Simpsonics Online - Reviews - The Way We Was
WESLEY'S REVIEWSIN-DEPTH
SEASON TWO
EPISODE TWELVE
'THE WAY WE WAS'
The first of my in-depth reviews. and I'm pleased to say it's for a classic; infact, a ep that's in my top 25 ever. A true masterpiece, and if you disagree I urge you to re-watch the ep and read this review.. You WILL be convinced! Anyways, onto the episode:
The episode starts excellenty, with the family settled down watching a hilarious movie review show, with two greatly charcaterized critics arguing over the latest McBain film (note this is our first [and excellent] McBain clip.) When the TV breaks, however, things really get into classic status, as Marge and Homer start reminiscing about how they met at High School. One of the best scenes comes from near the beginning, when Marge decides to become feminist, and burns a bra.. landing her in detention, with - conveniently - Homer. Cue "#Why do birds suddenly appear?#". Prior to this, however, there are a few great scenes involving Barney, Homer and the Principal, not to mention the great lines such as "Springfield's answer to Cheech and Chong", and Homer stating he doesn't get fat from eating as much as he wants. Classic. Anyways, moving on to the detention room.. Barney's rejections are great, as are Homer's consolations, and Marge's entry is one of my fave moments in any ep, EVER! Homer's further detentions from the teacher also generate laughs.
In the next flashback selection, we get to see Grampa for the first time.. and his words of wisdom are great. We also get a brilliant introduction to one of my fave non-regular characters ever, Artie Ziff. The discussions over 'ignoramus' never fail to crack me up.
Then, finally, Homer plucks up the courage to ask Marge out. The first real proper plot development (in the excellent plot, may I add.)
We then get a cut back to the present, where Bart and Lisa are there to provide a few smiles leading into the next section, which begin's with Marge's hilarious trip to Homer's apartment.. a scene with everything: loads of humour, perfect characterization, and a few nice tunes to boot.
When Marge decides she would like Homer to go to the dance, the following lines are brilliant, and the icing on the cake in Homer calling barney saying "Guess who's got a date for the prom!".. class.
In the next brea to the 'present', Bart gets another great line to lead us into the last act of this episode. Marge's mothers recommendation not to use rouge as "whores use it" is another great, funny one-liner. The plot, rather than the humour, is the shining point now; as Homer AND Artie turn up for the prom.. a nice plot development and plenty of humour, emotion and perhaps even great charcater.
The prom scene follows, bringing more laughs.. perhaps the biggest from Barney's streaking, though Artie has many a great line,as does the Principal. In this scene, you cant help but feel sorry for poor Homer :(. We then get the famous car scenes, in which Artie rips Marge's dress (you have to laugh) and Homer spends many an hour in a limo alone. Sad and funny together!
We're approaching the end now, and the way things work out.. even though you already know what happens, obviously!.. warm your heart. A great ending, and the reason this has a high place in my top 25 episodes. Such a perfect blend of emotional scenes, witty one-liners and truly laugh out loud momets, a lovely heartwarming plot, and great characterization make a gea episode. Rulin'.
Chaacter: 9/10
Plot: 10/10
Humour: 10/10
Extra rankings for in-depth reviews:
Emotion: 10/10
Smoothness: 9/10
OVERALL: 99%; A+. Simply one of the best ever.
*TOP 25 EVER!*
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