Unloved by Al its The Simpsons season 15 "And Review Threads Make Three"

[Reply #360 on:]

I thought "The Way We Wasn't" was pretty good. Had some good lines, good versions of young characters, and good story. But it again had a totally copout ending like "Geek Wedding." Also, the act breaks just had lines that we so purposely put in to grab attention. "If I'd known it was you, I never would have married you." Jeez... anyway... ...yeah.
Grade: 3.5/5

Oh yeah, haven't posted this in a while.
Treehouse of Horror XIV: 2/5
My Mother the Carjacker: 4/5
The President Wore Pearls: 3/5
The Regina Monologues: 2/5
The Fat and the Furriest: 1.5/5
Today, I Am a Clown: 3.5/5
'Tis the Fifeenth Season: 3/5
Marge vs. Singles, Seniors, Childless Couples and Teens and Gays: 0.5/5
I, D'oh-bot: 4/5
Diatribe of a Mad Housewife: 3.5/5
Margical History Tour: 1/5
Milhouse Doesn't Live here Anymore: 2/5
Smart and Smarter: 4/5
The Ziff That Came To Dinner: 3/5
Co-Dependents Day: 2/5
The Wandering Juvie: 2/5
My Big Fat Geek Wedding: 3.5/5
Catch 'Em If You Can: 2/5
Simple Simpson: 4/5
The Way We Weren't: 3.5/5

[Reply #361 on:]

i agree with all of your ratings, although catch em if you can rates 3/5 for me.

[Reply #362 on:]

Wow. I'm amazed at how well the staff pulled this one off. It was funny, well-constructed, smooth-running, romantic, touching, and (for the most part) respected continuity. As Tomacco said, it has the same qualities and feel to it that the other flashback episodes (excluding "The Blunder Years" ) had. And I'm sure that it will be a favorite of mine for years to come.

I can understand the complaints. There were a few things that got me mad, such as Milhouse saying that his kiss with Homer was his first. And sure there were some cutesy, mushy moments, but hey, in a story about one's first kiss, you have to expect a little sappiness. I really shouldn't say "sap" because I think the episode did a good job of getting the point across without being too mushy, but there really is no other word to describe it.

The story itself was rather interesting, because you would think that the writers would have done a story about first kisses a long time ago. But, they didn't, and instead they waited 15 years and turned out an amazing episode, reminiscent of episodes like "The Way We Was", "I Married Marge", and classic-era episodes in general.

The most obvious thing that reminds me of classic-era eps is this one's first act. It introduced the idea and wasn't disjointed from the rest of the episode. I think that certain episodes have such intricate plots that they need all three acts to get a point across. This is one of those episodes, and I'm glad that the writers realized that and wrote the script accordingly.

The best part, and the one that stuck out the most in my mind, was the way the story was told from two different viewpoints; Homer's and Marge's. It allowed you to see the affect that a first kiss had on both of them, and it gave the story another interesting dimension. I thought that it was amazing that Marge was so devastated when Homer stood her up, and that she thought that she could never love a man again. Likewise, Homer cared about Marge, but never thought that missing their second "date" would be so emotionally damaging to her.

I also couldn't believe that you could buy what was coming out of the kids' mouths. As children, Homer and Marge were acting like adults; they were in love, and felt like they had a complete grasp of a first kiss and all that occurs because of it. I think that, at one point, both Homer and Marge said that they were in love, even though we know that the chances of a kid saying it and sincerely meaning it (as both of them did) are really slim.

Speaking of kids, seeing many Springfieldians as kids was great. Sure, Lenny, Carl and Moe had already appeared, but we got to see Comic Book Guy, Quimby, Helen Lovejoy, Cookie Kwan, Patty and Selma, and more. This offered some great laughs and was simply an interesting concept to explore.

Something which I forgot to mention earlier was Homer and Marge's first encounter; while Homer is working in the kitchen and Marge loses her retainer. I thought that it was so sweet that Homer would say that his favorite part of camp was working in the kitchen because he got to meet Marge. Now, I admit to being a bit of a sucker for romance, but I'm sure that a lot of people liked that part (or, at least I hope, for my sake).

