Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
215 of 239 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE last great Simpsons season, October 27, 2006
Mike Scully's reign of terror has begun!
There is a theory that the best seasons of the Simpsons are its single-digit seasons. While I feel that Seasons 10 and 11 are certainly respectable, it is true IMO that Season 9 is the last season in which one could consider the Simpsons truly great.
As great a writer as John Schwartzwelder had become over the seasons, Season 9 is where Ian Maxtone-Graham really shined through with not only three great episodes but also having two of the three that should be in the discussion of the greatest Simpsons episodes of all time. Here are the episodes for your enjoyment.
1. The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson - classic Simpsons episode written by Ian Maxtone-Graham where Homer goes to NY to recover his illegally parked car from the WTC. Definitely one of the great Simpsons episodes of all time. Also the introduction of Duffman OH YEAH!
2. The Principal and the Pauper - the somewhat controversial episode where Principal Skinner ISN'T Principal Skinner but am impostor. Later parodied in Season 11.
3. Lisa's Sax - a flashback episode centered around (you guessed it)
4. Treehouse of Horror VIII - Homega Man - Homer discovers after a nuclear explosion that he is the last man in Sspringfield, Fly vs. Fly - Bart uses a Frink device to morph into a man-fly, Easy Bake Coven - it's easy to see Patty and Selma as witches, but Marge too (check out the end where Homer goes as Princess Kashmir on Halloween).
5. The Cartridge Family - great John Schwartzwelder episode about the folly of allowing Homer Simpson his 2nd Amendment rights. Also, the folly of believing that soccer is an enjoyable sport to watch.
6. Bart Star - Bart goes for pee-wee football with Homer (looking stylish in his Tom Landry hat) as his inept but loving coach. BTW, You're cut.
7. The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons - another great episode centered around Apu and his Indian background which now focuses on his arranged marriage and Homer's attempts to stop it.
8. Lisa the Skeptic - Probably the first time on the Simpsons that someone from academia gave a voice-over (Steven Jay Gould). A decent Lisa and Marge episode.
9. Realty Bites - The introduction of Gil, the lovable loser, and Cookie Kwan (stay away from the East Side) as well as Marge's attempts to be a realtor with integrity. Another great Lionel Hutz performance by the late Phil Hartman.
10. Miracle on Evergreen Terrace - Average Christmas episode with Bart burning down the presents on accident and claiming burglars stole them. The best word to describe this episode: craptacular!
11. All Singing, All Dancing - an above-average clip-show where the cast sings their dialogue.
12. Bart Carny - Another John Schwatzwelder script where carnies trick the Simpsons out of house and home.
13. The Joy of Sect - Springfield falls into the grip of a cult, except for Marge who manages to escape and plot the survival of the family. Plus another glimpse of Flanders' rumpus room.
14. Das Bus - "Lost" completely ripped off its plot from "Das Bus" (which ripped it off from Lord of the Flies). Also a great B-story with Homer the burgeoning internet millionaire ("They got the internet on computers now").
15. The Last Temptation of Krust - So many great comedic guest stars fill this episode where Krusty attempts to reinvent his comedy act into that of Lenny Bruce and George Carlin. But can you really turn a corporate shill into a "funny man of the people"?
16. Dumbbell Indemnity - Probably the first full episode centered on Moe Syslack and his failed attempts to woo the opposite sex through money. MUST KILL MOE! WHEEEEEEE!
17. Lisa the Simpson - A truly great Lisa episode of the quality of "Lisa the Vegetarian" two seasons earlier. Lisa believes she is succumbing to the dreaded Simpson gene that should cause the smart Lisa to turn dumb and dull. Another great Troy McClure in a documentary performance by the late Phil Hartman and a great performance by Dan Castellaneta as the various Simpsons adults in the tri-state.
18. This Little Wiggy - Oh Ralph, that often misunderstood lad. When he is set up on a play-date with Bart, watch as the sparks fly (Smells like hotdogs).
19. Simpson Tide - Homer commanding a nuclear sub? (It's pronounced "nukular"). And all for joining the Naval Reserve. In an "unrelated" story, Bart tries to get an earring.
20. The Trouble with Trillions - A great episode by Ian Maxtone-Graham where Homer's tax troubles cause him to become an IRS snitch, eventually facing Mr. Burns who "acquired" a trillion dollar bill.
21. Girly Edition - Lisa's attempts at creating a serious kids news show are thwarted by Bart's neverending stream of bleeding heart human interest stories. Also the introduction of the Crazy Cat Lady.
22. Trash of the Titans - Yes, it has arrived the 200th Simpsons episode and what a gem written by Ian Maxtone-Graham. This episode had U2 (playing themselves, esp. Bono as his truly altruistic self) and Steve Martin as the incredibly competent sanitation commissioner Ray Patterson. Homer's disappointment with the sanitation department causes him to run a sleazy but successful campaign against Ray Patterson. Again, an episode that deserves to be in the discussion of the greatest Simspons episodes ever. This episode won an Emmy and was dedicated to the late Linda McCartney.
