VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton WRITTEN BY: Cameron Johnson
#30: "The Itchy & Scratchy Show"
One of “The Simpsons”’s boldest hallmarks is a show-within-a-show…-within-a-show. A recurring animated segment on “The Krusty the Clown Show” depicts the mouse Itchy concocting elaborate ways to maim or murder the cat Scratchy. This is a parody of classic slapstick cartoons, specifically “Herman and Katnip”, that some considered too violent for children. Most audiences in real-life could only find awkward chuckles over this zany gore. The real joke is how wholesomely delighted in-universe viewers are by the horror. “The Itchy & Scratchy Show” was a big deal in their internal pop culture. With tighter runtimes over the years, though, the motif has become rare on “The Simpsons”. It still ingeniously cuts into the anti-cartoon crowd, while also seeing their point.
#29: Random Explosions
Who doesn’t love a good explosion that defies natural physics? They’re not just for dumb action movies. The early years of “The Simpsons” used this phenomenon to especially uproarious effect. Sight gags based on some object’s ruin would often be punctuated by the object blowing up or bursting into flames. Even expected eruptions, such as a heavily-fueled grill or over-shaken beer can, were awesomely over-the-top. Never mind non-explosive things like an inflamed appendix, Chief Wiggum dressed as a beer stein, or a nun flying into a mountain. That bizarre aspect of the show’s physics may have become more grounded since the ‘90s, but it was consistently shocking and explosively fun.
#28: Homer's Lifelong Dream(s)
Apparently, not all of Homer’s crazy schemes are made on the spur of the moment. You may not even realize how often he’s described the most mundane or strange aspiration as being his “dream”. He's even used it in reference to things like becoming the next Thomas Edison, after considering it for the first time. In early seasons, Marge would regularly call her husband's attention to just how many so-called “lifelong dreams” he's had. That includes eating the world's biggest hoagie and appearing on “The Gong Show”. Homer has had so many dreams that they're basically pointless, if they weren't to begin with. Fans can still rejoice in him stating his ambitions, however long he's had them.
#27: Homer's Imagination
Homer's daydreams get kooky enough. His disconnect with or obliviousness of reality lets animators get creative in representing his imagination. Homer has misremembered events, often surreally and to serve his own ego. He’s made fantastical dream worlds, wherein he is married to himself, or chocolate is half-priced in a land already made of chocolate. Over time, his fantasies have involved misunderstanding things in adorable ways. Hearing about the Mayo Clinic has probably given us all brief images of a hospital for mayonnaise. Of course, Homer accurately picturing a “think tank” is equally surreal for its irony. His mind may not be quite right, in many ways, but the way it works is endearingly naive.
#26: Who Gets the Last Haw-Haw
When characters suffer some humiliation, the mean-spirited Nelson Muntz often stands by with a “Haw-haw!”. But what was initially one of the show’s simplest catchphrases has evolved into complicated gags. The self-awareness in Nelson’s mockery runs deeper than his dedication to punctuating shame, even when he’s not initially in the scene. It’s acknowledged as an extension of his own insecurities about his poverty, promiscuous mother and absent father. This may not be funny for real children, but there’s a cathartic comeuppance to Nelson being ridiculed. His daydreams about a better life also get pretty weird. Whether you’re haw-hawing with Nelson or at him, his fragile ego is a reliable source for the show’s cringe comedy.
#25: Biting the Hand That Feeds
“The Simpsons”’s satire is particularly fearless when turned against its own producers. Fox Network is regularly called-out for its propensity for trash TV. With the show’s mostly liberal bias, Fox News is especially skewered for its stark conservative bias and general infotainment style. Rupert Murdoch has even threatened to sue the show that helped build his media empire. “The Simpsons” seemed to be in the clear after the Disney merger, but that didn’t stop their longstanding tradition of riffing on the world’s most powerful media companies. Supposedly, the one rule is that Disney-produced episodes cannot spoof Mickey Mouse. Fans may not appreciate that much censorship when the show’s mutinous jabs are so sharp.
