The Simpsons season 36 will be returning with new episodes tonight on Fox! I'm already excited to see what Homer S. and the rest of his family what whacky adventures they'll encounter next. It's all in good fun and humor with a bit of snark.
As mentioned, the animated comedy will return tonight at 8 PM EST/ 7 PM CST with "Flandshees of Innersimpson" to resume season 36. We're recapping some of the past episodes to celebrate. To be fair, all of season 26 has been the Chef's Kiss, but a few had that extra ingredient that made them stand out.
Which season 36 episodes were chosen?
5 of The Simpsons season 36 best episodes thus far
"Women In Shorts"
The Springfield women finally share their stories and get after the men, such as Marge did when she and Homer went shopping. Typically, shopping for basics is a get-in-and-get-out ordeal, but when it comes to grabbing a personal item for his wife, Homer isn't that guy. And the store associates make it a vital point through a song and dance routine, much to his embarrassment.
"Women In Shorts" had plenty of more musical numbers that made this episode rather enjoyable.
"The Yellow Lotus"
Inspired by HBO's hit mystery drama, The White Lotus, "The Yellow Lotus" follows the Simpsons and the other Springfield residents to a luxury resort. There, they come across an old villain, Sideshow Bob. After it's realized Homer lost the timeshare, the family decides to "hideaway" in the resort, as they can't afford to stay. Sideshow Bob makes them an offer where the Simpsons can stay with him, but only if they don't reveal his criminal background.
Soon, a murder happens at the resort, and it's later revealed to be that sketchy timeshare salesman that sold Homer his.
"Shoddy Heat"
This episode takes on the film noir movies from the 1940s, and it's a great piece to explore more of Grampa, Burns, and Homer's backgrounds. Grampa is a private eye trying to solve the case of his missing work partner, Billy. Yet, in exchange for keeping Billy's location a secret, Burns promises Grampa that he'll give Homer a job at the plant and won't fire him, no matter how many times he blubs it up.
It's a great Homer and Grampa piece and as one who loves Old Hollywood, "Shoddy Heat" was on-point with the theme.
"The Man Who Flew Too Much"
When their helicopter crashes in the mountains en route to a bowling tournament, Homer, Flanders, and their teammates must endure the harsh elements to survive. Springfield truly believes they are all dead, but not Marge, for she never gave up hope. It turns out that it was Homer who saved the lives of the men due to a visit from someone very special to him.
"The Man Who Flew Too Much" was based on the 1972 Andes Crash from Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 and its movies Alive and Society In The Snow. Although it's not a Christmas-themed episode, it encased the spirit of the season and guiding hope.
"Bottle Episode"
"Bottle Episode" parodied Disney's 1973 animated film, Robin Hood, with Marge and Smithers portraying the heroic foxes in a fantasy sequence. Yet, the fantasy becomes a reality when the two brew up a bottle of fake wine and pass it off as authentic in an auction. The winnings went toward good and noble acts, including rebuilding the children's hospital and helping the needy.
Like "Women In Shorts," "Bottle Episode" delivered a spectacular musical number, performed by Homer, Marge, and Smithers, that only added the charm in this installment. If you're a Disney fan, "Bottle Episode" is a must-watch.