The Simpsons revisited

I’ve been watching Season Three of The Simpsons on DVD (I have to–it’s research!).  Early seasons aren’t often shown in syndication, so I don’t see them all that often (except for the episodes I teach).  I’ve been remembering my first time with all these episodes–how each one reinforced my love for the show.

The boy and I were watching “Homer Alone,” in which Marge gets stressed and needs a while away from the family at Rancho Relaxo.  The family misses her for various reasons and when she returns, they grab her, telling her how much they missed her and demanding she “never leave again.”  The boy asked me if I would like to be greeted that way if I were to leave for a day or two.  I said that the level of dependency was a bit much, but that everyone liked to be appreciated.  He said that I liked his independence and I said he liked mine, but we decided we appreciated each other a lot.  Ah, Simpsons family values.

Marge at Rancho Relaxo--Isn't she pretty with her hair down?

“The Otto Show” features one of my favorite moments in the show.  After driving badly, Otto admits he has no driver’s licence, but says that if anyone wants to confirm his identity, he writes his name in his underwear.  Except:  “Oh, wait, these aren’t mine.”  Kills me every time.

Last thought, in one episode, Bart plays a video game called Larry the Looter–his character breaks store windows and loots.  This small moment was supposed to be a commentary on violent video games through the power of exaggeration.  I remember seeing this for the first time around 1992 and thinking that games would never be that bad.

Naive Karma signing off to go write her name in her underwear.  Oh, wait, I’m not wearing any.