86. 1F04 (SI-504 / S05E05) Treehouse of Horror IV
In a Night Gallery parody, Bart presents three tales of terror... In "The Devil and Homer Simpson," Homer gives up his soul for a single doughnut. Now, the Devil wants Homer. Next, Bart has a nightmare about a bus crash. And his nightmare is about to come true when a playful gremlin starts taking the bus apart piece by piece "Terror at 5 1/2 Feet." Finally, Mr. Burns is a vampire, and he wants blood, and he turns Bart into a vampire in "Bart Simpson's Dracula." (originally in Pool 39)
158. 4F06 (SI-806 / S08E05) Bart After Dark
As punishment for destroying private property, Bart is force to work for the homeowner, but unbeknown to everyone in the family, including Bart, the homeowner runs a shady business where people leave with lighter wallets and smiles on their faces. (originally in Pool 54)
171. 4F15 (SI-815 / S08E18) Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment
When Prohibition hits the town of Springfield, and with Bart's help, Homer goes into the booze making business. (originally in Pool 23)
58. 8F22 (SI-322 / S03E23) Bart's Friend Falls in Love
Bart and Milhouse enter the age of cooties, when Milhouse dates a new girl... without her father knowing it. Meanwhile, Homer tries to lose weight by listening to a subliminal tape. (originally in Pool 31)
Drinkin' and oglin' -- can either of the Season 8 vice episodes top what seems to be the most highly acclaimed of the Treehouses of Horror?
I claim "Bart After Dark" nips the Treehouse, though it needs the Lisa-saves-the-environment subplot to push it over the top. "Bart's Friend" has a hilarious sex-ed video and also a brilliant subplot, but it's just too bittersweet for all-time greatness. Fourth quartile of the top tier seems exactly right for it. As always, your mileage may vary.
1. Bart After Dark
2. Treehouse of Horror IV
3. Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment
4. Bart's Friend Falls in Love
(Two sidebets: I predict that at least three people will comment but that nobody else other than me will put "Bart After Dark" at #1 among these. Prove me right/wrong, as appropriate.)
Posted by Matt Bruce at November 1, 2005 03:37 PMI'm on my way to proving you right.
Hmm...not a power group, but here are my thoughts..
1. Homer v. the Eighteenth Amendment-- I'm a sucker for "If I'm not back in 24 hours, avenge my death...not back, avenge death...and I'm not gonna lie you to Marge...good bye." "Who are you to demand anything/Election, November, Election November,"
2. Bart After Dark
3. Treehouse of Horror IV -- Love the first bit, solid on the 3rd, so-so on the second part.
4. Bart's Friend Falls in Love -- We finally agree.
Posted by: Miguel at November 1, 2005 04:08 PM1. Bart After Dark
2. Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment
3. Treehouse of Horror IV
4. Bart's Friend Falls in Love
I concurr with Miggy on THOH IV... but I like After Dark better than the 18th Amendment. Sorry, Matt.
Posted by: John at November 1, 2005 04:15 PMI'll second Matt's rankings this time around.
1. Bart after Dark
2. Treehouse IV
3. 18th Amendment
4. Bart's Friend Falls in Love
I'd go with Miguel's rankings, though it's pretty tight from one through three.
Posted by: Mark at November 2, 2005 09:39 AM