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227 of 252 found the following review helpful:
 THE last great Simpsons season Oct 28, 2006
By Jack Ace Rothstein
"Jack Ace"
Mike Scully's reign of terror has begun!
There is a theory that the best seasons of the Simpsons are its single-digit seasons. While I feel that Seasons 10 and 11 are certainly respectable, it is true IMO that Season 9 is the last season in which one could consider the Simpsons truly great.
As great a writer as John Schwartzwelder had become over the seasons, Season 9 is where Ian Maxtone-Graham really shined through with not only three great episodes but also having two of the three that should be in the discussion of the greatest Simpsons episodes of all time. Here are the episodes for your enjoyment.
1. The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson - classic Simpsons episode written by Ian Maxtone-Graham where Homer goes to NY to recover his illegally parked car from the WTC. Definitely one of the great Simpsons episodes of all time. Also the introduction of Duffman OH YEAH!
2. The Principal and the Pauper - the somewhat controversial episode where Principal Skinner ISN'T Principal Skinner but am impostor. Later parodied in Season 11.
3. Lisa's Sax - a flashback episode centered around (you guessed it)
4. Treehouse of Horror VIII - Homega Man - Homer discovers after a nuclear explosion that he is the last man in Sspringfield, Fly vs. Fly - Bart uses a Frink device to morph into a man-fly, Easy Bake Coven - it's easy to see Patty and Selma as witches, but Marge too (check out the end where Homer goes as Princess Kashmir on Halloween).
5. The Cartridge Family - great John Schwartzwelder episode about the folly of allowing Homer Simpson his 2nd Amendment rights. Also, the folly of believing that soccer is an enjoyable sport to watch.
6. Bart Star - Bart goes for pee-wee football with Homer (looking stylish in his Tom Landry hat) as his inept but loving coach. BTW, You're cut.
7. The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons - another great episode centered around Apu and his Indian background which now focuses on his arranged marriage and Homer's attempts to stop it.
8. Lisa the Skeptic - Probably the first time on the Simpsons that someone from academia gave a voice-over (Steven Jay Gould). A decent Lisa and Marge episode.
9. Realty Bites - The introduction of Gil, the lovable loser, and Cookie Kwan (stay away from the East Side) as well as Marge's attempts to be a realtor with integrity. Another great Lionel Hutz performance by the late Phil Hartman.
10. Miracle on Evergreen Terrace - Average Christmas episode with Bart burning down the presents on accident and claiming burglars stole them. The best word to describe this episode: craptacular!
11. All Singing, All Dancing - an above-average clip-show where the cast sings their dialogue.
12. Bart Carny - Another John Schwatzwelder script where carnies trick the Simpsons out of house and home.
13. The Joy of Sect - Springfield falls into the grip of a cult, except for Marge who manages to escape and plot the survival of the family. Plus another glimpse of Flanders' rumpus room.
14. Das Bus - "Lost" completely ripped off its plot from "Das Bus" (which ripped it off from Lord of the Flies). Also a great B-story with Homer the burgeoning internet millionaire ("They got the internet on computers now").
15. The Last Temptation of Krust - So many great comedic guest stars fill this episode where Krusty attempts to reinvent his comedy act into that of Lenny Bruce and George Carlin. But can you really turn a corporate shill into a "funny man of the people"?
16. Dumbbell Indemnity - Probably the first full episode centered on Moe Syslack and his failed attempts to woo the opposite sex through money. MUST KILL MOE! WHEEEEEEE!
17. Lisa the Simpson - A truly great Lisa episode of the quality of "Lisa the Vegetarian" two seasons earlier. Lisa believes she is succumbing to the dreaded Simpson gene that should cause the smart Lisa to turn dumb and dull. Another great Troy McClure in a documentary performance by the late Phil Hartman and a great performance by Dan Castellaneta as the various Simpsons adults in the tri-state.
18. This Little Wiggy - Oh Ralph, that often misunderstood lad. When he is set up on a play-date with Bart, watch as the sparks fly (Smells like hotdogs).
19. Simpson Tide - Homer commanding a nuclear sub? (It's pronounced "nukular"). And all for joining the Naval Reserve. In an "unrelated" story, Bart tries to get an earring.
20. The Trouble with Trillions - A great episode by Ian Maxtone-Graham where Homer's tax troubles cause him to become an IRS snitch, eventually facing Mr. Burns who "acquired" a trillion dollar bill.
21. Girly Edition - Lisa's attempts at creating a serious kids news show are thwarted by Bart's neverending stream of bleeding heart human interest stories. Also the introduction of the Crazy Cat Lady.
22. Trash of the Titans - Yes, it has arrived the 200th Simpsons episode and what a gem written by Ian Maxtone-Graham. This episode had U2 (playing themselves, esp. Bono as his truly altruistic self) and Steve Martin as the incredibly competent sanitation commissioner Ray Patterson. Homer's disappointment with the sanitation department causes him to run a sleazy but successful campaign against Ray Patterson. Again, an episode that deserves to be in the discussion of the greatest Simspons episodes ever. This episode won an Emmy and was dedicated to the late Linda McCartney.