#24: Talking Brain
You have to wonder what goes through the mind of a Simpson, especially Homer. Close-ups of their heads with an internal monologue sometimes give you an idea. This gag is usually used to illustrate Homer’s labored or impulsive thought process, especially when he openly converses with his brain. Over time, other characters’ brains have spoken up about struggling to understand odd things. The gag has also evolved to take us all the way into those minds. There, you can see quirky symbols for clashing personalities and mental functions. Internal monologues are a classic comedy staple that “The Simpsons” really pushes. Much of this family's behavior is so bizarre that audiences may need the extra insight.
#23: Ralphisms
Most gag-driven Springfielders have catchphrases. Ralph Wiggum has consistently perfect quotes. The police chief’s son is what Marge might call a “special little guy”, whose ineptitude is displayed with a perpetual smile and earnest observations. From “Your eyes need diapers” to “My cat's breath smells like cat food”, the boy of few words has many nuggets of non-wisdom. His complete obliviousness in how to navigate the world is both cute and charmingly tragic. Some Ralphisms have even indicated that his condition is more antisocial than socially awkward. Once said to be Matt Groening’s favorite “Simpsons” character, Ralph is harder to describe than the things he tries to describe. It's still endlessly delightful to watch him try.
#22: Grampa's Stories
Abe Simpson is hardly an example of wisdom coming with age. But when he speaks, at least the audience is eager to listen. His stereotypically rambling, senile anecdotes are full of bizarre logical holes and tangents. Don't try looking for historical records of nickels with bumblebee observes, or the Kaiser stealing the English word “twenty”. At least there's photographic evidence of a horse doing Abe’s taxes in 1998. Mostly, flashbacks only enhance the surrealism of his self-described “loose-brained nonsense” by visualizing it. Grampa's tedious tall tales let the writers indulge their most random streams of consciousness. As exhausting as all the twists and inaccuracies are for his family, they make for captivating comedy.
#21: Homer Gets Hurt
“Bart the Daredevil” ended with Homer falling down Springfield Gorge, twice. It was one of the show’s first ultraviolent moments, and it was disturbingly hilarious. Since then, Homer has managed to withstand many forms of gruesome slapstick. Many such gags are referenced in later episodes to confirm “The Simpsons”’s shock value, if not partly explain Homer’s cognitive quirks. His pain-proneness has also been a key plot point, like when he became a champion boxer by simply tiring out his opponents, or was designated “Uninsurable”. Hey, he's survived everything so far. Homer has gotten hurt worse since that iconic day at Springfield Gorge, but it's always a hit to the audience’s gut.
#20: "Why, you little..."
Ah, every viewer knows what happens when Homer says these three little words – Bart is about to get Homer’s hands wrapped around his throat and his eyes and tongue are going to bulge out. It’s happened hundreds of times and neatly encapsulates a big part of Homer and Bart’s relationship. Homer can be counted on to be fooled or angered by Bart, and Bart always finds it irresistible to push Homer’s buttons, no matter if he has to pay for it.
#19: Homer and Marge's Shifting History
As a television series runs longer and longer, there’s more opportunity to flesh out characters’ backstories – as has happened with Homer and Marge. The more flashbacks there are to “early days,” the more differences pop up. Often the changes have to do with changing dates, like having them meet in 1974 in one episode to getting married in 1980 in another. But the biggest changes came when they updated the timeline all the way to the 1990s in “That ‘90s Show” – a move that was later quietly forgotten.
#18: Maggie's Tendency Toward Violence
She may seem like just a sweet little baby, but on several occasions Maggie has revealed her violent side. We’re not talking about the menacing way she looks at her unibrowed baby rival, but actual violence. As in shooting Mr. Burns with a gun and attempting to shoot him again. Or airgunning gangsters into submission. Or attacking Homer with a mallet and trying to stab him with a pencil (we get it, tho). She was even ready to take on Mr. Teeny, if necessary. The lesson: Don’t mess with the silent but deadly type.
