Blood, Gore, and Glop: The Best of TREEHOUSE OF HORROR

A handful of shows have notable 'Halloween episodes,' but none are as consistent, scrutinized, praised, and argued over as The Simpsons' "Treehouse of Horror" subseries.
It's during these episodes when we become more acutely aware that the show is obviously crafted by folks with an encyclopedic knowledge of film, literature, television, folklore, urban legends, and anything and everything else horror- (and non-horror) related. But that's just the topping on this cursed frogurt, because while some other satirical animated shows rest their weight solely on their pop culture knowledge, the "Treehouse" eps utilize classic and contemporary stories in a way that makes them their own; no one would ever confuse The Shining with The Shinning (and not just for fear of legal repercussions).
"Treehouse of Horror" allows The Simpsons to fully embrace the sometimes-forgettable fact that it is a cartoon - if for no other reason than the entire cast is mangled, mutated, and killed in gruesome ways over and over again... but not for real.
Whatever your holiday movie-viewing agenda consists of, there's most likely a "Treehouse" counterpart to supplement it. Whenever or however we choose to watch them, they're usually designated by our favorite segments - as each special is an anthology of three stories. So, instead of doing a list of favorite episodes yet again, here, most specifically, are our respective favorite chapters from the "Treehouse of Horror" episodes - guaranteed by Paul Anka himself.

Paul's List

1. "Time and Punishment" - V
Best Moment: After many failed attempts to avoid disrupting the past, Homer ignites a rage-fueled 180 and purposefully destroys his prehistoric setting; clubbing and squishing flora and fauna, big and and small, resulting in increasingly absurd consequences.

2. "Homer3" - VI
Best Moment: A trying struggle in inter-dimensional limbo literally lands Homer in a dumpster in Southern California. Understandably disoriented and distraught, his tension is entirely thwarted by the prospect of pornographic pastries.

3. "Fly vs. Fly" - VIII
Best Moment: Shortly after Bart uses Homer's Matter Transporter in an attempt to crossbreed himself with a fly, Marge decides to investigate when she's confronted with an excessive amount of mist.

4. "Easy-Bake Coven" - VIII
Best Moment: The entire segment transcends the usual farce as it goes so far beyond satirizing 17th century witch hunts and brilliantly evolves into their own original allegory about the origins of Tick-or-Treating.

5. "Stop the World, I Want to Goof Off" - XIV
Best Moment: It's consistently one of my favorite storylines in all science fiction -- it was only fitting that it found its way to Bart and Milhouse (and that they would use the power of stopping time only for pranks and mischief). And even after fifteen years, the effects of their havoc are still being felt - especially by Homer, whose nasal cavities are filled with a seemingly endless supply of plastic green army men.


Jess's List

1. "Bart's Nightmare" - II
Best Moment: Homer and Marge's positive attitude towards the disfiguring of Snowball II and the ignition of the kitchen curtains.

2. "Clown Without Pity" - III
Best Moment: It has made me laugh for two decades that Homer is not just plagued by an evil Krusty doll, but has issues with the toaster as well.

3. "The Devil and Homer Simpson" - IV
Best Moment: More often than not I know where Homer is coming from, and most days I would sell my soul for a donut too.

4. "Attack of the 50 Foot Eyesores" - VI
Best Moment: Lard Lad wanting his giant donut back is just plain classic. Of course Homer would keep it and blame Flanders.

5. "Citizen Kang" - VII
Best Moment: In an otherwise goofy episode, it's hilarious when Bob Dole and former President Clinton are holding hands. That's truly horrific!