Simpsons Did It!: “Marge In Chains”

A standard Marge storyline deals with the idea that she is indefensible to the Simpson household, and the lose of her can cause untold havoc with Homer forced to take charge.

Sometimes the whole town of Springfield has to learn that lesson.

Simpsons Did It!: “Brother From The Same Planet”

The writers and producers of The Simpsons had come under the impression that Tom Cruise wanted to do the show, so they wrote this episode with him in mind.

Cruise wasn’t interested after all, so they gave the part to Phil Hartman.  I think they’re better off for it.

Simpsons Did It!: “Marge Vs. The Monorail”

Let’s face it:  whatever your thoughts for this Conan O’Brien-penned episode, they are bound to be better than your thoughts on the last thing we reviewed with a “Vs” in the title.

Simpsons Did It!: “The Way We Was”

The nature of an animated show means the producers can easily do flashbacks and flash forwards without having to worry about make-up or recasting for the various roles.

Animation also means you can drop Homer Simpson down Springfield Gorge twice and no one will wonder how he isn’t dead.

Simpsons Did It!: “Bart Gets Hit By A Car”

Mr. Burns is, at heart, an evil billionaire who has no idea that his own views on what is right and wrong are not shared by, oh, anybody.  Completely lacking in empathy, Burns will contemplate cutting a check for $100 to cover, well, not much after hitting a child with a car, and even then he doesn’t seem to recognize anything resembling a decent human emotion.

But you know what?  Lack of decent morals are hardly unique to Burns when it comes to the people of Springfield.  If there’s a difference, its that Burns rarely if ever learns a lesson about being a better person.  He also rarely has to.