Episode: Two Dozen and One Greyhounds The episode may have borrowed its title and plot from One Hundred and One Dalmatians but its central musical number and comedy apex come from another Disney source. 'See My Vest', in which Mr Burns details his plan to turn the puppies he had stolen from the Simpsons into a tuxedo, is a spectacular parody of the 'Be Our Guest' song from Beauty and the Beast. Dark, hilarious and endlessly quotable, it's also the perfect opportunity for a curmudgeonly centenarian to showcase his more theatrical side. As a surprisingly spry Mr Burns performs his one-man show throughout his manor, we discover that almost all of his animals have worked their way into his wardrobe: ''Like my loafers?/ Former gophers/ It was that or skin my chauffeurs'.' But the collection won't be complete until he can get his liver-spotted hands on a prize puppy vest... One of the sharpest and silliest Simpsons songs of all time. Plus, he really likes the vest.
1. Canyonero
Episode: The Last Temptation Of Krust Yes, the top spot in our countdown is taken not by the tuneful warbling of a Simpson family member (or even one of their colleagues, neighbours or schoolmates) but by an oh-so catchy commercial for a bright red station wagon. The Canyonero, an All-American thirty-seater deathtrap, is The Simpsons' satirical swipe at the burgeoning SUV scene - poking fun at both the impracticality of the vehicle and the roadhog attitude of its driver. And all with the show's trademark wit, surrealism and musical pastiche. When two marketing execs ask Krusty to be the official sponsor, he gives them the brush-off and refuses to sell out. But when they offer him a free SUV, he doesn't find it quite as easy to say no. Suddenly, his once-acerbic stand-up routine becomes increasingly pro-Canyonero, a move that doesn't sit well with his audience. He may have lost his fans but at least he can drive off into the sunset in style: the Canyonero is the undisputed king of the road, forcing a schoolbus full of boy scouts and Mother Nature herself to get out of its way. Even the closing credits can't stop it. Performed by Hank Williams Jr, its jingle resembles a cross between the Rawhide theme (which might explain the abundance of whip effects and 'whoa's) and the Simpsons' own Ballad of Jebediah Springfield. And every single moment is comedy gold. It's impossible to pick out the funniest line, if ''Top of the line in utility sports/Unexplained fires are a matter for the courts'' doesn't raise a laugh, then ''She's a squirrel-squashin', deer-smackin' drivin' machine!'' certainly will. In fact, so convincingly tacky is its commercial, it almost makes you want to rush out and buy one. Almost. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4QgWRycd7I
Yorkshireman (hence the surname). Often spotted sacrificing sleep and sanity for the annual Leeds International Film Festival. For a sample of (fairly) recent film reviews, please visit whatsnottoblog.wordpress.com.