#17: Those in Authority Have No Clue
One of the qualities most associated with “The Simpsons” is irreverence, and that quality is readily apparent in the show’s depiction of authority figures. For the most part, the authority figures in Springfield are depicted as hopelessly inept and clueless. You want an example? We give you Clancy Wiggum, easily the worst police chief in television history – and his deputies aren’t much better. Then there’s the eternally corrupt Mayor Quimby, the monumentally incompetent lawyer Lionel Hutz and the well-intentioned but easily outfoxed Principal Skinner. No wonder Bart has no respect for those in power.
#16: Nuclear Negligence
In the real world, Springfield would have been blown sky high numerous times – and probably taken the rest of the country with it. Clearly, Homer is the man most responsible for this gross negligence. He’s supposedly the safety inspector, but the man has no idea what he’s supposed to do – and would be too lazy and incompetent to do it, even if he did know. And while they may not be quite as bad as Homer, knowing that the rest of the crew is of the caliber of Lenny and Carl doesn’t inspire great deal of confidence.
#15: "Treehouse of Horror" Credits
The annual Halloween episode has become a big fan favorite, with viewers anxious to see what strange situations the characters will be placed time after time. It’s also an opportunity for the creative crew to let their imaginations run wild when it comes to the credit sequences at the beginning and end of the episode. Each name is changed in some way to make it seasonally appropriate – which is why names like “Bat Groening” or “Drooly Kavner” flash across the screen.
#14: Flanders Is Smokin'
Most of the Springfield men have bodies that are best described as, say, lumpy – and then there’s Ned. As has been revealed on several occasions, Flanders clearly spends a lot of time at the gym – and to good effect. There also are suggestions that he packs a pretty big Li’l Ned. All of which is more humorous because of the character’s modesty and hesitancy to promote himself above others. One of the few Simpsons characters with a reason to be conceited instead values his humility.
#13: Things Keep Getting in Lenny's Eye
Poor Lenny. He doesn’t get a lot of screen time, and often when he does, it’s concerned with a particular running gag – one where some bizarre object or other gets stuck in his eye. Sure, sometimes it’s relatively harmless – a little soap in the eye? Big deal. But other times it’s more serious. Garbage. Pudding. Jigsaw puzzle pieces. A coiled spring. Sorry, Lenny, I know it’s painful – but we can’t help laughing at your misfortune.
#12: "Simpson, Eh?"
Throughout the show’s run, there have been times when Mr. Burns has laid eyes on Homer and asked Smithers who he was. Every time, Burns replies as if this is the first time he has ever heard the name – despite the fact that he has had countless memorable interactions with Homer and/or various members of his family. In addition to being a good gag, it also demonstrates both Burns’ apparent senility as well as the fact that he is so rich and self-centered that he can’t be bothered to remember other people.
#11: Troy McClure's Films and TV Shows
Troy McClure’s typical entrance includes references to at least two of his past masterworks – all of which are bizarrely titled. Hollywood has-been McClure was a multimedia master, appearing in big-screen pictures, TV movies, television series, plays, self-help videos, nature films, computer travel guides, filmstrips – you name it. But with titles like “Gladys, the Groovy Mule” and “Locker Room Towel Fight: The Blinding of Larry Driscoll,” it’s no wonder McClure’s career took a turn south.
#10: Moe's Illegal Activities
Moe’s Tavern is Homer’s preferred hangout, his home away from home – and that by itself should indicate it can’t be a success. Which must be why Moe finds very creative ways to supplement his income. Very creative, including supplying illegal guns and grenades to help in revolutionary struggle or transforming into a law-breaking speakeasy. But come on, Moe – smuggling pandas? Stealing Shamu from SeaWorld? Be a little more chill.
