, was it a duck?
[everyone argues again]

Homer: Shut up! Shut up! Stop it! Stop it. I can't take this any

more. I can't let that brave man out there die alone. I'm
surprised and disgusted by all of you -- especially his
children. I'm going out there!
[goes out, slams door behind him]
[pops his head back in] It was a baby ox.
Moe: He's right, you know.
Skinner: [surprised] About the ox?
Moe: About everything, dammit.


I am called Ham, because I enjoy ham radio.  This is Email...
Cosine...Report Card...Database...and Lisa. Your nickname
will be Cosmos.

Quimby: Now, here's what we think the impact might look like. Show
them, Jerry.
[first slide shows arrows pointing to "Springfield" and the
"Comet"
]
[second slide shows collision of two and an arrow pointing to
"Moe's"]
Moe: Oh, dear God, no!
[third slide shows smoking crater with arrows pointing to
"Charred Bodies"
]
Quimby: Fortunately we have a plan: Professor Frink?
Frink: Nn-hey, good evening, ladies and --
Man: [hysterical] Quit stalling! What's the plan?
Frink: All right, just take your seat, just take your seat.
[pulls a sheet off a model of the city]
Now, working with former Carter Administration officials and
military men who were forced into early retirement for various
reasons which we won't go into here, nn-hey, we have planned
this defense for the city: [flicks a switch] as the comet
hurtles towards the city, our rocket will intercept it and blow
it to smithereens.
[little models of the comet and rocket demonstrate]
[the comet explodes and catches "Moe's" on fire]
Moe: Oh, dear God, no!

Lisa: It blew up the bridge! We're doomed.
Homer: It's times like this I wish I were a religious man.
Lovejoy: [running down the street] It's all over, people! We don't have
a prayer, argh.

 Ned: I might go mad with fear out there, so Todd, I want you to shoot
Daddy if he tries to get back in.
Todd: OK, Dad. [weeps]



4.) Brother from the Same Planet
Season 4
Writer: Jon Vitti
What happened? Homer forgot to pick up Bart from soccer practice. It rained, Bart got mad and got a Big Brother Tom, again voiced by the late great Phil Hartman (damn his crazy, crazy wife) Homer then got a little brother to get even. Hilarity ensues.
Why #4? I don't think this episode is very high on many people's list, but it is again great from start to finish. There is no let down. The B story with Lisa on the Cory-line isn't the best, but the Bart/Homer/Tom/Pepi story is priceless. It is also very simple and believable. But it is sometimes these unassuming, less frequently seen eps that are the best.
Funny Stuff:
The episode starts with Nelson smoking at soccer practice, a good start indeed.
Next we have Homer forgetting to pick up Bart and ignoring all the signs.
Wheel of fortune puzzle "I'm on my way"
Millhouse writes trad pu kcip
Bart Starr
dog barks "Bart"
Maggie burps "Bart"
Pick a bar?
And then Homer's dream where Bart is dead is pretty nice too


And then he leaves immediately out of the bath.
Lisa "Dad, hide your shame."
Flanders "Hey Homer, I can see your doodle."
SNL spoof - "The Big Ear Family" and another Joe Piscopo reference
The Isotopes have "Tomato Day" and speaking before the game is the head of the Springfield Communist Party.
After Bart shows the ray gun at show and tell Millhouse "I have a horsey....Nayy, naay...."
Possibly the Best Itchy and Scratchy
You're not the  one who can abuse a non-profit organization!

Must you be forever
dialing that phone! Lisa

And the best "That's when it's time to kick some back!"
-Homer-

3.) Rosebud
Season 5
Writer: John Swartzwelder
What happened? Citizen Kane parody with Mr. Burns' lost bear Bobo
Why #3? Wow, so much stuff, so many gags. I think that is a critique of this episode, but I love it. I can't get enough. With other episodes on the list, I had to rewatch them to get some more quotes, I mean some stuff is obvious like "Boo-urns" and "kick some back" and "Steamed hams" but with these last 3 episodes, I remember all the gags. Brilliant stuff.
Funny Stuff:
Where to begin? I can't possibly write it all or give justice to the humor.
Here is a good way to try, though, just the classics

I have some sad news to report: a small puppy, not unlike Lassie, was
just run over in the parking lot.

[Audience gasps]
And now it's time for the comedy stylings of Homer Simpson!

