The Simpsons: Every Sideshow Bob Episode Ranked Worst To Best

The first episode to turn Sideshow Bob from evil would-be murderer to reluctant ally of the Simpsons, The Great Louse Detective follows Bob as he's released from jail to help Homer find whoever's trying to kill him.

Seeing Bob play detective whilst Bart wonders whether he has an ulterior motive has heaps of laughs -- take Bob, caged in prison so heavily even his hair is in chains, and his later realisation that everyone in Springfield has a grudge against Homer -- and some genuine thrills.

The only issue here is that the central mystery's resolution, complete with a bizarre retcon to an early Simpsons classic, feels decidedly forced and unimaginative.

This brief flaw aside, though, it's impossible not to be taken in by Bob's attempts at heroism, nor his hilarious odd-couple relationship with a care-free Homer.