- The Call of the Simpsons - one of the rare episodes from the first season that still holds up well. Homer's attempts to capture food in the forest had me crying with laughter.
- Treehouse of Horror - they're all great, but Halloween episode no. VI was a highlight as it featured a 3D Homer. IX was also a classic, with the Simpsons appearing on Jerry Springer to settle a dispute over who Maggie's real father was - Kang or Homer.
- Bart the Daredevil - Bart's newfound love of dangerous stunts leads to Homer suffering his most painful mishap ever when he falls down a gorge . . twice! "King of the World. Wooo!" Plus, in the UK, this was the first time I saw "Do the Bartman".
- Lisa's Substitute - one of the few episodes that doesn't include wacky cartoon antics. The quality of the writing and Dustin Hoffman's uncredited cameo as the teacher make it stand out.
- Blood Feud - this is where Homer evolved into the guy we know and love. Homer: "My name is Mr. Burns. I believe you have a letter for me?" Postal Clerk: "What's your first name?" Homer: ". . . I don't know."
- Bart the Murderer - the first appearance of Fat Tony (Joe Mantegna) leads to a classic escapade for Bart. Tony's speech about why it's okay to steal is priceless.
- Homer at the Bat - another example of the quality of the writing and performances in the show. Audiences outside America probably have no idea who all these real-life baseball stars are, but it's still hillarious (especially the grim fates that befall them).
- Marge vs. the Monorail - a superb episode written by Conan O'Brien. Every joke is dynamite. Homer: "Donuts. Is there anything they can't do?"
- Cape Feare - Sideshow Bob's finest hour. Also includes the classic witness relocation scene. "Now remember, your name is Mr. Thompson."
- Rosebud - spoofs of Citizen Kane, Planet of the Apes and more in one classic tale of a teddy bear name Bobo. Homer: "Mmm . . 64 slices of American cheese."
- Deep Space Homer - an average slob goes into space. Is that where they got the idea for Armageddon from? 2001 references galore. "It's an inanimate carbon rod."
- Bart Gets an Elephant - Stampy the Elephant wreaks havoc. Homer's cleaning fluid-induced hallucination in a highlight. Homer's logic: "Lisa, a guy who's got lots of ivory is less likely to hurt Stampy than a guy whose ivory supplies are low."
- Itchy & Scratchy Land - it happened at a place like Jurassic Park. "Attention, Marge Simpson, we've also arrested your older, balder, fatter son."
- Homer Badman - tabloid journalism is lampooned when Homer is falsely accused of sexual harassment. Homer: "See you in hell, candy boys!"
- King-size Homer - the impossible happens, and Homer becomes even fatter. "The fingers you have used to dial are too fat. To obtain a special dialing wand, please mash the key pad with your palm now."
- The 138th Episode Spectacular - trust the Simpsons to elevate the clip show to the level of art. This is the best of them, as it features the legendary Troy McClure introducing outtakes. "Who knows what adventures they'll have between now and when the show becomes unprofitable?"
- 22 Short Films About Springfield - an experimental episode that features pretty much the whole town in amusing vignettes. The highlight is a spoof of Pulp Fiction. Board Chairman: "misuse of cadavers-" Dr. Nick: "I get here earlier when I drive in the carpool lane."
- Summer of 4ft 2 - a touching tale about Lisa finally getting some friends on summer vacation. One of the funniest scenes ever involves Homer trying to buy some illegal fireworks (along with some more embarassing items).
- A Milhouse Divided - a surprisingly humorous and touching episode centered around Milhouse's parents splitting up. The cracker factory boss firing Kirk is a classic. Kirk: "So that's it after twenty years? So long, good luck?" Boss: "I don't recall saying good luck."
- Natural Born Kissers - or the nudie episode. Slapstick at its best. Homer: "I don't think anything I've ever done is wrong."
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