Homer makes a triumphant entrance, but he is greeted with silence.


Homer: [exaggeratedly loud] Are you ready to laugh?
Man: Poor dog.

Homer: I said, are you ready to laugh?
Woman: Quiet, you awful man.


Smithers: [dressed in a bear suit] Here's something that should cheer
you up, sir. It's me, sir: Bobo! Hug me! Squeeze me!
[suggestively] Tug at my fur...

Apu: Chock full of heady goodness

Homer: Mmm...sixty four slices of American cheese.
[Takes the stack to the table and sits down]
Sixty four...[eats it]

Sixty three...[eats it]
[Next morning]
Two...[eats it really slowly]
One...[eats it]
[Marge walks in]
Marge: [incredulous] Have you been up all night eating cheese?
Homer: [slurred] I think I'm blind...


The end gag in the future is priceless too. Just watch this ep.


2.) Last Exit to Springfield
Season 4
Writer: Jay Kogen and Wallace Wolodarsky
What happened? Lisa needs brace (Dental Plan) Homer becomes head of the union and Burns tries to take away the dental plan. Homer leads the plant to strike. In the end, the workers get back their dental plan if Homer quits as union head, and he obviously does.
Why #2? Classic, classic episode. This one has an incredible amount of gags and quotes like Rosebud, but has a much strong, coherent story line which all the gags come from. Amazing stuff!
Funny stuff:
Where to start?
Dentist office was all funny, both with Lisa and Ralph
Homer's scar from the strike of '88. "I want a burrito! I want a burrito!"
  Lenny: So long, dental plan!
Homer: [thinks...]
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!

Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.

Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Chuckie: [as a prank, drops a pencil into the crack of Homer's butt]
Carla: Bull's-eye!
Homer: Thanks a lot, Carl. Now I lost my train of throught.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Lenny's voice: Dental plan!
Marge's voice: Lisa needs braces.
Homer: If we give up our dental plan... ... ...


Burns: We don't have to be adversaries, Homer.
We both want a fair union contract.
Homer: [thinking] Why is Mr. Burns being so nice to me?
Burns: And if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
Homer: [thinking] Wait a minute. Is he coming onto me?
Burns: I mean, if I should slip something into your pocket, what's the harm?
Homer: [thinking] My God! He coming onto me!
Burns: After all, negotiations make strange bedfellows.
[chuckle] [wink]
Homer: [thinking] Aaaaaagh!
[aloud]
Sorry, Mr. Burns, but I don't go in for these backdoor shenanigans.
Sure, I'm flattered, maybe even a little curious,

but the answer is no!
I'll have to pay for Lisa's braces!

Bathroom gag was great and the ping-pong table in the leaky basement
don't forget picture day at school
Homer on the talk show
two-headed dog with frisbee
Classical Gas
back door to the super-secret room
I could go on and on, but seeing the real episode would be much better
ok, one more
"This is a thousand monkeys working at a thousand typewriters. Soon, they'll have written the greatest novel known to mankind. (reads one of the typewriters) "It was the best of times, it was the blurst of times"?! you stupid monkey! (monkey screeches) Oh, shut up."



1.) $pringfield (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling)
Season 5
Writer: Bill Oakley and Josh Weinstein
What happened? Springfield decides to increase revunue and noteability by building a casino. Homer works there, Mr Burn's goes whacko, Marge gets addicted to gambling and the family suffers, and Bart maes his own treehouse casino.
Why #1? This my not be the most expected choice, but I love it. It has laugh out loud and chuckle moments, lots of character appearences, crazy stuff, a great storyline, and the sense of the Simpsons as a family, flawed, but still together in the end. I feel this episode was hilarious (even moreso than the previous two) when I first saw it back in 1993, when I saw reruns when in high school, when I bought the DVD in college, and when I watch it today. Now that is the hallmark of a great episode. Despite what others may say, I stand by this as number 1
Funny Stuff:
So much again, a few of my favorites
Homer: Anyone lose their glasses?  [no one answers]
Last chance! [still no one answers]
Woo-hoo!
[Homer fishes the glasses out of the toilet. He puts them on]
The sum of the square roots of any two sides of an isosceles
triangle is equal to the square root of the remaining side.
Man: That's a _right_ triangle, you idiot!
Homer: D'oh!


