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Which seasons do you think are best?
What episodes are best? If you like episode Such-and-Such and it's not in a good season - I can download just that episode.
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I thought I had a third question. Maybe I'll edit that later.
I would like to take this opportunity to dissect one of the greatest joke writing in modern TV history (and thereby ruining it)
Homer Simpson (to a car full of completely disinterested kids): "Now, Grand Funk Railroad paved the way for Jefferson Airplane which cleared the way for Jefferson Starship."
The first layer of the joke is Homer being a typical uncool dad, talking about bands that were cool when he was growing up to kids who really didn't care. It's relatable, and in line with Homer not being cool. Most people can relate to this, it works on a surface level as a joke for the plot.
The second layer of the joke is that what he said doesn't make any sense, Jefferson Airplane predates Grand Funk Railroad by 4 years. It's in line with Homer being stupid and/or misremembering key facts while he's confidently lecturing kids about something seemingly important to him. The second layer of the joke for people who know about classic rock history.
The third layer of the joke is that he's talking about the band names: Railroad > Airplane > Starship. He was never talking about the music of the bands he was listing to disinterested kids, he was talking about the modes of transport in the band names. The third layer of the joke is probably missed by most people upon first viewing even if they caught the second layer of Homer stating something wrong as a fact to children he was trying to educate.
All this in less than 10 seconds. The line works for the scene, helps progress the plot, is in character both for Homer's intelligence/misplaced confidence as well as feeling uncool and dated. This isn't even the funniest thing golden age Simpsons pumped out nor the best episode overall.
God what a great TV show.
Yeah, when they were at their prime, each joke would have multiple layers. I still get a kick for finally figuring out "Man Getting Hit By Football" wasn't supposed to be a comedy ("This isn't America's Funniest Home Videos").
"You kids don't know Grand Funk? The wild shirtless lyrics of Mark Farner? The bong-rattling bass of Mel Schacher? The competent drumwork of Don Brewer? Oh, man!"
The best part is that these jokes are all seamlessly integrated into a heartfelt story of a father trying to connect with his children.
Every single line there, too.
Describing not the voice or appearance, but lyrics as shirtless
Describing something as bong-rattling to your 8 and 10 year old children and their classmates.
Describing Don Brewer as competent after all the other outlandish compliments to the other band members
Such a good show.