Season 1, Episode 1 Review: The Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire - 7G08
Original air-date: December 17, 1989
It’s the birth of the Simpsons, the characters are introduced, their world built, their quirks highlighted and we quickly relate to and enjoy how they interact…
So the first ever full episode of The Simpsons ever in the history of time to air on TV was a Christmas special. How can a show that has never had an episode already have a seasonal special? I don’t know but it happened.
That’s the first reason this episode annoyed me. Other reasons include Ralf, or what I think is the original version of Ralf, when’s he’s on stage making some joke about eyes on the back of his head. For some unknown reason the audience are shocked by this. All I can see is he’s wearing glasses on the back of his head. Good one prototype Ralf. Nowadays they’d have to throw in a rape joke or get Ralf to take his stupidity to something beyond what is socially acceptable to get a reaction like that. The voice irritated me too.
Actually a lot of voices irritated me: Millhouse, Moe, the Rod/Todd hybrid and Homer, who was still attuned to “Frosty Chocolate Milkshakes” mode. Sigh.
But THE worst thing, the thing that makes me want to rage through the TV with a hedger trimmer and never celebrate Christmas again is that god awful rendition of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer they all sing at the end. Bart’s little wise cracks at the end of each line keep me awake at night gritting my teeth, thinking of how ill inflict pain on the next person I hear to laugh at that… “like a light-bulb!”
Other that that, the episode itself was actually quite good, heart-warming and a lovely storyline we could sympathise with.
Lisa’s straight in being all deep and philosophical which I like however we’re still in the olden days where she’s obsessed with getting a pony.
Bart establishes himself as the naughtiest child that’s ever lived by getting a tattoo without parental consent at the age of errm … 10? It was this kind of rebellious behaviour that made my six year old self develop a crush on him. I wish I was joking.
Homer is actually working at work. He walks around with a clipboard and hard hat as opposed to sleeping or doing something which is oh so comically unrelated to work.
Marge’s hair is a novelty. She stores a jar of money in it. Marge your hair is mad! MAD!
Subtle observations include: Barney is blonde, Moe wears pink and Comic Book Guy makes his first appearance as the tattoo artist in the Happy Sailor tattoo parlour.
Moreover, it’s the birth of the Simpsons, the characters are introduced, their world built, their quirks highlighted and we quickly relate to and enjoy how they interact. It’s a moving story centred around a festive theme but at the same time amusing.
Classic quotes…
Bart: Hey, Santa, what’s shakin’, man?
Homer: (as Santa) What’s your name, Bart-ner… er… little partner?
Bart: I’m Bart Simpson. Who the hell are you?
My Simpsons Marathon Rating: 2/5
Now let us never speak of this episode again.
Simpsons Marathon Review 001 By Jemma.
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As its Christmas I'm reposting my debut review on this Christmas classic Simpsons Roasting on an open fire which I know I'll be watching tonight (and possibly tomorrow) to get into the Christmas mood :)