This was an unexpected and very pleasant surprise in 2015. We all know that the Simpsons celebrate Halloween with their own eccentric and entertaining Treehouse of Horror episodes, but in 2015 we got a bonus Halloween episode that was set in standard Simpsons continuity. And it was great. I would be lying if I said that the episode was scary, but it still presents a good story, and a vulnerable side to Lisa that suits her character well (she is after all just a very young child). When she is scared beyond belief by a Halloween experience at the local theme park (that Homer should not have taken her to), Homer has to sacrifice his own seasonal wishes to make her feel safe and secure. As much as Homer thinks his daughters fears are a bit over the top, he still wants to protect her. However, when the house is then targeted by home invaders while the two are home alone, Homer is put into a tricky position. His instincts are solely focused on protecting his daughter and doing everything he can to keep her calm even though he is actually terrified. Because of this he does everything he can to pretend life is normal. This illusion can't last though, and when he has to break the truth to Lisa that in fact everything is not okay, its heartbreaking. For the rest of the episode Homer and Lisa protect each other and need each other. Homer needs his daughters intelligence to get out alive, but equally his daughter needs Homers physical stature to feel safe. Twenty-seven years after we were first introduced to these characters, this genuine biological co-dependence between father and daughter, is still incredibly moving.
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I have only loved three things my entire life: my family, Batman, and the All Blacks.