My second favorite Simpsons scene, after Steamed Hams:
Lisa: Mom!
Homer: Huh -- wha -- Lisa! What's up?
Lisa: I just had a bad dream!
Homer: Oh, sure. You just lie down and tell me all about it.
Lisa: Well, I know it's absurd, but I dreamed the bogeyman was after
me, and he's hiding under --
Homer: Aah! Bogeyman! You nail the windows shut, I'll get the gun!
-- So much for parental guidance, "$pringfield"

Homer runs into Bart's room: "Bart, I don't want to alarm you, but there
may be a bogeyman or bogeymen in the house!"

Marge arrives home, squealing the tires as she stops in the driveway.
She gets to the front door and sees a hole has been torn through it, and
that chairs and other objects have been stacked against the knob. When
she opens it, Homer peeks up from behind a bent-over mattress on the
floor, aiming the shotgun at her and quivering. Bart, Lisa, and Maggie
look over at Marge, and everyone sighs with relief.

Marge: What happened here?
Homer: Oh, nothing, Marge. Just a little incident involving the
bogeyman!


Another Great one
Homer: Hello, Florida!  [tapes an orange to her, but it falls off]
Lisa: [gasps] I'm not a state, I'm a monster! [sobs]
Homer: [wipes a tear away] No, Lisa. The only monster here is the
gambling monster that has enslaved your mother! I call him
Gamblor, and it's time to snatch your mother from his neon claws!
And all the casino gags were great too
The fake Sigfred and Roy getting attacked by their tiger. WOW
Bond spoof
Rain Man spoof
Barney burping up coins
 [Barney watches Marge gamble]
Barney: Man, that's classic compulsive behavior.
[Sees a waitress holding a tray with three cups on it]
Wow, free beer!
[He chugs all three]
Man: Buddy, those are my quarters!
[Barney burps up some quarters]
Woman: This guy's paying off!
Homer running through the casino and giving everyone good luck.
 Man: A baby on the table!  That's good luck!
Everyone: Yay!
[The man throws the dice, and they come up double one]
Croupier: Snake-eyes. Sorry.
Everyone: Boo!
Bart's Casino
Goulet: Are you sure this is the casino?  I think I should call my
manager.
Nelson: Your manager says for you to shut up!
Goulet: _Vera_ said that? Hmph.


I remember this one I had to use the pause button and close captioning to see what Homer said at the end, that's how disgusted he was.
 Lisa: There's nothing to eat for breakfast.
Homer: You gotta improvise, Lisa: cloves, Tom Collins mix, frozen pie
crust --
Lisa: Maybe mom just doesn't realize we missed her. We could go down
to the casino and let her know...
Homer: Oh, come on, Lisa, there's no reason to -- [takes a bite] --
let's go see Mom now.
Crazy Burns
Burns: Aw, my beloved plant.  How I miss her -- bah!  To hell with
this. Get my razors! Draw a bath! Get these kleenex boxes
off my feet.
Smithers: Certainly, sir. And, uh, the jars of urine?
Burns: Oh, we'll hang onto those. Now, to the plant! We'll take the
Spruce Moose. [picks up the model] Hop in!
Smithers: But, sir --
Burns: [pointing a gun] I said, hop in.
Skinner: And special awards go to the two students who obviously had no
help from their parents: Lisa Simpson and Ralph Wiggum.
Ralph: I'm Idaho!
Skinner: Yes, of course you are.
A Great line to end the list with.
Homer: [grabbing Marge] Yer gotta redda kid forrad yarrar!
Marge: Homer, what is it? Slow down!
Homer: [slowly] J'yer gedda ferda redderarrar.
Marge: Think before you say each word.

Homer: You broke a promise to your child.
Marge: What?
Homer: You promised Lisa to help her with her costume. You made her
cry. Then I cried. Then Maggie laughed -- she's such a little
trooper.







And that is all folks. The end of the list. Wow! Lots of episodes, lots of laughs. The Simpsons is great. The best show of my time. It's been a good time writing this list. I know there are some many good episodes, it is very hard to rank them, even in tier form. Much of it comes down to personal preference. But we can all agree, it is the combination of the humor, the story telling, the absurb, the intelligent, and the sense of family that makes The Simpsons Great.
The show is now a huge part of American pop culture and maybe even culture.
Right Mr. Hutz?

