Episode 12 - The Way We Was
22 June 2010
Synopsis: The Simpsons' TV set stops working. So to pass the time Homer and Marge tell their children the story of how they met and fell in love back in High School.
The Good: This is a fun and predictably sentimental flashback episode. It's difficult not to like Homer though who goes to great lengths to spend time with Marge, so convinced that she is the one. His excitement over her French teaching and their potential prom date is endearing and his final line about never letting go of her is as sweet as they come.
Along the way we get some nice nods to present day continuity. We see Marge's father who was clearly a great influence on Patty and Selma. We see Grandpa Simpson giving typically downbeat advice ("Go for...the less attractive girl!"). We see Homer already eating and drinking too much and losing his hair. We also see him amused at the thought of working in a nuclear power plant and the accidents he might cause.
The arrogant Artie Ziff character and Homer's rebuttal (mooning Artie) were fun moments in an otherwise joke-light episode. The writers are very consistent with Bart whenever he has to sit and listen to his parents. Here he constantly tries to get the TV to work again and makes vomit sounds when the story gets sappy.
The Bad: Homer skipping school for three weeks and believing Marge would still go to prom with him seemed an act of foolishness too far.
Best Joke: Having joined the debate team to get close to Marge, Homer is set the task of arguing the case against a change in speed limit. We cut to him carefully reading a magazine on the issue. He thoughtfully considers the information and then writes on a note card "NO WAY."
The Bottom Line: Pleasant and sweet stuff.
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