Halloween is right around the corner, and it brings back fond memories of when I would watch the “Treehouse of Horror” Halloween specials for “The Simpsons.” I’ve compiled a list of what I think are the best segments made for the annual three-part specials, which find everyone’s favorite animated family in dozens of spooky scenarios.
Homer Cubed (Treehouse of Horror VI) – Homer vanishes into the mysterious “third dimension” and emerges as a CGI creation. This may not be such a big deal now, but back in 1995 it certainly was. This may not be one of the best segments from a storytelling standpoint, but the CGI showcase and the hilarious ending make this one of the better “Treehouse” segments.
Citizen Kang (Treehouse of Horror VII) – “Treehouse” regulars Kang and Kodos replace Bill Clinton and Bob Dole in the upcoming election, and Homer is the only one who can stop them. Not only is the segment hilarious for its various jokes about the aliens, but it’s satire at its finest when it skewers politics and our own democracy.
Send in the Clones (Treehouse of Horror XIII) – Homer buys a magical hammock that clones him. The clones run amok through Springfield until the government devises a way to get rid of them. Keep an eye out for the cameos among the Homer clones, including the original Homer from the “Tracy Ullman Show” and Peter Griffin from “Family Guy.”
The Raven (Treehouse of Horror I) – One of the original “Treehouse” segments, this gets props for not only being a pitch perfect adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe but also getting James Earl Jones to do the narration. This is surefire proof that you can’t beat the classics.
The Shinning (Treehouse of Horror V) – My personal favorite of the “Treehouse” skits, this one finds the Simpsons in The Shining with Homer stepping in for Jack Nicholson. Homer’s descent into madness is not only terrifying but utterly hilarious to watch. This one segment embodies what I look for in a “Treehouse” skit, and for that it makes the top of my list.