Oh, sure, like lawyers work in big skyscrapers and have
secretaries. Look at him! He's wearing a belt.
[wistfully] That's Hollywood for ya.




























Monday, March 2, 2009

Best Simpsons Episodes Part III

Alright, time for part III of of Simpsons best episodes countdown. Today we have tier II. These episodes didn't quite make the final cut, but are definitely still classics. The last two tiers only contain 24 total episodes, so we are surely (not Surly) down to the nitty-gritty.
Here we go. I think this list will bring back several fond memories and laughs.

TIER 2 B Episodes


Who Shot Mr. Burns Parts 1&2 - I'll put these together even though they were separated by months, painful months of waiting for the answer. These episodes, obvious homage to Dallas, were not outrageously funny, especially the second, which was more story telling and flashbacks, but they were definitely a huge event. I can only think of a few times in my lifetime where a TV show was an actual event, an instance where it was cover in the news and in magazines and mentioned on other shows. The ones I can remember are the OJ chase, the finale of the first season of Survivor, when someone finally won a million of Who wants to be a millionaire, and to a lesser extent the Seinfield finale and American Idol finale with Reuben and Clay. And Who Shot Mr. Burns? was right up there with them. I think it was also one of the first times I was a aware of the concept of a season long cliff-hanger. Man.
A few highlights:
The whole thing was begun by the unfortunate death of Superdude.
All the students and faculty giving suggestions for what to do with the money
Otto: One of those guitars, that are like, double guitars, you know?
And the whole gag with Mr. Burns not knowing Homer's name. I even used this line as a title to one of my Brewers posts.
  Ned: Dear Lord!  That's the loudest profanity I've ever heard.



Bart's Inner Child- I think this one often gets forget in the slew of so many great episodes, but this is worthy of such a high place. It's almost a two parter episode, the first with the trampoline, the second with the self-help guru Brad Goodman who tells ever on to be like Bart.
Has all the ingredients of a classic Simpsons episode - Homer doing something ridiculous, producing a ridiculous plot, family troubles, and a scathing parody of modern culture and commercialism.
The "human go-ing" line is one of my favorites as well as the chase of Homer and Bart
Skinner: Damn...they're very slowly getting away!
Moe: They're heading for the old mill!
Homer: No we're not.
Moe: Well, let's go to the old mill anyway -- get some cider!



Treehouse of Horror V - Best Halloween ep ever!
The Shinning. That's pretty much all I have to say.
The Homer in time one was good too, but the last one about Lunchlady Doris prevents in from being top tier.



Mr. Plow - Iconic Episode. That is the only way to put it. Doesn't have too many super-funny parts though that I remember well, maybe because I remember the whole episode, but that is why it is not top tier.
The bit with Adam West was great. And Homer driving (drunk?) home in the snow and hitting the other family car "at least I got him as bad as he got me" was great. Oh, and I forgot this one, when talking to the insurance agent:
``Moe's'' you left just before the accident.  This is a business of
some kind?
Homer: [thinks] Don't tell him you were at a bar! Gasp! But what else
is open at night?
[aloud] It's a pornography store. I was buying pornography.
[thinks] Heh heh heh. I would'a never thought of that.

And don't forget the whip sound the salesman (Vlaclav) used to get Homer to buy the plow truck
And it ends with Homer saving Barney and renewing their friendship and then a joke about God
Yep, sounds like classic Simpsons.


TIER 2 A Episodes

These are the closest of the close to the top tier. After much thoughtful debate, they came up short. But, just to make it clear home close, we will begin our unofficial countdown here. Exciting

(19) Homer's Enemy
Season 8
In my opinion, the last great Simpson's episode. I know it is only the 8th season, but I stand by this statement. As this list will show, most of the best episodes are seasons 3-7 or and you could even say 4-6. But this was the episode about Frank Grimes and Homer. Frank, a hard working, self made man, asked the questions we ourselves may have asked about Homer. How does he have such a nice job, house, family, the American dream, and do amazing things and meet amazing people when he is so.......dumb? The outside perspective is definitely interesting.


(18) Blood Feud -
Season 2
Interesting pairing with the previous one, as this episode I believe is the first great Simpsons episode. It's when it becomes more than just a funny kid's show. This episode was actually aired the summer between seasons 2 and 3.
And as for the funny stuff goes, all I really have to do is mention the giant head Xtapolapocetl.

