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Looking for Mr. Goodbart is a sharp reminder that The Simpsons works best when a ridiculous idea is treated as a real emotional problem. First aired on 30 April 2017, it places Principal Skinner and Bart inside a story concerned with family life. The premise is easy to grasp, but the value comes from the reactions, hesitations and poor decisions that gather around it. ⁠ The plot brings Principal Skinner and Bart into a situation shaped by trouble, grandparents and school. Tha

What makes Caper Chase immediately inviting is the confidence with which it turns an ordinary Springfield worry into comic trouble. First aired on 2 April 2017, it places Mr. Burns and Homer inside a story concerned with fame. The premise is easy to grasp, but the value comes from the reactions, hesitations and poor decisions that gather around it. ⁠ Rather than relying on a long explanation, the episode builds its conflict through disappointed, yale and decides. Mr. Burns an

What makes A Father's Watch immediately inviting is the confidence with which it turns an ordinary Springfield worry into comic trouble. First aired on 19 March 2017, it places Grandpa and Homer inside a story concerned with family life. The premise is easy to grasp, but the value comes from the reactions, hesitations and poor decisions that gather around it. ⁠ At the centre of the story are advice, worried and destined, with Grandpa and Homer carrying most of the consequence

The pleasure of 22 for 30 comes from seeing a simple concern grow until every character involved has something personal to lose. First aired on 12 March 2017, it places Homer and Bart inside a story concerned with sport and competition. The premise is easy to grasp, but the value comes from the reactions, hesitations and poor decisions that gather around it. ⁠ At the centre of the story are parody, cable and sports, with Homer and Bart carrying most of the consequences. The w

Kamp Krustier arrives with a clear comic premise, yet its more memorable quality is the affection running beneath the disorder. First aired on 5 March 2017, it places Homer and Marge inside a story concerned with marriage. The premise is easy to grasp, but the value comes from the reactions, hesitations and poor decisions that gather around it. ⁠ A useful strength is the way the episode connects return, home and abruptly to the immediate concerns of Homer and Marge. Nothing s

The pleasure of The Cad and the Hat comes from seeing a simple concern grow until every character involved has something personal to lose. First aired on 19 February 2017, it places Homer and Bart inside a story concerned with personal responsibility. The premise is easy to grasp, but the value comes from the reactions, hesitations and poor decisions that gather around it. ⁠ A useful strength is the way the episode connects betrays, deal and guilt to the immediate concerns of

Fatzcarraldo begins from a familiar Simpsons impulse: take a recognisable frustration, exaggerate it, and watch the family reveal itself. First aired on 12 February 2017, it places Homer and Lisa inside a story concerned with school life. The premise is easy to grasp, but the value comes from the reactions, hesitations and poor decisions that gather around it. ⁠ The story uses food, good and fast as more than decoration. They become pressure points for Homer and Lisa, who res

The Great Phatsby, Part Two finds useful comic friction in a situation that is silly on the surface and recognisably human underneath. First aired on 15 January 2017, it places Mr. Burns and Homer inside a story concerned with music and performance. The premise is easy to grasp, but the value comes from the reactions, hesitations and poor decisions that gather around it. ⁠ A useful strength is the way the episode connects music, relive and glory to the immediate concerns of M

The strongest idea in The Great Phatsby, Part One is not simply the plot itself, but the way Springfield encourages every bad decision around it. First aired on 15 January 2017, it places Mr. Burns and Homer inside a story concerned with music and performance. The premise is easy to grasp, but the value comes from the reactions, hesitations and poor decisions that gather around it. ⁠ At the centre of the story are music, relive and glory, with Mr. Burns and Homer carrying mos

Pork & Burns arrives with a clear comic premise, yet its more memorable quality is the affection running beneath the disorder. First aired on 8 January 2017, it places Homer and Marge inside a story concerned with family life. The premise is easy to grasp, but the value comes from the reactions, hesitations and poor decisions that gather around it. ⁠ The story uses means, obsessed and japanese as more than decoration. They become pressure points for Homer and Marge, who respo

The pleasure of The Nightmare After Krustmas comes from seeing a simple concern grow until every character involved has something personal to lose. First aired on 11 December 2016, it places Reverend Lovejoy and Maggie inside a story concerned with family life. The premise is easy to grasp, but the value comes from the reactions, hesitations and poor decisions that gather around it. ⁠ A useful strength is the way the episode connects christmas, impress and daughter to the imm

The Last Traction Hero finds useful comic friction in a situation that is silly on the surface and recognisably human underneath. First aired on 4 December 2016, it places Mr. Burns and Homer inside a story concerned with marriage. The premise is easy to grasp, but the value comes from the reactions, hesitations and poor decisions that gather around it. ⁠ The plot brings Mr. Burns and Homer into a situation shaped by leaves, workplace and accident. That combination gives the