23. King of the Hill - Another episode by John Schwartzwelder where Homer's lack of energy causes him to work out until he sees the ultimate challenge, climbing the Murderhorn mountain. But what I will always remember are the sherpas.
24. Lost Our Lisa - A decent Homer-Lisa episode where Lisa tries to go by herself to the museum to see the Egypt exhibit.
25. Natural Born Kissers - Over the years, Homer and Marge have found that it gets harder and harder to "Rock the Casbah". That is unless they are caught in a dangerous and perilious situation which becomes their aphrodisiac.
This season has a lot of great episodes. Probably not the greatest Simpsons season of all, but definitely the last great Simpsons season. Plus you get audio commentary on EVERY episode as well as those other extras that fans of the DVDs have come to expect.
58 of 62 found the following review helpful:
THE last great Simpsons season...... Nov 03, 2006
By Jack Ace Rothstein
"Jack Ace"
Maybe I'm a moron for owning all the collectible head packs to date but I guess I'll stop with the Bart head. Here is my review from the other thread.
Mike Scully's reign of terror has begun!
There is a theory that the best seasons of the Simpsons are its single-digit seasons. While I feel that Seasons 10 and 11 are certainly respectable, it is true IMO that Season 9 is the last season in which one could consider the Simpsons truly great.
As great a writer as John Schwartzwelder had become over the seasons, Season 9 is where Ian Maxtone-Graham really shined through with not only three great episodes but also having two of the three that should be in the discussion of the greatest Simpsons episodes of all time. Here are the episodes for your enjoyment.
1. The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson - classic Simpsons episode written by Ian Maxtone-Graham where Homer goes to NY to recover his illegally parked car from the WTC. Definitely one of the great Simpsons episodes of all time. Also the introduction of Duffman OH YEAH!
2. The Principal and the Pauper - the somewhat controversial episode where Principal Skinner ISN'T Principal Skinner but am impostor. Later parodied in Season 11.
3. Lisa's Sax - a flashback episode centered around (you guessed it)
4. Treehouse of Horror VIII - Homega Man - Homer discovers after a nuclear explosion that he is the last man in Sspringfield, Fly vs. Fly - Bart uses a Frink device to morph into a man-fly, Easy Bake Coven - it's easy to see Patty and Selma as witches, but Marge too (check out the end where Homer goes as Princess Kashmir on Halloween).
5. The Cartridge Family - great John Schwartzwelder episode about the folly of allowing Homer Simpson his 2nd Amendment rights. Also, the folly of believing that soccer is an enjoyable sport to watch.
6. Bart Star - Bart goes for pee-wee football with Homer (looking stylish in his Tom Landry hat) as his inept but loving coach. BTW, You're cut.
7. The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons - another great episode centered around Apu and his Indian background which now focuses on his arranged marriage and Homer's attempts to stop it.
8. Lisa the Skeptic - Probably the first time on the Simpsons that someone from academia gave a voice-over (Steven Jay Gould). A decent Lisa and Marge episode.
9. Realty Bites - The introduction of Gil, the lovable loser, and Cookie Kwan (stay away from the East Side) as well as Marge's attempts to be a realtor with integrity. Another great Lionel Hutz performance by the late Phil Hartman.
10. Miracle on Evergreen Terrace - Average Christmas episode with Bart burning down the presents on accident and claiming burglars stole them. The best word to describe this episode: craptacular!
11. All Singing, All Dancing - an above-average clip-show where the cast sings their dialogue.
12. Bart Carny - Another John Schwatzwelder script where carnies trick the Simpsons out of house and home.
13. The Joy of Sect - Springfield falls into the grip of a cult, except for Marge who manages to escape and plot the survival of the family. Plus another glimpse of Flanders' rumpus room.
14. Das Bus - "Lost" completely ripped off its plot from "Das Bus" (which ripped it off from Lord of the Flies). Also a great B-story with Homer the burgeoning internet millionaire ("They got the internet on computers now").
15. The Last Temptation of Krust - So many great comedic guest stars fill this episode where Krusty attempts to reinvent his comedy act into that of Lenny Bruce and George Carlin. But can you really turn a corporate shill into a "funny man of the people"?
16. Dumbbell Indemnity - Probably the first full episode centered on Moe Syslack and his failed attempts to woo the opposite sex through money. MUST KILL MOE! WHEEEEEEE!
17. Lisa the Simpson - A truly great Lisa episode of the quality of "Lisa the Vegetarian" two seasons earlier. Lisa believes she is succumbing to the dreaded Simpson gene that should cause the smart Lisa to turn dumb and dull. Another great Troy McClure in a documentary performance by the late Phil Hartman and a great performance by Dan Castellaneta as the various Simpsons adults in the tri-state.
18. This Little Wiggy - Oh Ralph, that often misunderstood lad. When he is set up on a play-date with Bart, watch as the sparks fly (Smells like hotdogs).
