One of the biggest debates amongst fans of The Simpsons is what seasons constitute the golden age. Some say it's 1-10, others say 3-9, while others maintain it's simply the era of Conan O'Brien. Whatever the case may be, one season's position within the golden era of The Simpsons has never been up for debate: Season 8.
From the episodes themselves, to the classic lines, to the unforgettable one-off characters introduced, there's no question that Season 8 is one of the strongest of the series. Think about your favorite episode, and there's a very good chance it came from the show's 1996/1997 season. While literally every episode in the season is noteworthy, here is a small selection of a few of the strongest.
"You Only Move Twice"
The eighth season of The Simpsons starts off incredibly strong with some of the overall best episodes, with Episode 2 "You Only Move Twice" being arguably the best of the season. When Homer accepts a new job at the ominous Globex corporation, he bonds with his evil-genius boss as he stumbles unknowingly through international espionage. The introduction of Hank Scorpio (guest star Albert Brooks) gave fans endless classic lines in the James Bond-themed storyline. The B story in the episode was excellent as well, finding Bart placed in the remedial learning program, Lisa allergic to everything she touches and Marge becoming a recreational drinker. The only question left to answer is: "do you want any cream?"
"Homer's Enemy"
A divisive episode as it's often considered overrated, Episode 23 "Homer's Enemy" is an undeniable classic no matter whether you're sick of the episode or not. Frank Grimes, a man who worked hard for everything he ever got, takes a job at the power plant and drives himself insane watching Homer's idiocy. Grimes is a genius character and the perfect match for Homer: excellent work ethic, a by-the-book attitude, living above a bowling alley and below another bowling alley, and teetering on the edge of his own sanity at all times. Plus, Homer winning a contest for children? Classic. The B story of Bart owning a derelict factory is also notable, but certainly not as strong or memorable as the main storyline, simply because of how legendary the episode is. Nevertheless, The Simpsons fanbase would be remiss to not consider Grimey one of the top one-off characters.
"The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show"
Who could ever forget Poochie the rockin' dog? When the Itchy & Scratchy writers decided they need to vamp up the show, they add the lazily constructed Poochie, who winds up being voiced by Homer in Episode 14, "The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show." Another one-off character that is introduced in this episode is Roy, a slacker who appears to live with the Simpsons for no real reason other than to mimic the story arc of the Poochie character, which certainly went over most of our heads as children. One of the most quoted parts of the dialogue is when Poochie is called back to his home planet and dies, but a very underrated line in this episode is, "...very few cartoons are broadcast live. It's a terrible strain on the animator's wrist."
"A Milhouse Divided"
It's impossible to discuss Season 8 of The Simpsons without mentioning Episode 6, "A Milhouse Divided." When Homer and Marge host a dinner party, the Van Houtens end their marriage over a game of Pictionary, despite Kirk's obvious depiction of dignity. What follows is some of the most classic Simpsons bits, including Kirk sleeping in a race car bed, hot dogs thawing in the sink, Luann referring to Milhouse as "sweet sweet treasure" and Kirk's hit single "Can I Borrow A Feeling." How could one singular episode provide fans with so much quotable material?
"El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer)"
One of the most experimental episodes of the classic Simpsons era is Episode 9, "El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer)," which is more commonly referred to as The Insanity Pepper Episode. When Homer attends a local chili cook-off, he eats a pepper so intense it causes him to hallucinate, leading him to meet with a mystical coyote who tells him he must find his soul mate. The animators got to play around during Homer's pepper-induced psychedelic trip, creating a very unsettling sequence that's burned into the brains of every millennial. Not to mention, the legendary Johnny Cash guest stars at Homer's animal guide, solidifying the episode as one of the season's top offerings.
"Homer's Phobia"
"Homer's Phobia" was quite ahead of its time, and controversial, for an animated show in 1997. After attempting to sell a family heirloom, Homer befriends John, an eccentric shop owner. Once Marge informs Homer that John is gay, Homer denounces John as his friend and becomes concerned about Bart's sexuality. In the end, Homer accepts John, and while the episode focuses on Homer's initial intolerance, the fact that homosexuality was discussed at all was a giant leap forward for the 90s. John Waters guest stars as John in an example of absolutely perfect casting and cements "zap" as one of The Simpsons' classic lines.
"Burns, Baby Burns"
A criminally underrated episode in Season 8 is Episode 4, "Burns, Baby Burns." Every single minute of this episode is brilliantly written, from the family visiting an apple cider mill to meeting Mr. Burns' estranged son, Larry (brilliantly voiced by Rodney Dangerfield). Burns-centric episodes are always entertaining, especially one that involves Homer committing a fake kidnapping and hiding a giant oaf of a man in his basement, subsequently being chased by the cops, and ending with a party in the streets for no reason other than the sheer absurdity. The episode offers classic comedy one-liners by Rodney Dangerfield with flawless delivery in a role that could not have been voiced by anyone else.
The Simpsons airs Sundays on Fox at 8 p.m. ET/PT.