This is the first episode of the show to follow the "Homer takes another job" formula. This plotline is a crutch that the writers tend to fall on, especially in the later seasons. And while this formula isn't necessarily bad ("Homer becomes a plow driver" and "Homer becomes an astronaut" are both hugely successful episodes), when it doesn't work the episode usually is a disaster (Homer becomes a horse jockey, Homer becomes a superhero). All of that considered, this episode is fairly middle of the road. It help that Homer working at his new job is essentially contained within the second act, and all the jokes involving his insignificant safety signs are pretty funny. Its the funniest and wittiest episode so far, but it doesn't have the emotional punch of the first two.
More importantly, it doesn't really earn the dramatic moments that it tries to hit. We know that Homer is distraught about losing his job, but we don't really see the repercussions of being unemployed. The kids seem completely unphased by the whole ordeal and we are given less than ten seconds of the burden placed on Marge. All of this results in Homer's suicide note becoming over-dramatic and unrealistic (although I did laugh at Homer's line "live and learn" as he's about to jump off a bridge). However it is fitting that Homer's enthusiasm for the little things is what pulls him out of his depression. This early on, most of the characters are still finding their feet, but Homer has been fairly consistent. His undying faith in Santa's Little Helper, his sudden intense interest in genius Bart, and his devotion to a random street sign are all great descriptions of the childish, loving, and simple man that is Homer Simpson.
Marge has also been incredibly consistent in these episodes; she is constantly positive and caring for her family. In writing these reviews, I've been thinking a lot about The Simpsons on a larger scale, and I think Marge is my favorite character from the family. Even though she is sometimes wonderfully unaware and naive, she is the emotional core of the family, and her love is basically the only thing that keeps Homer sane. On top of that, almost all of her comedic lines are already hysterical ("Now people won't be caught off guard by that little mmmmmmm in the road). What a great character.
It was also nice to get a more extended introduction to the powerplant. The one thing this episode is most famous for is Black Smithers. I read up on this before writing this review, and the animators had to make Smithers black at the last minute due to an error in production. The writers were uncomfortable with having Mr. Burns' obedient lapdog being black, so this mistake was immediately corrected in all future episodes. Burns is also given a little bit more character depth. He is much shrewder in these early episodes. He seems like a no-nonsense tycoon who is hellbent on getting his way. Personally, I'm glad that they add some childishness to Burns because as of now, he is fairly boring.
Springfield Characters:
Mrs. Krabappel - Krabappel is the perfect over-worked, under-paid, burnt out teacher. She means well, but she's just tired. I love her empty threat of humiliation via singing because it is both something that you could see a teacher actually trying and something that could easily backfire if they do it to a showoff like Bart.
Otto - Otto is a stoner. That's pretty much it. If the show needs stoner humor, Otto will walk into the scene. He has some memorable lines over the course of the series, but he's pretty one dimensional. I also don't know how old he's supposed to be. In this episode he seems like a high school dropout, but later on, he sounds and acts much older. I think I like him more as an older guy. A 30 year old content failure is more fun to watch than a kid who is being irresponsible.
Sherri and Terri - These characters are somewhat creepy. I don't know if there is ever an episode that focuses on the two of them. They are probably the most infrequently seen regulars at the school and are used to be a nuisance to Bart or catty to Lisa.
Other things I liked:
The first terribly produced informational video! These are usually absolutely hilarious, especially once Troy McClure narrates them.
Blinky the three-eyed fish makes his first appearance. He is somewhat of a mascot for the show in the early seasons, and still occasionally appears in newer episodes.
Bart's first prank phone call to Moe! I absolutely love these bits and wish they still did them (although I realize it would be hard for writers to come up with fake names for 25 years). The best part of these bits is Moe's overreaction.
"Who is that man, Smithers?" Yet another running joke over the course of the show. Homer also lands his permanent job in the series as safety inspector. Considering each episode is usually an extremely self-contained story with no long term ramifications, this episode may be the most important one in terms of Springfield canon.
Some funny lines, but overall a weak, and frankly bizarre storyline for episode 3. Up next we have another episode that focuses on Homer's conflict between his work and home life
4/10
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