The 20 Most Cromulent Simpsons Episodes of All-Time: #19

Our weekly run-up to “The Simpsons Movie” marches on as we continue our countdown of the 20 bestest Simpsons episodes ever.

We got some shit last week (mostly from escaped mental patients) for putting “Homer at the Bat” so “low”. As we said at the time, we were just trying to stir up controversy (yes, yes…that will do nicely), so there.

Come on, people– creating these lists and making these choices is *tough*.

It’s quite comparable to trying to find answers to life’s other no-win imponderables, like…

You can only save two of the following from a fire:

• an adorable kitten with differently-coloured fur that makes her look like she’s wearing boots and mittens,

• a cute little puppy destined to save an orphanage, and

• Hitler.  

Which two do you pick?

See? It’s not easy.

Anyway, this week, SA takes over and huffs and puffs and blows down the 19th most cromulent Simpsons episode of all-time…

#19 “Hurricane Neddy“ Written by Steve Young Directed by Bob Anderson Originally aired December 29, 1996

20. Homer At The Bat 19. Hurricane Neddy 18. 17. 16. 15. 14. 13. 12. 11.

10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

Episode Synopsis

A hurricane (Barbara) comes to Springfield disrupting everyone’s lives for a day. When the storm is over the only house to be ruined by it was the Flanders’ residence. The townspeople try to help, but do more harm then good. And when the house comes tumbling down (again) Ned let’s out all his anger in one big blast. He then proceeds to drive himself to the mental hospital where he realizes he hates his parents. Good times.

Why This Episode Is Particularly Cromulent

• It focuses on someone other than a member of the core Simpson family.
• We get to see how Ned became who he is.
• We find out that Ned’s parents were beatnicks.
• With a hurricane hitting Springfield it further adds to the mystery where exactly the town is located.

Notes and Observations

• This was the first (and only) episode written by Steve Young.
• We see a take on the opening of the show with The Hurricane.
• Ned’s parents look just like him and Maude.
• Despite Rev. Lovejoy’s dismissive remarks, the episode does take on the story of Job from the Bible.
• This season didn’t have any holiday episodes besides the first one of the season (Treehouse of Horrors-Halloween).
• If you’ve lived in an area that experiences hurricanes regularly or have passed the fifth grade, you know that hurricanes don’t just show up unexpected.
• We see the Xt’Tapalatakettle antique (aka the Olmec Head) given to Bart when he saves Mr. Burns’ life.
• We get to see three patients in the hospital-Jay Sherman screaming “It stinks!”, Lucille (Botz) Botzcowski, who was the Babysitter Bandit, and John Swartzwelder, who is a writer for the show.
• One of the signs outside the mental institution when Ned is released is “Free John Swartzwelder.” Swartzwelder is a recluse and doesn’t make public appearances.

Memorable Quotes

Ned: Rev. Lovejoy, with all that’s happened to us today, I kinda feel like Job.
Lovejoy: Well, aren’t you being a tad melodramatic, uh, Ned? Also, I believe Job was right-handed.
Ned: But Reverend, I need to know, is God punishing me?
Lovejoy: Shooh, short answer: “Yes” with an “If,” long answer: “No” — with a “But.”

Dr. Foster: Yes, Dr. Foster here. …Ned Flanders? You’re sure?… No, no, no, I’ll come right over. And may God have mercy on us all.
hangs up
Darling, there’s an emergency at the hospital, uh, where are my shoes?
Mrs. Foster:sleepily I think they’re in the den.
Dr. Foster: The den? May God have mercy on us all.

Little Ned: barging in Whee! I’m Dick Tracy! hitting the other kids Bang! Take that Pruneface! Now I’m Pruneface, take that Dick Tracy! Now I’m Prune Tracy, take that Dick…
Dr. Foster: Hey! Stop it at once!

Dr. Foster: You folks are free to roam the grounds. Uh, just remember, one of our patients is a cannibal. Try to guess which one! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Dr. Foster: Would you please tell your son to stop?
Ned’s Dad: We can’t do it, man! That’s discipline! That’s like tellin’ Gene Krupa not to go banging “boom boom bam bam bam, boom boom bam bam bam, boom boom boom bam ba ba ba ba, da boo boo tss!”

Ned’s Dad: We don’t believe in rules, like, we gave them up when we started livin’ like freaky beatniks!
Dr. Foster: You don’t believe in rules, yet you want to control Ned’s anger.
Ned’s Mom: Yeah. You gotta help us, Doc. We’ve tried nothin’ and we’re all out of ideas.

Ned: I don’t like the service at the post office. You know, it’s all “rush rush! Get’cha in, get’cha out!” Then they’ve got those machines in the lobby, they’re even faster, no help there. You might even say, I hate the post office.

That, and my parents. Lousy beatniks.

Ned: Thanks, everyone! I’m all better now. No more storing up the anger till I explode. If any of you does something I don’t like, you’re gonna hear about it!
Dr. Foster: Yes, that’s very healthy, Ned.
Ned: And if you really tick me off, I’m gonna run you down with my car.
Homer: Heh heh! Ned, you so craz-ay!

And this…

Summary

Ned’s freakout in this episode is one of the more memorable moments in the show’s history and that’s why it’s here in the Top 20. We don’t get so much of the dumb Homer we see in this season and anytime a show can end with a threat of running someone down with a car, it’s a good thing.

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