Hilarious.
Lots of other funny stuff too, Lisa giving Maggie ridiculously hard flash cards, Homer attempting to water the mail and pretend to be Mr. Burns.
Homer: [trying to disguise his voice]
Hello, my name is Mr. Burns. I believe you have a letter for me.
Postal Clerk: Okay, Mr. Burns, uh, what's your first name?
Homer: [brief pause] I don't know.

Also we got a nice example of Mr. Burns trying to be nice after he got better from Bart's blood.
Burns: Oh, top of the morning to ye!  Why, look who's here!
It's ... good old... You!
Man: Hi, Mr. Burns.
Burns: Oh, hey there, Mr. uh... Brown-Shoes! How about that ..
local sports team!


And good advice for us all
Moe:    What's the matter, Homer?  You're not your normal effervescent self.
Homer: I got my problems, Moe. Give me another one.
Moe: Homer, hey. You should not drink to forget your problems.
Barney: Yeah. You should only drink to enhance your social skills. [belch]


(17) Cape Feare -
Season 5
I may be in the minority here, but I am not really a fan of Sideshow Bob. That being said, this is a classic episode. This is the one where Sideshow Bob gets paroled and tries to kill Bart. This puts the Simpsons in the Witness Protection Program and hilarity ensues, well actually, the first half of the episode was funnier.
Lots of good stuff:
McBain as a standup Comic
Sideshow Bob's "German" tattoo
Bart's reasonable paranoia
Um, I checked around.  The girls are calling you "fatty-fat fat fat",
and Nelson's planning to pull down your pants, but...nobody's trying to
kill ya.
-- Milhouse

Marge: [threateningly] Bart, I am going to _get_ you...[brandishes
some scissors
]
Bart: [gasps]
Marge: [cheerfully] ...some ice cream at the store, since I'm saving
so much money on Diet Cola! [holds up a coupon]
[Scene switches to Flanders outside]
Flanders: [threateningly] Say your prayers, Simpson...[brandishes a
glove with knives on the fingers
]
Bart: [gasps]
Flanders: [cheerfully] ...because the schools can't force you like they
should! [clips the hedge] Maude, these new finger razors make
hedge trimming as much fun as sitting through church.
[Scene switches to Bart's classroom]
Edna: [threateningly] You're going to be my murder victim, Bart...
Bart: [gasps]
Edna: [sweetly] ...in our school production of "Lizzie Borden",
starring Martin Prince as Lizzie.

And one of my favorite scenes ever
Agent: Tell you what, sir.  From now on, you'll be, uh, Homer Thompson
at Terror Lake. Let's just practise a bit, hmm? When I say,
"Hello, Mr. Thompson," you'll say, "Hi."
Homer: Check.
Agent: Hello, Mr. Thompson.
Homer: [stares blankly]
Agent: Remember now, your name is Homer Thompson.
Homer: I gotcha.
Agent: Hello, Mr. Thompson.
Homer: [stares blankly]
[A long time later]
Agent: [sighs in frustration] Now, when I say, "Hello, Mr. Thompson,"
and press down on your foot, you smile and nod.
Homer: No problem.
Agent: Hello, Mr. Thompson! [stomps on Homer's foot a few times]
Homer: [stares blankly]
[to other agent] I think he's talking to _you_.


Yes!
Not a big fan of the ending though.



(16) Marge in Chains -
Season 4
The one where Marge goes to jail.
This one is great from start to finish. It begins with Troy McClure and Dr. Nick selling juicers - Juices Looseners. Wow. Great start. The juicers coming from Japan and contain the dreaded Osaka Flu. Everyone gets sick but Marge. She is super stressed and accidentally steals bourbon.
Has a classic things-running-repeated-through-head
Mom we need more OJ - Flinestones Chewable Morphine - Sherrif Lobo - Bourbon
Also the best, and this is saying something, appearance of Lionel Hutz.
So MANY GREAT QUOTES. I will list them all for your reading enjoyment, but really watch the episode.

Lionel Hutz: Hiring me as your attorney, you'll also receive this free smoking monkey.
[places a toy monkey with a cigarette in it's mouth on the desk]
Marge: Mr Hutz.
Lionel Hutz: Look... he's taking another puff!

