This episode really surprised me. I was beginning to write off the season. Then an episode with a solid plot, funny jokes and a heartfelt message comes along. I can't believe it's rated as badly as it is on IMDb. I give this an episode a 10. Since I've reviewed a lot of Simpsons' episodes on IMDb, I can tell you a 10 has been reserved for only early episodes up until now.
I really liked the couch gag. It was creative and interesting. This led into a great episode which begins with Homer ordering onion rings. Thought bubble Marge and thought bubble Doctor Hibbert advise him against eating unhealthily, but Homer will do as Homer does. I like the skinny nerd who works there having a nervous breakdown. Standard party chick co-worker wants money for booze from the register, he's got a homeless dude bathing in the bathroom and a bunch of burger-ready Karate class kids. I don't blame him. However, his mishap leads to Homer's personal injury lawsuit. I might have rated this episode lower if that hadn't been handled very quickly, because having any other lawyer besides the great Troy McClure is just painful.
The money Homer wins from that lawsuit goes toward Lisa's college fund. After a hilarious conversation with the guys at the bar, Homer decides a gambling site would be the best place to store the money. Lisa, despite her reservations, can't help gambling with it, doing well initially before she cockily gambles it all away. The fact that Bart is there to save her is really touching. The main story with Abe is really well done. I enjoyed the flashbacks especially.
Some things I like about the episode: Kermit references. Milhouse's short, totally awesome sense of wonder moment. Ned's appearance. Two dogs on a leash going at it. Homer's accident prone childhood (not that he gets any better in adulthood).
This episode was great. I'll be watching it again soon.
I really liked the couch gag. It was creative and interesting. This led into a great episode which begins with Homer ordering onion rings. Thought bubble Marge and thought bubble Doctor Hibbert advise him against eating unhealthily, but Homer will do as Homer does. I like the skinny nerd who works there having a nervous breakdown. Standard party chick co-worker wants money for booze from the register, he's got a homeless dude bathing in the bathroom and a bunch of burger-ready Karate class kids. I don't blame him. However, his mishap leads to Homer's personal injury lawsuit. I might have rated this episode lower if that hadn't been handled very quickly, because having any other lawyer besides the great Troy McClure is just painful.
The money Homer wins from that lawsuit goes toward Lisa's college fund. After a hilarious conversation with the guys at the bar, Homer decides a gambling site would be the best place to store the money. Lisa, despite her reservations, can't help gambling with it, doing well initially before she cockily gambles it all away. The fact that Bart is there to save her is really touching. The main story with Abe is really well done. I enjoyed the flashbacks especially.
Some things I like about the episode: Kermit references. Milhouse's short, totally awesome sense of wonder moment. Ned's appearance. Two dogs on a leash going at it. Homer's accident prone childhood (not that he gets any better in adulthood).
This episode was great. I'll be watching it again soon.