The Simpsons: 10 Dark Jokes That Took You By Surprise

9. Police Tape Prank ('The Springfield Connection')

Having felt the exhilarating rush that comes from knocking a criminal unconscious with a garbage can lid, Marge develops a newfound taste for justice and so decides to join the Springfield Police force. Although he feels somewhat emasculated by his wife's career move, it does allow Homer the perfect opportunity to perform one of the meanest pranks imaginable. Borrowing Marge's police tape, he tiptoes across the Flanders' driveway (ignoring Lisa's objections) and simply waits for his victim to come home... Ned: Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the -- Oh, my Lord! Something horrible has happened! Homer: Fooled you, Flanders! Made you think your family was dead. Don't you get it? Ned: Heh. Heh heh... Homer: They're not, though. Ned: Oh? Homer: But you thought they were! We've already seen just how malicious Homer can be (in fact, his anti-Ned agenda in 'When Flanders Failed' is almost relentless) but this verges on pure sadism. Especially as the joke drags on for so long, with Homer simply repeating why it's funny and Flanders trying his best to muster an approving smile. And it's a joke made all the more uncomfortable when we consider the next entry on our list...