#9: Smithers's Attraction Mr. Burns
One of the most frequent running gags in the whole Simpsons canon is the fact that Waylon Smithers has an inexplicable crush on Montgomery Burns – and Burns is somehow oblivious to it. Why Smithers has these feelings will never be understood – love can be opaque, after all. But it helps explain why Smithers remains steadfastly loyal to Burns, when any other assistant would have long ago thrown in the towel.
#8: Reminders of Mr. Burns's Age
Speaking of dear old Mr. Burns’s age – well, he’s old. Insanely so. Creepily so. Impossibly so. And the writers take advantage of that fact to pop jokes at his ancientness every chance they get. Sometimes these take the form of references to people or events far in the past, which seem to Burns to be totally current. Other times, they refer more directly to his elderly state, especially how thin and physically slight he has become. In either case, these gags are simply . . . excellent.
#7: They Keep Offing Moleman
This character resembles nothing so much as poor shriveled up peanut – and he gets about as much respect as one. The writers have arranged for Hans to die several times over the course of the series. We’re not counting things like his apparent marriage to Selma Bouvier, which some would say is a fate worse than death. No, we’re talking real death – by an exploding AMC Gremlin. By execution, without a last meal. Buried alive. Drilled in the head. Burnt by magnifying eyeglasses. Hans, thank you for making death so entertaining – for us, at least.
#6: Springfield Elementary's Awfulness
The school’s staff isn’t explicitly horrible – they simply don’t care. And that attitude is apparent in everything that happens in the school. It’s why you hire someone like Otto to drive a school bus that barely holds together. And why the surly lunch lady casually serves “malk” and “mystery meat” and doesn’t care about unloading food on the floor. The teachers pretty much just do what they have to in order to get by, and Skinner has his hands full just trying to keep Bart in line. Is it any wonder Lisa and Martin are about the only decent students the school has?
#5: Billboard Gags
“The Simpsons” has always been notable for the amusing names of its businesses and restaurants, from The Frying Dutchman and Municipal House of Pancakes to the barbershop Hairy Shearers and Lionel Hutz’s I Can’t Believe It’s a Law Firm! When a weekly billboard gag was added to the credits, businesses like McBain Capital and the Squidport joined the crew. But the billboard gags go far beyond funny names to include great stand-alone gags.
#4: Springfield's State
Just what state is Springfield actually in? Maybe it’s one of the 34 states with an actual Springfield, maybe it’s not. But the intentionally misleading clues the writers drop – like saying it borders Ohio, Kentucky, Maine and Nevada – don’t help. Whatever state it’s in, it seems to have geographical features that can change at whim. Often when viewers look through the window of the Simpsons’ kitchen, they see something totally different than they saw before.
#3: Bart's Prank Calls
Obnoxious prank phone calls are probably the most harmless thing that Bart does – so harmless that even Lisa likes to engage in them. But the object of those calls – most often our hapless friend Moe – doesn’t find them so funny. At all. The calls work so well because they emphasize Moe’s unchangeable gullibility and his inability to learn from his mistakes. And because, hey, they may be juvenile, but they’re still funny.
#2: Chalkboard Gags
The chalkboard gags have been a major part of The Simpsons’ appeal from day one. Coming almost at the top of the opening credits, they immediately paint Bart as a troublemaker and a rascal – and one with quite a mouth on him. But they also give the creators plenty of latitude to come up with brilliant stand-alone gags and, when necessary, trenchant commentary. Sometimes the inspiration may lag slightly, but at their best they’re unbeatable.
#1: Couch Gags
Well, what else could be at number one? Not every opening credits sequence includes one, but the vast majority do, and they are one of the gags most strongly identified with “The Simpsons.” They started out pretty tame, as just a way to make the credits more interesting. But through the years, there have been some pretty elaborate variations, as well as references to other TV shows. Who knew sitting on a couch could be so much fun?
What's your favorite “Simpsons” running gag? Let us know in the comments!