I also liked the various references to earlier episodes (this excludes the Moe prank call line, "And that's the origin of that." ). I loved Homer's line, "...It was the 60's,...or maybe the 50's, or maybe the early 70's" (something along the lines of that) that dealt with the fact that the characters were locked in as being teens in the 70's (in "The Way We Was" ), even though they never age. So technically, Homer and Marge would have had to be about 10 and 8 (respectively) in this ep, meaning that it took place in roughly 1960. This would make Homer about 50 and Marge in her late 40's. Don't worry if you didn't understand that, it's not supposed to make sense.

Finally, the "Happy Together" montage. I liked how you got to see Marge's idea of what the kiss felt like (riding in the clouds) and Homer's idea (being in a land of food and Kool-Aid and all that good stuff). I found Homer's fantasy to be hilarious, and I found myself laughing at least 3 times at various jokes during that montage alone.

To sum it all up, this is my second favorite episode of the season (second only to "My Mother the Carjacker"; which used to be my third favorite of the season, but as you'll see, I tweaked my top 5 list a bit) and only the third this season to earn a prestigious 5/5:A+

Season 15 Top 5
1.My Mother the Carjacker
2.The Way We Weren't
3.I D'oh-Bot
4.The President Wore Pearls
5.Smart and Smarter   

[Reply #363 on:]

I give the Way We Weren't an A+!

[Reply #364 on:]

"The Way We Weren't"

Wonderful, wonderful episode. I loved how it was told from two views and how they fit together so well. Good humor, good young designs, good pacing, good plot. Favorite part was that hi-larious "first kiss" montage.

A+

This is, quite easily, one of the best episodes EVER.


Treehouse of Horror XIV: C+
My Mother the Carjacker: A+
The President Wore Pearls: A-
The Regina Monologues: C-
The Fat and the Furriest: C
Today, I Am a Clown: B-
'Tis the Fifeenth Season: A
Marge vs. Singles, Seniors, Childless Couples and Teens and Gays: D-
I, D'oh-bot: A
Diatribe of a Mad Housewife: B+
Margical History Tour: D
Milhouse Doesn't Live here Anymore: B-
Smart and Smarter: A-
The Ziff That Came To Dinner: B-
Co-Dependents Day: C
The Wandering Juvie: B+
My Big Fat Geek Wedding: B-
Catch 'Em If You Can: B
Simple Simpson: A
The Way We Weren't: A+


Edit: By the way, here's the end of the season schedule.

05/16 - "Bart Mangled Banner" (New Episode!)
- "The Wandering Juvie" (Rerun)


05/23 - "Smart And Smarter" (Rerun)
- "Fraudcast News" (Season Finale!)

[Reply #365 on:]

Finally, they're replaying "The Wandering Juvie". I get to tape it this time.

Anyway, I think that this weeks episode ("Bart Mangled Banner" ) seems awful as far as the promos go. But, they may not be doing the episode justice. So, I'll keep my expectations fairly low, but not too low. I'm guessing that this'll be in the C-B range.

[Reply #366 on:]

It could be a shame about 'Bart Mangled banner'
At first it sound like a potentially great episode about Patriotism and that, but it doesn't sound so good now. Still I Think we can leave the Satrie to 'Fraudcast News' which I think will beat the crap out of 'Mr Spritz goes to washington' 

[Reply #367 on:]

"Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington" was good, but I too think that "Fraudcast News" sounds better. Mr. Burns almost always makes for great episodes. 

[Reply #368 on:]

"The Way We Weren't" one of the best episodes ever? Woah-ho, let's not go crazy. In fact, the only two episodes that rank up there in the big leagues for best episode ever from seasons 9-15 are "Moe Baby Blues," and "Behind the Laughter."