Lionel Hutz: Now don't you worry, Mrs. Simpson, I... uh-oh. We've drawn Judge Snyder.
Marge: Is that bad?
Lionel Hutz: Well, he's had it in for me ever since I kinda ran over his dog.
Marge: You did?
Lionel Hutz: Well, replace the word "kinda" with the word "repeatedly," and the word "dog" with "son."

Lionel Hutz: Now, Apu, Mrs. Simpson claims that she *forgot* that bottle of... delicious... bourbon. Brownest of the brown liquors... so tempting.
[holds the bottle to his ear]
Lionel Hutz: [whispering] What's that? You want me to drink you? But I'm in the middle of a trial!
[puts it down]
Lionel Hutz: Excuse me.
[he runs out of the courtroom, finds a payphone and quickly dials]
Lionel Hutz: Hello, David? I'm really tempted!
David Crosby: Just take it one day at a time, and know that I love you.
Lionel Hutz: I love you too, man.

   So, Mr. Nahasapeemapetilon, if that  your real name...
in fact, I wasn't wearing a tie at all!

Lisa: You're a latter-day Clarence Darrow!
Hutz: Uh, was he the black guy on the Mod Squad?

If there's one thing America needs, it's more lawyers.

Judge:Mr. Hutz, do you know you're not wearing any pants?
Lionel Hutz
:What? AAH! I move for a bad court thingy.
Judge:You mean a mistrial?
Lionel Hutz:Yeah... that's why you're the judge, and I'm the law... talkin'... guy.



Awesome. And like any great Simpsons episode, there is a great, somewhat ludicrous, yet heartfelt ending, this one with a Jimmy Carter statue being adorned with Marge Simpson Hair. Fitting end.


(15) Bart the Lover -
Season 3
Another episode with the classic Simpsons set-up. Ridiculous intro - yo-yos- leads to one of the Simpsons doing something funny that may hurt others - Bart answering Mrs. K's add - they feel bad and usually in a funny way make it better - writing the last letter. Fast paced start, slower middle and end allowing for character development.
That is the formula for a great episode.

Oh, forgot that before the yo-yos this episode started with a Troy McClure filmstrip about Zinc.

How could you not love this episode?
Gordy Howe
Woodrow Wilson
Maybe it's the beer talking Marge but you got a butt that won't quit.
they got those big chewy pretzels here merJanthfgrr five dollars??!!!?
get outta here [scrawl]
Strap your skates on Gordie, you're going in.
P.S. I am gay.

The B story was great too, with Homer attempting to give up swearing.
   Maude: Todd, would you like some mixed vegetables?
Todd: Hell, no!
Ned+Maude+Rod: [gasp!]
Maude: What did you say?
Todd: I said I didn't want any damn vegetables.
Ned: All right, that's it, young man. No Bible stories for you tonight!
Todd: [leaves, crying]
Maude: [to Ned] Weren't you a little hard on him?
Ned: Well, you knew I had a temper when you married me.

Rod:  At last we built the mission.
Todd: Finally, the villagers have a place to pray.
Rod: [sings] Bringing in the sheaves!
Todd: [sings] Bringing in the sheaves!
Rod+Todd: We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves!

Homer: Hey, Marge. You wanna hear something funny? Flanders thinks I
swear too much! Hee-hee! ... Marge, you're not laughing.
Marge: Well, you know, maybe he's right.
Homer: Well, what a surprise! Marge sticks up for Flanders!
Can we have conversation where you don't bring up your hero,
Ned Flanders?
Marge: Actually, Homer, brought up Ned Flan---
Homer: Look, we're past that.

That will require a tetanus shot.


In the end, the Simpson family comes together and there is an actual happy ending.
If anyone can find the Simpsons Gordie Howe picture, please let me know .

Career Totals               Games      Goals     Assists     Pts.

National Hockey League 1767 801 1049 1850
World Hockey Association 419 174 334 508
------------------------------------
Major League Totals 2186 975 1383 2358



(14) Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baddasssss Song -
Season 5
Similar formula to the previous two episodes - Simple beginning turns ridiculous, Simpsons must solve problem they created, sincere, funny ending.
This episode is hilarious. SO close to to the top tier. The first half of the episode was amazing, so funny throughout, but the second half didn't hold up, a bit dull in fact. Best part at the end was Flanders being fired due to saying a prayer in a public school.

As for the first half, I really don't know where to begin, that's how good it is, so....

