The Top 10 Simpsons Sporting Episodes
Everyone loves a good underdog story, and boy The Simpsons have had their fair share over the years. Although we’ve never unfortunately seen our favourite four-fingered family attempt a game of Aussie Rules football, they’ve had a crack a variety of others with absolutely hilarious results. Featured below are what I consider to be (in no particular order), the 10 best “sporting” episodes of The Simpsons.
=====
Don’t forget to also check out our Simpsons podcast, reviewing every episode of all time!
1. The Homer They Fall
Homer becomes an acclaimed boxer, purely due to his high-pain threshold. While this episode features the hilarious appearance of the Tyson-esque, Drederick Tatum, it’s actually quite a touching story between Homer and Moe that shows the latter does in fact have a heart after all.
2. Bart Star
“Flanderssssss! Flanderssssss!” It’s your classic pee-wee football underdog story, with the children of Springfield forming a team after being declared too fat. It’s always enjoyable watching a story involving the kids that isn’t school-based (eg: Das Bus), plus Homer cutting players from the team is simply amazing.
3. Dancin’ Homer
What makes Dancin’ Homer so great is that we get to see Homer genuinely good at something, to the point that his peers and family are just so damn proud of him. In the end it unfortunately doesn’t work out for him, however it’s strangely not by lack of talent, Capitol City is simply just a jungle.
4. Team Homer
It’s hard not to get caught up in the rise of The Pin Pals, I mean who doesn’t love bowling? Much like Dancin’ Homer, it took an outside source to ruin the party, this time in the form of Mr Burns. I’ve always seen a lot of similarities between this and Homer’s Barbershop Quartet, in that Homer and Apu form an unlikely team of misfits, who somehow manage to take home the prize. The throwback to this episode in Homer’s Phobia is also an absolute winner.
5. King Of The Hill
Brendan Fraser and Steven Weber shine here as Power Sauce representatives Brad and Neil; “this just in, Power Sauce is amazing!” The ending may be a little creepy, well, very creepy when you think about it, however at least this episode gave us the “Gym? What’s a gym?” gag, which remains one of my favourite quotes of all time.
6. Dead Putting Society
If there’s one thing I love more than bowling, it’s mini golf. Certainly one of the more memorable episodes from the earlier seasons, Dead Putting Society was our first real insight into the lives of the Flanders family. The over-the-top ridiculousness of the tournament in which Bart and Todd compete (c’mon, the grand prize was only $50, did it really need commentators?) makes this a favourite for anyone who enjoys sneaking in a quick nine. Speaking of golf…
7. Scenes from the Class Struggle in Springfield
I understand this episode’s main story was about Marge wanting to “fit in” at the country club, but how can you forget the incredible sub-plot of Homer and Burns’ golfing rivalry? Once again, Homer is genuinely good at something, it’s just a shame that the writers seemed to throw his talent out the window once the episode was over. Notable mention goes to Smithers’ endangered reptile eggs.
8. Saturdays of Thunder
This Homer/Bart story is packed with real emotion, especially after Bart decides to race Martin’s vehicle instead of the one he and Homer built together. It’s alway nice to see Homer make a genuine effort to bond with his children, without any ulterior motives attached. In particular, the montage of Team Simpson building Li’l Lightnin’ as we hear Bobby Goldsboro’s That’s My Boy gives me all kinds of feels.
9. Homer at the Bat
It’s the episode that truly put The Simpsons on the map as the biggest show on television, finally giving them their first ratings defeat over The Cosby Show. Despite this, the cast weren’t overly fond of its heavy focus on the array of guest stars, which is understandable. However from a viewer’s perspective it’ll forever be one of the greatest episodes of all time. Whether it’s the Talkin’ Softball theme, the outrageous demise of the guest stars or Mr. Burns coaching antics, Homer at the Bat was The Simpsons at their finest.
1. Lisa on Ice
Oh man, the feels. As someone with a younger sister, I never fail to tear up at that final montage of Bart and Lisa reminiscing about the happier times they’ve shared. It’s surprising that it took the series so long to do a hockey-based story, however Lisa on Ice was well worth the wait.
What are some of your favourite Simpsons “sporting” episodes? Comment below and let us know your thoughts.
Support Four Finger Discount on Patreon for access to exclusive podcasts, videos, prize giveaways, as well as entry into our exclusive Four Finger Discount Facebook group! Click the image below to gain instant access to hours of exclusive content!
