The best moments from 30 years of Simpsons
They are cult, yellow and live in Springfield: the Simpsons are celebrating their 30th birthday today. Either you like them or you hate them. A look back at the best moments of the classic series.
When the Simpsons celebrated their premiere on FOX on 17 December 1989 with "It's Christmas Eve" - the original title is "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire" - nobody could have guessed where the journey would take them. Today, 30 years later, the Simpsons are as well-known as Roger Federer and Coca-Cola. A look back at my favourite moments with Marge, Homer, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and co.
Who shot Mr Burns?
The grumpy nuclear power plant owner Mr Burns shrouds Springfield in darkness with a huge sign so that he can charge the residents even more money for his nuclear power. This endeavour comes to an abrupt halt when he is shot in the street by a stranger. Everyone is suspected, as everyone is fighting against the horrendous electricity prices.
In the second part of the double episode, his amorous assistant Smithers thinks he has shot Mr Burns after getting drunk in Moe's Tavern. He is arrested but then released. Lisa then takes on the task of finding out who the shooter was. At the end of the episode, Mr Burns remembers that he tried to steal a lollipop from Maggie and she accidentally shot him. Or was it on purpose after all?
Homer and Bart home alone
Marge and Lisa leave Homer and Bart home alone for the first time. After just a few minutes, Bart manages to get himself a job in a burlesque club. Although most of Springfield's male residents regularly frequent the dodgy establishment, it's not long before the whole town is in an uproar and wants to get rid of the club.
The situation threatens to escalate and Springfield descends into chaos. When the owner of the nightclub appears on Homer's doorstep and wants him to punish Bart for his lies, he turns up dressed only in a bag. After everyone reunites in a typical Simpsons musical scene, the worst is over. One of the most legendary moments: When Grandpa Simpsons turns up at the club, sees Bart at reception and immediately takes off again.
Homer, the great one
One of the very best episodes: Homer gradually realises that practically every inhabitant of Springfield is a member of a secret organisation. The sect-like society is called "The Stonecutters", meets regularly and is led by a guy who calls himself "Number One".
Homer wants to become part of the organisation and manages to get the "Stonecutters" to throw him out of their headquarters in a high arc after he inadvertently destroys the sacred parchment. Coincidentally, the cult members discover that Homer has a birthmark that looks exactly like the Stonecutters' emblem and declare him the Chosen One without further ado. After he completely abuses his newfound power, he is banished from the cult once and for all.
Homer and his snow plough
It's snowing and Homer wrecks his car in an accident. He looks for a new vehicle and naturally buys a snow plough. Why drive a normal car and rely on others? The neighbours get wind of this and want Homer to clear their driveways of snow. He takes on this task for a fee.
When he tells Moe's Tavern about his success, his merit and his award, Barney also wants to be honoured. He steals Homer's idea, buys a bigger snowplough and puts Homer out of business. Even a commercial doesn't help him out. Homer sets a trap for Barney. He sends him to a remote mountain, where he is buried by an avalanche and rescued by Homer. The boys decide to work together from now on. Then the snow melts.
My name is Simpson, Homer Simpson
What sounds like James Bond is also James Bond. In this episode, the makers of The Simpsons take the piss out of the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice". Homer gets a dream job at the Globex Corporation - he is more or less paid to do nothing. But in return, his family has to move to Cypress Creek, where Marge and the children never really settle in.
Homer soon realises that his boss, Hank Scorpio, is actually a supervillain who wants to take over the world. The episode is full of James Bond gags: there is even a special agent called James Bont. When Homer has to decide whether France or Italy will be "shot" with a missile and he first chooses Italy, then France, the villain replies: "Nobody chooses Italy."
I love The Simpsons - how about you?
Although many critics believe that The Simpsons are no longer what they used to be, I'm still a big fan of the series. Sure, the latest episodes can't quite keep up with the classics of yesteryear, but the story, the soul and the experiences from my childhood that I associate with The Simpsons never die out.
What about you? Are you a Simpsons fan too? Have I forgotten a highlight? Or can't you relate to the yellow characters? Write it in the comments column. <p
When I'm not stuffing my face with sweets, you'll catch me running around in the gym hall. I’m a passionate floorball player and coach. On rainy days, I tinker with my homebuilt PCs, robots or other gadgets. Music is always my trusted companion. I also enjoy tackling hilly terrain on my road bike and criss-crossing the country on my cross-country skis.