The scene opens a la "Wonder Years" with "With a Little Help from My
Friends" being covered in the background. A young Homer washes his
muscle car with his fairly new girlfriend Marge. He grins at the camera
as Marge turns the hose on him, dousing him. Homer has neglected to put
the parking brake on in his car, it would seem: it rolls off the
driveway and onto the street.

In the next shot, it is Homer's birthday. As Abe and Marge watch,
bearded Homer opens Marge's present -- a book about beards. Delighted,
he shows it to the camera, then leans forward to blow out the candles on
his cake. But his beard catches fire, and he runs back and forth in a
panic while Marge worries and Abe laughs.

[Bart watches a home movie of Homer's birthday]
Bart: [laughs] They're going to eat this up at Show and Tell.
Marge: I'm not sure if I'm comfortable with the idea of your
classmates laughing at our family's private moments. How
would you like it if, twenty years from now, people were
laughing at things _you_ did?
Bart: Not likely. Come on, have a sense of humor about yourself!
[the movie turns to baby Bart, naked, sitting on the
toilet
]
Young Bart: I'm a big boy today.

Lisa laughs, and Bart sees reason. He looks around for something else
to take to school, and Marge suggests a largish potato. "Mom, you're
always trying to give me potatoes. What is it with you?" Marge
explains, "I just think they're neat." Bart runs up to Lisa's room.

Bart: I need something for Show and Tell.
Lisa: Just take one of my geodes.
[Bart stares blankly]
The rocks on my desk.
[Bart goes over, picks up something]
No, that's a trilobyte.
[Bart picks up something else]
That's petrified wood.
[Bart picks up something else]
Bart, that's a bran muffin!


Otto honks the bus horn outside, and Bart and Lisa walk out to it. As
Bart steps on the bus with his geode in hand, he notices everyone else
has brought geodes, including Martin, who says, "Greetings, fellow
geodologist!" Bart groans, steps off the bus, and looks around for
something else to take. His eye falls on Santa's Little Helper; he
tears the dog away from chewing up the morning paper.

In class, {it is Nelson's turn at Show and Tell.}

Nelson: {The ingredients were: fresh pureed tomatoes, water, salt, and
sodium benzoate used to retard spoilage. Once again, if I'm
not mistaken, this can contained tomato paste.}
Edna: {Thank you, Nelson. I look forward to seeing it again next
week.} Bart, you're up.
[Bart walks up as a cardboard box follows him]
Bart: Boys and girls, Mrs. Krabappel, I come before you today to
solve a riddle that has plagued mankind for centuries: What
has four legs and ticks?
Milhouse: A walking clock?
Nelson: A walking clock!
Martin: I'd wager he has some variety of walking clock in that box!
Edna: Bart, is it a walking clock?
Bart: [mystified] What? No, it's my dog.
-- That was my next guess, "Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song"

Everyone gasps with delight.

Edna: [looking at SLH] Oh, he is a gem! Here boy. [kisses] Would
you like these cookies Martin made for me?
Martin: My raisin roundies!
Bart: My dog's name is Santa's Little Helper. One time he crawled
under the house and when he came out he was covered with ants.
Then he ran into a church and drank all the holy water.
Everyone: Wow!


Mrs. Krabappel thanks Bart: "Great job!" Everyone cheers as he walks
off. "I knew the dog before he came to class," brags Milhouse.

Martin walks up, places his geode on the floor, and narrates
histrionically.

Martin: Kaboom! That, the sound of the thunderous volcanic explosion
that gives birth to the magnificent geode, one of nature's
most --
Nelson: You're doing it wrong. You gotta pet him hard so he can feel
it.
[he demonstrates; SLH sneezes]
Sherri: Look, look, look! The doggie sneezed.
Edna: Hah! It thinks it's people.
Willy: [on the other side of the door] Hey, poochie! Here, poochie,
poochie, poochie!
Martin: Ahem. My geode must be acknowledged!
Edna: [angrily] Oh, brother. All right, back to Show and Tell!
Bart, why don't you put the doggie away.
Everyone: Aw.


Bart leads SLH to a closet and shuts the door on him.

Later, SLH awakes to smell something good coming from the vent. Lunch
lady Doris' soup that day is particularly redolent, no doubt due to
extra helping of horse testicles she's added to it. "More testicles mean more iron!" she exclaims. SLH can't resist, and he paws the vent
open and crawls inside. He crawls past the grade two room.

