Coming...Eventually.

This blog will be rebirthed when the Simpsons reach a definitive boundary.  To be continued.

Season 1, Episode 5

Bart The General

Bart pays the price for standing up for Lisa, and we are introduced to the overall power of Nelson. Overall the episode is slow moving and not that interesting but it certainly has its moments - like the code of the schoolyard; Don't tattle, always make fun of those different from you, and never say anything unless you're sure everyone feels exactly the same way you do - and Grandpa Simpson's list of words he doesnt want to hear on TV as expressed in a letter his writing; Bra, Horny, and Family Jewels (which was ironically said earlier in that episode - get it! HaHa!).

Herman is also introduced in this episode. He is a rare character that is never really focused upon in this series. He has had some important moments, but this episode is one of his biggest roles.

Lisa also gets kissed in this episode after the victory against Nelson, even though she eventually gets her 'first kiss' from Nelson in a much later episode...

Overall its not the worst episode, but its certainly not the best. When Bart coughs up his hat the second time, and hangs it on his hat rack, I know I laughed.

And lets not forget the 'PSA' by Bart at the end of the episode explaining that War is not a joke and blah, blah, blah - I remember those moments from when I was a kid.

Quotable Quotes:

When Bart goes to the retirement home and asks the receptionist where he can find 'Grandpa',

"Half the people here are named Grandpa" - Receptionist

Season 1, Episode 4

There's No Disgrace Like Home

Well it didnt take long before Smithers was made into his yellow self, cause he was in full yellow-ness at the company picnic at Burns' Mansion this episode. On top of that Marge was the one who got hammered at a public party and even brought the Simpsons first musical scene to the table when she broke out in song with the other Mom's at the party.

Dr. Marvin Monroe, and Eddie and Lou are introduced in this episode, and even Homer's mom is mentioned and quoted as saying 'Homer, you're a big disappointment.' Now we all know this is inconsistent with what we know about Homer's Mom now, and that she would never say that, so this has to be an Abraham Simpson concoction, unless of course the writers didn't have a set character in mind four episodes into the show...I wonder which theory seems more logical?

Homer goes through a lot this episode and even gives up his TV to try and help his family. That of course is crazy talk to the Homer today (even Marge suggests pawning her engagement ring), but the irony in the end of how the promise of a new and better TV brings the family closer then ever is hilarious.

Lets not forget the first glimpse of Itchy and Scratchy, the phrase 'Don't Have a Cow', and the realization that no therapy can help our beloved dysfunctional family.

Quotable Quotes:

When Homer is trying to get Bart to kiss him in front of his boss to show family affection,

"Kiss You? But Dad, I'm your kid." - Bart

After the Simpsons cause the power in the city to go haywire and Mr. Burns notices a large energy consumption,

"Perhaps this energy conservation fad is as dead as the Do-Do."

Season 1, Episode 3

Homer's Odyssey

This is definitely one of the highlights of Season 1. I know its early in the rewatch, but this one had me cracking up consistently.

We get to meet Otto, we find out Wendel pukes on every bus ride (who knew?) and we even get a glimpse at the original black Smithers. There is even a short cameo by the - to be named later - Blinky and the always mysterious 'El Barto'.

Barts character is in full steam here, with his first prank call to Moe (I.P. Freeley). And on the bus ride when Mrs. Krabapel threatens Bart with the embarassment of having to sing 'John Henry was a Steal Driving Man' in front of the whole class and he later is seen annoying everyone because he is enjoying his punishment so much and making a whole production out of it - man that's rich. Not too mention Bart (for the most part) gets Homer fired while on a field trip to the Nuclear Power Plant. A field trip that brings us our first educational film featuring 'Smilin' Joe Fission' and the Rods of Uranium who are all subsequently named 'Rod'.

Homer too is up to standard, with his suicide note written on 'Dumb Things I Gotta Do Today' notepaper, and the fact that there was a second boulder on the bridge from a previous suicide 'attempt' by him. Of course he then becomes an advocate for safety and has cautionary signs placed all over Springfield including one that reads 'Sign Ahead' - and this all leads to him being appointed Safety Supervisor of the Nuclear Power Plant - the job we know and love him for today (sort of).