[Reply #369 on:]

Well, for me "Moe Baby Blues" is top 50 material, and "My Mother the Carjacker", "The Way We Weren't", "Little Girl in the Big Ten", "The President Wore Pearls", and "Tis the Fifteenth Season" are all top 100 contenders, maybe a few others too.  I wouldn't call "The Way We Weren't" one of the best ever neccasarily, but considering this is a show with 300+ episodes, that's hardly anything to hold against it.

And "Behind the Laughter" I still think is very overrated.  Seemed so great at the time, but its just not funny on repeat viewings.  Sad thing is that its still the best of season 11. 

And I still think "Bart Mangled Banner" sounds great.  The alcatraz thing worries me but eh, ultimately that worry will probably be unjustified on my part.  And Fox ads suck anyways, so I try not to put much stock into them.  "Fraudcast News" does sound better though, absolutely can't wait for it.

[Reply #370 on:]

     

Originally posted by Shadowstar:
"The Way We Weren't" one of the best episodes ever? Woah-ho, let's not go crazy.

Well, I can't help that.   
 

In fact, the only two episodes that rank up there in the big leagues for best episode ever from seasons 9-15 are "Moe Baby Blues," and "Behind the Laughter."

What about "The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson"? That's my 6th favorite of all time.

Also, as you know, I quite like "My Mother the Carjacker", "I, D'oh-Bot" and "The President Wore Pearls"

I agree with DTB about "Behind the Laughter" though. Hugely overrated. However, I disagree about it being the best of season 11. That's "Brother's Little Helper" in my opinion (I know it isn't liked by many, but I found it hilarious).

[Reply #371 on:]

Yeah I agree with DTB, Behind the laughter is good but I think it does grate a little. and Like most season 10 - 12 that are good you want to give it a higer rating because of the average quality of the season. So I try to think 'well I wouldn't be grading this particulary highly if it aired in the classic era'
I agree with Leelaholic on BLH being good though its not the best.

I Personally think think Moe Baby Blues would be top 60 for me and about Top 70   for President Wore Pearls.
Which I think while not as good an episode as MBB it shows more promise because it shows a Maturity in the writing. and even MBB had an odd joke or 2 with Grampa's naked rear end and him saying 'the sweedish are coming'
or the photo sequence with Moe and Maggie and Homer and the Ham.
when 'The Way we weren't' airs here we'll see.
We have huge gaps between episodes because of Sky One's policy of spreading the show over the course of the year.
next week we have Margical History tour which doesn't look like much to get excited about judging from the reviews.

[Reply #372 on:]

 

Originally posted by Woodbot 2.0:
I think that Bart Mangled Banner is going to be the mostHORRID,UnAMARICAN,DISGUSTING and FOWL EPISODE OF SEASON 15!!   

Do I have to repeat myself on this Sunday's episode?

[Reply #373 on:]

I'm far too lazy at the moment to actually produce a top 100 list, but here are the episodes from seasons 9-15 that I would put on it:

Season 9
The City of New York Vs. Homer Simpson
Lisa's Sax

Season 10
None, with the possible exception of "Mayored To The Mob"

Season 11
Brother's Little Helper
Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner?

Season 12
Insane Clown Poppy
HOMR
Trilogy of Error
Hungry, Hungry Homer

Season 13
Jaws Wired Shut
Little Girl in the Big Ten
Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge

Season 14
Three Gays of the Condo (I'm sure a lot of people disagree with this, but the flashback sequences alone make this episode great, in my opinion)
Moe Baby Blues

Season 15
The President Wore Pearls
My Mother the Carjacker
'Tis the Fifteenth Season
Diatribe of a Mad Housewife (maybe)
I D'oh-Bot
The Way We Weren't

As you can probably tell, some of these choices may not permanently stay in my top 100, but most will.

Anyway, regarding "Bart Mangled Banner", give it a chance, Woodbot. As I've already said, this episode is either gonna be really good, or really awful. I hope that it's at least somewhere in between.

[Reply #374 on:]

 

Originally posted by Gorky:
As I've already said, this episode is either gonna be really good, or really awful. I hope that it's at least somewhere in between.

