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The Simpsons Season 12 Review

The twelfth season of The Simpsons is an improvement upon its predecessor, though it still mostly consists of subpar episodes.

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“I just wanted to say being smart made me

appreciate just how amazing you really are“

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Treehouse of Horror XI is an excellent Treehouse of Horror episodes that continues the long tradition of these episodes being among the greatest of any season. The final dolphin tale is suitably silly, but the highlight has to be the Hansel and Gretel parody where Homer is perfectly utilized in the final sequence. It’s the most imaginative, funniest segment. A Tale of Two Springfields has an interesting premise, but it could have used better execution.

Insane Clown Poppy is better than most Krusty episodes, but still it felt like an unimportant, forgettable detour. Lisa the Tree Hugger is another terrific Lisa episode that is moving and very well realized in her character. She continues to be one of the best written characters on the show.

Homer vs. Dignity should not be talked about too much because, yes, it is as bad as everyone says it is. The premise had potential, but it also felt too familiar. The scene where Homer gets raped by a panda has to one of the most horrible, least funny scenes in the show’s history. It’s truly the stuff of nightmares. As for The Computer Wore Menace Shoes, it’s too spy-related and not comedic enough whereas The Great Money Caper is too silly. Skinner’s Sense of Snow is a solid Skinner episode, though far from great.

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HOMR is a terrific, classic in its feel episode that sees Homer become smart after a removed crayon is removed from his brain. It led to a fun episode as well as very moving bonding moments with Lisa. Pokey Mom is annoyingly plotted, but Worst Episode Ever has some of the best uses for Comic Book Guy who gets to be hilarious here. Tennis the Menace is an odd, silly episode while Day of the Jackapanes is another forgettable Krusty episode that manages to misuse Sideshow Bob.

New Kids on the Blecch makes fun of boy bands, which makes it somewhat fun, but certainly boy bands are too much of an easy target for The Simpsons. Hungry, Hungry Homer is far from memorable, though somewhat solidly plotted. Bye Bye Nerdie is another strong Lisa episode that utilizes on its origin of bullying premise quite well.

Simpson Safari is actually excellent. I know that many people dislike this one, but I personally find the family visiting other countries usually a great material for a lot of terrific entertainment, and although very silly and stereotypical in its portrayal of Africa, the various animals they encounter are so well woven into the humorous situations.

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Trilogy of Error is too fast paced for its own sake, and I know it tried to parody ‘Run Lola Run’, but not in a successful manner at all. I’m Goin’ to Praiseland is a strong Flanders episode that further focuses on his difficulties forgetting Maude after her death. It’s a very moving episode. Children of a Lesser Clod most certainly has a great premise that utilizes on Homer’s terrible parenting of his own kids, but the second half is messy. Simpsons Tell Tales is a solid finale that parodies classic American stories such as ‘Tom Sawyer’ quite well. It’s a charming, old-fashioned and cozy episode for sure.

At the end of the day, I liked this season. Yes, it has many forgettable, very annoying episodes, but it also has its fair share of interesting and/or downright terrific episodes with some excellent scripts and character moments.

Worst Episodes: Homer vs. Dignity, Pokey Mom and Insane Clown Poppy.

Best Episodes: Treehouse of Horror XI, HOMR, Worst Episode Ever, Simpson Safari and I’m Goin’ to Praiseland