Ralph: Um, Miss Hoover? There's a dog in the vent.
Hoover: Ralph, remember the time you said Snagglepuss was outside?
Ralph: He was going to the bathroom.


Principal Skinner is on the phone in his office to the superintendent.

Skinner: [on the phone] I know Weinstein's parents were upset, uh,
superintendent, but, but -- but I was _sure_ it was a phony
excuse. I mean, it sounds so made up: "yom kip pur". [laughs
sheepishly
]
Willy: [bursting in] Sir, you've got to come quick! There's a dog
running around in the air ducts.
Skinner: I understand. [over PA] Children, this is Principal Skinner.
Remain calm. There is a dog in the vents.
[In Bart's class, everyone cheers and gallavants]


Willy pushes Skinner's desk over to the corner of the room for Skinner
to stand on. He removes the vent cover and sticks his head into the
vent. SLH licks his face happily and wanders off.

Skinner: Willy, go into the vent and get him.
Willy: What? Have you gone waxy in your peaster? I cannot fit in
tha' wee vent, you croquet-playing mint muncher.
Skinner: Grease yourself up and go in, you...you guff-speaking work-
slacker.
Willy: Ooh, good comeback.


Willy approaches lunch lady Doris and asks her if they have any grease.
When she replies in the affirmative, he strips his shirt off and asks to
be greased up.

It really is a tight squeeze for him in the ventilation system. He sees
a flash of brown cross the T junction at the end of the shaft in front
of him; behind him, at the other end, he sees another flash of brown
shortly after. Skinner monitors Willy's and SLH's flashing dot on a
radar screen. "Good Lord, it's coming up right behind him!"

Although SLH has no malevolent intentions. He simply licks Willy's foot
repeatedly, but Willy is ticklish and begin laughing hysterically.
Several children are standing just under where he laughs, and they toss
books and other things at the vent, denting the metal. Willy implores
them to stop.

Skinner rushes out and orders everyone back to their room. "Uh oh.
Whenever I get this upset, I get hiccups! (hic) Oh, right on cue..." he
moans, and everyone points and laughs.

Willy, meanwhile, has managed to orient himself so that he faces SLH,
who runs away from him. But the wily Scotsman manages to catch up and
snag the stray mutt.

Willy: There's nary an animal alive that can outrun a greased Scotsman.
Now, out we go --
[pushes vent cover out; the cover hits the gymnasium floor far
below. The vent begins to pull from the roof
]
Urg...'tis more dizzying than the belfry at St. Caliga
Glenwalgens.


The fire department is called in to try to rescue the trapped pair.
Chief Wiggum arrives, greeting the basketball-playing Eddie and Lou
with, "That's nice work, boys." Mrs. Krabappel sees superintendent
Chalmers arriving and takes great glee in pointing this out to the still
hiccuping Skinner.

Chalmers: [voice rising] Skinner...!
Skinner: Superintendent Chalmers! You didn't have to come all the way
down here. Everything's under control.
[fireman falls off ladder, which smashes the gym window]
Chalemers: Oh, I have had it, I have _had_ it with this school, Skinner!
The low test scores, class after class of ugly, ugly children
--
Skinner: Oh, now I really think the children's appearance --
Chalmers: Seymour, you are in very, _very_ big trouble.
[SLH falls into his arms]
Why, looking into this lovable mutt's eyes just melts my
heart. Seymour, all is forgiven.
Willy: [yells] Make way for Willy! [lands on Chalmers] I said "Make
way for Willy," you bloated gasbag.
Chalmers: Seymour...
Skinner: Hmm?
Chalmers: You're fired!
[Bart gasps]
Skinner: I'm sorry, did...did you just call me a liar?
Chalmers: No, I said you were fired.
Skinner: Oh. That's much worse.


Skinner has become one of my top 5, maybe even top 3 favorite characters. Check out the scene where he is on the phone, he is so sweaty.
I've put the best lines in bold, just in case some people did not want to read the entire act. This ep is so full, there really isn't a B story.
And don't get me wrong, the rest of the ep is good, just not as good, definitely check out Skinner's detergent scene. Funny, funny stuff.



Wow, we had so GREAT ones today, the last three in particular. They were so close, but the countdown gets even better! Tune in next time for the TOP 13 Simpsons Episodes.
Holla back!