 "It's either going to be A or B. I'm hoping for C."


I'm still not sure what to expect from Bart-Mangled Banner, but I expect to be putting it on the lower end of the scale for the season. Of course, I wouldn't mind being worng. (or wrong, even)

[Reply #375 on:]

The first to review!

Bart Mangled Banner
Well,it was just as I expected.
The first act was the best part.Dr.Hibbert v.s Barty sequence was good.Bart deaf did get some jokes out.Then came Bart's mooning.This part showed how stupid maltymedia is.


Then came the American cramed Act 2.The talk show scene made want to B-A-R-F!All those over American-ized thng stunk,too.Only one man can indor such patrioticizm.The arrest scene in the church was so disqusting!I hated this act!   

Now,act the third.This had only three things that didn't inrage me:
-Elmo in prison/Homer saying Elmo hug himself
-The Simpsons's song
-This joke:
   

Lisa:"Quick!Let's swim to San Francisco!"
Homer:"I'm not made of money!Let's swim to Olkland!"

The ending suck most of all!
The Simpsons liveing in New York,which Homer hates!

I'll give it a C,because of Act 1 and those three things in Act three.

[Reply #376 on:]

All I can say is it's this seasons "Helter Shelter". That should be enough. 1.5/5, it only gets that because I liked the Bart/Hibbert chase scenes, and Willy being deaf and thinking people were talking about his mother.

[Reply #377 on:]

started off with promise, but it soon sunk like an anchor...this episode's gotta be in my bottom 5-10% of all time.

[Reply #378 on:]

Satire doesn't work when you're pummeling a guy over the head with a crowbar and yelling "THIS IS SATIRE!!!"

That's why this episode didn't work.

[Reply #379 on:]

Ahhh... so many things to say about this episode... hmmm... No, I'm just going to keep it simple.  2/5.  The plot was way too jumpy and the satire was way too blatant.  Complete waste of an episode saved by a few (very few) funny jokes.   (Was it just me, or was Hibbert off model for a number of scenes? Something just didn't look right...)

Edit a few days later: after a re-watch, more stuff in the first and second acts are funny, enough for a bump up to 2.5 - 3ish out of 5

[Reply #380 on:]

Taken from my NHC review:

I'm probably wasting my time repeating what's already been said, but it bears the repeat. I'm incredibly disappointed, shocked, outraged, whatever you want to call it; this was awful. I haven't seen an episode this directionless, unmotivated, moronic, and flat-out unviewable in years. Tomacco basically said what I was thinking word-for-word, but I'll try to put my spin on it.

First, the plot itself. With what info we had on the episode, I assumed that it would be an insightful satire of both patriotism and defamation of the United States's flag and standards. But instead, we got an episode that had a plot that focused less on fresh ideas on a post-9/11 world, and more on cliched statements on the war in Iraq, republicans, democrats, patriotism, and Bush. But really, this episode had little to do with satire and mainly focused on the misfortunes endured by the Simp(son)s. Even worse than that, it didn't even seem as if the writers tried to take the route that "Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes on Every Fish" did; taking large-scale politics, government, and American ideals down to a family level. Instead, we simply saw the family travel through a series of mishaps that were rather unrelated and disjointed from each other.

So, what was this episode's plot like (Tomacco already said it, but here it goes)? Bart refuses a shot, is chased by Hibbert, gets tricked into getting the shot, develops an allergic reaction causing him to go deaf, attends a donkey basketball game, unknowingly gets bitten by a donkey and inadvertently moons the flag, is shunned by the town (along with the rest of the family), goes on a talk-show to try to straighten things out, Marge says that Springfield hates America on national TV, Springfield changes it's name to Libertyville and acts sickingly patriotic, the Simpsons get arrested and are locked in Alcatraz, they escape during a talent show and are picked up by a French boat, they travel to France, discover that they miss America, travel back as if they are French immigrants, are renamed the Simps, and presumably start a new life. Now, if that's not directionless, I don't know what is.