19. Simpson Tide - Homer commanding a nuclear sub? (It's pronounced "nukular"). And all for joining the Naval Reserve. In an "unrelated" story, Bart tries to get an earring.
20. The Trouble with Trillions - A great episode by Ian Maxtone-Graham where Homer's tax troubles cause him to become an IRS snitch, eventually facing Mr. Burns who "acquired" a trillion dollar bill.
21. Girly Edition - Lisa's attempts at creating a serious kids news show are thwarted by Bart's neverending stream of bleeding heart human interest stories. Also the introduction of the Crazy Cat Lady.
22. Trash of the Titans - Yes, it has arrived the 200th Simpsons episode and what a gem written by Ian Maxtone-Graham. This episode had U2 (playing themselves, esp. Bono as his truly altruistic self) and Steve Martin as the incredibly competent sanitation commissioner Ray Patterson. Homer's disappointment with the sanitation department causes him to run a sleazy but successful campaign against Ray Patterson. Again, an episode that deserves to be in the discussion of the greatest Simspons episodes ever. This episode won an Emmy and was dedicated to the late Linda McCartney.
23. King of the Hill - Another episode by John Schwartzwelder where Homer's lack of energy causes him to work out until he sees the ultimate challenge, climbing the Murderhorn mountain. But what I will always remember are the sherpas.
24. Lost Our Lisa - A decent Homer-Lisa episode where Lisa tries to go by herself to the museum to see the Egypt exhibit.
25. Natural Born Kissers - Over the years, Homer and Marge have found that it gets harder and harder to "Rock the Casbah". That is unless they are caught in a dangerous and perilious situation which becomes their aphrodisiac.
This season has a lot of great episodes. Probably not the greatest Simpsons season of all, but definitely the last great Simpsons season. Plus you get audio commentary on EVERY episode as well as those other extras that fans of the DVDs have come to expect.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
"Hey, they have the interenet on computers now..." Jan 19, 2007
By Squash 'N' Squeak
"The Silencing Machine"
This Simpsons are my favorite show of all time, and this season is no exception. My parents gave me this season for Christmas, and it's downright great. Like the previous 8 seasons, it's filled with celebrity guests (one of them happens to be U2), funny one-liners, and plenty of "D'ohs" from Homer. In this episode, we get to see Homer's beef with New York, Lisa finding an angel in a construction site (which turns out to be a publicity stunt), Homer entering the navy, and even Apu getting married (who eventually cheats on later in the series)! This season also introduces Dufman and Gil, 2 of the best "side" characters in the series. In the Halloween episode, we what Homer does when he finds out he's the last person on Earth (which is dancing around nude), what would happen if Bart's body got switched to a Fly's, with his body having a fly's head after a failed experiment in teleportation devices Homer bought at Professor Frink's yard sale ("I'll teach you to mess with my machine!"), and we're finally taught that Marge IS a witch ("Well I'll be a son of a witch!")! My favorite episode on the season, though, would have to Simpson Tide, where Homer becomes in charge of a nuclear sub ("it's pronounced nukular!"), and uses Bart's ear piercing to plug the leak in the sub (Bart: "Didn't you ever do anything outragous when you were a kid?" Homer: "Well, when I was 10 I pierced my ear, but this is completely different!").
Overall, get this if you're a Simpsons fan. It doesn't top my all-time favorite Simpsons season (Season 3, but of course, nothing will), but it's still awesome.
P.S. Can't wait for Season 10.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
One of the best seasons Dec 28, 2006
By Ian
Season Nine of the Simpsons is possibly the best season after Season 4. The entire "Cartridge Family" episode is hilarious, and well worth the price of the entire set alone. ("Five day waiting period??! But I'm mad NOW!")
But nearly every episode on here is just as good, even though there are one or two that aren't up to the high standard of the rest of the season. While it's true that the show is no longer as funny as it used to be, the decline didn't start with Season 9. I'd describe this season as the time when the show peaked for the second time.
7 of 8 found the following review helpful:
 Pretty much the last great season of the Simpsons. Feb 10, 2007
By Danny
"Alan Smithee"
Most of the reviews here are right. After this, the Simpsons began a major downward slump (and it will probably remain that way until they're pulled off the air; a bittersweet prediction).
Season nine is still funny and loaded with those clever Simpsons moments that make the show so unique, but some of the cracks are starting to show here. It's a far cry from the "wacky" adventures the family would endure in later seasons, but overall, the show's heart started beating a little slower this time around. Still, compared to what was on the horizon, this could be considered the cap of the Simpsons' golden years.
I stuck it out through season ten (which was pretty average), but mid-way through season eleven (late '99/early '00) is when I jumped ship. It was depressing to abandon my favorite show, but I couldn't bear it any longer. It became more of a habit and a chore to watch than anything else. A show I'd loved since I was the tender age of eight in 1989 was now dead in the water.
The point? Buy seasons 1-9; embrace the Simpsons in all their glory. Pick up 10 when it comes out, revel in it's dying light, and remind yourself that it only gets worse to save yourself some money on future DVD sets.
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