Since its debut back in 1989,The Simpsonshas aired over seven hundred episodes over thirty-plus years. It’s the longest-running American animated series of all time, and even the longest-running American sitcom. No series, animated or live-action, has been able to outlive the Simpson family. With such a long-running show, it makes sense that fansmight look at older episodes with nostalgia-tinted glasses. But are those episodes actually any good?
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Despite the animation flaws (which are excusable, given the time), there are still many originalThe Simpsonsepisodes that hold up today. The characters might be a little different to the ones viewers know and love, but at their heart, these season one episodes have the spirit that has kept the show running for so many years.
8Bart the General (S1E05)
The second Bart-centric episode of the show, this episode is full of development for the Simpson son. It also marks the first appearance of Nelson Muntz, the high-school bully that would become a long-standing character.
After being bullied by Nelson one too many times, Bart turns to Grampa Simpson for help, who refers him to grizzled war vet Herman Hermann for advice. It stands out because of how well it portrays the relationships between Bart and his family - showingthe antagonistic but caring side of his relationshipwith his sister Lisa.
In ‘The Telltale Head’, Bart deals with peer pressure. Desperate to win the approval of the baddest kids in school, Bart finds himself escalating in reckless behavior until he saws the head off the statue of the town founder Jebediah Springfield. As well as some genuine moral dilemmas for Bart, the episode has some quality cultural references and amusing gags.
It’s also the first appearance of the begrudging Reverend Lovejoy, convenience store owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, and the bully trio of Jimbo, Kearney, and Dolph,
6Moaning Lisa (S1E06)
‘Moaning Lisa’ is one of the original Lisa episodes, and an episode that showed the worldjust how realThe Simpsonscould get. It tackled childhood depression, with a focus on Lisa’s concern that the world wouldn’t be any different if she didn’t exist.
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She encounters Bleeding Gums Murphy, a character that would make a few meaningful appearances in the shows long lifespan. It also stands out for the heartfelt conversation Marge and Lisa have, in which Marge tells her daughter that it’s okay to be sad, and that she should never hide her true feelings in order to fit in.
5Call of the Simpsons (S1E07)
This family-focussed season one episode wouldn’t be out of place in a much later season.Spurred on by Ned Flanders' high-tech RV, Homertakes the family on a low-budget camping trip to prove that they’re just as good as the Flanders family.
‘Call of The Simpsons’ is full of memorable gags and classicThe Simpsonshumor. While Marge and Lisa get on quietly, Homer and Bart go on a perilous adventure, and Maggie tames a ferocious bear. It establishes everyone’s personality well, and is one of the strongest episodes of the season.
4Bart the Genius (S1E02)
‘Bart the Genius’ is the second episode of the show, and the reason ‘Kwyjibo’ is still a commonly used Scrabble word among fans ofThe Simpsons. When Bart switches his IQ test with Martin’s he’s put on a pedestal as a ‘gifted child’, and is enrolled in the ‘Enriched Learning Center for Gifted Children’.
The lie soon catches up with him, and he’s forced to confront the truth of the matter. He confesses his lie to Homer, who chases him down to strangle him, and the family is back to the old routine that viewers already love.
3Life On The Fast Lane (S1E09)
Over the years,The Simpsonswould havemany Marge and Homer marriage crisis episodes, but ‘Life On The Fast Lane’ might just be the best. When Homer gives Marge the lousy birthday gift of a bowling ball (with his name on it), Marge decides to take up bowling herself to spite him. There, she meets the handsome Jacques, who she becomes a little too fond of.
It gets deep into the relationship between Homer and Marge, and really focuses on Marge’s feelings for the first time in the series. It’s a formula that the series repeats a few times, but they can’t beat the original.
2Krusty Gets Busted (S1E012)
‘Krusty Gets Busted’ is the first episode to properly focus onKrusty the Clown, a haggard children’s entertainerand Bart Simpson’s idol. When Homer witnesses Krusty rob the Kwik-E-Mart, he has to testify against him in court, much to the dismay of Bart. Bart goes on a mission to clear his heroes name, leading him to the path of recurring character Sideshow Bob.
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It’s an episode that gets deep into the sad life of a supposedly ‘happy’ children’s entertainer, and provides some interesting depth to the show. It also sets up a formula for Sideshow Bob episodes, which are some of the funniest in the show.
1Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire (S1E01)
The first episode ofThe Simpsonscan’t be beat.The episode that starts it all is Christmas special’Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire', which introduces the world (or, non-watchers ofThe Tracy Ulman Show) to the family that started a decades-long animated legacy.
When Mr Burns decides to cut Christmas bonuses, and Marge has to spend the Christmas savings on a tattoo removal, Homer takes a job as a mall Santa in order to afford presents. In the end, Homer comes across a dog named ‘Santa’s Little Helper’, who he takes home after he loses at the races. It’s a heart-warming tale that sets the tone for the series, but wouldn’t be out of place in a later season.