23. King of the Hill - Another episode by John Schwartzwelder where Homer's lack of energy causes him to work out until he sees the ultimate challenge, climbing the Murderhorn mountain. But what I will always remember are the sherpas.
24. Lost Our Lisa - A decent Homer-Lisa episode where Lisa tries to go by herself to the museum to see the Egypt exhibit.
25. Natural Born Kissers - Over the years, Homer and Marge have found that it gets harder and harder to "Rock the Casbah". That is unless they are caught in a dangerous and perilious situation which becomes their aphrodisiac.
This season has a lot of great episodes. Probably not the greatest Simpsons season of all, but definitely the last great Simpsons season. Plus you get audio commentary on EVERY episode as well as those other extras that fans of the DVDs have come to expect.
|
|
|
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Past its peak, February 6, 2007
Don't get me wrong, there are several really good episodes in the Ninth Season. Even at its worst The Simpsons is better than most of the drivel that gets put on TV anyway.
My least favorite episode on this set would have to be The Principal and the Pauper. After watching that episode I knew the inevitable downhill slide for this series had begun.
In many places, it felt like the writers were trying too hard, or in some cases not trying hard enough, and they started with a few story ideas that weren't all that great to begin with. In any case, the finely tuned situations, impeccable timing, spot-on delivery, and humor from the previous seasons is often lost. The series feels off-kilter in a number of ways.
There are a lot of cracks that begin to show up in construction of these episodes. First, a lot of the writing is subpar. The animation also begins to suffer. And a lot of the dialogue seems forced, as if the actors no longer care as much about their product, they're just there for the paycheck.
Now, that being said, there are a number of real gems in this set, including: Realty Bites, Trash of the Titans, The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson, and Bart Carny.
Overall, I'd say its still worth purchasing, but as the quality of this series goes downhill starting here with the Ninth Season, let's hope the $40 entry fee will also start to go down a little, too. This is the first time I've bought a Simpsons DVD set that left a hint of a bad taste in my mouth.
|
|
|
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still In THE SIMPSONS Golden Era, October 7, 2007
The ninth season of THE SIMPSONS, the longest prime time animated show in history, proved to be a turning point season. It was a transition year for the show as many writers, runners, etc. who had been with the show left. Some would argue that season nine was the last great season of THE SIMPSONS for several years until about season fifteen or sixteen. Reflecting the transition of the show's workforce, season nine includes episodes that have become classic SIMPSONS episodes, e.g. "The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson" and "Trash of the Titans", as well as episodes that were okay, but nothing special, e.g. "Bart Star" and "All Singing, All Dancing." Season nine is the last season to feature Phil Hartman (who was murdered the following summer by his wife) voicing some great secondary characters, such as Lionel Hutz. The complete list of episodes is:
"The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson"--After a late night drinking spree, Homer lets Barney borrow his car. Weeks later Homer receives a letter from the City of New York informing him that his car is illegally parked and that if it isn't moved, will soon be towed. Homer hates New York, but packs up the family and sets off on a bus to the Big Apple to get back his car. This episode has some amazing background and set animation. It's also features the Twin Towers. For three years after Sept. 11, 2001, the episode was never seen in syndication but has since been added back into the rotation. Also, this episode has the first appearance of Duff Man.
"The Principal and the Pauper"--turns out that Principal Skinner isn't the man who he claimed to be over twenty years ago when he returned home from Vietnam. Turns out Principal Skinner is actually Armin Tamzarian a troubled youth who served under the real Seymour Skinner in Vietnam. The real Seymour Skinner returns to Springfield and Armin Tamzarian leaves his job and moves to Capital City.
"Lisa's Sax"--Lisa's saxophone is destroyed and Homer and Marge explain how Lisa got her saxophone in the first place.
"Treehouse of Horror VIII"--"Homega Man" finds Homer as the last man left alive living in Springfield after a nuclear Holocaust. "Fly vs. Fly" has Bart turning into a mutant fly. "Easy-Bake Coven" stars Marge in a segment that parodies THE CRUCIBAL (with a nod to the Scarlet Letter).
"The Cartridge Family"--a soccer riot that leads to city-wide looting and violence causes Homer to decide he needs a gun to protect his family. He buys a firearm and joins the NRA. Marge can't stand having the gun in the house and forces Homer to choose between keeping the gun or living with his family.
"Bart Star"--Homer gets Ned Flanders so upset that he quits as the coach of the local pee-wee football team and gives the job to Homer. Remembering how unsupported his own father was, Homer attempts to build Bart up by showing favoritism and making him the quarterback. However, Bart isn't any good and finds himself the center of physical correction by his teammates.
