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Reviews
The Simpsons: Old Money (1991)
I've got a feeling about that number!
Underwhelming on the laughs, it's solid writing around relationships that saves the episode from early-season mediocrity. Homer's well-meaning jerkassness (before true jerkass Homer) works to set up his father's eventual and likely unavoidable-she WAS old, after all-heartbreak. Did grampa's senility up to this point in the series justify Homer not believing he actually had a date? I don't know but I can say is it's a feasible plot device-and nowhere near as cringeworthy as the events in Kidney Trouble-in that it believably sends the family, Abe in tow, on to an entertaining trip at Discount Lion Safari. Abe unfortunately isn't able to further his relationship with the charming Bea as Jasper tells him she's passed on when he arrives back at the nursing home. The family, Homer in particular, didn't really want to spend the time with Abe to begin with, and vice versa, it's done out of obligation...and this sadly common act ends up costing Abe what's likely his last chance at happiness. Homer later learns through being ignored by Abe that time with his father should actually be enjoyed, and we root for Homer to earn his forgiveness so their relationship can rebuild. Of course there is the little matter of the 100 grand inheritance Bea left to him. I enjoyed seeing Abe unfulfilled with his new windfall and the Springfieldians' attempts to get his money. The show was still finding its footing 30 episodes in, so it's forgivable that it didn't go the route of laughs, but a few more gags and scenes with secondary characters would have been appreciated. Easy 7.5/B here. And what would Homer have done with 100 grand anyway? Fix the foundation 12 times?
The Simpsons: Burns, Baby Burns (1996)
Mr. Burns has a son? He must be 57 years old.
Another fairly strong beginning with a trip to an apple orchard, highlighted by Flanders and Homer's brief interaction. Gradually the episode shifts into a showcase of Rodney Dangerfield's comedic talents playing Larry Burns, son of Monty, as he tries to gain his dad's acceptance. This makes for several good one-liners and gags, thankfully without ever pulling Mr. Burns out of character. The problem though is we don't care about Larry as we have nothing invested in him, and his charming lack of refinement never yields anything more than simple entertainment. Homer's scheme to win Burns' love never manages to evoke much sympathy, though it's fairly well-written in its absurdity. Dangerfield is a joy to watch though, and his appearance ranks among the season's finest guest spots. Once again, the Simpson family and the Springfield supporting cast don't have big roles, and that ultimately hinders the episode and leaves it in the wacky-adventure category. Other highlights: Larry at the sophisticated party, Yale admissions talking to Mr. Burns, Homer and Marge's drifter-by-drifter basis conversation, Larry's time at the Simpson house. 7.5/10 - B
The Simpsons: The Homer They Fall (1996)
Boxing-Simpsons style
The Simpsons tackle the sports world in this half hour of wackiness. The episode starts off strong with a great scene of CBG getting a taste of his own medicine and another amusing bout will bullies for Bart. Having the bullies flip flop on their opinion of Bart, with either view on him seeming natural, plays well in the series still at this point and this episode is no exception. Homer stands up for his son and this noble parental act somehow devolves into a tale of him taking beatings, gradually moving up the ranks until he can fight in the boxing heavyweight championship. Several intelligent movie references enhance the episode along with some comical moments parodying not only Mike Tyson and Don King, but also boxing as a whole and large sports gatherings. Unfortunately the wacky premise takes a toll on the episode and detracts from what should have been a more Bart-centric episode. This marked the beginning of John Swartzwelder-written wacky plots, putting Bart Gets an Elephant aside for a moment, and begins the gradual focus on Homer's wacky adventures that involve too little of Springfield's fantastic supporting cast, a trend that would plague the show for the rest of its relevant years. That said, the show still had plenty of forward momentum at this point and mostly entertaining scenes throughout carry it to at least the level of slightly below par for the time frame. Other highlights not listed: Tatum in prison scaring the other inmates, Homer's homeless opponents, Homer's vision of how he could win the match via a medical issue, forgoing the national anthem by popular request, and Moe's stint as Fan Man, which has been imitated countless times in Simpsons meme forums. 7.5/10 - B