The Simpsons: Every Season 1 Episode Ranked

Fun fact: this was the first episode in production and was intended to be the debut of the series. Whatever the final product might have been, it’s rather lucky that this wasn’t the first episode (and ironically became the series finale) because it would have hurt the producers’ chances of the show being as successful as we know it today. It’s not a bad viewing per say but in comparison to Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire which gave us laughs, tenderness and great principles, this one is a little weak.

So what does Some Enchanted Evening have to offer? There’s a rather exciting story to be had as the Simpsons kids are left alone with evil babysitter Ms Botz – every little child’s nightmare! Adding to the growing list of Bart and Lisa’s renowned problem-solving antics, it’s up to them to escape from her clutches and turn her into the police but it’s not easy as they keep getting caught in the act – the overall story makes for a greatly suspenseful viewing.

Merits should also be given for the creativity of Ms Botz character design – her hunched back, her robin egg hair and heavy top/skinny bottom really do give her the edge as a menacing villain.

There are some bothersome details however. Homer exclaiming “My wife worships the ground I walk on” is met with no more than eye-rolls. And whilst the animation in Season 1 was always a bit messy, the visuals are particularly distracting on this occasion. But nevertheless, it’s a good way to end the series as the sheer craziness of the episode is enough to suck you in.