"The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons"--Apu is the most eligible bachelor in Springfield and is living the good life. That is until his mother writes to inform him she is coming to visit along with his pre-arranged bride, Manjula, so that they can be married.
"Lisa the Skeptic"--during a school archeological dig, Lisa uncovers what appears to be the skeleton of an angel. Lisa is skeptical, but the town finds itself in a frenzy.
"Realty Bites"--Marge gets a job as a real estate agent. I believe this is the first appearance of Gil.
"Miracle on Evergreen Terrace"--during a morning of Christmas greed, Bart accidentally burns down the Christmas tree and all the Christmas presents. He hides the evidence under a pile of buried snow in the front yard. The citizens of Springfield take pity upon the Simpsons in a scene taken from IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. That is until the townfolk find out exactly what Bart did.
"All Singing, All Dancing"--a clip show told in song that looks back at some of the singing and dancing moments of the first eight seasons of THE SIMPSONS.
"Bart Carny"--Bart and Homer start working at a traveling carnival after Bart destroys Hitler's car. Bart and Homer befriend one of the carnies and his son, but soon find themselves in a battle of wits as the carnies squat the Simpsons' home.
"The Joy of Sect"--the Simpsons and many of the other citizens of Springfield find themselves joining and being brainwashed into a cult. Marge escapes and with the help of Ned Flanders and Rev. Lovejoy attempts to get her family back and uncover the scam The Leader is pulling.
"Das Bus"--the Simpsons take on LORD OF THE FLIES. A Springfield Elementary bus crashes and the students find themselves on a deserted island and attempt to build a society of their own.
"The Last Temptation of Krust"--Krusty realizes that his material hasn't aged well and thinks about leaving the business. That is until he just starts telling the truth and discovers comedy gold.
"Dumbell Indemnity"--Moe falls in love and gives his new girlfriend the best that money can buy. However, the money dries up and Moe decides to commit insurance fraud, with the help of Home, in order to keep his lady in style. Homer is caught and Moe lets him take the fall.
"Lisa the Simpson"--Lisa is afraid she might be losing her intelligence and is told by all the male members of her family that there is nothing she can do because of the "Simpson" gene that brings about ignorance. She decides to sap out the best from life she can before she forgets how to enjoy things like jazz and museums.
"This Little Wiggy"--Marge forces Bart to have a playdate with Ralph Wiggum. Bart becomes friends with Ralph and with the help of Chief Wiggum's master town key they have the time of their lives. This is the episode when Ralph first mentions the leprechaun that tells him to burn things.
"Simpson Tide"--Home and his friends join the Naval Reserve and find themselves aboard a nuclear submarine. After the Captain is ejecting from a torpedo tube, Homer finds himself in command of the vessel and attempting to ward of an international incident.
"The Trouble with Trillions"--Homer finds himself working for the IRS after failing to fill out an income tax return properly. Homer agrees to entrap Mr. Burns because of a mysterious trillion dollar bill Mr. Burns stole from the government over fifty years before.
"Girly Edition"--Lisa and Bart become co-anchors of a children's operating news program.
"Trash of the Titans"--the 200th episode of THE SIMPSONS. Homer decides to run for the office of sanitation commissioner and brings about radical changes when elected. Steve Martin and U2 both guest voiced.
"King of the Hill"--in attempt to win over the adoration of Bart, Homer secretly begins bulking up. He's approached by two promoters and agrees to climb the killing mountain, Murderhorn.
"Lost Our Lisa"--Lisa finagles her way into getting to ride the public bus downtown to see a special Egyptian exhibit at the museum. The bus doesn't go where she wants to and she finds herself wandering around Springfield alone. Homer attempts to rescue her and they share a very special father and daughter moment together.
"Natural Born Kissers"--Marge and Homer's love life has grown stale. After discovering how excited they are after almost being caught in public, there passion is reignited. Then they are almost discovered at a miniature golf course and are forced to flee through town naked.
My favorite episodes from this season are "The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson", "Treehouse of Horror VII", "Bart Carny", "Das Bus", "Trash of the Titans", and "Lost Our Lisa."
Special features in the season nine set include commentaries for all the episodes; a couple of Bit From the Animators segments with Yeardley Smith, Pete Michels, Mike Anderson, and Matt Groening, a moment with U2; Butterfinger commercials and an commercials for an Australian snack called CCs; a riff from Matt Groening; deleted scenes; original sketches; and two animation showcases.
All said and done, Season Nine is a great season of THE SIMPSONS.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
DVD ~ Dan Castellaneta
DVD ~ Harry Shearer
DVD ~ Dan Castellaneta
DVD ~ Dan Castellaneta
DVD ~ The Simpsons