Overall this episode is definitely worth watching. I know I've given Season 1 a lot of guff, but this episode has turned me a little. A lot of great stuff in this one.

Quotable Quotes:

After Moe recieved a prank phone call from Bart and Homer consoles him saying that someday he will catch the prankster,

"I don't know, he's tough to catch. He keeps changing his name." - Moe

Bart describing Homer as he laid motionless on the couch after getting fired,

"All he does is lie there, like an unemployed whale..." - Bart

Mr. Burns after dealing with Homer in negotiations,

"You're not as stupid as you look...or sound...or our best testing indicates" - Mr. Burns

Season 1, Episode 2

Bart The Genius

The instant classic that brought us 'Kwyjibo' - a big, dumb, balding North American Ape with no chin - and brought us a little closer to Bart's character.

Martin is at his dorkiest already, and the Simpson/Skinner feud is underway. Bart's infamous giant discipline file is represented in this episode, and of course the phrase 'Eat My Shorts' is uttered for the first time.

Homer and Bart really bonded in this episode as Homer was convinced that Bart was a genius. Even as Bart confessed and gave Homer a heartfelt speech, none of it mattered as Homer was just upset that the boy cheated and wasnt smart. Classic.

Meanwhile the episode starts off with Maggie spelling EMCSQU with her blocks. Its that subtlety that puts this show over the edge to genius themselves. There are no manatee's picking idea-balls here, even if Miss Milan had the same voice as Mrs. Krabapel.

Quotable Quotes:

After Bart was introduced to his new genius classmate Sydney Swift,

"Dont mind Sydney, he's just speaking in backwards phonetics today." - Miss Milan

Season 1, Episode 1

Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire - The Simpsons Christmas Special.

So this is how it all begins. The telltale story of a dysfunctional family on Christmas with crappy slow moving animation and TGIF joke writing. Thank god America's standards for comedy were much lower back then, cause I dont think the Simpsons would have survived.

As bad as it is, it is classic Simpsons and the making of the show is all there. Flanders is already upstaging Homer unintentionally with his much better life, Homer already has deep hatred for Patty and Selma and Vice Versa, Moe's is the place to be when Homer is feeling down, and Lisa is already babbling intellectually while no one cares.

While Homer's character will come a long way in the episodes to come, he still has a lot of the root quality's he has today, especially when dealing with Marge. He is unable to bring himself to upset her which leads him to convincing her that there is no problem, which leads to hilarious antics (which thankfully get more hilarious over time) as he tries to solve the problem himself. And of course nothing ever works out as planned and a confession is in order, but this time there is a happy ending as a new Simpson is welcomed into the family and the bond holds.

I thought it was interesting how Snowball I was mentioned, cause I havent yet realized Snowball I was never actually a character on the show. Just a memory. I also laughed my ass off when Patty called the house and just kept saying "Marge Please" while Homer answered and inquired on who was calling.

Overall its a slow beginning, and knowing what I know now, Im comfortable with that.

Quotable Quotes:

In Bart's daydream about how Marge would react to him getting a 'Mother' Tattoo,

"...it's the best present a Mother could get, and it makes you look so dangerous." - Marge

While Santa's Little Helper is being welcomed into the family,

"...and if he runs away he'll be easy to catch." - Bart

Introduction

In honor of the monumentus release of 'the Simpsons' feature film this summer, I have begun the great Simpsons re-watch in which I will watch all the current existing Simpsons episodes in chronological order (not including Tracey Ulman shorts).

I know I claimed earlier that it was perfectly acceptable to skip Season 1, but the bottom line is - if I am going to be documenting my progress as so, I need to make sure I get it all down. And there is a lot to write about in doing so. Afterall, its much more interesting to write about the things I hate.

Unfortunately, as I stated before, I will not get to watch all the episodes without running into syndication problems, because once I get past season 9, I will have to resort to the illegally downloaded episodes I have on my computer that were given to me by a friend (Thanks Nate). But the good part is, I will get to watch ALL the episodes thanks to the illegally downloaded episodes I have on my computer (Thanks Nate).

So if you care about the Simpsons in anyway, or even if you dont, please follow along my journey through their lives. Even if they never get older - except in the occasional flash forward.