(Author's note: Meant to post this for a long time. Was too lazy to include the pictures until now.)
Well, after an update schedule that makes that of The Venture Brothers look stable in comparison, I have finally completed season 9 of The Simpsons- the first in a four-part series looking at the Mike Scully Era.
Truth be told, it was sorta what I expected. Character was indeed a bit haphazard, but that was mainly limited to Homer. Amazingly, this wasn't too zany a season- there were a few wacky moments, but nothing too extreme.
On one hand, I did expect the show to still be relatively decent, even in it's weaker episodes. That proved true- the show was still largely funny, still seemed like it had something to say, etc. On the other hand, I expected a few duds.
Indeed, there were quite a few duds- no major trainwrecks, but more than a few mediocre episodes. That's what we're covering here.
Unlike other lists of this nature, for the most part, these will be listed in order of airdate. The exception is the standout bad episode of the season- it goes at the end.
Oh, and please don't refer to my reviews posted before February 2014. They're boring and relatively poorly-written.
Here we are...
The Principal and the Pauper
Even without Mike Scully touching it, this was not the best sign for the season to come. It permanently altered the backstory of one of the characters in such a dramatic fashion. As well as the plot was handled, the plot itself was bad from the word go. I give it credit, though- it was pretty funny when the initial shock of "Armin Tamzarian" wore off. "Keep looking shocked, and move slowly towards the cake."
The Two Mrs. Nahassapettapetalons
One of many episodes this season that wasn't memorable. As interesting as the plot could've been, it was a relatively boring episode in terms of execution. Having Apu married off seemed like a big change, yet I doubt it had a long-term impact on character development. I'd certainly watch this again, though- Andrea Martin and the late Jan Hooks did put on good performances.
Realty Bites
As funny as Phil Hartman is, something about Homer getting in a car chase with Snake bugged me a bit too much. I give it credit for it's snarky take on the realty industry, but I remember comparatively little from this episode.
Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
There was nothing horrendously bad in this episode- some Jerkass Homer and some schlockness, but nothing wretched. Except for the humor - with the exception of the ending, it is a dull, color by numbers episode. "Liar Revealed", other characters out of character for the sake of a cliche plot, and a dearth of humor all hurt this episode. The second of three episodes I would likely skip in a marathon.
Bart Carny
Basically, the episode can be summed up as "Carnies are jerks". No substance. Oh, and Homer gets a job for a few minutes because. Boy, that's a good sign. One of three episodes which, during a marathon, I would likely skip. What a waste of Jim Varney.
The Trouble with Trillions
What could've been a funny satire on bureaucracy in the government (especially the IRS) instead turned into a "Captain Wacky goes on a zany adventure" plot- one that also feebelized Burns into a complete idiot. Oh, and to quote Mike Nelson: "Did they even need to go to Cuba?"
Trash of the Titans
As funny as the satire of extreme populism is, this is the quintessential Jerkass Homer episode- one where he gets a job and goes bonkers. Oh, and acts vindictive and whiny throughout. Thank you, Steve Martin, for making this more watchable.
Lost Our Lisa
Homer survives horrendous drawbridge injuries, and makes a speech that seems to cement him as Mike Scully's own Mary Sue- an invincible mouthpiece for the writers and their fantasies. It came at the expense of a plot with a lot of potential.
Now, these were all pretty subpar. But, what was the most subpar? To clarify- what is the episode I am least likely to rewatch?
All Singing, All Dancing
Wow, was this pretty weak. The singing made little sense (or at least wasn't funny), the clips reminded me of better episodes, there was virtually no comedy, very little character development... it was not memorable. Definitely one of the three episodes I wouldn't rewatch- at least "Trillions" had some funny lines.
Oh, and for clarification purposes, my three favorites (read, the ones I would be most likely to watch again) are, in order, Lisa's Sax, Girly Edition, and The Joy of Sect.
So, that wasn't too bad. Not too good, but eh- you could chalk it up to first-season jitters... something which prior showrunners didn't have, however.
Here we are - Season 10. Starting whenever.
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