This basically means that the episode neither has a plot, nor is it satirical in any way, shape, or form. Did I mention that the characters aren't particualrly masterfully portrayed? Granted, they were in character in act one, but starting mid-way through act two, everything pertaining to characterization crashed and burned. Homer became reminiscent of his Scully-era self, Marge had about as much personality as a rock, and Bart and Lisa were being brainwashed and weren't the least bit funny. I mean, Homer was eating a seal, people! What does that remind you of?

Needless to say, the only thing that this episode had going for it was the jokes, and even they weren't all that funny. I think that the only part of the episode that got a chuckle from me was the talk-show host, and, sadly, his behavior was as close to satire as this episode got.

Despite all its flaws, there are at least two episodes that are worse than this one, "Kill the Alligator and Run" and "Simpson Safari". I know that I should've given it a 1/5, but I hate the idea of giving an episode in one of the best seasons in a long time an F. For now, I'll leave it at D-, or (and I'm being incredibly leniant) 2/5.

[Reply #381 on:]

the majority of Simpsons episodes have a timeless quality to them IMO, but I doubt this will apply to last Sunday's episode...

[Reply #382 on:]

Season 9: "The Trouble With Trillions"
Season 10: "Sunday, Cruddy Sunday"
Season 11: "Kill the Alligator and Run"
Season 12: "Tennis the Menace"
Season 13: "Homer the Moe"
Season 14: "Dude, Where's My Ranch?"
Season 15: "Bart-Mangled Banner"   

[Reply #383 on:]

For whom it may concern.
snpp made a mistake on the U.K airing of Margical History tour. ( Well actually they have the correct listing elsewhere on the page but in the main bold part they made a mistake.)
its actually going to air 30th May
and I think Millhouse doesn't live here anymore
on the 20th June.

[Reply #384 on:]

Thanks for the idea, Leelaholic:

Season 9
The Principal and the Pauper

Season 10
Monty Can't Buy Me Love

Season 11
Kill the Alligator and Run & It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Marge

Season 12
New Kids on the Blecch & Simpson Safari

Season 13
The Lastest Gun in the West

Season 14
Helter Shelter

Season 15
Bart-Mangled Banner

Anyway, a bit of a sequel to my earlier posts, here's my top 5 episodes list (it's most likely not going to change, but stay tuned) :

1. Lisa's Substitute
2. Mother Simpson
3. Lisa's Wedding
4. Homer the Heretic
5. Homer's Enemy
 

[Reply #385 on:]

"Mother Simpson" is my all-time favorite episode. Cool to see it on your list. Also, "Homer the Heretic" is my 4th favorite too.   

Anyway, two Bongo Comic reviews...


"Hotfoot In The Park" (Simpsons Comics #93)

Well, it was alright. My only problem is that the plot seemed to go off at points. A few things seemed downright random. I laughed at some things, though. The two plots still managed to come together in the end, although not in a strong way. I also feel that the ending was a bit of a cop-out. Still, a nice comic issue, but I've seen better.

Grade: C+


"Legends Of the Bartman Family" (Bart Simpson #17)

Another Bartman story? Finally. MUCH better than the latest Simpsons comic. A little too much setup, but the plot flowed pretty well after that. This issue was outstandingly funny and one of my favorites ever.

Grade: A

[Reply #386 on:]

You know, everyone says they hate "Principal and the Pauper." But I watched it the other day, and it's actually pretty funny. It's still a poor episode that ruined a character's past, but it had some laughs.
Anyhoo, I'll follow everyone's lead.
Season Nine: All Singing, All Dancing
Season Ten: Sunday, Cruddy Sunday
Season Eleven: Kill the Alligator and Run
Season Twelve: Simpson Safari
Season Thirteen: Helther Shelther
Season Fourteen: Pray Anything
Season Fifteen: Marge vs. etc.

