Since the Millennium, The Simpsons has been repeatedly criticised for its decline in quality. Every once in a while, however, there comes an episode that hearkens back to the good old days of solid characterisation and story, and this is one of those. It's hard to pinpoint precisely why it's good – the episode, while amusing, isn't overly hilarious, but it is decidedly more Christmassy than earlier Holiday-themed efforts, including 'Miracle on Evergreen Terrace' from season nine and especially 'She of Little Faith' from season thirteen. In fact, it's possibly one of the best Christmas episodes they've ever made, not to mention one of The Simpsons' most underrated, especially from what is considered a 'later' season.
The episode, as with many of the early post-Millennium episodes, focuses on Homer, who purchases an expensive talking astrolabe for himself. In doing so, he sacrifices buying a decent Christmas tree and gives his friends and family minimal gifts. After he has a Christmas Carol-themed epiphany to reform his selfish ways, he resolves to be the nicest man in Springfield, which expectedly invites the jealousy of renowned do-gooder neighbour Ned Flanders.
In my opinion, one major aspect that works strongly in the episode's favour is its pacing. Since season nine, Simpsons episodes have suffered from issues with pacing, with many episodes taking a completely different direction after every ad-break. But this episode remains fairly consistent. There's one story, and it remains focused throughout. Another favourable aspect of the episode is that the main ensemble remain completely in character. Even despite the fact that it revolves around Homer's selfishness, his 'jerkass' nature reminiscent of Mike Scully's tenure is thankfully underplayed, and it facilitates what is a fairly 'new' storyline that hasn't been touched on before, despite being in their fifteenth season. I understand many are critical of Al Jean's long-running tenure as showrunner, but this season especially showcases a major improvement over the Scully years; a welcome return to form.
Another aspect of the episode that works well is its comedy. A problem I find with many later episodes is that occasionally there'll be an obscure joke that simply isn't funny, or there'll be a gag that is conceptually funny, but doesn't really pay off. Fortunately, the majority of gags in this episode don't fall flat. It might not be as humorous as the episodes from the golden era (1989-1999) but it remains consistently amusing nonetheless. Though I must say the flare gag towards the end with Hans Moleman is hilarious.
Ultimately, this is one of the better 'later' episodes of The Simpsons. Sometimes its underlying moral tones feel somewhat forced and preachy, and Homer acts as your standard Scrooge, but overall it's wholly satisfying, and manages to capture the Christmas spirit like no episode has done since season seven's 'Marge Be Not Proud'. Ignore anyone who says The Simpsons' good episodes stop dead at season ten – this is a true Christmas classic.
The episode, as with many of the early post-Millennium episodes, focuses on Homer, who purchases an expensive talking astrolabe for himself. In doing so, he sacrifices buying a decent Christmas tree and gives his friends and family minimal gifts. After he has a Christmas Carol-themed epiphany to reform his selfish ways, he resolves to be the nicest man in Springfield, which expectedly invites the jealousy of renowned do-gooder neighbour Ned Flanders.
In my opinion, one major aspect that works strongly in the episode's favour is its pacing. Since season nine, Simpsons episodes have suffered from issues with pacing, with many episodes taking a completely different direction after every ad-break. But this episode remains fairly consistent. There's one story, and it remains focused throughout. Another favourable aspect of the episode is that the main ensemble remain completely in character. Even despite the fact that it revolves around Homer's selfishness, his 'jerkass' nature reminiscent of Mike Scully's tenure is thankfully underplayed, and it facilitates what is a fairly 'new' storyline that hasn't been touched on before, despite being in their fifteenth season. I understand many are critical of Al Jean's long-running tenure as showrunner, but this season especially showcases a major improvement over the Scully years; a welcome return to form.
Another aspect of the episode that works well is its comedy. A problem I find with many later episodes is that occasionally there'll be an obscure joke that simply isn't funny, or there'll be a gag that is conceptually funny, but doesn't really pay off. Fortunately, the majority of gags in this episode don't fall flat. It might not be as humorous as the episodes from the golden era (1989-1999) but it remains consistently amusing nonetheless. Though I must say the flare gag towards the end with Hans Moleman is hilarious.
Ultimately, this is one of the better 'later' episodes of The Simpsons. Sometimes its underlying moral tones feel somewhat forced and preachy, and Homer acts as your standard Scrooge, but overall it's wholly satisfying, and manages to capture the Christmas spirit like no episode has done since season seven's 'Marge Be Not Proud'. Ignore anyone who says The Simpsons' good episodes stop dead at season ten – this is a true Christmas classic.
