Of course, The Simpsons started going downhill around season 8, so there are noticeably no entries from season 9 and onwards. I didn't do this intentionally to prove a point, either! That's just how it is.
So, without further ado, here's part 1 (#20 - #11):
20. BART'S INNER CHILD (Season 5, Episode 7)Writer: George Meyer
The Simpsons attend a self-help seminar, where a lifestyle guru convinces Springfield that Bart is who everyone should model themselves on...
Troy McClure: Hi, I'm Troy McClure. You may remember me from such self-help videos as "Smoke Yourself Thin" and "Get Confident, Stupid."
Trivia: This episode marked the last appearance of Marvin Monroe until season 15 and Albert Brooks' third guest voice appearance as guru Brad Goodman.
19. FLAMING MOE'S (Season 3, Episode 10)Writer: Robert Cohen
Homer invents a bizarre drink called a "Flaming Homer", but Moe steals his recipe and becomes an overnight sensation...
Mayor Quimby: Henceforth, this date shall forever be known as Flaming Moe's Day!
Advisor: Uh, sir, this is already Veterans' Day.
Mayor Quimby: It can be two things!
Trivia: This is the first time Lenny and Carl appear in Moe's Tavern.
18. RADIO BART (Season 3, Episode 13)
Writer: Jon Vitti
Bart uses a microphone to pretend a little boy has fallen down a well, leading to the entire town mobilizing to help…
Trivia: The producers originally wanted Bruce Springsteen to appear, but he refused and had Sting replace him. To this day, Springsteen is the one guest star the writers are still desperate to appear in an episode.
17. KAMP KRUSTY (Season 4, Episode 1)
Writer: David M. Stern
Bart and Lisa spend six weeks at Camp Krusty and discover the camp is not what it seems...
Bart: Well Dad, here's my report card. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Homer: A+!? You don't think much of me do you, boy?
Bart: No, sir.
Homer: You know a D turns into a B so easily. You just got greedy.
Trivia: The idea behind this episode was suggested as a possible movie idea by James L. Brooks.
16. HOMER GOES TO COLLEGE (Season 5, Episode 3)Writer: Conan O'Brien
Homer is deemed under-qualified for his own job, so Mr Burns enrols him at Springfield University, where he befriends three nerds...
Gary: Oh, don't worry, Mr. Simpson, we can take care of ourselves.
Snake (jumps out): Uh, wallet inspector!
Benjamin (handing over his wallet): Oh, here you go. I believe that's all in order.
Snake: Wow, I can't believe that worked! (He runs away)
Homer: Hey, wait a minute… that's not the wallet inspector...
Trivia: This episode was intended to be the season 5 premiere, which would have made it the only premiere episode without a chalkboard gag in the opening credits.
15. $PRINGFIELD (OR, HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE LEGALIZED GAMBLING) (Season 5, Episode 10)Writers: Josh Weinstein & Bill Oakley
Springfield gets its first casino, leading to widespread gambling problems...
Mr Burns: (holding a miniature wooden plane) Do you see this plane, Smithers? This is gonna help us to take the Spruce Goose, and take us outta here!
Smithers: Excellent model, sir.
Mr. Burns: Uh, model?
Trivia: The dollar sign in the title is a reference to 1978 TV series Vega$. The subtitle is a reference to Dr. Strangelove (Or, How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb).
14. HOMER BADMAN (Season 6, Episode 9)Writer: Greg Daniels
Homer is wrongly accused of sexual harassment and faces harsh treatment by the media...
Homer: "Marge? Kids? Everything's going to be just fine. Now go upstairs and pack your bags. We're going to start a new life... under the sea!"
Trivia: Homer dancing under the sea is a parody of the "Under The Sea" dance in Disney's The Little Mermaid.
13. BART'S COMET (Season 6, Episode 14)Writer: John Swartzwelder
Bart discovers a comet is headed directly for Springfield...
Kent Brockman: Over the years, a newsman learns a number of things that for one reason or another, he just cannot report. It doesn't seem to matter now, so… the following people are gay. (A list of names scrolls past very quickly.)
Trivia: Apu appears as yellow-skinned in the scene when the characters join Flanders on the hill!
12. LISA ON ICE (Season 6, Episode 8)Writer: Mike Scully
Lisa is failing gym class, so she joins the pee-wee hockey league, and eventually faces competition from Bart's team...
Homer: Now that we’re all alone, Marge, admit it, you like Lisa best.
Marge: No.
Homer: Oh, so you’re a Bart-woman are you!
Marge: No.
Homer: Well you can’t possible like Maggie best. What has she ever done? Nothin’ for nobody!
Trivia: This episode marks the first time the criminal Snake appears in The Simpsons.
11. DEEP SPACE HOMER (Season 5, Episode 15)Writer: David Mirkin
NASA recruits Homer into the space program to combat dwindling public ratings...
Reporter: Uh, question for the barbeque chef. Don't you think there is an inherent danger in sending under-qualified civilians into space?
Homer: I'll field this one. The only danger is if they send us to that terrible Planet of the Apes. Wait a minute... Statue of Liberty... that was our planet! You maniacs! You blew it up! Damn you! Damn you all to hell!
Trivia: NASA loved this episode and astronaut Edward Lu asked for a copy to be sent up to The International Space Station, where it remains for viewing today…
Tomorrow, my countdown continues from #10 - #1 (including video clips!)