As for "Bart-Mangled Banner", I can say that despite a completely BS ending and a weak premise, it had some laughs, and was basically an average episode. Grade: 2/5

[Reply #387 on:]

Sorry if there is a better thread for this question, but can anyone direct me to any fan assembled 'The Simpsons' song compilation CD's?

Any help much appreciated.

I love my Futurama fan CD so much, just gotta have a Simpsons one now! 

[Reply #388 on:]

I don't think there are any fan assembled ones, at least not as far as I know.  That's probably because there's already two official CDs available in stores, and thus no need for fan made ones.

The official ones are called "Go Simpsonic!" and "Songs in the Key of Springfield" I think.  These are not to be confused with "Simpsons Sing the Blues" and "The Yellow Album", which are both made up of mostly original/non-show material.

[Reply #389 on:]

 

Originally posted by Shadowstar:
You know, everyone says they hate "Principal and the Pauper." But I watched it the other day, and it's actually pretty funny. It's still a poor episode that ruined a character's past, but it had some laughs.

I don't disagree that there were some laughs, but in my opinion, none of them were derived from character-driven humor brought upon by Skinner. I think that I mostly laughed at some of the Ralph/Lisa lines in the first act (granted, I haven't seen the episode in some time) and that was about it.

I know that we've had huge discussions about the quality of "The Principal and the Pauper", but here it goes:

The idea of revealing Skinner to be a fake should have immediately been discarded by the writers. I mean, at that point, the show had been so great without having much change drastically with the characters (the biggest change that comes to mind is Lisa turning to vegetarianism in season 7). Skinner had so far been a successful secondary character, and his background as a Vietnam veteran had been the source of many laughs. But, because of the events in this episode, it's pretty hard to get a good laugh whenever Skinner talks about Vietnam, considering that he wasn't as great as he said he was originally. It is also quite frustrating when you realize that the events in this episode conflict with the events in previous episodes. What I'm basically trying to say is this episode ruined Skinner's character in a way.

Really, this episode was a sign of the awful episodes to come as Scully became more and more involved...   

[Reply #390 on:]

Agreed, and personally I think the episode is pretty unfunny anyway.  There's a few standout moments ("When I grow up, I want to be a principal, or a caterpillar", "Can I have your copy of Swank, Armin", etc) but mostly its dull, dull, dull, dull until the end.  Its like certain modern episodes like "Co-Dependent's Day"; enough good moments that are genuinely quotable, but nonetheless a poor and dull showing.  I can't wait for the commentary though, when 2054 finally rolls around.

[Reply #391 on:]

 

Originally posted by DotheBartman:
I don't think there are any fan assembled ones, at least not as far as I know.  That's probably because there's already two official CDs available in stores, and thus no need for fan made ones.

The official ones are called "Go Simpsonic!" and "Songs in the Key of Springfield" I think.  These are not to be confused with "Simpsons Sing the Blues" and "The Yellow Album", which are both made up of mostly original/non-show material.

DotheBartman, Thanks for the info...

One song I really like isn't on those official CD's (The 'Dr. Zaius/I hate every ape I see...' Planet of the Apes on Broadway song medley, with Phil Hartman).   

[Reply #392 on:]

Are you sure about that? I could have sworn it was on Songs In The Key of Springfield, although I gave my copy away a year or so ago.

[Reply #393 on:]

'Phil Hartman, the voice of both characters, was tragically shot to death by his wife on May 28th, 1998. His wife, Brynn Hartman, committed suicide later that day. Out of respect for Phil, another voice actor will not be supplying the voices of the two characters in place of Mr. Hartman.'

What the hell!? when did this happen?

[Reply #394 on:]

I really like the principal and the pauper. Sure it's frustrating if you think about it enough but it's still a great episode. In fact Ken Keeler has said that it's the best thing he's ever written.

[Reply #395 on:]

 

Originally posted by Nurdbot:
'Phil Hartman, the voice of both characters, was tragically shot to death by his wife on May 28th, 1998. His wife, Brynn Hartman, committed suicide later that day. Out of respect for Phil, another voice actor will not be supplying the voices of the two characters in place of Mr. Hartman.'

