I'm not going to go for the collector's head box. |
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If you're new to Matchflick.com and haven't read my column before, you may not know that my best friend, Dr. Karma (see Wednesday's column on John Hughes--- excellent!) and I are writing a book for other teachers on our tested and approved methods for using The Simpsons in the classroom. That means that occasionally my column veers in the general direction of Springfield. Today, the column has dropped us all off in the dead-center of town, just under the statue of Jebediah Springfield, because season 12 of The Simpsons is, with a few minor exceptions to be discussed later, the only DVD release in the next two weeks to be excited about.
I'll admit, when I heard Comic Book Guy exclaim "Best. Season. Ever." on the commercial for The Simpsons Season 12, I was skeptical. Everyone knows that the best was Season 8, but as I review the episodes, I realize that Season 12 gives it a run for its money. I simply cannot wait to plop down 32 of the few remaining dollars of my severance to get it, and I'm here to tell you why.
Season 12 had some of the best storylines!
Treehouse of Horror XI contains one of the all-time cleverest and surprising stories in any Treehouse episode: "Night of the Living Dolphins." What happens when Lisa offers dignity to a captive dolphin?
"Lisa the Tree-Hugger" is a natural progression of her pro-animal, idealistic nature. Sure, she gets caught up in a crush along the way, but can you blame her? Even Homer gets lost in his dreamy eyes.
"The Computer Wore Menace Shoes" is a favorite among my friends and lovers. Homer misuses his website and loses his credibility. It shows what happens to you when you spread lies and conspiracy theories (are you listening birthers and Rep. Paul Broun of Georgia? Mama's not going to die of pneumonia after breaking her hip. I mean, she probably won't, but if she does, it's because 
Before the bad grammar overload that killed Linguo. |
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it's God's plan, not the President's).
"HOMR" explains why Homer is so delightfully stupid. Turns out, he crammed a crayon into his brain when he a kid. This is one of the awesomely tender Homer/Lisa episodes but it's still hilariously funny, as it always is when Homer acts uncharacteristically. But fear not: the status quo is restored in the end.
"Worst Episode Ever" is a bummer for Comic Book Guy, who has to take a break after a heart attack. But hilarity ensues when Bart and Milhouse find the secrets Comic Book Guy's been hiding.
In "Hungry, Hungry Homer," Homer goes on a hunger strike as he demands the truth about the future of the Springfield Isotopes. Of course, we know what happens to the 'Topes, but it was fun to watch Homer be a hero and drop a cup size.
"Trilogy of Error" is a combined parody of GO and the terrific German film RUN, LOLA, RUN, but instead of showing minor differences that can change the outcome of an event, "Trilogy of Error" shows the event from three different perspectives. Homer loses a thumb being greedy for some fresh brownies, Lisa creates a grammar robot named Linguo who meets his untimely demise, and Bart gets mixed up with gangster trouble. Again. This episode is one of my favorites for energy, creative storytelling, and car thievery!
"I'm Goin' to Praiseland" finds Ned still not dealing well with Maude's death. When he sees her sketches for a Christian theme park, he feels he must build it in her honor. Of course, the place is a little off-putting and everyone is bored with their visit until they stand in front of Maude's statue, where they start hallucinating.
In "Children of a Lesser Clod," Homer's daycare really ticks Bart and Lisa off. And you know what they are capable of when they put their energies together.
Season 12 also had an abundance of great celebrity 
Shut up, Updike! |
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guests!
The Who appear in the episode "A Tale of Two Springfields," in which Homer is outraged that there are two are codes in Springfield now. Stupid cell phones.
"Insane Clown Poppy" is FILLED with spectacular guest stars. Drew Barrymore is the voice of Sophie, the surprise daughter of Krusty the Klown. The other plot involves a Springfield book festival, where Amy Tan, Stephen King, John Updike, and Jay Mohr (as Christopher Walken) appear. Tan's response when Lisa compliments The Joy Luck Club just might be the funniest moments in all of Season 12. Or maybe not, especially if you've never read the book.
Joshua Jackson voices the dreamboat environmentalist in "Lisa the Treehugger," Leeza Gibbons lends her voice in "Homer vs. Dignity," actor Patrick McGoohan (A TIME TO KILL, SCANNERS) finds himself in the same predicament as Homer in "The Computer Wore Menace Shoes." Edward Norton and Robbie Krieger help out in "The Great Money Caper," and "Pokey Mom" hosts a bundle of guests, including Michael Keaton, Charles Napier, Robert Schimmel and Bruce Vilanch.
Tom Savini, who tends to only appear in films that have death, weapons, and terror in the titles, appears as himself in "Worst Episode Ever," which is actually the scariest and goriest of all Simpsons episodes (This is the one where Agnes Skinner and Comic Book Guy hook up. "Ewe" doesn't quite cut it, does it?)
In "Tennis the Menace," the Simpsons get a tennis court, so it only makes sense that all our favorite tennis players might stop by for a game of doubles: Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Pete"Eyebrows"Sampras, and Andre Agassi.
"Day of the Jackanapes" is this season's Sideshow Bob episode, which means another flawless performance by Kelsey Grammer. Another special treat: Gary 
Formula for Christian Rock: Replace "baby" with "Jesus" |
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Coleman!
Stacy Keach lends his voice as the owner of the Isotopes in "Hungry, Hungry Homer," while "New Kids on the Blecch" is a lovely piece of satire, and *NSYNC know a compliment when they get one, even if part of the critique is of non-organically created boy bands such as theirs. Yvan eht nioj!
Kathy Griffin grunts in "Bye Bye Nerdie," the episode that brought us one of my favorite Simpsons-coined words, "poindesxtrose." Frankie Muniz voices Lisa's potential boyfriend in "Trilogy of Error," and last but not least, Shawn Colvin reprises her role of Rachel Jordan, Ned's potential love interest (and talented Christian rock singer) in "I'm Goin' to Praiseland."
That's one hell of a seaon!
As I suggested above, there isn't too much to be stoked about the next couple of Tuesdays. And what is cool is mainly television. Here are a few highlights:
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Aug 18
Season 12 of The Simpsons comes out today. Why should you get it? See above.
Dexter( Season 3)
Michael C. Hall is just so damn good!
Dirty Sexy Money Second (Final) Season
I gave up on it in Season 1, but I think I'll put this on the queue because Peter Krause is just so damn hot!
Aug 25
Scrubs Season 8
The same crew with the same great writing, but I dunno, I prefer my sitcom characters not to age.
House Season 5
I've never watched a whole episode, but the Twittersphere loves this show. I'm sure it's just me.
Samantha Who? Season 2
I really like Christina Applegate in this! I wish it weren't canceled.
SUNSHINE CLEANING
This is a terrific, under-the-radar movie. Do yourself a favor and see it. To read more (no spoilers), see the Emily Blunt section here.
ADVENTURELAND
This one's going on the queue.
DUPLICITY
Ditto-- meant to catch it in the theatre because I do heart that Clive Owen, but home will have to do.
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Every other Sunday
Semi-wholesome Midwestern girl and certified Geek Magnet offers her suggestions - often new, sometimes classic - for DVDs that are definitely queue-worthy.
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