EDIT: Whoops, I didn't notice that the article says another actor would NOT be replacing him.  I thought it said one would be, and figured it was an innacurate report from right after his death.

What the hell!? when did this happen?

The thing about a replacement actor is completely innacurate.  They stated basically as soon as Hartman died that they would not try to replace him, and they've kept their word.  Same with Doris Grau (who played Lunch Lady Doris).  But had you seriously not heard of Hartman's death until now?  His characters have been off the show for a long time now, and it was pretty big news.  And it has ties to Futurama as well (he was originally going to play Zapp, but due to his death that fell through, and they got West to do it instead.  Fry is named "Phillip" in his honor as well).

And Keeler...well, he's wrong.  His Futurama work alone is far better, and every other Simpsons episode he has done has been better then "Principal".  I'm not the hugest fan of his Simpsons work truthfully (I like everything but "Principal" well enough, but I actually far prefer his Futurama work for the most part), but the rest of it is all better.

[Reply #396 on:]

What happened to Doris?

[Reply #397 on:]

 

Originally posted by Nurdbot:
What happened to Doris?

She passed away in 1995 I believe.  Lung cancer (she was a constant smoker, which in fact contributed to Lunch Lady Doris' voice).  She was actually a script supervisor or something, but her voice was perfect for a character like that so they let her do that voice for a while.  "Team Homer", the last episode she voiced I believe (save for Lisa's Sax anyway, which aired way after the fact), has a dedication to her at the end.  For Hartman it was "Bart Carny" I believe (though in that case the dedication was probably put on a rerun of that episode).

[Reply #398 on:]

Actually, DTB, I think you're mistaken.

*all gasp*

I'm pretty sure that Hartman's final appearance was in "Bart the Mother".

[Reply #399 on:]

At times like this, it's best to consult  www.snpp.com , the one stop Simpsons information website.

Here's what they have to say about it:
 
found here:  http://www.snpp.com/episodes/5F24
-------------------------------------
>> Phil Hartman's last episode?

You think it's hard trying to explain what the first Simpsons episode was? Try explaining what Phil Hartman's *last* episode was.  The three candidates would be either "All Singing, All Dancing (5F24)," "Bart the Mother (5F22)" or "Treehouse of Horrors IX (AABF01)."
"Bart the Mother" was hyped as his last, and technically is.  But in a different kind of technically, it was 5F24, and in another way, it was AABF01. 

Let me explain (uggh) . . .

Let's lay out the scene . . . Phil Hartman records his voice for "Bart the Mother."  He then returns to the studio another day and records for "All Singing, All Dancing."  A long while later, he comes to the studio and records for "Treehouse of Horrors IX."  Before he records anything else, he dies.  This is the reason AABF01 could be considered his last.  "All Singing, All Dancing" airs for the first time on January 4th, 1998, loooooooooong before the other two, and before Phil's death.  Phil Hartman is shot by his wife a few months later, which prompts the producers to replace his role in the next year's THOH, which would have   been his final one, with Ed McMahon, so that his last scenes (hosting the "World's Deadliest Executions" ) would not revolve around death.  This decision countered an earlier-begun rumor that THOH9 was his last episode which perpetuated until being put to rest last month.  Since technically  the end result did not feature Hartman, the last-produced episode that *did* feature him (5F24) could be considered his last.

   "Bart the Mother" airs in September, 1998, hyped as the last Phil Hartman  episode, which has some truth: This is the last time the people sitting at home watching the weekly episodes heard his voice in a new episode.  This is the reason 5F22 could be considered his last.

   Finally, "Treehouse of Horrors IX" airs with the new Ed McMahon scenes, and all is solved. Am I getting through to anyone?  Did that just make sense?

   Another interesting note: Snake's first gunshots during the end credits were heard while *who's* name was flashed on screen?  Guess.  Go on. Forgive my lack of respect for the dead, but this is one of the most beautiful ironies I've ever seen. And in his last episode, no less!

By: Jordan Eisenberg
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